Jammu, August 20: Around 12 houses have been damaged after fresh land subsidence struck Kheri village in the Bantalab area of Jammu district, triggering panic among residents and forcing affected families to move to safer locations. At least two houses have suffered severe damage, while cracks have appeared in several other structures.
The affected village is located around 12 kilometres from Jammu city. Officials said renewed land-sinking activity has been observed in Kheri and adjoining areas, with agricultural land and a road also affected. Revenue and police teams have visited the area to assess the damage and monitor the situation.
According to local reports, the ground around some houses has sunk by three to four feet, while portions of certain structures have collapsed. The situation has left residents living in fear as the land continues to show signs of instability during the ongoing rainy season.
Officials said the area had witnessed land subsidence last year as well, when several houses were damaged. Tehsildar Jammu North Aman Kumar Anand said three to four houses were affected during the previous incident and that the affected zone has now widened, with at least 11 structures developing cracks.
A team of Revenue officials led by a Naib Tehsildar visited Kheri and submitted a report to the district administration. The authorities are shifting vulnerable families to safer locations, while relief and compensation are expected to be provided under the applicable norms. Four families had received relief under SDRF norms following the previous incident.
Residents have expressed concern over the recurring land movement and have sought permanent rehabilitation and adequate compensation for their damaged homes and agricultural land. Some locals have also linked the land instability to construction activity associated with the Jammu Ring Road project, although the causes of the latest subsidence are still being assessed by authorities.
The recurring land-subsidence problem has raised wider concerns about construction and development in the ecologically fragile area. A detailed assessment of the affected zone is expected to help authorities determine the extent of the damage and identify appropriate safety and rehabilitation measures.
Meanwhile, officials are closely monitoring the situation and have advised vulnerable residents to remain in safer locations. The administration is continuing relief and rescue efforts as the affected families await further assessment and assistance.
