Administrative inertia: 18 months on, Pernote land subsidence victims await permanent rehabilitation

Ramban, Nov 7: More than a year after a massive land subsidence hit Pernote village in Ramban district, dozens of affected families continue to await permanent rehabilitation despite repeated assurances from the administration.

The disaster, which occurred on April 25, 2024, in the Neemnar and Telka wards of Pernote-A, caused extensive damage to residential houses, agricultural land, graveyards and other properties, displacing several families overnight.

In the immediate aftermath, government agencies including the district administration, police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other rescue services launched swift rescue and relief operations. Within days, temporary camps were established to accommodate the affected families, providing essential facilities such as food, water, and electricity.

According to official sources, around 500 families were housed in these temporary shelters, while financial assistance under the District Disaster Management Fund (DDMF) was provided to several households to meet urgent requirements.

However, even after the lapse of 18 months, many displaced families continue to live in temporary shelters and rented accommodations, awaiting the allotment of land and funds for reconstruction of their homes.

Nadeem Iqbal Katoch, a resident who lost both his house and agricultural land, expressed concern over the prolonged delay.

“We were assured that suitable land would be allotted for rebuilding our homes, but the process has not yet started. Many families are still waiting for a permanent solution,” he said.

Another victim, Mohammad Haneef, who is currently residing in a rented accommodation in Ramban town, said, “We are facing hardships and financial strain while living in rented rooms. The administration provided Rs 1.30 lakh each to 39 affected families, but that is not enough to rebuild our lives. We appeal to the government to allot land at a suitable location so we can construct our houses.”

As per an official communication (Reference No DCR/Relief/2024-25/340-342, dated June 5, 2024) issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, a proposal has been forwarded for allotment of one kanal of suitable land and financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to 28 of the most affected families, by relaxing certain government norms.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Commissioner (Central) in the office of the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, has sought further certified details of these 28 families — including family composition, economic status, and extent of damage — to facilitate early approval of the proposal.

While the administrative process remains underway, the displaced families of Pernote continue to live in uncertainty, hoping for speedy implementation of the rehabilitation plan so they can rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.