KINS Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 28 (KINS): The Jammu and Kashmir Government has acknowledged that several localities along the Jhelum River in Srinagar — including Lasjan, Gandbal, Soiteng, Vethpara, Padshahi Bagh, Kursoo Rajbagh, Shivpora, Sonawar, Batwara, Rajbagh, and Jawahar Nagar — are prone to flooding when river discharge exceeds approximately 40,000 cusecs.
In a written reply to Starred A.Q. No. 279 tabled by MLA Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed, the Minister Incharge Jal Shakti Department as per news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) confirmed that the habitations, especially on the left bank of River Jhelum, face higher vulnerability due to their low-lying topography.
Outlining the short-term flood mitigation measures, the Government said that weak spots identified during embankment safety audits are being restored through temporary protection works, including the laying of filled EC bags. Ahead of the flood season, advance preparedness is ensured by pre-positioning filled EC bags at critical points, while men and machinery remain on standby under stage contracts to respond to emergencies. These efforts are coordinated with the District Administration, the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRRR), and other concerned departments.
Under long-term and permanent flood protection measures, several bank protection works worth 12.30 crore have been undertaken at critical locations as part of PMDP Phase-II. Additionally, embankment raising in vulnerable stretches worth ₹2.49 crore has been completed to enhance the overall flood resilience of the affected localities.
The department clarified, however, that permanent immunity against floods is not techno-economically feasible, though the risks can be substantially reduced through both structural and non-structural measures, including flood early warning systems and floodplain zoning.(KINS)
