Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 8: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh today pulled up the administration for failing to take timely action in addressing the recurring devastation caused by flash floods in the Niki Tawi area, affecting over 45 villages including Barjala and Khandwal.
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The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal was hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by the inhabitants of Barjala and Khandwal villages through Advocate S S Ahmed, assisted by Advocates Rahul Raina and Supriya Chouhan.
The PIL highlights that more than 95% of the discharge of the Tawi River gets diverted into the Niki Tawi stream near the fourth bridge, leading to annual flood-like situations in downstream villages during monsoon. Despite repeated pleas and judicial directions, the authorities have failed to act, leaving residents at the mercy of nature year after year.
Taking a serious view of the matter, the Division Bench directed the personal appearance of Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, who joined the proceedings virtually. After hearing the matter at length, the Bench granted short accommodation to the Div Com to file a detailed affidavit clearly outlining the time frame and steps proposed for resolving the long-pending issues.
The court made it clear that any further delay would not be appreciated and could invite serious consequences.
The matter will now be taken up on August 11, 2025, with directions to list it high on the board.
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