Baramulla, Apr 29: Heavy rains that lashed parts of Kashmir from the last few days have triggered landslides and caused extensive damage to roads and buildings in the north Kashmir district of Baramulla, leaving villagers cut off from the town for hours.
Officials said landslides occurred on the Baramulla-Hajibal and Nambalnar-Babareshi roads, resulting in significant damage. Local authorities rushed to the scene and ordered immediate repairs.
The president of Municipal Council Sopore, Musarat Kar, attributed water-logging in the area to a lack of deep drainage projects and blockage and encroachment of canals.
Musarat Kar said that for the last 2 years, no drainage project has been approved.
“We are expecting approval of 1-2 projects this year.”
She further highlighted that the council lacks sufficient staff and machinery to deal with natural disasters and has to seek assistance from Fire and Emergency and SDRF teams to address the issue of water-logging.
Kar urged the Irrigation and Flood Control department to conduct a survey and remove encroachments from canals.
“The district administration sent various teams to assist but that’s not the permanent solution. Sopore needs a complete overhaul and a drainage project,” she added.
An official of PMGYS told Rising Kashmir that the roads were cleared and made motorable for the residents.
The incessant rains also led to inundation of several areas, including educational institutions in the Baramulla district. The Government Degree College and Govt Middle School Lolipora Dangerpora were among the worst hit, with most of their classrooms inundated.
Students at the school said they are unable to continue their studies due to the flooding. A teacher called for reconstruction of the school building and leveling of the school grounds to prevent further flooding.
Meanwhile, residents of Abu Bakr and Usman Colony in Khawjabagh Baramulla complained of the lack of proper drainage systems, which they said made their lives miserable. They appealed to the Baramulla district administration to ensure a proper drainage system to prevent further damage to their homes.
In Trikolbal Pattan, scores of residents staged a protest against the administration for their failure to construct a drain on the main road. The dilapidated road condition and accumulation of water on the road has made it impossible for pedestrians to walk safely.
Several colonies of Sopore were also submerged due to the recent rains, causing significant inconvenience to local residents. They called on the authorities to construct a deep drainage system across the town to prevent further flooding.
Heavy rains lead to severe waterlogging in various areas of Baramulla district, including Alsafa Colony, Krankshivan colony, Sidiq colony, Moomi-nabad, Model Town, Arampora, Hyder Colony, and Sher Colony.
The locals in these areas expressed their difficulties in moving around due to the inundated roads and lack of proper drainage system.
They criticized the authorities for their failure to construct a deep drainage system in the town despite repeated requests.
