Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 6: High Court today directed the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC) to place the progress report on dredging, removing of encroachments and reconstruction of breaches on banks of the river on website and on social media for the knowledge of general public.
The Court was hearing PIL on conservation and protection of Jhelum river and future course of plan by the authorities to avert 2014 flood like situation in future.
Court in terms of previous directions was given power point presentation by the Chief Engineer of I&FC Department.
Court has been apprised about the progress of dredging and widening of river banks as also the constructions of protection/retaining walls along river banks at various places.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Badar Durez Ahmad and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey directed for placing the power point presentation on website, social media, print media and electronic media for the knowledge of public.
On dredging issue, I&FC Department submitted that in Srinagar total quantity of dredging is 700000 cums while as 320000 cums has been achieved. With regard to Baramulla district it has been said that out of 915,000 cums- 371000 cums have been achieved.
Confronting with the information submitted by I&FC, counsel for the petitioner said that no dredging has taken place so far as south is concerned. He also stated before the court that the main cause of overflow in Jehlum is melting of glaciers and deforestation.
Court in this connection direction the Forest Department through PCCF to examine the situation of deforestation and file his response on this issue by next date of hearing.
Court has also sought response with regard to preparation to tackle for floods in Srinagar in particular and valley in general. During the course of proceedings petitioner counsel submitted before the court that floods of 2014 was not a surprise for the Government as it was aware that floods will struck which way depicted by the report of Remote Sensing Department.
Court has also enquired about the establishing of State Water Resources Regulatory Authority under J&K Water Resources Act 2010 which is comprising of Chairman and its three members appointed by the Government on the recommendation of a selection committee and has power to acquire, hold and dispose of property both movable and immovable.
In this regard Advocate General informed that the meeting is being held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary to put in place the authority. Court directed him to indicate about it in the report by next date.
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