Stresses on adoption of disaster resilient construction, rehab
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Sept 10: Authorities in Budgam have chalked out a plan for flood preparedness which has outlined the measures ranging from prevention, set up the early warning system and disaster resilient construction mechanism while identifying flood-prone areas in the district.
The plan which has been prepared is aimed to undertake vulnerability mapping of all the villages susceptible to floods and adopt proactive measures to prevent floods and mitigate their effects.
The officials said that the overall plan which has been framed is aimed at establishing the standard operating procedures to deal with any situation in consonance with the laid down mechanisms apart from assigning the tasks and responsibilities to the different Government departments, and organizations for effective management.
The plan has also identified areas prone to getting submerged during floods which include Lasjan, Zenipora, Rakkhshalina, Shalina, Nowgam, Natipora, Rakhsuthoo, Suthoo Kather bagh, Zangipora, Kenihama, Checkporakalan, Gundichandal, K.P.Bagh, Seerbagh, Baghi Shakoor Shah, Kralpora Hanjoora, Baghi Mehtab, Dangerpora, Check Shamas-ud-din, Menganwaji, Doyan, Buchroo(Partially), Baghi Buchroo and Aramwari—all falling in Tehsil Chadoora.
In Tehsil Budgam, the areas which are prone to floods include Bemina, Narkara, Nadirgund, Humhama, Hyderpora, Shariefaabad, Hajibagh, Hanjak, Dandoosa, Soibugh, RakhArath, Gottapora, Gundi Hanjak, Hakermulla, RakhHakkermulla, and Dharmuna.
In Tehsil Beerwah, the identified areas include Bonmakhama, Pethmakhama, Chairguen, Kanthbagh, Warapora Bundnur, Shipora, Gagerpora, Batapora Kanihama, Bun Kanihama, Check Kawoosa, Mazhama, Gundi Khalil, Yarigund, Purni Sudershah, Pati Nopora, Nopora, Narbal, Sozeith, Adina, Budren, Proper Beerwah, Watamagam, Pethkaniahama, Roshanab.
District Budgam which is situated partly on the Eastern and partly on the Southern side of the river Jehlum, does not have floods as a regular phenomenon, however, there are several nallah’s flowing into the river Jehlum from the watersheds which are mostly torrential and when in spate possess tremendous discharge and destructive power often causing damage to property and life along the course.
The officials said that whenever the river Jhelum is in spate, and to save the city of Srinagar, the water is channelized into the flood channels and again when the flow is still not under control and threatens the areas on the Northern side (city), a breach is made at Kandizal located in District Pulwama.
“This is the desperate and ultimate attempt to avert danger to the urban areas of the Srinagar city and as a result of such a step 17 villages of Tehsil Chadoora are inundated also some areas of Tehsil Chadoora get affected by the Nallah Doodhganga,” the officials said.
The details suggest that as far as the Tehsil Budgam is concerned its low-lying areas get submerged because of overflowing flood channels and water logging because of rain. “In Tehsil Beerwah, its low-lying areas from Bonemakhama downwards are inundated by the flash flood in the Nallah Sukhnag,” officials said.
They said that plan, apart from other measures, is also aimed at ensuring the participation of all the stakeholders, the community-based organizations, NGOs, etc. to respond effectively to any situation and set up an emergency Operation Centre at the District Level to respond effectively to the search, rescue, response plans.
Under the plan, the authorities are also eyeing to set up an early warning system to prepare the community psychologically to deal with the disaster and a responsive communication system based on fail-proof proven technology.
It also stressed the adoption of disaster resilient construction mechanisms in the district by way of using Information, Education, and Communication for making the community aware of the need for resilient future development, apart from the rehabilitation of the affected people and reconstruction measures by different government departments at the district level and local authority.
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