Doda-Kishtwar Highway Blocked by Landslide Near Hydroelectric Project

Doda-Kishtwar Highway Blocked

JAMMU: Heavy rainfall triggered a major landslide near the under-construction Kwar hydroelectric power project in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, while flash floods and mudslides blocked Kishtwar-Doda Highway at Prem Nagar on Monday, burying several vehicles under mud, rocks and debris, officials said.

Officials said the flash floods carried large volumes of mud and boulders into the project site, damaging construction material and burying trucks, bulldozers and other heavy equipment, though there were no immediate reports of injuries or casualties.

Heavy machinery and personnel have been pressed into service to remove the debris and retrieve the stranded and buried vehicles.

Union minister and local MP Dr Jitendra Singh, in a post on X, said he had spoken to Jammu divisional commissioner Ramesh Kumar after receiving news about flash flood water gushing into the premises of the under-construction power project.

“Luckily, there is no loss of life or property. A few of the project-related machines have also been removed without any damage,” he said.

“Overall, every component of the under-construction project remains intact without any damage whatsoever,” the minister said.

According to the meteorological department, Samba recorded the highest rainfall in Jammu region in the 24 hours ending at 8.30am Monday with 90 mm.

Meanwhile, three gates of the Baglihar dam in Ramban district were opened after the water level in Chenab river increased significantly due to incessant overnight rains in the Doda-Kishtwar region.

Officials also said the district administrations in Doda and Kishtwar are continuously monitoring weather conditions and the river flow.