Brengi water stream vanishes into sinkhole in Kashmir’s Anantnag | See PICS
India Today
A 20km-long stretch of Brengi water stream has dried up after being swallowed by a massive sinkhole in the Wandelgam Kokernag area of South Kashmir's Anantnag district, creating fear among locals as the dried water stream has left aquatic species dead. Meanwhile, the administration has enforced restrictions under section 144 CrPc and asked people not to venture near the sinkhole.
A 20km-long stretch of Brengi water stream has dried up after being swallowed by a massive sinkhole in the Wandelgam Kokernag area of South Kashmir's Anantnag district, creating fear among locals as the dried water stream has left aquatic species dead.
Umar Nazir, a local resident of the area said, "It may cause a collapse of land due to denudation and it is also a threat to our homes and lives. The outlet of water is still unknown. We are worried that our homes may collapse and villages may sink. The government must do something as soon as possible as we are living in fear."
Another local, Wajid Farooq, said, " Presently water is going inside the sinkhole due to which aquatic life is suffering a lot. We are requesting the officials to conduct the survey and check the density below the sink hole and around this area."
According to the reports, a large number of fishes, including Trout fishes have died while sink hole downstream part is completely dried up. Experts believe that it is a natural phenomenon developed due to the gradual dissolution of limestone rocks in the water body.
Meanwhile, the district administration has formed an expert committee to study the occurrence in detail and submit its report.
According to the Assistant executive engineer, Flood and Irrigation department, Mohammad Syed Mir said, "It is a natural phenomenon. We have taken some measures, like right now we have diverted the water. Also, a committe has been set up by the administration. We are waiting for that report".
“We will take a decision on a technical basis and further steps will be taken to treat this sinkhole once the expert committee submits its report”, he said.