Flashfloods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have severely impacted Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, closing the strategic National Highway-244 and inundating the Kwar hydroelectric project. The disruption has also affected the annual Machail Mata pilgrimage, stranding hundreds of devotees.
Highway Closure and Landslides
National Highway-244, which connects Doda and Kishtwar, was closed after multiple landslides blocked several stretches. Debris and mudslides have made the road impassable, particularly near the Chhatru and Bhaderwah areas. Officials from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have been deployed for clearance operations, but heavy rain is hampering progress.
According to a BRO official, “The highway is likely to remain closed for at least 48 hours as heavy machinery is being moved to the affected spots. Continuous rainfall is causing fresh slides.”
Kwar Hydel Project Inundated
The Kwar hydroelectric project, a 540 MW run-of-the-river scheme on the Chenab River, was inundated after the river swelled due to heavy rains and flashfloods. Water entered the power house and other infrastructure, forcing an emergency shutdown. Project authorities have evacuated non-essential staff and are assessing the damage.
An official from the project said, “The floodwaters have caused significant damage to electrical equipment. It will take at least a week to restore operations.” The project, being developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL), is critical to the region's power generation.
Impact on Machail Mata Yatra
The annual Machail Mata pilgrimage, which draws thousands of devotees to the shrine in Kishtwar, has been severely affected. Over 500 pilgrims are stranded at various points along the route. The district administration has set up relief camps and is providing food and shelter. A police spokesperson said, “We are coordinating with the BRO to open the road at the earliest. Pilgrims are advised to stay put until further notice.”
Weather Advisory and Precautionary Measures
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Jammu and Kashmir, predicting extremely heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. The administration has advised people to avoid travel in hilly areas and stay away from riverbanks. Schools in Kishtwar and Doda have been closed, and people in low-lying areas have been moved to safer locations.
Monsoon Fury in the Region
The flashfloods are part of a larger monsoon pattern that has caused widespread damage across the Himalayan region. In the last 24 hours, Kishtwar received 120 mm of rainfall, the highest in the state. The Chenab River is flowing above the danger mark at several points, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to Kishtwar and Doda. So far, no casualties have been reported. The administration has set up a control room for assistance.
The disruption highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure in the mountainous region to extreme weather events. The Kwar project's inundation raises concerns about the safety of hydropower projects in flood-prone areas. The highway closure is a major blow to connectivity, as NH-244 is a lifeline for the remote districts of Doda and Kishtwar.
