SRINAGAR: Amid worsening weather conditions and rising water level in the River Jhelum, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday conducted inspections at Barzulla and Gandbal to assess ongoing flood mitigation efforts by the Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) Department.
At the automatic water level recording site near the Bone and Joint Hospital in Barzulla, Garg directed officials to immediately seal a vulnerable gap in the flood channel’s left bank, which poses a potential flooding risk to the hospital premises. The location is critical for drainage outflow and hospital dewatering systems.
The Superintending Engineer (SE), IFC, was instructed to formulate a permanent solution to prevent future breaches in the area.
Speaking to the media during the inspection, Garg noted that water levels at Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh were continuing to rise. However, he added that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast a possible decline in the levels later in the day.
He assured the public that the IFC Department had already activated a contingency plan to address any emergency. At the Bone and Joint Hospital, sandbags were being deployed to fill the gap, with work expected to be completed within hours.
In South Kashmir, District Disaster Management teams have initiated evacuation operations in low-lying areas, relocating several families to safer locations. In Kulgam, district administration teams remained active overnight, ensuring the evacuation of residents in nine villages.
“In areas affected by inundation in Anantnag and Kulgam, evacuation protocols are being followed,” Garg stated.
He also confirmed that contingency measures had been enacted in Srinagar, where district administration teams are actively monitoring the situation. Emergency control rooms are fully operational, and essential services such as power and telecommunications remain functional.
“We must all stay vigilant. People are advised to heed official advisories and avoid venturing near water bodies,” Garg urged, adding that magistrates have been deployed to oversee the situation and alert the public as necessary.
During his visit, the Div Com also reviewed healthcare service delivery at the Bone and Joint Hospital, inspecting the availability of medical personnel and essential medicines.
Later, Garg proceeded to Gandbal to examine reinforcement work along the riverbank near the local bridge. Engaging with residents, he assured them of a long-term solution for strengthening the embankment and completing pending works.
The day concluded with a visit to the Union Territory (UT)-level Emergency Operation Centre at Hari Niwas, where Garg reviewed the status of distress call management and the resolution of urgent public concerns.
