Historical Chattabal weir in J-K restored

Srinagar, Dec.5 (ANI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has planned to start water transport as the historical Chattabal weir has been restored in the valley.

"This is a humble effort of the incumbent government that Chattabal weir has been restored. The water level is full. You will not see houseboats on the riverbeds. You will not see children playing in the Jhelum River," said Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister of Public Health Engineering (PHE), Irrigation and Flood control.

"And we have also thought of giving permits for the water transport. Water buses and water taxis will be available for water transport," he added.

Taj Mohi-ud-Din further said the cost of restoration of the historical weir is 100 million rupees.

Residents said with the restoration of Chattabal weir, the beauty of city has returned. Moreover, the houseboats have returned back to the rivers.

"If we talk of the benefits of this Chattabal weir, water transport is main issue. Earlier, it was also important route for navigation purposes. Earlier, Chattabal weir was dry, so navigation was not possible. Now the rivers are full of water," said Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident.

The government began the restoration work of the weir in 2009 to control the water level of water bodies in valley.

The weir is 106 years old when the British engineers constructed it between 1903-1907 in the valley. (ANI)