SRINAGAR — Kalanban village near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district has experienced severe land subsidence similar to Joshimath since early September, damaging at least 76 houses, three schools, two religious sites, and roads, displacing 500 to 700 people, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
The subsidence began on September 7, triggered by heavy rainfall and landslides, leading to cracks in houses, schools, mosques, and infrastructure, Tehsildar Mendhar Rahul Basotra told the New Indian Express. Electricity supply to the village has been disrupted, and 45 houses have fully collapsed, with others partially damaged.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Kalanban on Wednesday by helicopter to inspect the affected areas. He pledged full assistance, approving an immediate Rs 38 lakh aid in addition to Rs 50 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund. Under SDRF norms, fully damaged houses receive Rs 1.35 lakh, partially damaged ones Rs 50,000, and Rs 5,000 for utensils.
Basotra stated that affected families have relocated to relatives’ homes or relief camps at four sites, including panchayat ghars in Kalanban and Faizabad. Abdullah directed officials to provide boarding, lodging, and facilities, with teams assessing high-risk zones. A temporary control room has been established at the sub-division level to coordinate efforts with administration, NGOs, and volunteers.
Resident Lal Hussain, whose house was destroyed, described the sudden collapse, leaving families with little time to salvage belongings. “Many have been left with only the clothes they wear,” he said, noting villagers’ life savings invested in now-unsafe homes.
Kalanban is among 11 villages in Jammu, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri, and Reasi facing subsidence post-monsoon, damaging over 200 houses and displacing more than 3,000 people.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
