Panic gripped Kalaban village in the Manjakote area of Rajouri district on Monday after land subsidence caused cracks in the ground and damaged several houses. Residents noticed large cracks developing in agricultural fields and residential areas, raising concerns about the safety of homes located near the affected site. The incident occurred close to the National Highway passing through the area.
Swift Response by District Administration
The district administration responded swiftly to the situation. Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma deputed a team of officials to assess the damage and monitor the affected area. According to officials, the land subsidence led to cracks in the ground, damaging houses and cattle sheds. Two families were evacuated after major cracks appeared in the floors and walls of their homes, rendering the structures unsafe for habitation.
Preliminary Assessment and Possible Cause
Preliminary assessments suggest that the subsidence may have been triggered by ongoing highway construction work in the vicinity. A team of officials has been stationed at the site to prepare a detailed report on the extent of the damage. Rescue teams have been kept on standby, and authorities have indicated that additional families may be relocated if the situation worsens or if further structural damage is reported.
Recurring Issue in the Region
This is not the first such incident in the region. Several cases of land subsidence have been reported in recent years from Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Poonch and Rajouri districts, often linked to road construction and other infrastructure projects. The recurring nature of these events highlights the need for better geological assessments and precautionary measures in infrastructure development.
