SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
KISHTWAR, jULY 3
The temporary dam constructed for the 850 MW Rattle Hydro Power Project at Drabshalla in the Kishtwar district was washed away recently due to a sudden rise in water levels. This incident has halted the ongoing work on the project.
The temporary dam, built specifically for the project, was inundated by the unexpected rise in water levels, causing it to breach. As a result, the construction company overseeing the project had to cease all operations. This dam was crucial for diverting water as part of the project’s objectives.
Adding to the woes, a massive landslide has completely blocked the Kishtwar-Paddar road. A significant portion of the mountain collapsed onto the road, making it impassable. The widening of this road was already underway when the landslide occurred. Reports indicate that some travelers, who had commenced their pilgrimage to the revered Machel Yatra, are now stranded on this route due to the blockage.
The landslide is also expected to impact other pilgrimages, including those to the Mindhal and Trishul Nag temples and Chamba. The road to these destinations passes through Paddar, and the disruption could severely affect these journeys.
In light of these developments, the district administration has initiated emergency contact protocols.
The construction halt of the Rattle Hydro Power Project and the roadblock due to the landslide have created a challenging situation for the local administration and the affected communities. The district administration is working to restore connectivity and ensure the safety of all affected individuals.
This unexpected event highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure projects to natural calamities and underscores the need for robust disaster management strategies to mitigate such risks in the future. The authorities are currently assessing the damage and planning the necessary steps to resume the halted project and clear the blocked road as soon as possible.
