J&K govt seeks Centre's help for implementing flood project

The Jammu and Kashmir government today sought technical assistance from the Union Water Resources Ministry for the implementation of the flood management programme around Jhelum and Tawi rivers.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti raised the issue with Secretary of Union Ministry of Water Resources Shashi Shekhar, who called on her here today, a government spokesman said.
The Chief Minister called for immediate implementation of the flood management programme around river Jhelum and Tawi rivers, he said.
The programme will be implemented in two phases. Phase I costs Rs 399 crore and phase II Rs 1,178 crore. The funds have been sanctioned under the Rs 80,000-crore Prime Minister's Development Plan for the state.

The Union Secretary informed the Chief Minister that around Rs 20 crore have already been released to the state under Phase I and more funds would be released as soon as the utilization certificates are sent to the Union Ministry.
To expedite the project, the Chief Minister said the state government would also seek the help of the Union Shipping Ministry and Dredging Corporation of India.
The Chief Minister was informed that with the execution of both the phases of the programme, the carrying capacity of Jhelum will increase from existing 40,000 cusecs to 60,000 cusecs.
The Chief Minister also sought the intervention of the Union Water Resources Ministry to place a robust infrastructure in place for flood management around Jhelum, Tawi, Chenab and small rivers and nallas (streams) including Veshow, Rambiara, Bringi and Romshu.