Hariyangwari Padder again sinking, 25 families at risk

NARBEER CHOWHAN
Kishtwar: haryan Gwari village in Padder has started sinking againg. About 25 families living in this village are constantly living under threat as authorities had already declared it a unsafe for living’.
Locals told Bold Voice that the fresh sinking of the village has multiplied the problems of the inhabitants. It is pertinent to mention that in village from past six years fissures were visible on the ground. Despite repeated assurances from the administration, no steps had been taken for the rehabilitation of the villagers. A man was killed and scores others were injured in the village after portion of a land caved in 2005, the locals added.
Official sources said a team vide its report No 2G/TG/DGM/25/06-07/II/4327 dated 24-11-2008 declared the entire village insecure and asked the villagers to take precautionary measures. As per the report, the village is situated at an elevation of 1900 meters and lies between Latial Nallah (North) and Kher Nallah (South). "During the reconnaissance, cracks, fissures, fractures and subsidence were observed in the agricultural fields. The cracks were also observed in the walls of newly constructed houses rendering the houses unsafe for living", the report reads.
However, the administration failed to take cognizance of the report and subsequent representations of villagers submitted to the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar urging resettlement of the households. The administration again deputed concerned Tehsildar to the village, who after visiting the village wrote to the Deputy Commission vide letter No 591/MM dated 4-11-2009 that the "village is awaiting a major catastrophe as it was not fit for living. He also sought the direction for resettlement of 25 families comprising 159 souls." Taking strong note of the report, the DC Vide his order No 1132-34/010 dated 7-7-2010 directed the concerned revenue officers to allot five Marlas of state land to each family under Khasra No 442 at Gulabgarh. However, the residents have refused to abandon their village and settle at Gulabgarh. "We want financial assistance to construct rooms, which the government has declined to provide," the residents said adding they were not in position to undertake any construction. Recently a head of tour of Tibetian leader Dalai Lama to Padder, Divisional Commissioner Jammu along with MLA Kishtwar took a Arial visit of this sinking village and the Divisional Commissioner assured the people that appropriate steps will be taken but despite lapse of more than a month nothing has been done in this regard. After fresh sinking a deputation of the villagers led by Kartar Singh Rathore met MLA Kishtwar Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo and demanded and till any permanent arrangement is made the villagers be at least given temporary shed or tents so that they leave the village for a safer place.