SRINAGAR: Expressing concern over depletion of water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said strict action will be taken against people who have encroached rivers, streams and flood channel in the State.
“There are various reasons behind the devastating floods of September 2014. The most important reason is depletion of water bodies in the state,” Ms Mehbooba said when she intervened and replied to a question by CPI (M) member Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami in the Legislative Assembly (LA).
“Thousands of trees have been planted at the place from where water goes out of Wular Lake. It has created a barrier for smooth flow of water and clearing these trees will take many years. So we are consulting experts to work out a way to fix this issue and also increase the capacity of the lake,” the Chief Minister added.
She further said that the government is working on capacity building of water bodies which was affected due to accumulation of slit on riverbeds following September 2014 floods.
Asserting that her government is serious about the issue, she said, “If we want to save this state, people who have encroached water bodies should remove them immediately. Strict action will be taken against people who have encroached water bodies,” she said.
Meanwhile, talking about the government’s plan to conserve rain water, they are already in talks with experts to workout out a plan in this regards. (AGENCIES)
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