Ignoring flood mitigation measures historic negligence: Cong’s Dr Audil

Srinagar, Aug 28: The Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) leader Dr Audil Farooq Mir (Lasjan) has reminded the J&K Government, Lieutenant Governor-led administration and the Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department that repeated warnings and representations about the deteriorating state of River Jhelum, its tributaries, and flood spillover channels have been ignored, risking another calamity like 2014.Dr Audil Farooq Mir (Lasjan), Member PCC & Media Coordinator Kashmir, in a statement issued here, said: “I had warned the Government and administration time and again that immediate de-siltation of River Jhelum and its spillover channels, along with strengthening of embankments, is crucial to mitigate recurring flood risks. Sadly, these repeated warnings and calls for preventive action have been met with bureaucratic inaction.”He added that despite the existence of the Jhelum-Tawi Flood Recovery Project and Riverfront Development Schemes, basic flood control measures have been sidelined, leaving thousands of residents vulnerable.Dr Mir reiterated the demands made in his official communications, which include large-scale de-siltation of River Jhelum and its spillover channels starting from Kursu Raj Bagh; reinforcement of embankments and flood protection infrastructure to prevent breaches; a time-bound action plan for de-siltation, embankment repairs, and the Dogripora Alternate Flood Channel; and continuous monitoring and maintenance to prevent recurring crises.“The people of Jammu & Kashmir deserve safety, not lip service. If timely steps are not taken, the government will be squarely responsible for avoidable disasters,” Dr Mir warned.The Congress leader has urged the Chief Secretary, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, and the District Development Commissioner Srinagar to intervene immediately and ensure that corrective measures are not delayed any further. ‎