J-K Guv orders early dredging of River Jhelum

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra has issued directions for early commencement of mechanical dredging of River Jhelum which caused massive devastation during the September 2014 floods.
"The actual dredging work on both the sites (Srinagar and Baramulla districts) must be started without any further delay," Vohra said after getting a brief on the ongoing works during an inspection here.
Accompanied by his advisor, Khursheed Ahmad Ganai, and other senior officers, including Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Javid Jaffar and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Asgar Samoon, Vohra yesterday toured 'flood spill channel' at Padshahibagh and Shivpora here.
The Governor was informed by Jaffar that the cumulative dredging work done in Jhelum river till date was to the tune of 6.10 lakh cubic metres (cum). Similarly, dredging has been completed to the tune of 92,000 cum in the flood spill channel.

The Chief Engineer said the cumulative target set by the department was more than eight lakh cum to be achieved by the end of the current month.
He said this was over and above the dredging work to be executed through Kolkata-based Reach Dredgers which has been tasked with mechanical dredging of seven lakh cum in the Srinagar stretch and 9.15 lakh cum in Baramulla stretch.

The Chief Engineer explained that these works would continue round the year irrespective of changes in water-level in the river.
The identification of sites, construction of dykes and mobilization of dredgers has already been initiated at the sites of Bell mouth of flood spill channel at outfall channel Baramulla, the Chief Engineer said, adding, the mechanical dredging at the site would dredge out a mass of 200-250 cubic metres per hour.

The Governor directed officials to ensure that the
dredging work is carried out speedily and completed in time.
Under Prime Minister's Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Programme, 2015, the detailed project report for 'Priority Works- Comprehensive Plan for Flood Management Works on Jhelum Phase-1' costing Rs 399.29 crore has been carved out of the main project for 'Comprehensive Plan for Flood Management Works on Jhelum' costing Rs 2083 crores.
The main components of the project include re-sectioning and land acquisition to restore the width of the flood spill channel, especially at Shariefabad and Naidkhai, strengthening of embankments at particularly vulnerable spots of the river.

The works inspected by the Governor are part of the urgent dredging works initiated under this project.
Vohra had earlier also directed officials to ensure time- bound completion of all emergent flood protection works in a mission mode by constituting a group headed by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to deal with all matters connected with land acquisition and removal of encroachments.