Mohd Irfan
The land sinking incident in the Parnote area of Ramban district has left residents facing immense hardships, evoking memories of the Joshimath catastrophe in Uttarakhand. The district administration, headed by officer Baseer ul Haq Choudhary, has swung into action, pressing men and machinery into service to facilitate timely evacuation of the affected populace.
Visuals on electronic media have shown the unprecedented devastation caused by the land subsidence in Parnote. Intermittent rains across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have further aggravated the situation, raising apprehensions of potential mountain sinking. It is noteworthy that the government has constructed several tunnels in the Ramban district through a blasting process, spending a substantial amount to ensure hassle-free commuter movement on NH-44.
The cause behind the land sinking in the Parnote area remains a mystery, and the Geological Survey is expected to access the area to ascertain the reasons behind this natural fury, which has wreaked havoc. The sudden sinking of land has resulted in heavy losses for the inhabitants, with damaged houses and washed-away roads. The unexpected turn of events has left the masses shell-shocked, as they are forced to shift from their homes, where they have spent their lives.
The land sinking in Parnote is reminiscent of the Joshimath catastrophe, which resulted in widespread devastation. There is a pressing need for adequate compensation for the affected inhabitants of Parnote, who are grappling with mental trauma and distress due to this grave disaster.
A local resident expressed concern, stating, “Ramban remains a seismic zone, where tunnels and railway lines have been constructed, and various projects have been undertaken, interfering with nature’s beauty.”
Tragically, news also emerged today of a child’s death due to a landslide in the Kala Pani area of Ramban district, casting a pall of gloom over the family members. The NDRF and SDRF have been at the forefront since the day they were apprised of the Parnote incident, discharging their duties with utmost bravery and putting their lives at great risk. The District Commissioner of Ramban has urged commuters to refrain from traveling on NH-44 given the present inclement weather conditions.
