Additional cracks appears in Doda's damaged structures in J&K

Srinagar: In a community in Jammu and Kashmir's mountainous Doda area, the fractures have gotten wider and have changed the appearance of the buildings that were already damaged by the earth sinking. However, the fissures have not yet spread to neighbouring structures. For the next step, the officials stated they were expecting a report from the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

According to Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Thathri Athar Amin Zargar, landslides occurred in Nai Basti village in Doda on Thursday as a result of the rain. He claimed that as a result of the landslides, the 21 structures in the Nai Basti village that were already damaged by soil sinking had their fissures grow and deepen. After the Nai Basti village's ground began to sink, at least 21 concrete buildings, including 19 homes, a mosque, and a madrasa, started to show signs of cracking. Following cracks, three homes have entirely collapsed. At least six further damaged homes may possibly collapse, according to fears, the New Indian Express reported.

The administration has urged the families residing in these homes to move to safer locations as a result of the structures' cracks making them unfit for habitation. According to the SDM, soil sinking has harmed a stretch of land 80 by 200 square metres adjacent to the Old Highway. “The cracks have not spread to other buildings and adjoining areas. The zone of influence has not extended,” he said. SDM reports that just three of the 19 families whose homes have been damaged are currently residing in a government-run relief camp, with the remainder either living with relatives or renting space.

“The GSI team has not yet sent its report to the administration. We are waiting for the report so that follow-up action can be taken,” the SDM said.

According to officials, a number of reasons, such as road construction, seepage of water, sewerage, loose strata, heavy rains, and frequent earthquakes, may have contributed to the village's land sinking. The affected parties want rehabilitation and permanent relocation. “Now the area is unsafe for living. The administration should relocate and rehabilitate us permanently,” said a resident.