Div Com Kashmir reviews flood mitigation measures

Srinagar, Apr 7: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review flood mitigation measures undertaken by the Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department, along with preparedness of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.
The meeting focused on strengthening embankments to enhancing the overall flood resilience of the River Jhelum system besides mock drills of disaster management.
During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing flood management works and emphasized the need for timely execution of advance measures prior to the onset of the monsoon.
He also reviewed key non-structural interventions, including flood hazard mapping, land-use planning regulations, flood early warning systems, public awareness initiatives, and sediment management strategies such as regulated riverbed material extraction.
The Div Com also assessed preparedness and resource augmentation of NDRF and SDRF.
On the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner directed NDRF and SDRF to conduct regular mock drills in coordination with district administrations to ensure effective emergency response. He also stressed the importance of Yatra-specific preparedness of mountain rescue teams, alongside strengthening urban flood response mechanisms and augmenting equipment availability.
The Div Com directed I&FC Department to work as the nodal agency for resource and equipment pooling, as well as maintaining a centralized repository of manpower and contact details.
Furthermore, the Divisional Commissioner emphasized the need for clear demarcation of stretches along the River Jhelum under the jurisdiction of respective Executive Engineers.
He also directed the rational deployment of manpower, including shifting personnel from northern districts to southern areas for effective gauge monitoring across 126 identified beats comprising canals and rivulets of the Jhelum basin.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Engineer, I&FC; Executive Engineers; officers of NDRF and SDRF; and the Officer on Special Duty to the Divisional Commissioner.