Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 22: A portion of the embankment along the river Jhelum has caved in at Check-e-Chandergeer area of Hajin in Bandipora district.
The sudden damage has raised concerns among residents while it has prompted authorities to halt the movement of heavy vehicles as a precautionary measure.
According to locals, the incident occurred along the main road that connects several villages of Sonawari with Hajin town and other districts.
They said fresh cracks have appeared along the road stretch, triggering fears of a major collapse similar to one that occurred in the area a few months ago.
“The embankment has been weakening for years, and now it has finally given way. Many officers have visited the site, but no concrete action has been taken,” said Gulzar Ahmad, a local resident. “This is the main road, yet no preventive measures were implemented. Now heavy vehicle movement has been stopped, but repair work should start immediately,” he added.
Click here to watch video
Another resident, Abdul Rehman Dar, said the embankment collapsed suddenly and demanded it be repaired before Chilla-e-Kalan, the harsh period of the winter.
“This road connects Hajin with Bandipora, Srinagar, and Baramulla. Every department submits reports, but no real work happens. It must be repaired before winter sets in,” he said.
Residents have appealed to the authorities to strengthen the damaged section immediately and extend the piling project earlier approved for Check-e-Chandergeer to this vulnerable stretch.
Officials confirmed that the embankment had shown signs of damage earlier this year and that the situation is being monitored.
“The sinking was first noticed in February and remained stable for some months, but cracks widened in September,” Mutiyab Bashir, Executive Engineer, I&FC, Division Sumbal told Excelsior.
“The situation is being closely monitored. Permanent restoration will begin once the area stabilizes,” he added.
Notably, the administration has restricted the movement of heavy motor vehicles and is working on alternate traffic arrangements between Hajin and Ajas to ensure commuter safety.
The post Jhelum embankment caves in at Check-e-Chandergeer appeared first on Daily Excelsior.