KISHTWAR, JAMMU AND KASHMIR – A devastating landslide in Pathar Nakki, Nagsini Tehsil of Kishtwar district, has displaced several families, forcing them to abandon their homes amid safety concerns. The natural disaster, reported on April 21, 2025, has disrupted lives and infrastructure in the region, prompting swift action from local authorities.
The district administration, led by Tehsildar Nagsini Mohammad Rafi Naik, responded promptly by distributing free rations to the affected families. The relief effort aimed to provide immediate support to those who lost access to essentials due to the landslide. The displaced families expressed gratitude for the administration’s quick response but urged authorities to establish permanent arrangements for their rehabilitation.
The landslide in Pathar Nakki is part of a series of natural calamities affecting Jammu and Kashmir in recent days. Heavy rainfall and cloudbursts have triggered flash floods and landslides across the Union Territory, particularly in Ramban and Kishtwar districts. In Kishtwar, 22 families were evacuated from Tiyath-Patharnaki as a precautionary measure due to the ongoing threat of land sinking near the Kishtwar-Paddar road, which remains closed for the third consecutive day. Authorities have sealed 10 houses in the area and provided tents and rations to evacuees.
Tehsildar Naik, who has been overseeing relief operations, noted that the continuous sinking of land near Pathar Nakki, exacerbated by the Kwar and Kerru hydroelectric projects, has heightened risks. “We have taken preventive measures for the safety of locals due to the continuous sinking and threat of a landslide,” Naik told PTI, emphasizing that no houses have developed cracks so far.
The affected families, while appreciative of the temporary aid, voiced concerns about their future. “We thank the district administration for the rations and support, but we request permanent arrangements to ensure our safety and stability,” said a displaced resident, echoing the sentiments of many.
The situation in Kishtwar remains precarious, with road clearance operations hampered by continuous shooting stones and unstable terrain. The district administration, supported by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Red Cross teams, is monitoring the situation round-the-clock. Meanwhile, the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) due to landslides in Ramban has further isolated the region, with the Mughal Road serving as an alternative route.
Local officials, including Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan, have been actively assessing the landslide-prone areas to mitigate risks. The administration’s efforts have been commended by Union Minister and Udhampur MP Jitendra Singh, who also acknowledged the Indian Army’s role in providing timely assistance.
As Jammu and Kashmir grapples with the aftermath of these natural disasters, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and rehabilitation of displaced families in Pathar Nakki and other affected areas. Authorities are under pressure to address the immediate needs of the victims while devising long-term solutions to prevent such crises in the future.
