There exists a flood-prone Suicide Colony
Shariq Majeed
Tribune News Service

Rajouri, February 5
Believe it or not, there is colony named as "Suicide Colony" in the heart of this frontier township.

In fact, this colony, also known as Bela Colony, came up because of slow migration of people from the semi-urban areas after the beginning of militancy in 90s. Migrants from Thanamandi, Darhal, Chandi-marh and Bufliaz built up the houses that later took the form of a colony.

However, this unplanned colony didn't get its name because of this factor. The colony, on the banks of Rajouri nullah, gets its name from the fact that it can be washed away by flash floods of even moderate intensity.

"This colony is prone to floods since majority of the houses have been constructed in the river bed. During every monsoon water enters the houses of these hapless people who are living at risk," said Abdul Qayoom Dar, retired senior police officer and social worker.

"When this unplanned colony was coming up, the government didn't do anything, but now since the residents life is at risk, it should act." He further said now the only option with the government is that it should take flood control measures so that precious lives of thousands of the inhabitants could be saved.

Deputy commissioner, Rajouri, Sheikh Rafiq Ahmed told The Tribune that district administration has proposed a project for three areas including this colony in the district for flood control measures.