Rana inaugurates flood protection works worth ₹5.91 crore in Jammu

JAMMU : Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on sunday inaugurated flood protection works worth ₹5.91 crore along vulnerable stretches of River Nikki Tawi and River Waddi Tawi in Jammu, aimed at strengthening flood resilience and safeguarding nearby habitations, agricultural land and public infrastructure. The inauguration was held in the presence of local legislators MLA Bahu, Vikram Randhawa and MLA Marh, Surinder Kumar.
The projects, funded under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme and NABARD, include flood protection works on the left bank of River Nikki Tawi downstream of the 4th Bridge at Belicharana, construction of two spurs on the left side of River Waddi Tawi at Channi Nankey, Nandni, and flood protection measures along the right side of River Nikki Tawi from Omman Post to Makwal Forward Post.
Emphasising the need to strengthen flood management infrastructure in view of changing climatic conditions, Rana said, preventive measures and timely interventions are essential to minimise the impact of natural disasters on people’s lives and livelihood.
“As we are witnessing increasingly erratic weather patterns, it is imperative for us to strengthen our preparedness against floods and other climate-related challenges. Our focus must be on developing resilient infrastructure, protecting vulnerable riverbanks and ensuring the safety of habitations, agricultural land and public assets.”
The Minister stressed that flood protection works must be executed with due attention to technical standards, quality and long-term sustainability. He said the Government is committed to strengthening protective infrastructure in vulnerable areas and ensuring that development interventions provide lasting benefits to local communities.
The flood protection work at Belicharana, completed at an estimated cost of ₹229.94 lakh under SASCI, covers vulnerable locations along the left bank of River Nikki Tawi downstream of the 4th Bridge. The inauguration was held in the presence of Member of Legislative Assembly, Bahu, Vikram Randhawa.
The intervention is aimed at mitigating riverbank erosion and reducing the risk of flooding during the monsoon season, thereby protecting nearby habitations, agricultural land and public infrastructure.
Another project involves the construction of two spurs, each measuring 18 metres in length, on the left side of River Waddi Tawi at Channi Nankey, Nandni, at an estimated cost of ₹69 lakh under SASCI. The spurs are designed to regulate river flow near vulnerable stretches and minimise erosion, providing protection to adjoining agricultural land, public assets and settlements. The remaining work is to be completed on priority to ensure the timely realisation of the intended benefits.
The third project, estimated to cost ₹292 lakh and funded under NABARD, involves flood protection measures along the right side of River Nikki Tawi from Omman Post to Makwal Forward Post in village Makwal. These were inaugurated in presence of MLA Marh, Surinder Kumar.
The work includes the construction of revetment crates and earthen embankments at vulnerable locations to strengthen the riverbank against erosion and flooding, while protecting adjoining agricultural land and local infrastructure along the International Border.
Highlighting the importance of a proactive approach to disaster management, Rana said, strong coordination among the concerned departments and close monitoring of works are vital to ensuring that these interventions deliver the desired results, particularly in areas exposed to recurring floods and erosion.
“Flood protection cannot be limited to responding to emergencies after damage has occurred. We must anticipate risks, identify vulnerable stretches and take timely preventive measures,” the minister said.
The Minister further underscored the need to ensure the timely completion of ongoing works so that the intended benefits reach the people, particularly those living in vulnerable areas.
These interventions are expected to enhance the resilience of vulnerable river stretches against rising water levels and heavy discharge during periods of intense rainfall. They also reflect the Government’s commitment to strengthening flood management systems, reducing disaster-related risks and protecting communities, livelihoods and critical infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.