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Landslide Threat in Kishtwar Forces Evacuations and Road Closure

Authorities relocate 22 families, suspend traffic, and accelerate road restoration efforts as residents link instability to hydroelectric project activities.

Traffic remained suspended on the Kishtwar-Paddar road, connecting the Machail Mata shrine for the third day on Saturday. (HT File Photo)

Overview

  • Twenty-two families have been evacuated from a hilltop village in Kishtwar district due to the risk of landslides, with temporary shelters and provisions provided.
  • A 200-metre section of the Kishtwar-Paddar road remains damaged and closed for the third consecutive day, disrupting connectivity to the Machail Mata shrine.
  • District Development Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan has inspected the affected area and directed GREF to expedite road restoration with safety measures in place.
  • Local residents allege that blasting by the Kiru Hydro-Electric project has contributed to the slope instability, though this claim remains unverified.
  • BJP MLA Sunil Sharma has called for a permanent solution to the region's frequent landslide issues, which have worsened over the past 18 months.