Waris Fayaz
Srinagar, Mar 11 : Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday revealed its plan for a major infrastructure boost for water resources development and flood protection in Sopore constituency with over Rs 60 crore worth projects either under execution or in the pipeline.
Responding to a query raised by MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, the Minister I/C Jal Shakhti Department, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), informed that flood protection and modernization works have been approved, aiming to enhance water flow capacity, reduce flooding and improve water resource management in Sopore constituency.
The Minister revealed that a flood protection project for Ningli Nallah has been recently approved under NABARD, with a total cost of Rs 16.89 crore, of which work is currently under execution.
Regarding the modernization of Zaingeer Canal, the government has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Rs 44.85 crore, which is awaiting NABARD funding.
For Pohru Nallah, the Minister informed that one flood protection work has already been completed under Flood Management Programme (FMP) Phase-II, while another is under execution under the UT Capex budget. Additionally, a survey has been completed for Khursi Nallah downstream National Highway, and a DPR is being framed accordingly.
The Minister also informed that, under the FMP Phase-II, an expenditure of Rs 75.00 lakh was incurred on Pohru Nallah, and Rs 101.00 lakh on Ningli Nallah.
Additionally, under the UT Capex budget, Rs 35.00 lakh has been spent on Pohru Nallah, and Rs 38.37 lakh on Ningli Nallah besides that, Rs 90.00 lakh was spent under NABARD funding for the Ningli Nallah works.
Under the M&R (Maintenance & Repair) fund, Rs 15.00 lakh was spent on Pohru Nallah, and Rs 10.00 lakh on Ningli Nallah besides, Rs 16.10 lakh was utilized under PRI grants for the same, the Minister informed.
Addressing the sustainability of water sources, the Minister stated that the DPRs are based on detailed surveys, ensuring that the source water quality meets BIS 10500 standards. Furthermore, the projects have been designed with Rapid Sand Filtration Plants (RSFP) to ensure clean and sustainable water supply in the region—(KNO)
