Cracks in Doda village: Geologists claim ‘area not sinking, problem locally-created’
Geologists have ruled out the theory of “land subsidence” in the affected Nai Basti village of Thathri area of Doda district where 22 structures developed cracks, saying “the problem is locally created and the area is sliding rather than sinking”.
Noted geologist and retired Professor G M Bhat, who alongwith a geologist and some research scholars visited the village independently to ascertain the causes that led to development of cracks in buildings, said “the area is not sinking. The government should immediately fix the developing cracks that emerged in the area to avoid further damage”.
“We conducted a detailed study on the problem emerging in Nai Basti village and collected samples of soil, rocks besides analyzing the cracks in houses and ground. As per preliminary examination, it has come to fore that it is a locally created problem.
He claimed there has been no construction or road widening activity taking place in the area. “It would be inappropriate to say that the area is sinking. It is creeping or sliding probably due to non-availability of a proper drainage system,” he said.
Asked if the village faces any threat of water seepage, the professor said, “there is no visible evidence of it. The impact of the dam on these habitations is yet to be established.
Our suggestion to the government is that it should immediately fix the cracks in the ground and find a solution to drainage problem as short-term measures. As and when the road widening activity would be conducted in the area, the problem may be different”.
The geologist said they would share their study with the government if authorities approach them for the same.
On February 4, the UT administration had deputed a team of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to analyse the situation. The team collected soil and rock samples from the village and analysed the surroundings of the area where several houses and other structures have developed cracks.
Around 100 members of 19 families have been evacuated after their houses developed cracks. While three houses collapsed after developing cracks on Friday, at-least 18 other structures have been rendered unsafe.
The administration has assured that it would provide best possible assistance to the affected people of Nai Basti village, situated around 35-km from the Doda town along the Kishtwar-Batote national highway.
Jammu and Kashmir government has also denied the reports that the emerging situation in Nai village was akin to the “land subsidence” witnessed in Uttarakhand’s Joshimath.
“All the affected families have been evacuated and there is no need to create much hype. We are keeping a close eye on the emerging situation and all efforts would be made for their rehabilitation,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had said.
