Joshimath-like situation: Cracks in houses in J-K’s Doda, 19 families shifted

One house collapsed while 19 families were evacuated after their homes developed cracks at a village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, officials said.

The authorities also declared unsafe a mosque and a religious school for girls at Nai Basti village in Thathri, 35 kilometres from Doda town along the Kishtwar-Batote National Highway.

A few structures in the village started developing cracks a couple of days ago but the situation was exacerbated by a landslide on Thursday with the number of buildings damaged reaching 21.

Also read: NGT calls for study on Mussoorie in light of the Joshimath disaster

According to an ANI report on Saturday (February 4), a team of scientists from the Geological Survey of India visited Doda to analyse the houses that have developed cracks.

“We have shifted 19 affected families to a safer location after their houses were rendered unsafe. We are observing the situation and taking steps as per need to ensure their safety,” Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Thathri) Athar Amin Zargar was quoted as saying by PTI.

The deputy commissioner and the senior superintendent of police visited the spot and assured all help to the affected families, he said.

Also read: Joshimath crisis envelops domestic animals

Zargar, however, refused to compare the situation to that in Uttarakhand’s Joshimath — the gateway to famous pilgrimage sites like Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib — that is facing a major challenge due to land subsidence.

J&K | Cracks were reported in a house in December in Doda district. Till yesterday, 6 buildings had cracks, but now these cracks have started to increase. This area is gradually sinking. The government is trying to find a solution as soon as possible: Athar Amin Zargar, DM Doda pic.twitter.com/ZmADASy4o6

— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2023

“Comparing the situation in Nai Basti with the sinking town of Joshimath will be an exaggeration. We are faced with a problem of landslide and geologists from Chenab Valley power projects and National Highways Authority of India have already inspected the site,” Zargar said.

While some families have shifted to a temporary shelter set up by the district administration, many others have returned to their ancestral homes.

Also read: Snowfall, rain lash Joshimath adding to woes of people in relief camps

“We are making all necessary arrangements, including food and electricity, at the campsite,” Zargar said.

Zahida Begum, whose family was shifted to a temporary site, said they lived in the village for 15 years and were surprised to notice cracks in concrete houses.

“There is panic among 50-plus households in the village. Majority of the structures developed cracks after Thursday’s landslide,” she said, demanding proper rehabilitation for the affected families.

Farooq Ahmad, another local resident, said 117 members of 19 families of policemen, ex-servicemen, defence personnel and labourers were relocated.

Nai Basti was developed about two decades ago and there was no such problem, he said.

“We request the NGOs and philanthropists to come forward and provide assistance to the affected people,” Ahmad added.

J&K | A team of scientists from geological Survey of India visited Doda to analyse the Joshimath-like situation there where some houses have developed cracks. pic.twitter.com/EHh6hL7McY

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2023

(With agency inputs)