Cracks in houses due to subsidence of Earth in Srinagar

Srinagar, Dec 24 (UNI) Several houses in a Srinagar locality have developed cracks as the area is undergoing massive subsidence due to unknown reasons.

The occupants of a house at Sura Taing in Rainawari area of the old city were shocked to see huge cracks developing in the structure this morning.

All the rooms and even the stone foundation of the house of Noor Mohammad Mugloo had developed huge cracks as the area has been undergoing massive subsidence (downward shift of the Earth's surface) during the past few years.

Mr Mugloo had constructed the house in 1962 after getting valid permission, including building plan, from the authorities concerned.

''We woke up this morning to find huge cracks in our house. The house is on the verge of collapse now,'' said a visibly shocked 84-year-old Mr Mugloo, pointing to one of the openings.

He said the cracks have rendered the house unsafe for residential purposes. ''We have shifted all our belongings and goods to the houses of our neighbours,'' Mr Mugloo added.

The house of Mr Mugloo's immediate neighbour, Khazir Mohammad Malik, had also developed cracks during the night.

In the past as well, several houses in the area had caved in. The houses of Nazir Ahmed Zargar, Syed Hassan, Syed Hussain and others had caved in. The occupants of these houses had escaped death on several occasions.

''The subsidence had taken place during the night. Otherwise, we would have noticed the cracks,'' Mr Mugloo added.

Huge cracks could easily be seen in almost all the rooms of the house and even its stone foundation.

Mr Mugloo said he has informed the authorities about the condition of the house so as to prevent any casualty that might occur due to its collapse.

UNI