STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Former BJP Minister Choudhary Sukhnandan Kumar on Tuesday referred to a 2013 communication from the Jammu & Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) to highlight what he described as administrative lapses that have contributed to the present flood situation in Jammu.
At a press conference, Sukhnandan produced a letter dated May 14, 2013, written by the then Managing Director of JKPCC to the Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control Department. The letter had raised concerns about the placement of the barrage on Nikki Tawi, downstream of the newly constructed 4th Tawi bridge. It had specifically warned that the arrangement of the barrage gates could threaten the safety of the bridge and increase the risk of flooding in residential areas during heavy rains.
Sukhnandan said that the National Conference-led government of the time failed to act on these technical warnings, which, according to him, has contributed to the flood challenges being faced today. “This document is proof that timely corrective measures could have reduced today’s risk,” he remarked.
He further stated that subsequent construction of embankments along the Tawi river under BJP governments had played a crucial role in safeguarding several parts of Jammu from further damage this monsoon. “Had those embankments not been built, the scale of destruction could have been far greater,” he said.
While calling for greater accountability in responding to expert warnings, Sukhnandan urged the administration to immediately strengthen flood protection measures in Jammu. “The safety of lives and property must always remain above political considerations. Lessons from the past must guide our future,” he added.
The resurfacing of the 2013 letter has reignited debate over the adequacy of preventive steps taken in Jammu to address recurring flood threats. Others who attended the press briefing include Ex Sarpanch Ch Bachan Lal from Abdulian, Ex Sarpanch Binny Sharma from Badyal Brahamana and Dr Pardeep Magotra Media Incharge BJP, J&K.