Phase-I of Jhelum dredging to be completed by March 2019

Srinagar, Aug 29 (Only Kashmir): Secretary PHE, I&FC, Farooq Ahmed Shah Wednesday called upon the engineers of the Flood Control Department to increase their visibility on ground and take proactive initiatives to achieve set goals for flood protection works in the State.
The Secretary issued these directions while chairing a high-level meeting to review the functioning of Flood Mitigation plans here today.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Engineer I&FC, M. M Shahnawaz, Director, Disaster Management Amir Ali, Ex- Chief Engineers, Experts, Superintendent Engineers, Executive Engineers of I&FC department and officers of allied departments.



The meeting was informed that in 1st phase, Rs 399.29 crore flood recovery project was taken up under Prime Ministers Development Package (PMDP). It was informed that the Ist phase of dredging and de-silting of River Jhelum will be completed by March 2019.
It was disclosed that out of Rs 399.29 crore, an amount of Rs 142.33 crore has been paid as land compensation of Flood Spill Channel (FSC) at Shariefabad and Naidkhai, Rs 82.00 crore for Re-Sectioning of FSC, while Rs 35 crore have been expended for construction of two bridges on FSC at Shariefabad and Naidkhai.
With regard to dredging of River Jhelum in various stretches, Rs 46 crore has been spent so far, while as Rs 73 crore for flood protection works on River Jehlum and vulnerable spots from Khannabal to Baramulla and Rs 20.96 crore have been spent on other project sub-heads.
The Secretary was informed that the amount has been spent on the works pertaining to flood protection, anti-erosion, widening of the river, raising of embankments, re-sectioning, de-silting and dredging of the river under the flood management plan.
He also directed officials to ensure zero tolerance of encroachments on the banks of FSC, Jhelum and other water bodies. He said that if any officer is found delaying the removal of encroachments, strict action will be taken against the officials.
On the occasion, Director Disaster Management, Ex- Chief Engineers and Experts of flood control gave their valuable suggestions to protect valley from the floods in future.