Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Aug 28: Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Thursday reassured residents that the flood-like situation is under control, but cautioned that the next 10–15 days remain crucial as the monsoon season continues in the Valley.
He appealed to the people to strictly follow weather advisories and maintain cooperation with the administration.
Addressing the media at his office chamber, Div Com Anshul Garg said the Jhelum and its tributaries are being closely monitored, with teams on high alert round the clock. “I would like to congratulate the people for handling the situation with calmness and courage. While our departments, DCs, Army, Police, SDRF, and NDRF monitored every detail, it is the people’s resilience and awareness that prevented panic,” he said.
The Div Com shared that the next 40 days of monsoon, till mid-September, are sensitive, and vigilance is key. “The water level in the Jhelum at Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh has receded, but this is a temporary relief. The next 10–15 days are crucial and residents must follow advisories strictly,” he added.
Garg revealed that over 150 vulnerable embankment points across Kashmir were monitored continuously and no breach was reported in the last 48 hours. He praised the Irrigation & Flood Control Department for strengthening embankments and tackling the high-water levels that touched a 10-year high at Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh earlier this week.
On illegal riverbed mining and embankment safety, he responded to a query and said illegal sand mining is a threat to embankment protection. “We have acted against such practices and ensured the safety of bunds. The resilience of our embankments during this high-water phase reflects the preparedness of the department,” he said.
The Div Com also said the Meteorological Department continues to provide updated forecasts, and the administration has circulated emergency numbers for citizens. “This is not the time for complacency. All internal departments will function 24×7, and suggestions from residents are welcome as we prepare a long-term flood management strategy,” he added.
The Div Com Garg also addressed concerns about mobile connectivity disruptions caused by extensive damage in Jammu. “I personally spoke to in-charge teams of BSNL and Airtel. They are working round the clock, and full mobile connectivity is expected to be restored in the next few hours. Both the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor are updated about the situation,” he said.
Pertinently, Airtel, BSNL, and Jio networks had suffered multiple snags this week. Airtel services were restored on Wednesday after fiber cuts, but BSNL and Airtel again faced technical issues, leaving residents struggling with connectivity, while Jio services among them were very less affected.
The Divisional Commissioner Garg said the coordinated efforts of government agencies, the Army’s 15 Corps, and disaster response forces, backed by public cooperation, have kept the situation under control. “The water level is receding; there was no need to panic. With continued caution and cooperation, we will overcome this challenge,” he said. (KNO)
