Progress reviewed on Jhelum flood plain notification in Srinagar

Srinagar, Dec 2: The Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat today chaired a meeting here to assess the progress on notification of water bodies, low lying areas and wetlands as flood basins along the peripheries of River Jhelum, Anchar lake,  Hokersar Lake and Narkara area in the District.

Besides Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Aijaz Ahmad Shah and Tehsildar Headquarters, Umer Gulzar, the meeting was attended by Executive Engineer Irrigation & Flood Control and other concerned Officers.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner discussed threadbare the measures being taken with regard to the notification of flood basins in the District in respect of River Jhelum, Anchar lake, Hokersar Lake and Narkara parts falling within the jurisdiction of Srinagar.

On the occasion, the DC stressed the I&FC Officers to expedite the process regarding notification as per the guidelines of Water Resource Regulatory Authority.

He also instructed them to complete the process of mapping along all identified vulnerable spots as recorded indentation along all the Water bodies, low lying areas and wetlands.

The DC also stressed on protection of the water bodies and wetlands that form vital ecosystems supporting local livelihoods, with social, economic, ecological and aesthetic benefits. He also emphasizes that water bodies are pivotal in flood moderation by acting as absorption basins and their role cannot be ignored in view of the impacts of climate  change coupled with high variability in rainfall patterns.