Kishtwar: Heavy rainfall triggered a major landslide near the 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Power Project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Sunday, burying several vehicles under debris and forcing the closure of the Jammu-Kishtwar National Highway near Prem Nagar.
According to officials, the landslide occurred after continuous overnight rainfall caused a large mass of mud, rocks and boulders to slide onto the highway. Several vehicles parked or passing through the area were buried under the debris. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.
The landslide also blocked the approach road to the under-construction Kwar Hydroelectric Project, affecting the movement of workers, machinery and construction vehicles. Authorities immediately suspended traffic on the affected stretch as a precaution.
Teams from the district administration, police, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and road maintenance agencies were rushed to the site. Excavators and other heavy machinery have been deployed to clear the debris and restore connectivity, though continuous rainfall has slowed the operation.
Officials have advised commuters not to use the Jammu-Kishtwar highway until the road is cleared and declared safe. The administration is closely monitoring the situation as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rainfall over the region, raising concerns about fresh landslides in vulnerable areas.
The incident comes amid an active monsoon spell across Jammu and Kashmir, with heavy rains disrupting normal life and affecting road connectivity in several hilly districts.
