Farooq Shah seeks
proactive, time-bound action on Flood Mitigation Plan
SRINAGAR, AUGUST
29: Secretary PHE, I&FC, Farooq Ahmed Shah today 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.
He said that any
defaulter contractor or the contractor working not upto the mark will face
cancellation of their allotted tenders. He said that the projects are of utmost
importance and Governor Administration is personally monitoring the project. He
said these works once finished will greatly reduce the risks of flood in the
coming years.
The meeting was
informed that 2nd phase of dredging amounting to Rs. 1684 Cr will start very
soon for which survey is under process through web cost sponsored by
government.
The Secretary
said that Governor Administration is keen to provide liberal funding
for these projects.
He said that
dredging unit in Baramulla will be revived. For the purpose, the Secretary
said two dredgers machines will be purchased soon, and tenders in this regard
have already been finalized. Men and machinery will work 24x7, employees will
be given trainings for driving of dredgers, added Farooq.
The meeting also
discussed about the proposal to connect Anchar lake with Sindh nallah is in
pipeline.
The Secretary
also directed concerned officers to start de-silting work of Chunt Khul on
war footing basis, for which the SOPs put in place by the LAWDA have been discussed
threadbare.
To deal with any
kind of flood threat in future, the Secretary impressed for keeping field staff
and JCB Machinery ready.
The meeting also
decided to prepare a proposal for the construction of Seasonally Small Dams
near rivers for preserving of water.
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.
