1K vehicles stuck in Ramban as landslides block highway

Jammu, July 21

Incessant rains during the night intervening Wednesday and Thursday triggered landslides and shooting stones, blocking the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Ramban district. At least 1,000 vehicles were stranded. Among them was a convoy of over 4,500 Amarnath pilgrims that had started journey from Jammu to Baltal and Nunwan base camps in Kashmir. They were taken to the Chanderkote Yatri Niwas in Ramban by the administration.

Shooting stones continued throughout the day at Panthyal on the highway that did not allow the traffic to move towards Kashmir. A major mudslide took place at another location at Mehar near the cafeteria stretch on the NH-44. Till Thursday evening, only one-way traffic had resumed.

Ramban SSP Mohita Sharma said one-way traffic was restored in Ramban and work was on to clear the debris for two-way traffic.

Stones rolling downhill near Panthyal has become a major problem for the administration. Despite a steel bridge constructed by the National Highways Authority of India, the area becomes dangerous for movement of traffic during rain. The administration informed that the upgrade work on Bailey bridge over Kanthir Nullah had also been suspended. “The heads of institutions in Ramban are to ensure that students reach their houses safely, keeping in view the increase in water level of drains and rivers,” an official statement read.

Meanwhile, the Doda administration has advised people not to venture near rivers and streams. “The NHPC, Kishtwar, has communicated that the gates of the Dulhasti Power Station reservoir’s dam will remain open from 11 pm on Thursday till 6 pm on Friday. Water level may rise by two to three metres in Chenab,” it added.

One-way traffic restored

• Ramban SSP Mohita Sharma said one-way traffic was restored in Ramban by Thursday evening and work was on to clear the debris for two-way traffic.
• The Doda administration has asked people not to go near waterbodies as water levels are expected to rise by two or three metres in Chenab river.