Landslide puts homes at risk

Residents blame alleged GDA negligence, unplanned construction for worsening situation

ABBOTTABAD:

A landslide on the tourist area's Sajjan Gali Road in Galiyat has raised alarm among the local population, allegedly due to negligence by the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) and unplanned construction.

Several houses have come under serious threat, while continued subsidence around and beneath the multi-storey building "Sareen Heights" has caused fear among residents of the adjoining area.

According to residents, multi-storey and unplanned construction is continuing in Galiyat without taking natural slopes and the environment into consideration.

This has affected the natural balance of mountain slopes and increased the risk of landslides during rains. The recent landslide on Sajjan Gali Road has put several houses and structures at risk, while the ground at the affected site continues to move.

Residents said relevant institutions had a clear responsibility to approve construction projects and monitor construction activities in Galiyat. However, they alleged that the failure to take timely action against illegal and rule-violating construction had made the situation increasingly serious.

They said unplanned construction in Galiyat, known worldwide for its natural beauty, was becoming a threat not only to the environment but also to the lives and property of the local population.

Residents of the affected houses said the landslide process was showing no sign of stopping, leaving several families in severe fear. Locals expressed concern that if immediate safety measures were not taken, further land movement could damage houses and lead to the loss of precious human lives.

Residents demanded that the GDA and district administration immediately conduct a technical inspection of the affected site, determine the causes of dangerous construction and land subsidence, take action against illegal construction and take emergency measures to protect families facing danger.

The local population also urged the authorities to ensure strict implementation of laws regarding approval of construction projects in Galiyat, scrutiny of maps and construction on natural slopes so that the natural environment of the tourist area could be protected and risks to human life and property could be prevented.