J&K Governor orders early dredging of River Jhelum

Srinagar, Mar 7: 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.

After getting a brief, Vohra directed Samoon to initiate a cleanliness drive of the river while the dredging process was on and also for a beautification drive along the riverfront on both sides.

PTI