HC directs DMD to be prepared to tackle floods

Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, July 26: The High Court today directed the Disaster Management Department to inform the court about the preparation made to tackle any natural calamity  (floods) in future.
Hearing PIL on protection and preservation of Jhelum and other water bodies, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Badar Durez Ahmad and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey directed the Disaster Management Department to remain prepared all time to face any flood like situation in future.
The Court sought appearance of Secretary and Director Disaster Management Department (DMD) who were not present before the court. “Warrants be issued against the official or keep them available here”, observed the HC.
After a short span of time, both officials were present and court enquired from them as to what preparation they do have in case any disaster occurs. Officials submitted before the court that complete policy is in place with the department in case any disaster occurs.
“You were supposed to be present here, but you were not. Will you be present if disaster occurs because natural calamity does not come with prior information? Ensure 100 percent policy is available all the time, DB observed to officials.
Court sought information from officials about their preparation to face the disaster. “What is the plan of action suppose floods occur? Have you done any mock drill in this regard? Give us the proper detail as to how many authorities are in place to tackle such kind of situation (floods). Have you assessed the requirements to face with the situation like floods?”, court questioned to the DMD officials.
Court sought information from I&FC department through Power Point Presentation on next date. Court also sought complete status report from DMD officials indicating therein complete preparation to tackle with any kind of disasters with a period of two weeks.
With regard to constitution of State Water Resources Regulatory Authority (SWRRA),  Advocate General informed the court that selection committee has made recommendation about the appointment of chairman and its members and it will be placed before the Cabinet for its approval. “Status Report in this regard be filed before next date”, DB directed.
The SWRRA under J&K Water Resources Act 2010 which comprised Chairman and its three members is appointed by the Government on the recommendation of a selection committee and has power to acquire, hold and dispose of property both movable and immovable.
It may be mentioned here that the authority is not functioning since 2015 as it has no Chairman as such the J&K Water Resources Act 2010 is largely violated.
Court also directed for wide publicity from Irrigation and Flood Control department (I&FC) about the progress with regard to dredging, removing of encroachments, and reconstruction of breaches on banks of the river on website and on social media for the knowledge of General Public for public opinion.
Court also directed the forest department through PCCF to examine the situation of deforestation and file his response on this issue by next date of hearing before the bench. The deforestation as the counsel submitted previously submitted that it (deforestation) is the main reason which raises the height of water level in river.

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