Massive sinking of 5 km Ramban-Gool road triggers panic

Srinagar, April 25: A significant subsidence spanning 5 kilometers along the Ramban-Gool Road has caused a major blockade, disrupting vehicular movement from both directions. The incident has resulted in the development of cracks in 22 houses in the area, according to officials.
Deputy Commissioner Ramban, BaseerUlHaqChoudhary, reported the massive subsidence at kilometer 5 on the Ramban-Gool Road, indicating a complete blockage and suspension of all vehicular traffic. Urgent restoration efforts are underway to restore road connectivity and power supply affected by the subsidence.
Choudhary assured that restoration work is in progress, with resources mobilized to address the connectivity and power supply disruptions. Ambulance services have been stationed at the site to cater to any medical emergencies, while efforts continue to ensure the availability of essential services.
“In response to the situation, Ambulances have been deployed to Pernote to facilitate patient transportation,” stated the Deputy Commissioner.
It was reported that 22 residential houses have sustained cracks due to the subsidence, prompting evacuation efforts to safer locations for affected residents.
This incident recalls a similar event in February 2023, when 16 houses were damaged, and road connectivity between Gool and Ramban was severed due to land sinking at DuksarDalwa village in Ramban district. The disruption also resulted in the snapping of electricity supply in numerous panchayats in Gool, caused by damage to the 33-KV power transmission line passing through the affected village.
Dr.Irfan Rashid, Senior Assistant Professor at the Department of Geoinformatics, University of Kashmir, highlighted the vulnerability of populations and infrastructure in areas where roads and highways are constructed on steep slopes. He emphasized the need for robust urban land use plans and scientifically informed land suitability assessments to mitigate such disasters effectively.
Dr.Irfan cautioned that without such comprehensive plans in place, hazards like land subsidence and mass wasting are likely to recur frequently in susceptible areas, particularly in the Chenab belt, where extensive cutting of steep slopes and damming of waters contribute to the heightened risk of landslides and subsidence.