Soil erosion causes panic at Humhama | Land subsidence damages several structures

Srinagar, Mar 31: Massive soil erosion at Salsabeel Colony of Humhama on city outskirts has caused panic in the locality.

The residents said that for past several months they have been suffering from land subsidence as the authorities are sitting on the issue.

The residents said that the situation turned worse following incessant rains for the past two days. They said soil erosion damaged several houses.

“Two months back, there was a huge landslide, and the land is still subsiding. At that time, people were also evacuated. The houses have developed cracks, and landslides have covered many residential structures. Now, following the rainfall, major soil erosion was triggered, which led soil and water to enter our homes. We are in distress and we appeal authorities to fix this issue so that our lives and properties are saved,” a local said.

The residents said that two months back, the landslide occurred; multiple departments visited the area and reported about the situation. They said that no major step was taken to address the issue.

“Central Public Works Department (CPWD) constructed a wall at the spot a few months back. We don’t understand if it is because of the construction or if it is natural, but the bottom line is that our properties are damaged. We are feeling unsafe, and our residential area has turned into a cesspool,” locals said.

The locals said that many residents fixed their properties, and then again, the issue occurred, which led to damage to their properties. They said many walls were damaged, and huge cracks were developed by properties.

Abdul Rahim, Field Officer of the Soil Conservation Department who had visited the spot, said that they took stock of the situation and will share their report accordingly.

“We received an application about the issue, and during the field visit, we assessed the situation. It is a completely disastrous situation here. We are here to control soil erosion, but the land is also sliding. We will submit our report and give our expert opinion as per our expertise and jurisdiction. We will also provide necessary help to control the issue so that people don’t suffer,” Abdul Rahim said.