Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 20: The river banks near Gulab Colony in Tehsil Handwara’s Baki Aker area have been sinking rapidly in recent days, putting the entire area at serious risk.
According to the locals, more than 50 feet of land has already been lost to erosion, with likelihood of more if the situation remains unaddressed.
The residents state that they now face an imminent threat to their homes and to the main connecting road between Gulab Colony and Wadipora Handwara, which runs through the Baki Aker playground.
Despite repeated appeals to higher authorities and concerned departments, residents allege that their pleas have gone unheard.
“If any tragedy occurs, the responsibility lies squarely with these departments,” a resident warned.
The situation which has deteriorated now due to the incessant rains, has sparked urgent calls for intervention.
The residents have urged the District Administration Kupwara and the Sub-District Administration Handwara to act before conditions worsen.
Mukhtar Ahmad, a local resident, voiced grave concern: “We have been flagging this issue for years, but no measures have been taken. The erosion is endangering our homes, and we urgently need a protection bund.”
He added, “the road is gone, our land is disappearing, and now it’s becoming a direct threat to our safety.”
As the riverbanks continue to erode, residents are pressing authorities to take immediate action before it is too late.
“The responsibility for any mishap will fall on the district authorities, as we have been raising alarms for years,” he said.
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