Kashmir faces recurrent floods; measures on to enhance Jhelum’s capacity: Govt

Srinagar, Mar 15: The Kashmir valley continues to face the recurring threat of floods, with historical data showing that major floods occur approximately once every six years. The government is actively implementing various flood management projects aimed at reducing these risks, particularly by enhancing the carrying capacity of the Jhelum River, the government stated on Saturday.
Responding to a query from MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah, Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana acknowledged the valley’s longstanding vulnerability to floods. He noted that floods in 1902, 1959, and 2014 were among the most extreme in recent memory.
Official records reveal that the Jhelum basin has experienced 34 significant floods since 1800, with an average recurrence rate of one flood every six years.
In response to the devastating September 2014 floods, the Government of India allocated Rs. 2,083 crore under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) in 2015 for the flood management of the Jhelum River and its tributaries. The project was divided into two phases: Phase I, worth Rs. 399.29 crore, and Phase II (Part-A), with an estimated cost of Rs. 1,623.43 crore.
Phase I, approved by the Ministry of Water Resources (MOWR) in 2015-16, is now nearing completion, increasing the carrying capacity of the Jhelum River from 31,800 cusecs to 41,000 cusecs in the Srinagar reach.
Phase II (Part-A), approved in March 2022 at a cost of Rs. 1,623.43 crore, aims to mitigate flood risks further by accommodating 60,000 cusecs of water flow. The project is currently under execution, with Rs. 114.293 crore spent from Central Assistance. Of the 30 bank protection works planned, 29 have been tendered, and 16 are complete, with the overall progress standing at 80%.
“The Entry and Exit Gates at Hokersar wetland, completed at a cost of Rs. 28.45 crore, have been crucial for the rejuvenation of the wetland. During lean periods, the gates will be closed to maintain a pondage level of 3-4 feet, helping nourish the wetland’s ecosystem and provide a habitat for migratory birds,” the Minister added.
Regarding the Flood Spill Channel (FSC) and Outfall Channel (OFC), the Minister mentioned that work has not yet commenced due to differing reports from expert agencies. After 11 meetings, the Central Water Commission (CWC) report was received in December 2024 and is currently under review.
The Minister further explained that the comprehensive flood management project, “Comprehensive Flood Management Works on River Jhelum & Its Tributaries—Phase II,” was framed with an estimated cost of Rs. 5,411.54 crore and submitted to the Department of Water Resources (DoWR), Ministry of Jal Shakti, in January 2019 for approval.
“The CWC in their observations recommended to prioritise the works and come up with the Part A & B of the project separately in view of the available funds,” he said.
The Minister in its reply said that in-principle approval was accorded by the State Administrative Council in June 2019 to the DPR, with the stipulation that while the department may proceed with the implementation of Part-A (estimated at Rs. 1684.6 cr.) utilising the available funds, with respect to the remaining, i.e.
“Part-B, the department may explore financing options. Thereafter, in July 2022, Administrative Approval of Part A of Phase-II has been accorded for Rs. 1623.43 crores,” he added.