In a heart-wrenching incident, one person lost their life, and another sustained injuries in an accident that occurred in the Padyarna area of Nagseni block in Kishtwar district. The unfortunate event took place when a tractor carrying a water tanker skidded off the road near the Kiru power project and plummeted approximately 250 meters down into a canal. The deceased has been identified as Mohd Younis, while the injured individual is named Nazir Ahmed, both residents of Donadi, a hamlet located on Thathri-Gandoh National Highway where Lower Kalnai Hydroelectric project is proposed.
Authorities report that Nazir Ahmed was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is currently in stable condition, receiving necessary medical attention.
While the authorities have taken cognizance of the incident, the tragedy has brought to light some serious concerns about safety and oversight in the Kiru and Kwar hydroelectric projects. In a video statement issued to The Chenab Times, Faisal Hussain, the District Development Council Councillor (DDC) of Nagseni, raised allegations of ongoing corruption in these projects. He asserted that some officials are accepting bribes and approving faulty vehicles, thereby compromising the safety of workers and the surrounding community.
DDC Nagseni Faisal Hussain expressed his disappointment with the administration’s lack of urgency in addressing these issues and questioned the relevance of these national projects if they continually result in the loss of lives. He voiced his frustration with the administration’s response, which often claims that investigations are underway whenever concerns are raised about the safety and functioning of these projects.
Moreover, Hussain pointed out the negligence of the Regional Transport Office (RTO) Kishtwar in thoroughly inspecting the vehicles used in these projects, which has led to a spate of accidents. He cited a recent accident at the same project that tragically claimed three lives, indicating a pattern of safety oversights that demand immediate attention.
The DDC further highlighted other environmental concerns related to these projects, such as issues with blasting and dust problems, which often go unaddressed due to the projects’ national importance. He questioned the lack of accountability and oversight in these critical endeavors, urging authorities to prioritize safety and transparency to prevent further loss of lives.
In light of these pressing concerns, DDC Nagseni Faisal Hussain urgently requested the district administration of Kishtwar to take immediate action and conduct thorough inspections of all vehicles involved in the Kiru and Kwar hydroelectric projects. He believes that stringent inspections can help identify and rectify safety lapses, ultimately preventing future accidents and casualties.
Note: The quotes attributed to DDC Nagseni Faisal Hussain are based on his video statement which he sent to The Chenab Times and are not verbatim quotations.
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
