JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has launched extensive flood protection and water body restoration projects across the Union Territory, aiming to mitigate erosion, rejuvenate key lakes and rivers, and improve irrigation infrastructure. Multiple departments, including the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Housing and Urban Development Department, Forest Department, and Rural Development Department, are working together to implement these measures.
The government disclosed this information in response to a question raised in the assembly by legislator Irfan Hafiz Lone. Officials said that under Phase-II of the Flood Management Programme (FMP) for River Jhelum and its tributaries, 30 anti-erosion works have been undertaken at a cost of Rs 274 crore, with 16 completed so far. The overall progress of these works is reported to be 80 per cent. For Dal and Nigeen lakes, the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) has been overseeing efforts such as drone surveys, CCTV installation, barricades, and the construction of the Western Foreshore Road to curb encroachments and define boundaries. The government has also carried out dredging and de-weeding operations, clearing 6.5 sq. km of invasive species in the last two years. Waste management has been strengthened through the installation of five sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a total capacity of 36.73 million litres per day (MLD), while 718 houseboats have been connected to a sewer network to prevent pollution
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A series of projects aimed at protecting smaller rivulets and canals is also underway. The restoration of water bodies in the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency has been a key focus, with major investments allocated under NABARD and PMKSY schemes. Ningli Nallah has seen the completion of flood protection works worth Rs 5.84 crore under FMBAP Phase-II, while a separate Rs 22.37 crore project for flood mitigation under NABARD’s RIDF-XXX is currently 20 per cent complete. Restoration projects have also been initiated for Gundari Nallah and Bal Khul, with a DPR worth Rs 6.94 crore submitted for approval. Other key projects include the renovation of Khalri Khul, which has utilised Rs 3.21 crore out of its allocated Rs 13.72 crore budget under PMKSY, and the rejuvenation of Delina Khul, where Rs 3.62 crore has been spent out of a total Rs 15.13 crore budget
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Additional interventions include the construction of gabion and crate bund structures along key water bodies such as Gundari Nullah, Kein Ara, Khalri Nallah, and Kundri Nallah to prevent soil erosion and stabilise banks. Springs have been renovated at locations like Nilsar and Check Naag, while irrigation minors have been constructed in areas including Kuchwa Muqam, Vizer, and Wagoora to support local agriculture. The development of water harvesting tanks in Darwa and Kalantra Payeen is also helping to regulate irrigation supply. Furthermore, 25,000 trees have been planted under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 to support watershed sustainability
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The government is also considering including Ningli and Gundari Nallahs in the next phase of FMBAP (2026-31) for further flood protection measures. Meanwhile, a DPR is being prepared for Khurshi Nallah, estimated at Rs 5.5 crore, to expand irrigation facilities in Tehsil Khoie. However, the government stated that there is no immediate plan to construct a lift irrigation scheme in Khoie or to establish a dewatering shed at Rakh Haygam Haritar
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The restoration of water bodies and flood protection measures are being implemented in a phased manner, with authorities asserting that they are ensuring that the projects align with ecological conservation and urban planning requirements.
