Haq lays foundation of protection bunds in Shopian, Anantnag

‘All encroachments to be removed along river stream banks’

ANANTNAG: A week after Prime Minister announced a special package for Jammu and Kashmir, the Rural Development Department today formally launched flood protection works on various rivers and tributaries in the state.

Minister for Rural Development Department Abdul Haq Monday launched the flood protection works in Shopian and Anantnag with the foundation laying of bunds on Rambiara stream at Heff in district Shopian. The 4 kilometers bund on both sides of the stream will be constructed at a cost of Rs 1.39 crore.

Abdul Haq also laid foundation of protection bunds at Roh and Bane Nowgam in Anantnag district. In Anantnag the department has identified 13 most vulnerable spots where bunds will be constructed in the first phase. The bunds are being constructed at a total cost of Rs 55 crore.

The Minister was informed that the Rural Development Department is using latest Gabions for the construction of protection bunds instead of old crates as the Gabions are durable and stronger.

Abdul Haq while addressing the people said the government has prioritized flood related works in Rural Development sector to safeguard public properties from suffering losses during floods. He said under MGNREGA and 13th FC, the government is converging funds for flood related works so that people are benefitted.

He said such works will serve two purposes, “One people will get jobs under MGNREGA and second it will protect the village from floods”.

Abdul Haq said the construction of bunds was the responsibility of Irrigation and Flood Control department but the Rural Development Department has converged funds for the benefit of the people. “We have funds in the department so we can create such useful assets,” he said. “There was complaint of I&FC about lack of funds but now under convergence we made a way for flood restoration works,” he said.

The Minister said his department is discouraging the futile works like it was the norm earlier. He said department will create useful assets in the villages.

Stressing on the people to avoid encroaching the state land especially in flood prone areas, Abdul Haq said the encroachers will be dealt with strictly. “I have given clear cut directions to officers that no encroachment will be allowed. We will remove all encroachments that are identified during execution of flood protection project,” he added.

The Minister was accompanied by MLA Wachi Aijaz Ahmad, MLA Shopian, Advocate Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, DC Shopian, ADC Anantnag and other officials of District Anantnag and Shopian.