Round-the-clock vigil on, power supply cut-off in affected village; Residents say they live in constant fear
Srinagar: Several families from flood-prone villages in North Kashmir’s Bandipora District, particularly Kulhama and Kanyari, were evacuated due to rising water levels in Wular Lake, which exceeded the danger mark and began to inundate residential areas.
Affected households have been temporarily relocated to nearby school buildings, where officials ensured the provision of shelter and basic facilities as a precautionary measure to safeguard lives. In conjunction with the evacuation, safety measures were implemented, including the shutdown of three transformers and their 11kV feeder in Kanyari village to prevent potential hazards from the flooding. Local residents expressed frustration over the lack of permanent relocation solutions, citing a history of government neglect regarding their requests for safer living conditions. They highlighted the annual threat of floods and the unfulfilled promises of land for permanent relocation.
Authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora, assured that adequate measures were in place to mitigate further damage, such as the placement of sandbags at vulnerable locations to prevent water spillage. In the Sonawari belt, concerns were raised about the Jhelum River’s rising levels, which reached 14 feet; however, officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department indicated that the situation was stable and no immediate flood threat existed. They emphasized that preventive measures were being taken and urged the public not to panic, assuring continuous monitoring of water levels until they recede. Overall, while precautionary actions were taken, the situation was reported to be under control.
