Rajouri, Jun 16: Panic has gripped Kotli village in Manjakote tehsil of Rajouri district after a major land subsidence incident over the past 48 hours damaged agricultural land and residential structures, leaving local residents fearing further destruction.
According to locals, a large portion of land has sunk in the village, causing extensive damage to farmland and affecting several residential buildings. At least four structures have suffered major cracks and damage, while several other houses are reportedly at risk as the ground continues to show signs of instability.
Residents said the situation has created fear and uncertainty in the area, with many families worried that further land sinking could endanger more homes and agricultural fields in the coming days.
Locals have alleged that the ongoing construction of a new highway stretch in the area may have contributed to the incident. They claimed that the operation of heavy machinery and excavation activities associated with the project caused continuous vibrations, which they believe triggered the land subsidence.
“The entire area used to shake due to the movement of heavy machines involved in highway construction work. We fear this may have led to the sinking of land,” several residents said.
In response to the incident, a team of senior district administration officials led by Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, visited the affected area to assess the situation and examine the extent of the damage.
Officials interacted with residents and reviewed the condition of damaged structures, farmland and public infrastructure. The administration is expected to conduct a detailed assessment to ascertain the causes of the subsidence and evaluate the risks of further ground movement.
Meanwhile, the Public Works Department (PWD) has deployed machinery to restore a road that was blocked due to the land sinking, ensuring connectivity for the affected village.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, while residents have urged the administration to conduct a scientific investigation into the incident and take immediate measures to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of the local population.
Recent Comments