Srinagar, Aug 3(KNS): Senior PDP leader and Incharge Doru Constituency, Mohammad Ashraf Malik, has expressed serious concern over the continued delay in the execution of the Jhelum Flood Mitigation Project, saying that the prolonged administrative inaction has left Kashmir vulnerable to flooding despite repeated warnings and heavy public investment.
In a statement, Malik said the recent rainfall once again exposed the fragile drainage and flood management system, with several areas of Srinagar witnessing waterlogging within a few hours of rain. He said this situation reflects the failure to complete vital flood protection works and strengthen the Valley’s drainage infrastructure.
Malik said the Jhelum Flood Mitigation Project, approved under the Prime Minister’s Development Package to prevent a repeat of the devastating 2014 floods, has witnessed unacceptable delays. He urged the government to immediately remove all bottlenecks, expedite the floating of pending tenders, and ensure that dredging, desiltation, and river training works are completed on priority.
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He also called for the timely deployment of dewatering pumps, sucker machines, and other emergency equipment during periods of heavy rainfall, while stressing the need to upgrade Srinagar’s drainage network and repair damaged interior roads that worsen waterlogging.
“The people of Kashmir cannot afford complacency when it comes to flood preparedness. Every delay increases the risk to lives, property, and public infrastructure. The government must treat flood mitigation as a top priority and ensure that all pending projects are executed without further delay,” Malik said.
The PDP leader urged the administration to adopt a time-bound approach for completing all flood protection measures so that Kashmir is better prepared to face future weather-related challenges.(KNS).