Chhatral Residents Demand Urgent Protection Measures to Prevent Future Flood Damage

Mendhar, March,27/2026
Residents of Chhatral in Mendhar have urged the district administration to take immediate and effective steps to safeguard the area from potential flood devastation, warning that key public and private infrastructure could face severe damage if heavy rains and flooding recur as they did in August 2025.

During the floods earlier this year, the Dera–Chhatral Bridge, which serves as a crucial link between several habitations, along with crops, paths, and various other structures, suffered extensive damage. Locals fear that other vital establishments including HSS Chhatral, GMS Chhatral, MS Chhatral, Power Station Chhatral, Primary Health Center Chhatral, WSS Chhatral, and the Naib Tehsil Office Chhatral may face a similar fate if preventive measures are not implemented soon.

Multiple delegations from Chhatral have already met Deputy Commissioner Poonch to highlight the gravity of the situation. Although the DC reportedly assured them of early action, residents say that no visible work has yet started on the ground.

Prominent social and political activist Tanveer Iqbal Qureshi has called for the immediate initiation of protective and diversionary works while the weather remains dry and conducive for construction. “This is the ideal time to strengthen the banks and protect vital structures. If we lose this window, another spell of heavy rain could bring disastrous consequences,” he said.

Qureshi strongly emphasized the need for constructing stone crates, concrete and stone retaining walls, and diverting the Chhatral Nallah away from populated and infrastructural areas. He also suggested developing a straight, single passage for the Nallah’s flow and establishing a protective embankment from the Chhatral–Narol Bridge to the Dera–Chhatral Bridge to minimize erosion and flooding risks.

“The people of Chhatral live in constant fear every monsoon,” he added. “Our schools, hospitals, and roads need protection before another flood strikes.”

Residents collectively appealed to the administration to act promptly, saying that proactive planning and swift execution of protective works will not only prevent future losses but also restore public confidence in the authorities’ commitment to safeguarding their lives and livelihoods.