At least five structures were damaged in a landslide in Hardi Shiva village of Sopore on Wednesday, forcing people to flee their homes.
An official said the incident happened this evening when most of people were inside their homes. “A major part of a hill started to cave-in after the landslides, creating panic in the area. We rushed out of our homes for safety as boulders were rolling down from the hillock,” said Muhammad Ashraf, a resident.
While holding the administration responsible for their plight, locals said despite ban on stone quarrying, scores of queries located in the base of the hill were being run illegally. They said frequent use of heavy equipments for extraction of stones has turned hill week, resulting in frequent landslides.
“We have repeatedly urged the authorities to impose ban on this illegal practice, however, they have failed to take any action,” said Maqsood Ahmad, President mohalla committee, Dangroo.
Following the incident, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Parvaiz Sajad visited the area and assured the locals that action will be taken against e violators of the ban on stone quarrying.
Taking to Greater Kashmir, Sajad said ther was complete ban on stone queries. “We will ensure that ban is strictly implemented on the ground,” he said.