Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced that removing encroachments along water bodies, including the Jhelum River, remains a top priority.
Responding to a query from MLA Mubarak Gul, the Minister for Jal Shakti stated that strict directives have been issued to field officers to monitor and act swiftly against encroachments. So far, 412 structures, 301 boundary walls, and 3,35,704 trees have been cleared from the Jhelum’s banks.
The minister highlighted that the Chattabal weir, essential for maintaining Jhelum’s water level, is fully functional but ensures navigable depth for boats only during winter.
The beautification of Jhelum bunds, undertaken by the Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department with funding from the Smart City Project, is being managed by the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD). A Rs 68.02 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project has been approved by the CEO of Smart City.
