Gund’s Rayil Naad Pati residents seek flood protection measures

Ganderbal, Aug 20: Residents of Rayil Naad Pati in Gund tehsil of Ganderbal have expressed concern over the recent flood-like situation that damaged portions of land and threatened residential areas. They are urging the authorities to carry out proper dredging of the local stream and construct protective bunds on both sides.The locals said that last week’s heavy rains caused the water level in the nallah to rise suddenly, leading to erosion of their land. “Our land portions were washed away by the floodwater. We live in fear every time it rains because the water level rises suddenly and enters our area,” said a local.The residents added that a portion of the bund was also damaged in the incident. “If the bund is not repaired and strengthened, the water can easily turn towards residential areas during rains,” another villager said.They urged the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department to take immediate preventive measures. “We appeal to the department to carry out proper dredging with suitable machinery and construct bunds on both sides of the stream so that people are safeguarded in the future,” they said.Meanwhile, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) Er S A Qadri of the I&FC Department said dredging work with a JCB machine has already been taken up in the area. “We are aware of the concerns of locals. Their genuine demand for deploying an LNT machine will also be considered through proper sanctions to ensure better dredging and long-term protection,” he assured.