Heavy Rains and Landslides Damage Key Road in Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir – Restoration Work Kicks Off
In the hilly terrain of Rajouri district, Jammu & Kashmir, heavy rainfall and landslides have wreaked havoc on the vital Kotranka-Khawas road. This 32-kilometre stretch, built just last year in 2023-24, connects the Kotranka sub-division with Khawas tehsil. But for the past 15 days, it’s been completely cut off, leaving locals in a tough spot.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kotranka, Dilmir Choudhary, shared updates with . "The damage is serious, and we’re working hard on restoration," he said. "A 150-metre section has washed away, and 7-8 houses got hit too. We’re building a new road here – tenders are out, and construction started today. It should take about a month for full fixes, with government funds already approved."
The road’s woes stem from non-stop rains over two weeks, triggering floods and landslides. Efforts to rebuild hit a snag due to ongoing land subsidence – that’s when the ground sinks, making parts unstable. Doctors are stepping up too, setting up medical camps to hand out medicines in affected areas.
Life’s turned upside down for residents. Students can’t reach schools, and getting sick family members to hospitals is a nightmare. Many villagers, like those in Badhal, now trek 15-20 kilometres on foot for basics. Jatinder Sharma, a local from Badhal village, vented his frustration: "The road’s been closed for 15 days because of floods. It links other areas too, so kids and elders suffer the most. No one’s fixed it yet – we just want it back."
The damage goes beyond the road. In some spots, sinking land has pushed at least seven houses out of place. One two-story home even slid 50 metres but stayed standing – scary stuff that’s got everyone on edge.
Authorities promise quick action amid this Jammu & Kashmir landslides crisis. With rains easing, hopes are high for smoother connectivity soon, easing daily struggles for Rajouri’s people. Stay tuned for more on road restoration in Jammu & Kashmir.
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