SRINAGAR: Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma today convened a high-level meeting to review the post flood scenario and measures initiated for restoration of various schemes that were hit by the recent floods in Kashmir Valley.
Commissioner/Secretary PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Chief Engineer, PHE, A. Lanker, Chief Engineer, I&FC, Mir Javed Jaffer and all district Superintendent Engineers of Kashmir Valley attended the meeting.
While taking appraisal of restoration works, the minister called upon the concerned SEs to speed up the efforts to complete the works in a time bound manner. He said working season is limited and strenuous efforts needed to restore the damaged infrastructure. He called for prioritization of projects and focus on such works which cover large population.
The minister directed the Chief Engineers to personally monitor the pace of restoration works so that these are completed in a time bound manner. He said found will not come in the way of restoration of essential services, adding that token amount of funds already placed at the disposal of both the departments. He stressed the need for judicious use of funds and ensuring quality works so that the sustainable infrastructure was created.
Dr. Kotwal briefed the minister about the post-flood situation and measures initiated for restoration of damaged infrastructure in the Valley. He said the restoration works in both the sectors are in full swing and hoped that all essential works would be completed before the on-set of winter in the Valley.
The Commissioner/Secretary also informed that a team of Central Water Commission is likely to visit the State in near future to make on-the-spot assessment for the cause of recent floods in the State. Before their visit the Commission has called for hydrological data of various rivers in the State and other details and nomination of nodal officers for providing certain information. He said the Government has nominated two officers viz, Chief Engineers, Irrigation & Flood Control, Jammu/Kashmir for maintaining close coordination with the Central Water Commission and providing any information required by them.