M S Nazki
Rajouri, July 19: Intense hailstorm and flash flooding have left the Kotli Kala Ban area of Manjakot tehsil completely submerged in a drain, washing away a local graveyard and damaging several graves, locals said on Sunday.
Residents described the incident as “extremely unfortunate and heart-wrenching,” saying the sudden rise in water level swept through the burial ground, destroying multiple graves.
Eyewitnesses from the area told GNS that the drainage overflow following the hailstorm inundated low-lying parts of Kotli Kala Ban within minutes, leaving families distressed over the damage to the sacred site.
Locals have appealed to the District Administration Rajouri, Tehsil Administration Manjakot, and the Disaster Management authorities to urgently visit the affected site.
They have demanded an emergency inspection, restoration of the graveyard, construction of a protective wall along the drain, and immediate steps to prevent further erosion and damage during future rains.
“The graveyard holds deep religious and emotional value for us. We request the administration to act without delay,” residents said.
Officials said the matter has been brought to their notice and an assessment will be carried out. (GNS)
