Srinagar: Post rains from the last four days, water level in river Jhelum crossed the “flood declaration” mark at Sangam in south Kashmir and Ram Munshi Bagh here on Wednesday. There was also spate in other water bodies but with rains relenting, the water level receded at most places including Sangam at 10 p.m.
An official of Irrigation and Flood Control department Kashmir told GNS that the water level of Jhelum crossed 21-ft at Sangam in south Kashmir, when flood is declared, at around noon and flowed at 22.07-ft at 9 p.m. However the water level has now started to recede at Sangam as it was flowing at 22.07-ft at 10 p.m.
“The gauge at Ram Munshi Bagh crossed the flood declaration level of 18-feet at around 7 p.m. at 10 p.m. the river was flowing at 19.24,” he said. However he expressed optimism that the water level would recede in next few hours as the rains stopped across the Valley.
Nevertheless, the habitations along the embankments of River Jhelum and in low lying areas of Central Kashmir have been advised to remain vigilant, the official said.
At Asham in Bandipora district, the official said, the Jhelum level was at 10.73-ft at 10 p.m. and it was against 14-ft mark when flood is sounded in north Kashmir.
While Jhelum was flowing at its lowest ebb in several years until recently, rains from last four days brought about considerable rise in the water level.
Regarding some tributaries, the official said, the water level in Vishow Nallah at Khudwani receded from 10.7m at noon to 8.04m at 10 p.m which was still above the danger mark of 7.0m there. Nallah Lidder near Batkoot was flowing at 1.07m against 1.21m at noon and flood declaration mark of 1.65m. At 10 p.m. Doodhganga Nallah at Barzulla was flowing at 2.26m against dangerous mark of 3.8m; Sindh Nallah at Doderhama was flowing 2.65m against 3.36m at noon. When water level rises past 3.5m, flood alarm is sounded there and at 3.65m flood is declared. The weatherman has forecast improvement in the weather.
Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner \Anantnag, Dr Piyush Singla visited Sangam and other areas to review the flood mitigation measures in place.
On the occasion, the DC urged people to remain vigilant, however he said that there was no need to panic and the situation was under control.
He said that helplines have been activated and people can reach out for emergency assistance. He said men and machinery has been mobilized and the situation is being closely monitored and appropriate dewatering measures and repair works are being undertaken wherever necessary.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Dr.Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat also toured various areas of Qaimoh, Brazloo, Chamgund, Ashthal, Pranhal and other areas in the south Kashmir district and took detailed stock of situation in these areas.
District Administration has also established a Control Room at District Headquarter Kulgam for the general public to meet any eventuality during the rainy session with contact number 7006562910 – 01931-260380/260500 at DC Office.
Several Nomadic families including three members of family were rescued along with their flock after they were trapped in the Nallah Veshow near Pariwan village. Trapped persons from Ashthal and 8 families from Khrevan Lassipora and other areas were also rescued, officials said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad undertook a whirlwind tour of various areas of the Srinagar City to inspect the measures taken to tackle challenges from the weather situation.
While reviewing level of water at Hamdaniya Colony, Rawalpora, he directed the Irrigation & Flood Control authorities to take up immediate measures for construction of protection bund along the embankments of irrigation canal to protect the area from water logging by spill over of irrigation canal. He also asked them to remove grass and weeds from the canal to increase its carrying capacity.
At Baginder, Lasjan, he took stock of the water level and inspected the process of laying sand bags on the embankments along the river Jhelum.
On the occasion, he was informed that over 50000 sand bags have been kept reserved to deal any exigent situation in the district. He was also told that these sand bags are being laid at vulnerable spots as a protective measure to deal with any flood like situation.
Later, the DC visited Padshahi Bagh, Mehjoor Nagar, Kursu Raj Bagh areas and had on the spot assessment of the water level increased due to incessant rainfall from the last four days. (GNS)
