Houses collapse in Pangi village, four families affected

An incident of structural collapse has left several families homeless in Pangi valley. According to the reports, at least four houses in Tikkri village of Luj Panchayat — an area bordering Jammu & Kashmir — collapsed on Monday.

The collapsed houses belonged to Pratap Chand, Ajay Kumar, Raj Kumar and Pratap Chand. The affected families said cracks had developed in these houses after recent heavy snowfall. With the onset of warmer temperatures, the melting snow further weakened the structures, leading to their collapse. However, the inhabitants had vacated their houses before the collapse, thus averting a major tragedy.

Given the severity of the situation, locals have urged the administration to step in immediately. The Forest Rights Committee secretary of Luj, Ajit Rana, said the affected families belong to economically weaker sections and require urgent assistance. “The government must act swiftly to provide financial aid and essential supplies to those affected,” he stated.

Trilok Thakur, chairman of Pangwal Ekta Manch, has written to the Pangi Resident Commissioner in this regard, seeking immediate intervention. "Pangi is facing repeated disasters and the administration must take proactive steps to ensure safety of people. The affected families need urgent rehabilitation and financial support to rebuild their lives," Thakur stated in his letter.

This incident comes just days after an avalanche hit Kumar Panchayat on March 2, damaging at least 10 houses. While no casualties were reported, the avalanche destroyed the belongings of several families, prompting the government to airdrop relief materials to the affected village, which was already facing a shortage of supplies.

With the winter snow continuing to wreak havoc, residents of Pangi Valley remain on edge, fearing further damage. Harsh weather conditions in winters often lead to severe disruptions in daily life, including road blockages, prolonged power outages, and interruptions in water supply in the tribal valley.