Damaged Jhelum embankment sparks safety fears in Kakapora

Pulwama, Apr 14: Days after the tragic drowning of two brothers in Bijbehara, residents of Hajibal area in Kakapora have raised alarm over a damaged embankment along the Jhelum River, warning of a potential disaster if urgent repairs are not carried out.

Locals said the weakened embankment poses a serious threat to both life and property, particularly with changing weather conditions and the expected rise in water levels in the coming months.

Farooq Ahmad Dar, a resident, said the embankment has already caved in at several points and could deteriorate further with continued rainfall.

“If heavy rains persist, the embankment may collapse completely. Entire villages could be at risk,” he warned.

Residents said the situation may worsen as summer approaches, when water levels in the Jhelum typically increase due to snowmelt.

“The river is expected to swell in the coming weeks. If repairs are not undertaken in time, there is a real risk of flooding,” another local said.

The recent Bijbehara incident has heightened fears among residents, who see it as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by the river. They said children and elderly people living close to the embankment are particularly vulnerable.

“The embankment has been deteriorating for a long time, but no concrete steps have been taken so far,” a resident said, adding that repeated pleas to authorities have gone unanswered.

Residents have urged the concerned departments to immediately assess the damage and undertake repair and strengthening work on a priority basis.

They said timely intervention could prevent loss of life and protect villages situated along the riverbank.