Government launches flood protection work in Jammu and Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has started the work to strengthen banks of rivers and streams in the state as part of the flood protection programme, and also remove any encroachment in flood prone areas.

Rural Development minister Abdul Haq launched the flood protection works with the foundation laying of bunds on Rambiara stream at Heff in Shopian and Roh and Bane-Nowgam in Anantnag districts.

The Rural Development Department formally launched the flood protection works on various rivers and tributaries and is using latest 'durable and stronger' gabions for the construction of protection bunds instead of old crates, an official spokesperson said today.

While the four-kilometre bund on both sides of Rambiara stream will be constructed at a cost of Rs 1.39 crore, Rural development department has identified 13 most vulnerable spots where bunds will be constructed in the first phase in Anantnag district at a total cost of Rs 55 crore.

Stressing on the people to avoid encroaching the state land especially in flood prone areas, the minister said "the violators will be dealt with strictly.

"I have given clear cut directions to officers that no encroachment will be allowed. We will remove all encroachments that are identified during execution of flood protection project," he said.

Haq said the government has prioritised flood-related works in rural development sector to safeguard public properties from suffering losses during floods.

He said such works will serve two purposes - one, people will get jobs under MGNREGA and second, it will protect the villages from floods.