Raja Syed Rather

Srinagar, Oct 29 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said several structural and non-structural measures are being taken to prevent and mitigate flash floods across the Union Territory, including strengthening infrastructure, early warning systems, and removal of encroachments on water channels.

In a written reply to a question by MLA Dr. Narinder Singh Raina, the Jal Shakti Department, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that flash floods are generally caused by intense rainfall and cloudbursts, and their prevention is not possible, but mitigation steps are being taken regularly under various schemes like Capex and NABARD.

The department said that 22 automatic water level sensors have been installed at key locations on the Jhelum River and its tributaries, with real-time data available is through the “Kashmir Flood Watch” website and mobile application.

It added that flood protection works, including the construction of embankments, gabion crates, and spurs, are being carried out at vulnerable spots in Jammu province. The Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP)/ERA is also preparing a detailed report on flood mitigation and river management for the Tawi River,” it said.

On the removal of encroachments, the department said that it keeps a “regular watch” on illegal constructions over nullahs and other water channels, and anti-encroachment drives are being conducted in coordination with the Revenue Department and District Administration under the J&K Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2010—(KNO)