JAMMU: The carrying capacity of the Jhelum River has been increased from 31,800 cusecs to 41,000 cusecs following dredging operations undertaken under the Flood Management Programme (FMP) Phase-I. The project, carried out between 2016 and 2018 in Srinagar and Baramulla, was completed at a cost of Rs 47 crore.
Meanwhile, restoration and reinforcement of flood protection bunds are being carried out at various locations under FMP Phase-II. The ongoing works, covering Shivpora, Gandbal, Rajbagh, and Batwara, aim to maintain the embankments’ strength and prevent potential breaches. Additionally, under the Srinagar Smart City project, river protection and beautification works have been completed along the bund road at Kursoo Rajbagh and Aramwari.
Officials have stated that no incidents of sloughing have been reported at Batwara and Soiteng, and these areas are not currently considered vulnerable. However, the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department is assessing proposals for widening the bund, creating parking spaces, and beautifying embankments at locations including Shivpora, Batwara, Rajbagh, and Gandbal.
The administrative approval for FMP Phase-II (Part-A), estimated at Rs 1,623.43 crore, was granted in July 2022. However, differences in expert opinions on the impact of dredging on the river’s carrying capacity led to a review by the Central Water Commission (CWC). The CWC’s report has now been received and is under examination, as the suggested measures involve significant financial implications.
Key ongoing and completed flood protection works under FMP-II and the Srinagar Smart City project include the construction of toe walls, stone pitching, retaining walls, and viewing decks. Among these, a 160-metre RCC toe wall and block pitching at Shivpora are in progress, while a 126-metre section at Gandbal has been completed. Retaining walls and stone pitching along a 1,400-metre stretch in Kursoo Rajbagh have been finished, with additional works planned. Embankment slope strengthening at Soiteng and outer toe wall reinforcement at Rajbagh have also been successfully completed.
