Ganderbal, Feb 20, KNT: Authorities have deiced to investigate the reasons behind the triggering of mudslide in Rezan Gund area of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district that resulted in the loss of property worth crores and the death to livestock on late Sunday evening.
Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Mr Shyambir confirmed that an inquiry will be conducted in this regard. He confirmed the loss of property and livestock and said that immediate relief has been provided to the victims who have been shifted to safer places.
“I have directed the officers to assess the quantum of loss and submit a detailed report so that victims could be compensated,” Mr Shyambir said.
While talking to the news agency Kashmir News Trust, Tehsildar Gund Javaid Iqbal said that 6 houses, 7 shops, and 6 cowsheds have been damaged due to the landslide while 27 animals including 4 horses, 2 cows, 2 oxen, and 19 sheep have perished.
“Agricultural Land comprising 100 kanals have also been damaged. The loss is in crores,” he added.
Due to the landslide that hit Rezan and its adjoining areas are reeling under darkness. Reports from Sonmarg said that electricity to the tourist spot has still not been restored. The landslide has damaged wooden electric poles as well.
Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Mr Shyambir, SSP Ganderbal Nikhal Borkar, SDM Kangan Javaid Ahmed Rather, SDPO Kangan Muzafar Jan and other officers visited the spot on Monday to assess the situation.
People of the area demanded that they should be relocated to other places as the area has become prone to mudslides due to continuous blasting.
Pertinently, National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) and APCO Infratech Pvt Ltd are jointly developing 6.5 kilometer-long Z-Morh tunnel which starts from Gagangeer and culminates at Shutkadi Sonmagr. The villages that have witnessed massive blasting from Gagangeer to Shutkadi include Rezan, Isbandhar, Bardpardan, Pathribal and Gagangeer.
Locals appealed to the DC Ganderbal to either relocate them or develop another tunnel covering the hilly area so that the chances of mudslides can be minimized.
Deputy Commissioner assured them that a decision will be soon taken in this regard. He said human lives are precious and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure safety of people and livestock of these areas.
Meanwhile, the road leading to tourist spot Sonmarg remained closed on Monday. No tourist vehicle from Ganiwan area was allowed to proceed towards Sonmarg.
Authorities said that it will take more time to clear the debris from the road. APCO Infratech Pvt Ltd has pressed 12 dumpers and 3 JCBs into service. [KNT]
