DC Ramban visits Subsidence-Hit Kulthi Chakka-Kundi area

• Listens to Public Grievances, Reviews Relief and Safety Measures

RAMBAN: Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan today visited Village Kulthi Chakka-Kundi in Tehsil Rajgarh to assess the situation arising from recent land subsidence and sinking along the reservoir area of Baglihar Dam.

The Deputy Commissioner also interacted with local residents and listened to their grievances regarding development, road connectivity and essential services and supplies. The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR), Shokat Hayat Mattoo; Executive Engineer PWD, Ranjeet Singh; Tehsildar Rajgarh, Major Singh; Executive Engineer, JKPDC and other concerned officers.

During the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner took stock of the damage caused by land subsidence and water-flushing impacts along the reservoir bank. One house has reportedly been submerged, while cracks have developed in other adjoining structures, posing safety concerns to the affected families.

The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the relief, evacuation and damage assessment measures initiated by the district administration. He issued necessary directions to the concerned officers to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected residents. Families residing in vulnerable and high-risk structures have already been evacuated and shifted to safer accommodations by the District Administration.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the Executive Engineer of Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) and concerned technical teams to undertake a comprehensive structural and loss assessment of the affected area and properties. He stressed that the assessment should be completed expeditiously.

He further directed the concerned agencies to maintain close and continuous monitoring of houses and other structures located in vulnerable zones along the reservoir edge and to take immediate preventive measures, including evacuation, wherever required, in view of any further signs of subsidence.

Interacting with the locals, the Deputy Commissioner patiently listened to their grievances and assured them of continued administrative support. He reiterated that the safety of residents remains the administration’s foremost priority and assured that all necessary relief and safety measures would be taken on a priority basis.

Responding to the demands raised by the locals, the Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned Executive Engineer to take necessary measures for construction of crash barriers and drainage systems alongside roads, improvement of road conditions and restoration of the Kulthi Iron Bridge. He also directed the Soil Conservation Department to undertake necessary soil conservation measures under the Catchment Area Treatment programme to address soil erosion and strengthen the affected areas.

The Deputy Commissioner further directed JKPDC authorities to explore employment and livelihood opportunities for local youth in their ongoing maintenance works.  He directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination and ensure prompt action on the issues raised by the affected residents, keeping their safety and welfare at the centre of all interventions.