Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Feb 17: Over past 5 years after the devastating floods wreaked havoc in Kashmir, the Department of Irrigation and Flood Control is yet to strengthen the “critical spots” along the embankments of Jhelum owing to the dearth of raw material.
The decision to strengthen the vulnerable spots of the Jhelum was taken as an emergency measure till the department kick starts the Phase-II of the Flood management program that was initiated post-2014 floods.
“Till the Government accords full approval to the phase-II of the flood management program, the department decided to strengthen the vital spots along the Jhelum to mitigate the flood threat. However, shortage of raw material is emerging a major roadblock,” Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control, M M Shahnawaz, told Excelsior. He added they have already raised the issue with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Khan. “We have written to the Divisional Commissioner and are hopeful,” he said.
In compliance with the High Court orders, the Government has closed all the quarry units falling under the forest area causing a dearth of raw material. “Lack of raw material affected the whole supply chain. A quarry is the source of all the construction material. Its closure has not only affected the stone supply but gravel as well,” a contractor said. He added that the shifting of lease giving authority of the river bed mining has also affected the sand supply. “The mining of riverbed is yet to resume, affecting the supply,” he said.
After the floods of 2014, the department distributed the flood mitigation strategies into three categories: Immediate measures, Short Term measures and Long Term Measures. The Immediate Measure and the first half of the Short Term Measures have been completed by the Government. However, the implementation of the pending half has hit a roadblock in the form of raw material.
As per the department of Irrigation and Flood Control under Phase-II the I&FC Department was directed by the Central Water Commission (CWC) to prepare the DPR for comprehensive flood management plan works on River Jhelum Phase-II to mitigate a flood threat up to 1700 cumec (60000 cusecs) at Sangam in South Kashmir i.e. from Sangam to Padshahibagh. “Accordingly Mathematical Model Studies were conducted through Central Water and Power Research Station –Pune who recommended various viable alternatives for this Purpose,” a document said.
It further stated that on the basis of their recommendations present DPR for “Comprehensive Plan for Flood Management Works on Jhelum & its Tributaries: Phase-II” has been formulated in order to ensure the safe passage of 1700 cumec (60000 cusecs) discharge through River Jhelum from Sangam to Padhshahibagh (offtake Point of FSC). “Thereafter the targeted flood discharge of 60000 Cusec is proposed to be bifurcated as 17000 Cusec through Flood Spill Channel and balance 43000 Cusec through main River Jhelum,” it said.
Asked about the approval of Phase- II, Chief Engineer said: “The project has received technical approval. A meeting is scheduled to be held in this regard in Delhi next week where the other modalities will be discussed.”
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