Srinagar, Apr 29: In the wake of continuous rainfall, residents of Shirpora village in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have been gripped with fear and uncertainty due to the threat of landslides and land sinking in the area. The village and its surrounding areas, known for their susceptibility to landslides, witness frequent occurrences each year as winter fades away, causing damage to properties and instilling widespread fear among the villagers.
Mohd Akbar, a resident, expressed concern over the precarious condition of many residential houses, which are on the brink of collapse due to the persistent rains. He lamented the anxiety and fear prevalent among the residents, especially those with young children, unable to find solace even in sleep.
The dire situation extends beyond residential structures, with the link road to the village also affected by landslides, further exacerbating the villagers’ plight. They have appealed to the Baramulla district administration and relevant authorities to dispatch assistance and explore options for relocation to safer areas.
Ghulam Mohd, another resident, recounted a recent landslide near his house, leaving a significant gap between the slide and the structure. Agricultural land and orchards have also borne the brunt of the landslides, with residents demanding compensation for the losses incurred.
Despite government surveys and recommendations to fortify vulnerable areas and discourage construction in high-risk zones, residents lament the lack of action to alleviate their suffering. They emphasize the need for rehabilitation measures to mitigate future risks to life and property.
Responding to the situation, Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, assured that restoration measures would be initiated once the rains subside, with plans to dispatch assessment teams to the affected village.
In view of the forecasted rainfall by the Meteorological Department, the district administration has issued advisories urging residents to exercise caution and refrain from venturing into flood-prone areas until weather conditions improve. Travelers are advised to verify road conditions before embarking on journeys to ensure their safety.
“People particularly those residing in areas like Tangmarg, Gulmarg, Uri, Boniyar, Shirpora Gavgrain, Chandoosa, Dandmoh, Hajibal, Shumluran, Kalantra, Rampur Rajpur and Shuitloo, Galibal Rafiabad and those living on the periphery of different Nallahs and rivers prone to floods are advised to refrain from flooded areas and do not attempt to cross flooded areas as these may pose significant risks to their safety till the weather improves,” the advisory said.
The administration has also provided contact numbers for control rooms to facilitate communication and assistance for the general public.
