Peerzada Sayeed
Karnah Kupwara: Karnah valley finds itself battling relentless heavy rains for the past three days, exacerbating already chilly conditions and triggering rockfalls and landslides across multiple regions. Streams such as Qazi Nag and Batmoji are swelling with rising water levels, adding to the region’s woes.
In response to the adverse weather conditions, authorities have taken the precautionary step of closing the Karnah-Kupwara highway due to the ongoing threat of rocks and debris cascading onto the roadway. The Disaster Management Authority has issued warnings regarding heavy rains and snowfall in the upper reaches of Kupwara district, advising against travel to these areas to mitigate the risk of rockfalls and landslides.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about inadequate drainage arrangements during the construction of key roads like Kundi Jadda and Takya Harydal. This oversight has led to water intrusion into residential areas, prompting grievances from locals, particularly in Badarkot, who allege that the road construction involved cutting into mountains without tangible benefits, only exacerbating problems for residents.
The absence of adequate bunds and drainage infrastructure along various roads has further compounded the situation, allowing water to seep into homes unabated. Reports of stone falling have been received from areas including Kaltha, Khari, Bhadarkot, Ibkote, Ghundi Gujran, and Biyari , highlighting the widespread nature of the challenge facing Karnah valley amid the inclement weather.
