The persistent rains and landslides over the past two weeks have damaged several parts of the 32-kilometre Kotranka-Khawas road in Rajouri district.
The road was completed in 2023-24 and remains a critical link between the Kotranka sub-division and Khawas tehsil. The constant closure of the road for the past 15 days has disrupted normal life in the district.
Common people, employees, and students have all struggled due to the closure, while medical facilities have also become extremely difficult; the local villagers are made to walk 15-20 km every day to access the essential services.
While the locals are facing much struggle, the authorities have not initiated the restoration work, citing the constant occurrence of landslides, making working conditions dangerous.
One of the residents said the road infrastructure in the district is in shambles due to ongoing rains and flash floods triggering landslides.
He complained about the administration’s efforts in restoring the road network. “We request that the road be restored.”
In certain sections, land sinking has exacerbated the crisis, placing large areas at risk. As many as seven houses have been severely damaged.
As per Additional Deputy Commissioner Kotranka (ADC) Dilmir Choudhary, residents from the most affected areas have been evacuated to safer locations.
The local administration is providing full support, ensuring the supply of essential items such as food and other necessities. Relief and compensation efforts are actively underway.
Compensation files for the affected families are being processed and will be finalised soon, according to the official. The entire region is under constant surveillance to respond quickly to any emergencies.
Also Read: Heavy rains trigger landslides, roadblocks, houses damaged in J&K
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