Flood management projects for Kashmir stuck amid technical disagreements, infra risks

Srinagar, Jul 25: Post-2014 floods, the Government of India approved two major flood‑management projects amounting to Rs 2021 crore to safeguard the Kashmir Valley from recurring flood threats. Yet, despite these significant allocations, the situation on the ground remains unchanged, with rain continuing to trigger flood scares across the Valley, even after Rs 488 crore has already been spent under these programmes. The core issue lies in the non‑execution of two vital components under Rs 1623 crore comprehensive flood management project phase- II.
Details lay bare that the Government of India approved two major flood-management projects: comprehensive flood management of river Jhelum and its tributaries, phase I (Rs 399 crore) and comprehensive flood management of river Jhelum and its Tributaries, phase II(A).
As per details, phase- I of the project included ancillary works such as strengthening embankments and dredging, while phase -II involved the re‑sectioning of the flood spill channel and widening of the outfall channel. These two components were expected to be game-changers, significantly enhancing the carrying capacity of the Jhelum.
The re-sectioning of the flood spill channel was estimated to cost Rs 400 crore, while the widening of the outfall channel the stretch of the Jhelum from Sopore-was also expected to be taken up under the project.
As per details, the Rs 1623-crore project was sanctioned in 2022, with a revised deadline for completion set for March 2027. However, work on these two key components is yet to commence due to technical disagreements between the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWRPS) and the consultant engaged by the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP).
According to official documents, the matter was referred to the Central Water Commission (CWC), which recommended lowering of sill level at the off‑take point of the Flood Spill Channel by two meters and maintaining a 1 in 5000 grade right up to Wular lake.
The lowering of the Flood Spill Channel is expected to affect 21 bridges, 39 lift irrigation schemes, and 13 water supply schemes.
The Irrigation and Flood Control Department subsequently took up the matter with the R&B Department to estimate the financial implications of bridges likely to be affected by the widening of the FSC.
In the meantime, the CWC also suggested to the J&K Government that the widening work on the Outfall Channel be put on hold.
When contacted, Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control, Showkat Ahmad said that they have to lower bed of the flood spill channel (FSC) by two meters right up to Wular lake.
“It is affecting 21 bridges whose foundations will be exposed by dredging. We had written to the Roads & Buildings Department to estimate the financial implications for strengthening/retrofitting these bridges,” he said, adding that the R&B Department has estimated that around Rs 500 crore will be required for reconstructing these bridges.
He said they have taken up the matter afresh with the Central Water Commission (CWC).
“The issue is pending with them. They will suggest whether we should lower it by two meters or less than that,” he said. (KNO)