Fully aware of what havoc the September 2014 floods created in the Valley, the State High Court wants to make sure that the tragedy is not repeated in the State in the event of rains and storms which are almost frequent. In the aftermath of those floods, it came to be known that the Government and especially the Irrigation and Flood Control Department had defaulted in anticipating the possible inundation by over-brimming river when heavy rains come. In order to appraise itself of what steps the State authorities have taken to prevent recurrence of the tragedy at any time in future, the High Court called for a comprehensive report from the Chief Engineer of Irrigation and Flood Control Department to explain what step have been taken or are in the process of being taken.
From the report which the CE submitted in the Court, it may be deduced that the Government is also concerned about making foolproof preventive measures against the threat of floods. Nobody can predict when the floods would occur but the Government has to be prepared to meet the exigency.
The CE has proposed short term and long term measures that were at one time hinted at by the Court. If the Chief Engineer is convinced that by adopting temporary as well as permanent measures like removing encroachment, strengthening embankments, digging additional flood channel, intensifying drudging of the river and removing illegal constructions on the banks would be undertaken within the stipulated time, it is good news. It is also highly desirable that I&FC Department gets into touch with the concerned at the Centre for technical guidance and financial support that would make their effort a success.
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