Srinagar, June 24: The Srinagar administration has convened an expert committee from National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar and Kashmir University to investigate the recent land sinking incident in Khawajapora, Rainawari area in which several houses were damaged.
Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-din, told Rising Kashmir that upon receiving details of the incident, a team of experts was immediately deployed to examine the cause of the land sinking.
“The team is working diligently and will soon submit their report, after which further action will be initiated,” Dr. Mohideen stated. He assured that steps will be taken to rehabilitate the affected families once the report is filed.
Recently, six houses suffered damages due to land sinking. Residents reported a gradual subsidence in the area and promptly informed officials, who visited the site and advised residents to vacate their homes and move to safer locations.
Some affected families, now living in rented accommodations, expressed concerns about having no place to stay. They have temporarily taken shelter with nearby families and urged the government for immediate rehabilitation.
An elderly resident, who now keeps his belongings at neighbour’s house, said, “I don’t know how long it will take for the government to rehabilitate us. We are rendered homeless. We have no homes to live in nor can we afford construction of new houses.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by other affected residents, many of whom are labourers unable to afford new constructions.
Residents noted that such incidents are unprecedented in their locality, though land sinking has become increasingly common across the Kashmir valley in recent years.
Despite reassurances from visiting officials, the displaced families remain hopeful yet anxious about their future.
