Muneeb Nazeer
Kulgam, July 16: A portion of land along a drainage channel in Kanjikulla area of Yaripora, South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, collapsed on Tuesday following continuous rainfall, raising fresh concerns about erosion, infrastructure damage, and disruption to essential services including water supply.
A group of locals told news agency JKNS that the drain swelled beyond its carrying capacity due to non-stop rain over the past few days, eventually damaging a concrete structure laid in 2014 to protect the bank from erosion. “The base underneath the structure eroded due to the overflow, causing the land to sink,” said one resident.
In addition to structural damage, drinking water pipelines running alongside the drain were also impacted, disrupting water supply to several households in the area. “Our taps have gone dry since the incident. This has added to our difficulties,” said a local resident.
Although no injuries were reported, the area remains vulnerable to further damage. “We are afraid that if this rainfall continues, the remaining portions may also collapse,” the locals said.
The incident has prompted residents to appeal to the district administration and the Irrigation & Flood Control Department for an immediate technical assessment and repair plan. “This is not just about repairing the damage,” another resident added. “We need long-term drainage planning and infrastructure upgrades, especially in view of unpredictable weather and increasing rainfall intensity.”
Locals have demanded permanent embankments, regulated drainage systems, and restoration of the water supply network to safeguard both public safety and local livelihoods. (JKNS)
