Doda, October 19: A massive landslide struck the Kastigarh area of Doda district on Sunday morning, collapsing a crucial stretch of the inter-district road and triggering alarm among residents. According to preliminary details received by The Chenab Times, nearly 200 metres of the Kastigarh–Rajgarh road near Banger Morh in Saderbagh has been completely washed away, snapping surface connectivity between Ramban and Doda districts.
The slide occurred unexpectedly despite clear weather conditions for nearly a week, underscoring growing concerns about deep-seated land subsidence in the region. Local sources told The Chenab Times that between 40 and 50 residential houses in the vicinity have developed cracks. However, officials said that no family has been evacuated so far, as the area remains under technical observation. According to sources in the administration who spoke to The Chenab Times, decisions regarding evacuation or relocation will be taken only after the assessment teams submit their report.
Residents said the ground in the area had been gradually sinking for the past two to three years, but the sudden collapse on Sunday marked the first major episode. “We had seen minor cracks earlier, but nothing that suggested an imminent disaster,” a resident of Saderbagh said. “The land slipped very suddenly today, and within minutes the road vanished.”
Another resident warned that further damage could follow if immediate intervention is not undertaken. “There is every possibility of a bigger slide. A detailed inspection and preventive measures are urgently required,” he said.
Officials from the Public Works Department confirmed visiting the spot to assess the situation. The Executive Engineer (XEN) PMGSY said technical teams have found the soil to be unstable and restoration work will depend on whether the sinking slows down. “It may take two to three days to restore the road link, subject to ground stability. If cracks widen further, affected families will be relocated,” the official noted.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragile and erosion-prone terrain of the Chenab Valley, where recurring land subsidence, unplanned construction, and deforestation have accelerated slope failures in recent years. Experts have consistently flagged the growing vulnerability of mountainous belts in Doda and Ramban, calling for long-term mitigation and scientific land-use planning rather than piecemeal repair work after every collapse.
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