Wular crosses ‘danger mark’, Bandipora villagers evacuated to safer places

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Bandipora, Sep 5: Several families from flood-prone villages in North Kashmir’s Bandipora District, including Kulhama and Kanyari, were evacuated on Friday after Wular Lake crossed the danger mark and water entered into residential areas.
Officials said that the affected households were temporarily shifted to nearby school buildings, where arrangements have been made for the people.
“We shifted families as a precautionary measure to avoid any risk to life. Shelter and basic facilities have been provided”, a senior officer said.
Amid the evacuation drive, three transformers along with their 11kV feeder at Kanyari village (Gundjehangir 11kV feeder) were put off as a safety measure after the area was submerged. “This was necessary for the safety of the public and to prevent any mishap”, said Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib.
Locals at Kanyari, however, accused successive governments of ignoring their demand for permanent relocation. “We live in constant fear. Floods threaten our homes every year, and despite repeated assurances, we haven’t been given land to shift permanently”, villagers said.
Earlier the DC said adequate measures had been taken to prevent further damage. “To stop spillage into adjoining areas of SK Payeen, sandbags have been laid at three vulnerable spots. People need not panic, the situation is being closely monitored”, she assured.
Meanwhile, concerns were also raised in Sonawari belt over swelling waters of Jhelum at Asham, where the river touched 14 ft earlier. However, Executive Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Department Sumbal, Mutayib Bashir, ruled out any flood threat. “There is no need to panic. The level has stabilised and is expected to recede. Preventive steps have been taken at all vulnerable points”, he said.
Authorities said that while precautionary evacuations and shutdowns were carried out, the overall situation remains under control and round-the-clock monitoring will continue until water levels recede. (KNO)