19 Families in Jammu’s Doda Shifted After Houses Develop Cracks

Srinagar: In a frightening resemblance to the Joshimath subsidence, as many as 19 families in Thathri village, in east Jammu’ Doda district, were shifted to temporary shelters after their houses developed cracks.

J&K | Cracks were reported in a house in December in Doda district. Till yesterday, 6 buildings had cracks, but now these cracks have started to increase. This area is gradually sinking. The government is trying to find a solution as soon as possible: Athar Amin Zargar, DM Doda pic.twitter.com/ZmADASy4o6

— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2023

The village, which is more than 30 km from the main town of the Chenab Valley, is an ecologically fragile area. The cracks were initially reported in, at least, six houses till Friday but began to appear in other structures in what is believed to have occurred due to subsidence and subsequent landslide on Thursday, officials said.

SDM Athar Amin Zargar told the media that “21 structures were affected”. The zone of influence is “limited to the same as observed today [Saturday] morning”.

Doda deputy commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan told Newsclick that Geological Survey of India (GSI) experts would provide the exact reason for the incident.

J&K | Doda administration and a team from the Geological Survey of India present at the spot in Doda where 21 structures reported subsidence.

SDM Athar Amin Zargar says, "21 structures were affected yesterday. Zone of influence is limited to the same, as observed today morning." pic.twitter.com/3f6Rskz0GO

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2023

Some officials and experts have already inspected the site and have highlighted some safety measures to be taken, including shifting the families from the affected structures. 

The incident, in which a mosque was also affected, has panicked the residents and others staying in areas closer to Thathri.  Many social and political activists who met the affected families have requested the administration to ensure basic facilities for the families. 

Temporary arrangements, including food and electricity, have been made to assist the families. The locals are worried about relief and rehabilitation if the situation escalates. Many parts of the Chenab Valley are prone to landslides and the building of dams and hydel power projects in some areas has increased the danger of such incidents.