Geological team reaches Doda to evaluate cracks

JAMMU: Officials in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda said no other buildings developed cracks on Saturday but locals remained afraid, saying they were unsure of whether their homes were safe, even as a team of geological experts started analysis to uncover the root of the problem and how much worse it could become.

At least 22 houses were emptied out on Friday and 300 people moved from Doda’s Nai Basti after cracks spread across several structures, leading to the collapse of at least three. The incident has drawn parallels with the crisis in Joshimath, where over 800 have had to be relocated after cracks spread through buildings as the land shifted.

“The status of the affected houses remains the same. Nineteen houses were severely affected and three collapsed since Thursday but there are no new cracks in the remaining houses so far,” Doda district commissioner Vishesh Pal Mahajan said, adding that the extent of the problem is not like the Joshimath crisis.

A team of two scientists from geological survey of India (GSI) visited Nai Basti to study the area. “The GSI team visited the village this morning and collected some samples besides surveying the area where land subsidence has occurred,” Mahajan said.

A report of their findings may take a few days, he added.

But the lack of new cracks was of little comfort to local residents.

“We fear Joshimath-like crisis. We are praying day and night that land subsidence doesn’t spread further. Some among us are trying and removing window panes and doors to salvage something from our houses because people are very poor here and wood is costly,” said

Owais, 22, a resident of the village.

Among the hardest hit were those who have already had to leave their homes.

“I am reluctant to leave the village. We are ruined. We worked as petty labourers and constructed the house for our children. We appeal the government to do something for us. Where will we go now,” asked 38-year-old Shazia Begum, a resident of Nai Basti village in Doda.

The sentiment was echoed by several others across the Nai

PTI Cracks have developed in 22 houses in Doda.