Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide Near Kwar Power Project in Jammu & Kashmir's Kishtwar, Vehicles Damaged

Within hours, local authorities and rescue teams were on the scene. There are no reports of any casualties so far. 

Heavy rains cause a landslip at the project site
Due to continuous rainfall in the last 24 hours, the Kwar project area has witnessed sudden slope failure. Huge boulders littered the hillside, and loose soil and mud spilt onto part of the site where construction vehicles were parked.

Videos from the scene showed trucks, excavators, and other equipment covered partially in debris. Work at the site was immediately stopped after the slide and access roads were closed due to safety concerns for workers in the area.

The terrain was becoming unstable due to continuous rainfall in the upper reaches of Kishtwar, officials said. 

Vehicles covered with mud and debris
The effects of the landslip were evident in the parking and equipment yard near the project site, where rocks rolled down and collected with mud and slush, destroying several vehicles.

Debris rained down, and workers at the site ran for cover. Some parts of the project were also cut off, and it was difficult to move men and machinery.

Authorities said restoration work can’t start until the area is secured and it is determined if rescue operations are needed. 

Rescue and clearing are underway
Teams of district administration, project officials, and disaster response personnel rushed to the spot soon after the incident. Heavy equipment moved rocks and mud out of the way.

So far, there have been no injuries or deaths reported. A roll call was taken to ensure everyone was accounted for.
The weather department has forecast more rain in parts of the Jammu region in the next 48 hours. Officials said they will keep a watch on the slopes surrounding the project and will not fully reopen it until the area is considered safe. 

Landslides in monsoon-hit hill areas a cause for concern
It is the latest reminder of the vulnerability of J&K’s hilly terrain in the monsoon. Experts have repeatedly warned that the longer the rain lasts, the more it softens the slopes and increases the risk of landslides near roads, housing, and infrastructure projects.

The Kwar Hydro Electric Project is a big run-of-the-river project on the Chenab River and has been under construction for the last many years. Similar weather-related disruptions have been witnessed at other project sites in the region during peak monsoon months.

The district administration has appealed to the people living and working in the hilly areas to remain alert and avoid the slopes during the heavy rains and follow the safety guidelines issued by the authorities.

Cleanup and remediation of the Kwar site is expected to continue until all debris is removed and the site is assessed for additional risk.