Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 22: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has closed new track from Adh-Kunwari to Mata Vaishno Devi ji Bhawan for clearing “loose stones’’ to prevent the landslides.
The Shrine Board has tied up with Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Development India Limited and Pioneer Engineers for identification of landslide prone spots on alternate Adh-Kunwari-Bhawan track.
Recently landslides had occurred at Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Bhawan and alternate track. Five pilgrims and a CRPF jawan were killed in landslides at Bhawan.
Sources said the joint teams of Shrine Board along with THDCL and Pioneer Engineers had conducted survey of Adh-Kunwari-Bhawan track to identify “loose stones’’, which could fall during rains or otherwise.
The teams were involved in removing the stones or fixing them up so that they don’t fall on the track. The work would continue for two days and during this period, the alternate track will remain closed for pilgrims, sources said, adding that the pilgrimage on the track would be restored on Saturday.
However, pilgrimage to holy cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji shrine continued uninterruptedly from old and traditional track of Adh-Kunwari to Bhawan.
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