Expedite work on Jhelum Flood Spill Channel: Div Com

Reviews progress of land acquisition cases, execution of dev works

SRINAGAR, MAY 15: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan today convened a meeting to review the progress of land acquisition cases and execution of works of Jhelum flood spill channel work.

          Additional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Collector Land Acquisition Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC), Assistant Commissioner and other concerned officers attended the meeting. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Commissioners of Budgam and Bandipora through video conferencing.

          The meeting was informed that the work on flood spill channel is being executed at an estimated cost of Rs. 399.29 crore under Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan which passes through districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Bandipora from Bemina to Naidkhai via Khushipora involving 1759 kanals of land.

          The Budgam administration informed that 974 kanals of land falling within the Budgam district come under the project and till today 21930 trees were axed while rest of tress will be chopped within 3 days of time. It was further informed that the administration had already started work at five locations where 5 machines and men were deployed on 5 km stretch.

          The Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned to deploy 40 additional machines immediately on the stretch and provide a report on daily basis. He also directed the authorities to create the dykes (space for dumping material) at necessary locations. He also asked DC Budgam to inspect the site personally and expedite the work on war footing basis. 

          With regard to the status of land falling within the project in the Srinagar district, the Div Com was informed that the entire area of 241 kanals falling within the project is Gair Mumkin Kual and that no compensation is due against its acquirement and the work has already been started.

          Whereas in respect to Bandipora, the Div Com was informed that compensation is due to be paid to private owners only for 22.50 kanals out of the total 113 kanals which fall within the project in the district.

Khan directed the Collector Land Acquisition Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) to disburse the compensation to the owners within three days and start the demolition work on the acquired land on next day.

          The Div Com asked all the concerned officials to speed up the pace of work and complete this project in the stipulated time frame so that Srinagar is saved from floods in future.