‘Ensure protection of Jhelum embankment at Shivpora’

Srinagar, Apr 13: MLA Lal Chowk Ahsan Pardesi conducted an on-spot inspection of the ongoing Jhelum embankment protection works under Flood Management Programme-Phase-II Part A at Shivpora and directed officials to complete the project at the earliest.

He was accompanied by officials from the Flood Control Department and residents who had raised concerns about strengthening Shivpora embankments, which had been breached at multiple spots during the 2014 floods.

The Central government-funded project stipulates the construction of the toe wall, slope stabilization, and embankment protection around Shivpora.

“Our concern is the protection of retaining walls of the bund around Shivprora and the safety of the cycle track on the bund near Dhar Bagh, which is witnessing cracks due to movement of trawlers carrying sand,” said Manzoor Ahmad, a resident of Shivpora B.

The officials, including engineers of the Flood Control Department, in the presence of MLA Lal Chowk assured Shivpora residents that their genuine concerns would be addressed. However, they said that the surplus material has to be lifted by the contractor based on royalty or consideration costs.

The residents expressed their appreciation at the outcome of MLA’s visit as it resolved their impending concerns.

Pardesi has also given the nod for the construction work of retaining walls at six spots at Shivpora and two parks on the Jhelum river side.