SRINAGAR: As flood alerts are issued across Jammu and Kashmir following intense rainfall and rising river levels, a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Pulwama, Waheed Parra has raised serious concerns over the state of the region’s flood control infrastructure, highlighting the prolonged absence of senior engineering officials.
CM & LG issue flood alerts, yet 10 months into the elected government, J&K still has no Chief Engineer Flood Control. Of 13 sanctioned posts, 10 remain vacant despite 8 promotions being due. Just last week, hundreds died in cloudbursts and this is despite the devastating floods…
— Waheed Para (@parawahid) August 24, 2025
The MLA criticised the administration for failing to appoint a Chief Engineer of the Flood Control Department, even 10 months into the current elected government’s term.
“Despite advisories from both the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor, the state continues to function without a Chief Engineer Flood Control,” the legislator said, pointing out that 10 out of 13 sanctioned posts in the department remain vacant, including several senior-level positions.
According to the MLA, eight officers are eligible for promotion, but their appointments have been delayed without explanation. He added that the issue reflects a serious lapse in governance at a time when the region faces annual flooding risks.
“Just last week, hundreds of lives were lost in cloudbursts. Have we learnt nothing from the devastating floods of 2014?” the MLA questioned, criticising the government for relying solely on advisories while failing to address the administrative gaps.
The remarks come amid an ongoing emergency response to heavy rainfall and cloudburst-related incidents in multiple districts, including Kishtwar and Kathua. Both the CM and LG have assured the public that agencies are on alert, but concerns remain over the preparedness and capacity of infrastructure departments.
The MLA has called on the government to fill these critical vacancies immediately, warning that further inaction could cost more lives and livelihoods.
