‘Flood threat continues to loom over JK’
Awantipora, Srinagar, Sonawari prone to deluge: Economic Survey Report
Barely six months after the devastating deluge hit Jammu and Kashmir, an official report tabled in the State Legislative Assembly here has set the alarm bells ringing across the State by cautioning about “another flood anytime.”
The Economic Survey Report has categorically identified Srinagar, Awantipora and Sonawari as flood-prone areas and called for immediate dredging of state rivers.
The survey has also stressed on developing one more flood spill channel to off load main rivers from flood waters.
The report states that more than 700 villages remained submerged in the September floods.
“Srinagar got submerged due to flood water. About 300 people lost their lives while 6.48 lakh hectare agricultural land got affec ted. About three lakh houses got partially and fully damaged,” it reads.
“Low lying areas of Kashmir especially Awantipore, Srinagar and Sonawari are prone to devastating floods anytime while parts of Jammu which get high discharge of rains caused devastation. Upper catchments of all the tributaries of Jehlum, Chenab, Indus and Tawi are prone to flash floods.”
The survey says historic city of Srinagar remained submerged during the last year’s deluge and will require special focus for construction of flood protection infrastructure, dredging rivers, and development of one more flood spill channel to off load the main river from flood waters.
It says the experiences with regard to un-preparedness also need to be fully pooled so that systems are planned to be in place.
“As per the estimates, the government offices alone suffered the loss of Rs 1100 crore,” the report reads.