SRINAGAR: The road along the Jhelum river in the village of Batengoo, located in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has developed cracks, causing fear among the residents.
Panic-stricken locals expressed concerns about potential water entering their houses if the road breaches. They urged the authorities to promptly address the situation and begin repairing the road on an urgent basis to safeguard lives and properties.
Residents have observed the cracks expanding in the road constructed along the Jhelum embankment over the past four days.
They explained that if the water level rises, the embankment could collapse, putting the lives and properties of the village in danger. “We have raised the issue with the concerned authorities multiple times, but no action has been taken to ensure the safety of the embankment,” said Shakeel Ahmad, a local resident.
The residents allege that the damaged embankment is sinking further due to uncontrolled and unscientific sand extraction from the river. They demanded immediate intervention from the district administration.
Meanwhile, a team from the Irrigation & Flood Control Department visited the site on Thursday and assured the locals that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure their safety.
An official, part of the visiting team, informed KNO that the road along the Jhelum has developed fissures, and every possible step will be taken to ensure the safety of the residents and their properties.
“This portion is part of the Jhelum Flood Management Plan, which has already been approved and is awaiting technical assessment. While that may take time, immediate steps will be taken to address the issue,” he stated.-(KNO)
