Rain, floods damage over 1,000 roads in Jammu region

Over 1,000 roads have been damaged in Jammu region during the recent rain and flooding causing major disruption in movement of commuters, especially in the far-flung and remote areas of the division.

Besides, incessant rain triggered landslides and shooting stones in mountainous areas of Jammu region causing damage to vital infrastructure. The inclement weather conditions have been continuing since last week also leading to deaths and injuries to many people in the region.

Almost all 10 districts of Jammu region suffered heavy losses due to rain and flash-floods. Ramban, Kishtwar, Doda, Udhampur, Kathua and parts of Jammu district are the worst hit in terms of losses to the infrastructure, including roads, power and residential structures.

In Ramban district, during rain on August 29, at least 182 roads and 283 houses were damaged. Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh, who is Member Parliament from Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, said four people were killed in landslides in the district.

He said out of 182 total roads in the district, 55 roads were restored for commuting. Singh said due to continuous rain, 84 roads were again damaged and 30 of them were restored for traffic, while the work to open other stretches for vehicles was continuing.

In Ramban, out of 98 total water supply schemes, 91 were affected. Sixty water supply schemes were restored. Later, continuous rain affected 43 water supply schemes of which 24 were restored.

Flash floods severely damaged Doda-Kishtwar road in Doda district. Many internal roads in Bhaderwah of Doda district were also damaged by floods.

In Kathua district, 285 roads were damaged, of which 179 were restored for traffic movement. “Connectivity has been established in almost all areas except Bagra, Patyari, Nagali, Leundi, Jannu, Draman, Lohai Malhar, Nagrota Gujroo, Duggain, Duggan, Baggan, Suffain, Bora, Bhed Blore and Dilwan” the minister informed.

In Kathua district, 186 water supply schemes were damaged of which 79 were made functional. Water supply in areas of Dilwan, Bhed Blore, Bora, Kathera, Dorsi, Kandharnoo, Komla, Dharalta, Bijjit, Dharam Kote, Mandli, Makwal, Pallan, Forest Block and Gurha Kalyal is yet to be restored.

In Udhampur district, 380 roads suffered damage out of which 190 were opened for traffic after repairs. Connectivity was established in almost all areas except for some parts of Dudu Basantgarh and Moungri.

Meanwhile, Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, Director General of Border Roads (DGBR), inspected roads affected by rain in Jammu region. He visited two strategically important roads of Ramkot-Ranjit Sagar Dam and the Basholi-Bani road. Both these roads have suffered extensive damage. Lt Gen Srinivasan also visited Pedu Nala location where two bridges were displaced owing to heavy landslides. He oversaw the construction of diversions being constructed to restore the traffic.

Later, he visited Bhoond at a distance of 47 km on the Bani-Basholi road, where its significant portion was completely washed away in the deluge. He inspected the formation cutting work in constructing an entirely new access alignment to restore the road connectivity.