Bandipora: To assess the post-rainfall situation and review the ongoing repair works on the Jhelum embankments, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, on Tuesday conducted an extensive visit to various low-lying areas of Hajin and Sumbal including main town Hajin, Banyari, Madwan, Bakshibal, Paribal, Wangipora Sumbal and adjoining areas.
During the field visit, DC interacted with local residents, took stock of the situation and the preventive measures being taken by the concerned departments.
Speaking on the occasion, DC said the administration’s primary objective is to ensure the safety and well-being of the people living in low-lying areas.
He said, recent rainfall highlighted certain vulnerable spots along the Jhelum embankments, and the administration is committed to addressing these issues on priority.
Qadri said that the Department of Irrigation and Flood Control has already initiated repair works, and all necessary steps are being taken to strengthen the embankments to prevent any potential threat to nearby habitations, besides genuine concerns raised by locals are being looked into and will be taken up in coordination with relevant departments.
DC also issued instructions to the concerned departments to identify and remove all encroachments on irrigation and flood control land. He emphasized that such encroachments hinder the free flow of water and pose a significant risk during heavy rainfall.
Interacting with the media, DC said that the purpose of the visit was to conduct an on-ground assessment of the post-rainfall conditions and to ensure that all precautionary and restoration measures are being implemented effectively.
Later, DC also inspected the irrigation canal at Wangipora, which has been affected due to the ongoing construction of Ring Road Phase II. He instructed the executing agency to speed up the pace of work and ensure the complete restoration of the canal before the onset of the irrigation season to avoid impact on agricultural activities in the area.
The DC was accompanied by Chief Planning Officer, Tehsildar Hajin, Executive Engineer I&FC along with engineers from the concerned departments during the visit.
