Locals blame uncontrolled sand extraction for weakening embankment, demand protection wall to prevent disaster
HAJIN: Residents of Hajin town in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district are distressed as cracks have appeared on the road along the Jhelum River near Banger Mohalla.
According to locals, the cracks have been expanding over the past few days, raising fears that the road may give way. Many worry that if the embankment weakens further, floodwaters could enter their homes, causing significant damage.
The situation is alarming. Every day, the cracks are getting bigger. If the road collapses, our homes will be at risk, and we could lose everything,” said a resident, Ghulam Mohammad.
He said that a protection wall should be erected immediately along these embankments so that residents can feel safe.
People in the area believe that uncontrolled sand extraction from the river has worsened the problem, further weakening the embankment. They have urged the authorities to take immediate steps to repair the damage and prevent a possible disaster.
Tehsildar Hajin, along with other officials, inspected the site and assured residents that there was no need to panic, as the administration would soon begin renovation work.
Meanwhile, the administration has diverted traffic through Danger Mohalla as a precautionary measure.
An official from the R&B department told Kashmir Reader that they have stopped traffic on this road until the I&FC department completes the protection wall.
Exen I&FC told Kashmir Reader that a technical assessment is underway. He assured residents that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure their safety. “Work on the said project would begin within two weeks,” he said.