Pathania assesses landslide situation at Sundla; demands prompt scientific interventions

Udhampur, June 25:  MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania today conducted an extensive visit to the landslide-affected areas of Udhampur , with special focus on Village Sundla of Majalta tehsil where the devastating land subsidence that first occurred during the intervening nights of 3rd, 4th and 5th September, 2025 has once again become active during the current monsoon season. Accompanied by officers of the Revenue Department, PMGSY, Jal Shakti (PHE), Power Development Department (PDD), Irrigation & Flood Control Department, Health Department, Agriculture Department, Rural Development Department and other line departments, besides local public representatives, Panchayat functionaries and a large number of affected residents, Pathania undertook a detailed spot inspection of the affected area. A comprehensive review meeting was subsequently held at Panchayat Ghar, Sundla to assess the present situation and chalk out immediate as well as long-term measures. Addressing the people and officers gathered over there, Mr. Pathania recalled that during September 2025, an unprecedented geological disaster, apparently triggered by tectonic plate movement and massive land subsidence, caused nearly 1,000 kanals of land to continuously shift in Village Sundla. The disaster extensively damaged residential houses, agricultural land, drinking water supply infrastructure, electricity distribution networks, PMGSY roads and other public assets, leaving several families homeless and forcing them into temporary shelters. Pathania strongly criticized what he termed as the continued delay, administrative indifference and lack of urgency in implementing the rehabilitation package announced after last year's disaster. He observed that almost one full year has elapsed since the tragedy, yet the promises made to the affected families remain largely unfulfilled. "It is unfortunate that despite repeated assurances, not even a single eligible affected family has been allotted the promised five marlas of land for rehabilitation. This reflects the height of administrative indifference towards people who have already suffered immense loss," Pathania remarked. He further stated that a few affected families are still compelled to reside in damaged temporary tents, which is unacceptable, particularly during the ongoing rainy season. He demanded that fresh tents, relief material and safer temporary accommodation be provided immediately until permanent rehabilitation is completed. Reviewing the functioning of the Rural Development Department, Pathania reiterated that beneficiaries receiving SDRF assistance should not be denied benefits under PMAY-G/Awaas Plus, as SDRF is merely a disaster relief mechanism and cannot substitute housing assistance. He stated that the matter had already been discussed with the Administrative Secretary, Rural Development Department, and necessary clarification should be issued immediately so that no eligible family is deprived of permanent housing assistance. He appreciated the extraordinary spirit displayed by the local community, which had voluntarily organised and sustained a Community Langar for nearly six months, ensuring food and essential support to the displaced families when they were passing through extremely difficult circumstances. Expressing deep concern over the recurrence of land movement during the present monsoon, Pathania said that fresh cracks and subsidence have again damaged roads, water supply schemes, electricity infrastructure and other public utilities, thereby exposing the fragile geological condition of the area. Emphasising that the problem is geological in nature, Pathania said that the Geological Survey of India (GSI) be immediately requested to undertake a detailed scientific investigation to ascertain the causes of the recurring land movement, study tectonic activity, identify vulnerable zones and recommend both immediate and long-term mitigation measures so that permanent solutions can be evolved. Reviewing the status of rehabilitation, Pathania urged the District Administration to immediately pursue pending cases relating to allotment of five marlas of land to eligible affected families and sought a definite timeline for completion of the process. He further recommended that other vulnerable habitations, particularly Tirshi and Gandla, also be scientifically assessed and, wherever required, suitable rehabilitation including land allotment may be considered before similar disasters strike those areas. During the review meeting, department-wise directions were issued. PMGSY was asked to undertake a comprehensive technical inspection of damaged roads, investigate complaints regarding poor-quality protection works, fix responsibility wherever deficiencies are established and prepare a permanent engineering solution for restoration of all-weather connectivity. The Irrigation & Flood Control Department was directed to prepare a scientific drainage plan for disposal of accumulated water through permanent engineering interventions in coordination with PMGSY and Revenue authorities. The Jal Shakti Department was instructed to furnish a comprehensive contingency plan indicating damaged infrastructure, restoration schedule, temporary drinking water arrangements and expenditure required, while restoration of potable water supply was declared the highest priority. Similarly, the Power Development Department was directed to restore damaged electricity infrastructure without delay and prepare a contingency plan for complete restoration of power supply so that essential services remain uninterrupted during the monsoon. Pathania stressed that comprehensive contingency plans for water management, drinking water restoration, electricity supply and road connectivity should be prepared immediately and all available Government interventions, including appropriate infrastructure development programmes such as SASCI and other suitable schemes, should be effectively utilised to build durable and disaster-resilient infrastructure in the area. The Health Department was directed to organise regular medical camps, maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines and create awareness regarding water-borne and vector-borne diseases, while the Agriculture Department was asked to assess crop losses and recommend suitable rehabilitation measures, including consideration of loan waiver or rescheduling in deserving cases under Government norms. Pathania directed all concerned departments to submit time-bound Action Taken Reports and urged the Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, to personally monitor implementation of rehabilitation, restoration and mitigation measures through regular review meetings so that the affected families receive timely relief and permanent rehabilitation. Reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of the people of Udhampur East, Pathania said that he would continue to vigorously pursue the matter at every level of Government until every affected family is rehabilitated with dignity and permanent measures are taken to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of residents living in landslide-prone areas.