STATE TIMES NEWS
Ramban: Three day’s after massive land subsidence damaged more than 50 houses in Pernote village and a 500-m road stretch between Ramban and Gool, about 100 families have been shifted to safer places in government buildings and a panchayat ghar where they are being provided food, water and bedding, a senior officer said. Meanwhile Geological Survey of India (GSI) team also visited the area and collected samples to know the reason of such a huge land sinking.
More than 50 houses were damaged as a result of a massive land sinking at Pernote area on the Ramban-Gool road since Thursday evening. The sinking led to the destruction of numerous pine trees, electric poles, paths, and water pipes. Consequently, approximately 60,000 residents of the Gool sub-division lost connectivity with the Ramban district headquarters. Affected families, from Nimnar Mohalla and Telka Mohalla, begun relocating to safer areas and temporary shelters provided by local authorities.
Rescue efforts by the Quick Response Team, SDRF and Police are underway, with medical teams deployed to assist affected individuals.
With continuous efforts underway, district officials are tirelessly overseeing rehabilitation efforts and the restoration of essential services. Tehsildar Ramban Deep Kumar and his team have been on-site since the onset of the incident, working relentlessly to address the crisis.
To address immediate needs, the administration is prioritizing the restoration of essential services and road connectivity. Additionally, relief measures under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) are being expedited to aid affected families.
Ramban deputy commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary, who has set up a camp office near the affected site, said, “Around 100 families have been affected by the land subsidence. They have been shifted into government buildings and a Panchayat Ghar where they are being provided with water proof tents, food, water and beddings. We are also providing them with medical facilities.”
He informed that the land subsidence has partially affected Pernote village besides causing extensive damage to a 500-m road stretch.
DC said that the connectivity between Ramban and Gool has been snapped following damage to the road, traffic of light motor vehicles has been diverted to an alternate link road.
“Responding swiftly to the road blockage on Ramban-Gool route at Pernote, we opened the Sumber-Digdole link road for light vehicles. This initiative ensured continued road connectivity and essential services for Gool sub division with NH-44,” DC added.
Ambulances and medical teams have been kept on a standby and those ill in need of specialised medical treatment are being sent by train via Sangaldan to Banihal, he added. The official informed that now restoration work has been initiated.
“We are waiting for the land mass movement to stabilise because men and machines have to be deployed for restoration work,” he said.
The deputy magistrate further informed that experts from IIT and GSI reached to study the phenomenon and collect the evidences, beside make their recommendations. Furthermore, the emergency operation centre/camp office of the Deputy Commissioner/Chairman DDMA Ramban has been swiftly set up and is working to address the multifaceted challenges confronting displaced families.
This proactive measure underscores the administration’s dedication to promptly alleviating the hardships faced by residents in the aftermath of the land subsidence and damages to residential houses in Pernote, Ramban.
The camp office operates as a central hub for coordinating relief efforts, ensuring that essential supplies, medical aid, and other forms of assistance reach those most in need. As the situation continues to evolve, the District Administration Ramban remains steadfast in its resolve to stand by the community, offering unwavering support and guidance every step of the way.
It is notable that on Thursday evening around 7.45 pm, 24 houses in Pernote village were damaged, a 500-metre stretch of a link road sunk and four HT electricity towers uprooted following the land subsidence.
The movement of traffic was stopped and residents of Pernote were rushed to safety. Border Roads Organisation commanding officer SK Gautam said, “The area has Murree formation and has red soil, akin to Joshimath. Presently, a mass movement is on. We have requisitioned men and machinery, which are on a standby. We are waiting for the mass movement to stabilise. Thereafter, the repair and restoration work of the affected stretch can be taken up.”
Heavy rains had lashed the region, which is prone to land subsidence as the seepage of rainwater causes soil erosion. The affected road is under the 52-Road Construction Company (RCC) GREF of Beacon.
The area where land subsidence has taken place today, is 5 km from Ramban district headquarter. Meanwhile locals demanded permanent solution for their rehabilitation including allotment of Land, compensation and other facilities at the earliest.