Land Sinking and Erosion Along Jhelum Banks Damages Structures in Anantnag

Several structures along the banks of River Jhelum in Anantnag district have been damaged due to soil erosion and land sinking in the aftermath of recent floods. The sinking of land has been reported in areas including Pushwara, Harnag, Danter and other adjoining localities, sparking fear among residents about further destruction.

The affected areas have witnessed cracks and gradual sinking along the riverbanks, leading to the collapse of structures and forcing families to leave their homes. Officials said that in some locations, the district administration and J&K Police had to evacuate residents living in vulnerable stretches of the river.

Apni Party General Secretary, Hilal Shah, who visited the affected villages, expressed concern and blamed both the government and opposition for failing to take preventive measures. “I have seen several places where the land is sinking and the banks are sliding into the river. People had to be evacuated because the Jhelum is eating away the banks. This situation is a direct result of negligence and lack of preparedness,” he said.

Locals also voiced frustration, saying the lessons of the 2014 floods were ignored. The Lamberdar of Pushwara said: “That flood was a warning. Strong bunds and embankments should have been built where the water usually breaches into villages. If the government had acted on time, today’s erosion and sinking could have been prevented.”

Residents now fear that if the land continues to sink, more houses, shops, agricultural land, and roads could be lost. While temporary measures have been taken to move families to safer areas, people are demanding a long-term flood protection plan.

Experts warn that unchecked erosion and sinking along the Jhelum may trigger larger disasters if not addressed urgently. They stress the need for stronger embankments, scientific riverbank management, and regular monitoring.

For now, families living near the riverbanks remain on edge, hoping for swift action before the damage spreads further.