SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 25: In an effort to demarcate and designate flood basin areas of the River Jhelum, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, chaired a preliminary meeting to discuss the modalities for the notification of flood basin zones. The meeting, aimed at addressing flood management concerns, was attended by the Deputy Commissioners of Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, Bandipora, and Ganderbal, along with the Chief Engineer of Irrigation & Flood Control, Executive Engineers, and officers from the Wildlife and Ecology, Environment, and Remote Sensing departments.
The meeting began with a detailed presentation by the concerned officers of the Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) department, highlighting key information about the inundated areas from the September 2014 floods. The presentation covered land use, flood zoning, and human activity regulation within the flood basin areas. It also provided an update on the status and mapping of significant flood basins, including Hokersar Wetland, Nowgam Jheel, Higam Jheel, Narkara Numbal, Anchar Lake, Wullar Lake, and the left side of River Jhelum from Sangam to Padshahibagh.
A comprehensive discussion followed, addressing a wide range of issues to mitigate the impact of floods. The meeting focused on classifying the areas into three zones: prohibited, regulated, and warning zones, based on the extent of human activity allowed in each.
In his address, the Divisional Commissioner emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Deputy Commissioners and the concerned departments—Irrigation & Flood Control, Forest, and Revenue departments—to conduct a thorough study and survey of the flood basins. He directed the submission of tentative proposals for the official notification of these areas.
Given the forecast of inclement weather, the Divisional Commissioner also urged the Deputy Commissioners to remain vigilant and ensure that necessary preparations, including keeping men and machinery on standby, are made to maintain the smooth and uninterrupted operation of essential services across the valley. This proactive approach aims to ensure public convenience and safety during adverse weather conditions.