A team of experts from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), dispatched by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has initiated a comprehensive on-site survey of the land subsidence affected area in Pernote, Ramban district.
Led by Chief Scientist Prof. D.P. Kanungo from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), the technical expert committee comprises representatives from NDMA, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM).
The team commenced its assessment on May 7, 2024, with the objective of conducting a thorough examination of the reasons behind the land subsidence and evaluating potential future threats in the area.
Prof. Kanungo emphasized that the committee will submit a comprehensive report to the ministry, suggesting measures for the sustainable development of the affected region. The report will also propose precautionary measures to prevent future losses caused by mudflow slides.
Additionally, the experts are assessing the feasibility of habitation and agricultural activities in the area going forward. Until the area is declared safe and stabilized, the team has advised against entering the affected zone for agricultural or residential purposes. Land subsidence, a complex geological phenomenon, can have severe consequences for local communities and infrastructure. The NDMA’s proactive approach in deploying a expert team underscores the government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of such disasters and ensuring the safety of residents in affected areas.
The findings and recommendations of the expert committee will play a crucial role in shaping the future course of action and implementing effective measures to address the land subsidence issue in Ramban district.