Governance

Only few millimetres of rainfall caused such an abnormal rise in water levels, says KCCI, expresses concern

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Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) expressed concern at the abrupt rise in water levels in the flood channel and the River Jhelum.

Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, President KCCI stated that it was appalling to see that a few millimetres of rainfall has caused such an abnormal rise.

“The drainage system appears to be totally choked,” Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad said, adding that in view of the heavy snowfall during the winter months, increased water flow in rivers is expected during the summer months.”

“Post 2014 floods, a lot of flood prevention and disaster management measures have been announced. These include dredging of River Jhelum, construction of storm drains, increasing the water intake capacity of Wular Lake, etc. But even after the passage of five years, the water absorption capacity of our rivers, drainage system and flood channels appears to have been drastically reduced rather than having increased,” he said.

“The dredging operation seems to be a total failure. As are other short and long terms flood control measures,” he added.

KCCI said that the Government should initiate preventive measures on war footing.

“The wastage of substantial amounts of public money on ineffectual measures also needs to be looked into and responsibility fixed. There is an apparent adhocism in planning which has to be corrected before it’s too late,” KCCI said.

 

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