₹5,411 Cr Kashmir Flood Project Stuck In Approval Limbo

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar – More than a decade after the devastating 2014 floods wreaked havoc in Kashmir, a crucial ₹5,411.54 crore Comprehensive Flood Management Plan remains partially approved, with a major portion of funding yet to be sanctioned. This delay has sparked concerns over the region's preparedness against future flooding, especially as experts warn of increasing climate-induced disasters.

Despite repeated assurances, only Part-A of the project-worth ₹1,684.6 crore-has received in-principle approval, while the much-needed Part-B remains in limbo. This was revealed in a government response to a question by MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, in the Assembly.

According to official data, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was submitted to the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) in January 2019. However, the Central Water Commission (CWC) recommended splitting the project into two phases-Part-A and Part-B-based on available funds.

Delays, Partial Approvals, and an Uncertain Future

Following CWC's recommendations, the State Administrative Council (SAC) approved Part-A in June 2019, directing the department to explore financing options for Part-B. In July 2022, the government gave a final nod to Part-A at a revised cost of ₹1,623.43 crore. However, there has been little movement on securing funds for Part-B, leaving critical flood mitigation measures incomplete.

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With Phase I of the Jhelum Flood Management Project nearly finished-raising the river's carrying capacity from 31,800 to 41,000 cusecs-Phase II was expected to enhance it further to 60,000 cusecs. But without full project approval, long-term flood protection remains a distant goal.

2014-Like Disaster Could Strike Again

Experts have repeatedly warned that Kashmir remains highly vulnerable to floods. The catastrophic 2014 deluge, which left thousands homeless and caused losses worth thousands of crores, was a grim reminder of the Valley's fragile flood management system.

“Jhelum remains a ticking time bomb. Until the Flood Spill Channel (FSC) and Outfall Channel (OFC) expansion projects are fully executed, a repeat of 2014 is always a possibility,” said a senior hydrology expert.

While some bank protection works and wetland conservation efforts have been initiated, larger structural projects continue to face bureaucratic delays and funding hurdles. The government recently received the CWC's final report in December 2024, but it remains under examination.

Will Funds Come Before the Next Flood?

With erratic weather patterns and rising water levels posing an increasing threat, flood mitigation efforts need urgent acceleration. However, unless the pending approvals for Part-B are secured soon, Kashmir may once again find itself unprepared when the next major flood strikes.

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