‘Strengthen flood channel embankments along Rawalpora-Peerbagh’

Srinagar, June 30: Residents of various areas along the Rawalpora-Peerbagh flood channel want authorities to strengthen the embankments.

They said that during downpours, the water level of the flood channel raises, putting the area at risk.

A delegation of residents of these areas told Greater Kashmir that strengthening embankments will secure the area. They said the department had dredged the channel, which helped during the previous downpour.

“We appreciate the department's work but request that the embankments on the Hamdania Colony side be made in concrete and further raised. This will further secure the area and avoid risking hundreds of households,” said, a local.

The locals said that the channel be given walk tracks so that it presents a nice look besides protecting the area from inundation.

“Right now, the department is working on the dredging work of the flood channel, and we request them to use that material to further raise the embankment on Hamdania Colony side too. We also want authorities to do concretization and lay a proper walk track or blacktopping till Pirbagh,” said another local said.

Executive Engineer I&FC Department, Zaffar Mustafa said that the department will strengthen the embankments wherever necessary.

“We have carried out dredging work, which is still ongoing. Once that is done, we will inspect the other side of the channel, too, and strengthen the embankments wherever necessary. As far as laying footpath and other developmental work is concerned, that was done by another department on the opposite side, and if they want to do it on this side too, we will provide all necessary cooperation,” Mustafa said.