Recurring land subsidence near Surinsar Lake
Administrative Approval, treasury error need clarification
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Dec 23: The J&K Government has released Rs 12.70 crore for the much-needed stabilization project aimed at addressing recurring land subsidence near the scenic Surinsar Lake, but execution of the work will begin only in the next financial year due to mandatory procedural formalities and pending departmental clarifications.
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Official sources told Excelsior that although the funds have been released during the current financial year, they cannot be utilised at this stage as the Tourism Department is required to issue certain clarifications related to Administrative Approval and financial routing of the grant.
“The clarifications pertain to the accord of Administrative Approval for the project and a discrepancy in the treasury head mentioned in the grant order,” sources explained, adding, “while the Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority (SMDA) is presently operating its financial transactions through the Udhampur treasury, the Tourism Department’s order sanctioning the grant has erroneously mentioned Samba treasury, making rectification necessary before utilisation of funds.”
They further said, “unless these clarifications are formally issued, the tendering process cannot be initiated, as procedural norms require complete alignment of administrative and financial approvals prior to floating of tenders,” adding, “even if the clarifications are issued within days, the work on the project will commence only during the next financial year, as initiation and culmination of the tendering process will take not less than three months”.
After issuance of the required clarifications by the administrative department, the Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority will formally approach the Roads and Buildings Department for floating of tenders for execution of the comprehensive project prepared by Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited (THDCIL).
“The released amount is part of the Rs 37.99 crore comprehensive project prepared by THDCIL, which has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlining long-term geo-technical solutions to stabilise the affected terrain around Surinsar Lake”, sources said, adding, “as per the DPR submitted by THDCIL, the entire project can be completed within a period of one year from the date of award of contract. However, execution of the project may take more time as less than half of the project cost has been released by the Government”.
The Surinsar Lake area has long been plagued by recurring incidents of land subsidence and road damage, particularly during the monsoon season, disrupting connectivity and raising serious safety concerns.
The comprehensive DPR prepared by THDCIL outlines a series of geo-technical interventions designed to ensure long-term stabilisation of the affected terrain. As per THDCIL, the population density around the Surinsar Lake area has increased significantly in recent years. However, the absence of a proper drainage system in the inhabited zones has worsened the problem of land subsidence.
The accumulation of finer particles such as silt and clay in the soil is reducing pore space, leading to soil compaction or subsidence, which has been identified as a major cause of sinking land near the lake.
THDCIL, which will oversee execution of the project to ensure that all works are carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions and recommendations laid down in the DPR, has also proposed modalities for implementation to ensure that public movement and visitor access remain unaffected during the execution phase.
The DPR not only focuses on stabilisation of land near the lake but also incorporates construction of a proper drainage system for residential areas, which is considered a critical component of the overall mitigation strategy.
The most severely affected stretch lies between the popular selfie point and the Government Higher Secondary School, including areas around the Shamshan Ghat and near the Narsingh Temple, where subsidence has been most prominent.
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