SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said that the removal of encroachments along water bodies, including the Jhelum River, is being given top priority.
Replying to a question from MLA Mubarak Gul, the Minister for the Jal Shakti Department, said that directions have been issued to all field officers to maintain strict vigilance and take immediate action against any reported encroachments.
He said that 412 kachha/pacca structures, 301 boundary walls, and 3,35,704 trees have been removed from the banks of the Jhelum River.
The minister further noted that the weir at Chattabal plays a pivotal role in maintaining the water level in the Jhelum and is fully operational, ensuring navigable water depth for boats during the winter season only.
“The beautification work of the Jhelum bund was executed by the Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department, with funds provided under the Smart City Project, overseen by the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD). A Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth Rs 68.02 crore was approved by the CEO of Smart City for the beautification of the Jhelum bunds,” he said. (KNO)
