The Hindu : National : Rising Chenab threatens villages

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005

National

National

Rising Chenab threatens villages

Staff Reporter

As a precautionary measure, Baglihar project machinery has been shifted

Important road links in Doda district are cut off

In neighbouring Udhampur, the condition is no different

CHANDERKOT (DODA): Water level in the Chenab is gradually rising, threatening hundreds of villages in the hilly belt through which the river passes.The level is inching towards the danger mark. As a precautionary measure, the Baglihar project machinery in the low-level areas at the dam site along the river has been shifted.

According to the Central Water Body, the level at 12 noon on Tuesday was 11 metres, up from 10.68 metres on Monday.

Officials said Kulthi village, inhabited by about 500 families, was marooned. Important road links in the district such as Kastogarh-Ramban and Assar-Ramban have been cut off and people living in this belt have to travel extra 70 km to reach National Highway 1 A, the only link with the rest of the country.

The condition in the low-level areas of Gool in the neighbouring Udhampur district is no different. Villages such as Chil, Chakka Kund and Topnil are cut off from the rest of the district. Road connectivity is badly affected. The Tringla bridge, connecting the upper reaches of Udhampur with National Highway 1 A, has become inaccessible.

Talking to The Hindu, Doda district Commissioner Gulzar Ahmed Qureshi, said, "Tight watch is being kept over the rising water levels and we have started taking precautions"

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