Bandipora villagers fear breach in Jhelum embankment, demand repairs

Bandipora, Apr 28: Hakbara villagers in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district are worried that floods might wreck havoc as heavy water flow triggered by continuous rains has washed off a portion of Jhelum embankment their days ago.

“Heavy rains swelled the river creating huge flow that washed away the loose soil from the embankment,” an elderly local villager Mushtaq Ahamd, 75 said.

“It’s become dangerous now. If the water level rises again, we’ll be in trouble. We request the authorities with folded hands to start repair work soon so our families and children stay safe.”

The embankments local say serve as a crucial safety barrier for the area, protecting homes, farmland and orchards from floodwaters.

Locals, who depend heavily on agriculture and horticulture, say the government has not acted despite repeated requests.

“A contractor dropped off some construction material here a few days ago and promised repairs would start, but nothing has happened since,” Saifullah Mir, another resident said.

He warned of serious consequences if the portion is kept untouched, claiming heavy water flow can easily breach the week portion.

“If this embankment breaks, our homes will be washed away," Mir said, adding, "Our lives are at risk and our fields will be destroyed."

He claimed at least "thirty villages" will be affected, with property and agriculture or paddy fields getting swept away by floods.

He said, “The repair work must begin immediately before it’s too late.”