WE THE PEOPLE
Fore-warned is fore-armed, but recent Flood Alarm has not awakened Authorities so far
Hence Govt., should restore Flood Spill Channel to save city of Srinagar from impending Inundation
By: MNS/ M. Shirjeel
SRINAGAR: It needs to be stated that Kashmir valley is passing through Flood Season at present, but it is good luck that recent rains have not flooded our water bodies, otherwise much damage would have been caused to both Humans and Properties. However, it should serve as a warning to those, who are supposed to control floods in the Valley. The first thing they should do is to dredge the Flood Spill Channel from Padshahibagh to Banyari.
We are on record to have attracted attention of the State government on several occasions towards the deteriorated condition of the Flood Spill Channel. The Channel had been constructed to serve as a safety valve to the city of Srinagar. Necessary to state that the city is located on both the banks of river Jehlum with no scope to accommodate discharge of water during floods. Therefore, the channel was dug at Padshahi Bagh to divert excess flood discharge, thereby lessening pressure on the densely populated areas of Srinagar, and finally to join Wullar Lake at Banyari.
Pertinent to mention that it was during late seventies that attention was paid towards flood problem and a team of experts requisitioned from the Central Water Commission (CWC) besides the services of an expert from the University of Punjab were hired to formulate a project that could provide measures to control floods in the Valley. Finally, a Master Plan was prepared to suggest measures to counteract any threat to the lives and property of Kashmir population.
But it is unfortunate that no concrete action has been taken since its formulation and thus the threat looms large all along the horizon of the Valley. Moreover, there are huge encroachments on water-bodies, especially the river Jhelum which has further decreased the carrying capacity of flood discharge. There are large lagoons and islands which are full of plantation which contributes largely towards obstruction to the free flow of water. It is, therefore, high time to launch an intensive drive against all obstructions to make way for free flow of water.
Reverting back to the main flood spill channel, it is advisable that the State Government takes steps to remove the debris and silt load that has largely reduced the carrying capacity of the channel. The dredging of the Channel is required to be done for full width, leaving some space for berms, so that it gets activated to carry the designed flood discharge. If the Government faces any financial crunch, then alternatively people are asked to go for excavation of the bed right from its head to tail. However, one precaution is needed that such excavation should be done under technical supervision so that the cross section of the channel is kept and maintained at a uniform level besides embankments are not damaged. It will help general masses to obtain earth free of cost, but it will simultaneously save the State exchequer from incurring huge expenses on dredging of the channel.
Hence Govt., should restore Flood Spill Channel to save city of Srinagar from impending Inundation.
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