Delay in compensation irks Dhalwas landslide victims; officials await NHAI funds

Ramban, Nov 9: Residents of Dhalwas village in Ramban district, affected by the massive landslide along National Highway-44 on 28-29 March 2020, have expressed deep resentment over the delay in payment of compensation despite several government communications and reports recommending relief and rehabilitation measures.

According to official documents, the landslide, located between 132.740 km and 133.240 km of NH-44, has been classified by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) as “active”, with visible ground cracks and slope movement threatening nearby houses. The slide area, covering more than 0.40 sq. km, continues to endanger life and property in the region.

GSI Findings

In its final report dated May 23, 2023, the GSI attributed the landslide to multiple factors including prolonged heavy rainfall, which increased pore water pressure and reduced slope stability; loose, unconsolidated overburden material prone to failure under saturation; steep slope cutting during road widening without adequate support systems and differential erosion caused by local streams and weak clay stone layers in the lower murree formation.

The report recommends several remedial measures, including lining of drainage channels (nallahs) to prevent erosion; construction of catch-water drains and gabion walls at different contour levels; use of geo-jute and deep-rooted plantations to control surface erosion and installation of retaining walls and drapery systems on exposed rocky slopes.

However, due to the large size of the slide, the GSI noted that permanent stabilization may not be technically or economically viable, suggesting the construction of a tunnel or viaduct to bypass the affected zone.

Compensation and Rehabilitation Proposal.

Following a high-level meeting held on August 26, 2022, under the chairmanship of the Financial Commissioner (Finance Department), the rehabilitation proposal submitted by the Deputy Commissioner, Ramban was approved.

The plan includes Rs 21.13 Cr for land damage (283 kanals). Rs 3.09 Cr for damaged houses. Rs 5.55 Cr for construction of 37 new rehabilitation houses.

The total compensation package amounts to Rs 29.77 Cr, to be disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to verified beneficiaries.

The Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) subsequently designated the Deputy Commissioner, Ramban as the Commissioner for Rehabilitation and Relief to oversee the disbursement process.

Funding Dispute Between NHAI and UT Government.

However, the process has stalled due to a dispute over financial responsibility. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in its communication dated December 16, 2022, stated that the landslide was a natural calamity and not triggered by road widening works, arguing that compensation beyond the NHAI’s Right of Way should be borne by the UT’s Disaster Management Department.

Conversely, the Public Works (R&B) Department on October 25, 2023, directed the Regional Officer, NHAI J&K, to release the compensation funds “in view of the GSI’s final report and the request of the Deputy Commissioner, Ramban.”

Public Outcry

Frustrated by the long delay, affected families have repeatedly appealed to authorities for payment. Their concerns were highlighted in a newspaper report on November 7, 2023, after which the Collector Land Acquisition, NH-44 (Ramban) again wrote to the Project Director, NHAI PIU Ramban, seeking immediate release of the Rs 29.77 Cr compensation.

As of now, officials say the response from NHAI is still awaited.

Safety Advisory

Meanwhile, authorities have urged residents not to reside in houses located close to slide scars or ground cracks, warning that any new construction in the run-out trajectory of the slide should be strictly prohibited. Experts have also recommended geotechnical investigations to identify the exact slide boundaries and assess the slope’s stability.

The Dhalwas landslide remains a major safety and rehabilitation concern in Ramban district. While scientific studies have clearly outlined the causes and risks, administrative delays and funding disputes continue to stall relief for the 37 affected families awaiting compensation for over four years.