Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Jan 28: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Rohit Kunsal on the first day of his two days visit to Ladakh region today convened an important meeting with the District Administration at Grand Dragon Hotel.
IGP Kashmir, A.G Mir and Assistant Commissioner Central were also present in the meeting.
The meeting was called to review the present situation of the blockage of Phuktal river in Kargil district which is at a distance of some 90 kms from Padum village in Zanskar.
The Divisional Commissioner inquired about the physical status of the river blockage and preventive and preparatory measures to be taken to avoid any kind of loss to life and property.
The Chief Engineer, NHPC, Leh gave a detailed power point presentation reporting that the estimated width of blocked material which comprise mainly of soil mixed with boulders is 60 mtr (approx) with a length of 600 mtr and height of 50 mtr (approx) from the river bed. The present water level in artificial formed dam due to the blockage is 80% of total height formed which is around 30-35 cubic million water stored and the gradient of the gorge is 70 to 80 degrees.
Additional Superintendent of Police Leh Mr. Lotsal informed that on the decision of CEC, LAHDC, a police man and a boy from Kargil with satellite phone has been departed to Phuktal Gonpa to keep round the clock vigil on the status of the blocked river.
Divisional Commissioner directed Police and Civil administration to make sure the continuous functioning of the satellite phone and to stay in contact with them at frequent intervals. He directed DC and SP to appoint a nodal officer to handle the matter effectively and to carry out surveys to identify villages, installations and infrastructures likely to be affected in the worst of situation of the lake burst.
He asked concerned departments to remain prepared with contingency plans and to support the Deputy Commissioner in handling the situation effectively. He said that in next few days a team of National Disaster Management Authority will visit the site to take its assessment and then only some decisions will be taken. Till then he urged upon the district administration and Police Department besides Army to do all possible ground works and stay fully prepared to face the disaster which more likely will be averted.
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