Three families comprising ten members evacuated as land subsidence and cracks in residential houses prompted immediate action by local authorities in Kulthi Chakka Kundi, Ramban district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday.
The subsidence, occurring along the banks of the Chenab River, created panic among villagers, especially following the heavy rains that have impacted numerous areas in the district. Local officials reported the subsidence began shortly after significant rainfall.
Teams from the administrative, revenue, and rescue units quickly mobilized to the affected area. They shifted families to safer locations to prevent any potential risks.
Major Singh, the Tehsildar of Rajgarh, confirmed one non-residential structure belonging to Bhagat Ram was completely washed away, while residential homes of Chaat Ram, Chaman Lal, and Bhushan Lal showed noticeable cracks due to recent earth movements.
Singh, accompanied by a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team, visited the site to oversee the evacuation process. Temporary shelters in the form of tents were provided to the affected families to ensure their safety and comfort.
Local officials remain vigilant, with the Naib Tehsildar and other members stationed in the village to monitor the evolving situation closely.
Despite prompt official actions, locals reported additional damage to nearby houses, particularly those belonging to Dev Raj, Hari Ram, Santosh Singh, Fallal Singh, and Shashram. The ongoing administration’s vigilance aims to mitigate further risks.
Neelam Kumar Lange, president of the BJP in Ramban district, visited the area and advocated for immediate compensation and rehabilitation measures for the displaced families. His request underscores a growing local concern about the government’s responsiveness.
There is rising frustration among residents regarding the lack of engagement from any ministers or MLAs from the National Conference-led government, with Lange calling for more accountability in addressing the crisis.
Many locals speculate that recent water releases from the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project—coinciding with the heavy rainfall—may have contributed to the unstable ground conditions leading to the subsidence.
However, officials have yet to determine the exact cause of the land subsidence and related structural damages. Prompt investigations into environmental and geological factors will help clarify the situation.
In a related incident, an SDRF team successfully rescued a worker who was swept away along with a sand-extraction boat in the Chenab River near Pul Doda. This individual operated a sand-extraction machine for a private company contracted in the area.
Efforts continue to retrieve the machinery lost in the river, reflecting the community’s overarching struggles against the backdrop of recent adverse weather conditions.
