The crucial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), a vital artery connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India, is experiencing frequent and prolonged disruptions due to recurring landslides, particularly during the monsoon season. Heavy rainfall triggers these geological events, leading to the accumulation of debris and rockfalls, which have repeatedly halted traffic and left hundreds of vehicles stranded. This ongoing issue inflicts significant economic losses on the region, impacting trade and the livelihoods of its residents.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other relevant agencies are actively engaged in clearing operations, deploying personnel and machinery to manage the debris. However, the persistent nature of the closures during periods of rainfall underscores the vulnerability of this essential route. In recent years, these landslides and rockfalls have not only caused traffic chaos but have also tragically claimed lives, highlighting the inherent dangers associated with the highway’s terrain.
A comprehensive study conducted by the Geology Department of the University of Jammu has identified a substantial number of landslide-prone locations along the Udhampur-Ramban stretch of NH-44. The research, published in December of the previous year, pinpointed 84 such vulnerable spots. The study further noted that this particular section of the highway has been the site of numerous landslides in recent times and remains highly susceptible to slope instability. The research paper detailed 15 primary factors contributing to these landslides, including topographical elements such as slope, aspect, curvature, hillshade, and elevation, alongside land use and land cover (LULC) patterns. Additionally, proximity to streams, roads, geological faults, and lineaments, as well as hydrological indicators like the topographic wetness index and stream power index, were identified as significant contributors. The terrain ruggedness index and rainfall intensity were also cited as crucial elements influencing slope movements.
The severity of the problem was starkly illustrated on July 22, when two individuals lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after a commercial vehicle was struck by shooting stones near Ramsoo in the Ramban district, directly along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. This incident occurred amidst a period of significant traffic disruption that persisted through much of mid-July. The repeated landslides and shooting stones at multiple locations along the highway led to prolonged blockades. Compounding the issue, ongoing road-widening work in the Ramban district has exacerbated the vulnerability of the area to such geological hazards. Traffic movement was particularly affected, remaining disrupted for three consecutive days until July 23, a consequence of continuous rainfall.
The recurrent disruptions on the highway have also drawn considerable political attention, especially concerning the plight of fruit growers in Kashmir. These growers face immense challenges in transporting their produce to markets across the country, with the blocked highway leading to significant spoilage and financial losses. PDP leader Iltija Mufti recently voiced strong concerns, stating that the hard work of countless Kashmiri apple growers is wasted annually due to the prolonged closures of the Qazigund highway. She highlighted the devastating impact of seeing tonnes of apples rot, leading to immense financial strain and an inability to repay loans, describing the situation as an unacceptable form of economic apartheid.
While the Indian Railways has initiated efforts to transport fruit directly from Kashmir to various markets, the volume of apples and other produce cultivated in the Valley significantly exceeds the carrying capacity of the available train services. This suggests that rail transport alone cannot fully address the logistical challenges faced by the region’s agricultural sector. In response to the ongoing environmental and infrastructural challenges, a study published in the ‘World Journal of Advanced Research and Review’ has proposed potential mitigation strategies. The research suggests that implementing hydroseeding on mountain slopes could encourage the growth of grass and vegetation, thereby stabilizing topsoil and reducing erosion. Furthermore, the study recommended the use of geotextiles to reinforce vulnerable slopes, a measure aimed at minimizing the risk of landslides and ensuring greater stability of the highway infrastructure.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.