Blockage of Phuktal River Due to Landslide

Situation Report 1: Blockage of Phuktal River due to Landslide

A. Situation Report

Due to landslide, Phuktal River a tributary of Zanskar River was blocked and formed an artificial lake at a distance of 5.5 km from Shaday Sumdo towards Marshan in Kargil District of Ladakh Region. It is reported that the lake is extended upto 10km from the site upstream with 50mtr in height.

B. IMPACT OF THE SITUATION:

 The District Administration has imposed a ban on the trek with immediate effect on 17th January, 2015 due to sudden landslide in one of the tributaries of River Zanskar, thereby leading to a danger of flash floods.  The water level in Zanskar and Indus River are reduced considerably including hydel projects at Nimoo- Bazgo and Alchi thus affecting the electricity supply in the region.  Major impact on the livelihood especially of porters and guides in view of ban on trekking.  The accumulated water can burst any time and is posing a danger to the traveler on Chadhar and villages located near river at low lying areas. Further the area is inaccessible.  An aerial recce of the region revealed that a whole side of mountain soil had landed on the Phuktal River from Shaday Sumdo at a distance of 5.5km from Marshun.

C. Response by Government/ Army/BRO and Humanitarian Agencies

 Deputy Commissioner of Kargil Mohammad Sadiq Sheikh had conducted an emergency meeting. EC of LAHDC Kargil, officers of army, BRO, NHPC and Air Force where the attendants for the same.  Deputy Commissioner of Leh issued notice on prohibitory orders regarding Chadar Trek and all the tourists who had already started the trek have been sent back to Leh.  As a preventive measure, Police team has been deployed at Neraks village and Sangam Nimoo to prevent any trekkers/locals from undergoing the Chadar Trek till further instruction.  District administration has sent a technical support team (of engineers) for a second aerial survey of the area  Instructed regional authorities to advise all villagers in nearby areas to shift to safer places and are preparing for rehabilitation measures in case disaster strikes. Though there is no immediate danger yet.  Member Parliament from Ladakh has alerted New Delhi along with Minisry of MHA, Govener of J&K and principle Secretary to Prime Minister stating it as a very serious matter which could result in disastrous calamities affecting whole of Zanskar Valley and low lying areas of Leh and Kargil districts downstream of Zanskar and Indus River.  SDM Zanskar was directed to submit a report for shifting of villagers along the river bank while a team of expert from Army, BHPC, Civilian Administration and BRO.  Delegation team headed by Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil met with Governor of J&K to discuss on the artificial lake along with other matters on 20th January, 2015  Sphere India is closely monitoring the situation with constant touch with local representatives.

Sphere India, Building No. 3, Flat No. 401/3, Sona Apartments, Kaushilya Park, Hauz Khas, New Delhi – 110016 Tele: +91-11-46070374, 75. Fax: +91-11-46070379, E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.sphereindia.org.in

D. Recommendation by expert team  The committee recommended that the matter be referred to NDMC as the BRO, Distt administration and Army engineering lacks resource for the solution of the same.  Bursting of the accumulated soil due to land slide is also ruled out as the valley is narrow with 70 - 80 degree in gradation, which will further accumulate more soil and boulder.  Also recommended for rehabilitation of low lying villages to safer and higher places.  Constant vigil is needed to monitor the level of water by setting up monitoring camp both at upstream and downstream. E. Picture of the location

F. Source of information  Media including Zee TV, Kargil Today News etc  Online sources including Ladakh in Media  Information shared by local representatives. G. Contact Details

Name Designation e-mail id Contact number

Ms. Chhemet Lamo Program Manager, [email protected] +91-8130660269 Inter Agency Coordination

Ms. Shivani Rana Project Coordinator, [email protected] +91-9717043530 Inter Agency Coordinator