Uri, Jul 11: Fresh blasting allegedly carried out on Saturday as part of the NHPC Uri-I Stage II hydroelectric project caused further damage to a residential house in Mohura, Uri, with a portion of the already weakened structure caving in.
The house belongs to Mohammad Sadiq Khan, son of Ghulam Hyder Khan, who had earlier claimed extensive damage to his residence due to blasting activities linked to the project.
Speaking to GNS, the family said the fresh high-intensity blast further widened the cracks in the house and caused a section of the structure to collapse, making the building increasingly unsafe for habitation.
“Every fresh blast is causing more damage to our house. This time, a portion of the house caved in due to the intensity of the blasting. We are living in constant fear as the structure has become unsafe,” the family said.
Expressing disappointment over the response of the executing agency, the family alleged, “No one from the company has even visited us to assess the damage. They only gave us half a dozen cement bags, and after that, no compensation or meaningful assistance has been provided.”
The family also expressed anguish over the continuation of the blasting, alleging that the authorities have failed to take the situation seriously.
“We have repeatedly raised our concerns, but the blasting continues unabated. The administration is not considering the threat it poses to our house and other residential buildings in the area. If this continues, a major tragedy cannot be ruled out,” they said.
The blasting operations are being carried out as part of tunnel construction under the NHPC Uri-I Stage II hydroelectric project, with MAX INFRA (I) Pvt. Ltd. serving as the executing agency.
When contacted, Tehsildar Boniyar Mohammad Najibullah Shah told GNS that a team would be deputed to the area on Monday, to assess the extent of the damage caused by the blasting activity. He added the findings of the assessment would determine the appropriate course of action. (GNS)
