SRINAGAR: The pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan was diverted to the old track on Saturday after a landslide near Himkoti in the Trikuta Hills of Katra in Reasi district, officials said.
The Himkoti route has been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure after debris from the landslide fell onto the track, they said.
Officials said teams have been deployed to clear the debris and carry out restoration work. The route will be reopened after the clearance operation is completed and it is declared safe for pilgrims.
The pilgrimage continued through the old route, with officials saying that around 17,000 pilgrims had paid obeisance at the cave shrine by 4 pm on Saturday.
