Hydel project blasting leaves Mohura residents counting losses
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, residents of Mohura village in Boniyar area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have expressed concern over ongoing tunnel blasting for the NHPC Uri-I Stage II hydroelectric project, stating repeated explosions have damaged houses and left families living in fear.
According to Kashmir Media Service, a residential house suffered extensive structural damage, with large cracks appearing in its walls and floor.
Muhammad Sadiq Khan, whose house was damaged, said continuous blasting has rendered the building unsafe for habitation. “Fresh blasting has further weakened the structure, and a portion of the house has caved in. It is no longer safe to live here,” Khan said.
Locals said several other houses in the locality have also developed minor cracks. They urged the authorities to inspect the affected area and ensure construction does not endanger residential structures.
Residents have demanded strict adherence to safety protocols during blasting and adequate compensation for all affected families.
It is worth mentioning here that the Uri-I Stage-II project is located on the Jhelum, one of the western rivers allocated to Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan has objected to the project on grounds that it violates the treaty. With India having placed the IWT in abeyance in April 2025 and fast-tracking work on western river projects, any tunnel work aimed at diverting waters without treaty mechanisms risks further escalation.
Observers warn that such construction, if done outside IWT provisions, could undermine regional water agreements and intensify cross-LoC tensions.
