Ramban (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 27: Amid continuous heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir, the Ramban district administration has imposed a complete ban on all public movement near the Chenab River due to a significant rise in water levels.
The public advisory prohibits swimming, bathing, fishing, and even walking near the Chenab River and local streams (nallahs), citing safety risks. Violators will face strict legal action, the administration warned.
“A complete ban on swimming, bathing, fishing and roaming near River Chenab & all Nallahs in District Ramban due to rising water levels and safety risks. Strict legal action against violators. Stay Alert. Stay Safe,” posted the District Magistrate of Ramban on X (formerly Twitter).
Additionally, the Dulhasti Power Station in Kishtwar will conduct silt flushing from its reservoir on June 28 between midnight and 5 PM, which may cause a sudden surge in the Chenab’s water level. Authorities have urged people residing near riverbanks to avoid venturing close to the water during this time.
Recent heavy rains also led to an overflow at the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project. Tragically, rain-related incidents in the Doda district resulted in multiple fatalities, officials confirmed.
DIG Shridhar Patil of the Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range urged the public to stay away from rivers and overflowing streams. “The water level is very high. Do not put yourself at risk,” he said in an appeal to residents.
In a separate incident, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rescued a man stranded in the River Tawi in Jammu after water levels rose dramatically due to overnight rainfall.
Meanwhile, vehicular movement at Chanderkote has come to a halt as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains blocked due to landslides near Mehar and the T2 Tunnel stretch.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert predicting isolated heavy rainfall over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad through June 27, with thunderstorms and gusty winds expected across Northwest India till June 30. A heatwave warning remains in effect for the Jammu division.