JAMMU, Aug 20: Nearly a dozen families have been forced to move into temporary tents after land subsidence damaged houses and triggered fears of further structural collapse in Kheri area of Bantalab on the outskirts of Jammu city.
The hilly area, located around 10-12 km from Jammu, has witnessed continued ground movement, with cracks appearing in several houses and portions of land sinking.
Following a fresh weather advisory, residents shifted to tents as a precautionary measure amid concerns that further subsidence could worsen the damage.
Local resident Javed said around a dozen houses had been affected. He said his house, built a few years ago, developed cracks after a portion of the land began sinking while another section started rising.
He said his brother had also purchased land nearby, but the house under construction there collapsed before it could be completed due to the shifting ground.
Another resident, Munira Bibi, said cracks had appeared in her house, making it unsafe to continue living there.
Residents alleged that despite repeatedly approaching the authorities, a permanent solution to the problem was yet to be found. They said temporary tents and relief had been provided but prolonged stays in shelters would be difficult, particularly during the rainy season.
The residents have urged the administration to conduct a detailed geological and technical survey to determine the cause of the land subsidence and identify a permanent solution.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) North Deepak Kumar said the administration had already taken cognisance of the situation and advised residents to shift to safer locations.
He said experts were conducting a survey to ascertain the root cause, adding that the affected area was limited to a small patch of land.
The SDM said residents unable to move to safer locations could approach the administration for government accommodation, if required, and assured that all necessary precautionary measures were being taken.
