Rajouri, July 23: The District Administration in Rajouri has imposed a 60-day restriction on public and vehicular movement in the flood-affected Bela Market and Bela Colony following the recent flash floods. All construction-related activities in the affected zone have also been stopped as a precautionary measure.
The decision was taken after the Rajouri Tawi River overflowed, causing widespread flooding in Bela Market, Bela Colony and nearby areas. Several shops, commercial buildings, vehicles, public infrastructure and the local bus stand suffered significant damage.
Officials said inspections conducted by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department along with other engineering agencies found the area to be highly vulnerable. The assessment revealed a serious threat to human life and property, prompting the administration to take immediate preventive action.
As part of the order, movement of people and vehicles has been prohibited in the identified danger zone for the next 60 days. Construction, excavation, dumping of material and similar activities will also remain suspended until detailed hydrological studies and official demarcation of the affected area are completed.
The administration has instructed concerned departments to seal or barricade roads, pathways and other access points leading to the unsafe stretches of Bela Market, Bela Colony and the Rajouri Tawi River. Authorities have also been directed to inspect the area, stop any ongoing construction work and submit a compliance report within 24 hours.
Emergency and essential services, including Police, SDRF, NDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, medical teams, Revenue officials, Executive Magistrates, Municipal staff and personnel engaged in authorised restoration and flood protection work, have been exempted from the restrictions.
To ensure strict implementation, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajouri, has been asked to deploy police personnel, establish checkpoints and conduct regular patrols to prevent unauthorised entry into the restricted zone.
The District Administration has appealed to the public to avoid the affected areas, cooperate with officials and follow all safety advisories. It warned that any violation of the order will invite legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
