Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): To enhance flood risk management and regulate land use in vulnerable areas, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, convened a high-level meeting to initiate the process of notifying flood basin zones along the River Jhelum.
Deputy Commissioners from Srinagar, Pulwama, Budgam, Bandipora, and Ganderbal, along with officials from the Irrigation & Flood Control, Wildlife & Ecology, Environment, and Remote Sensing departments, participated in the discussions.
A detailed presentation outlined key flood-prone zones, referencing the 2014 floods, and mapped critical wetlands and water bodies, including Hokersar, Nowgam Jheel, Higam Jheel, Narkara Numbal, Anchar Lake, and Wullar Lake. The meeting deliberated on classifying flood basin areas into prohibited, regulated, and warning zones to control human activities and minimize risks.
The Divisional Commissioner directed Deputy Commissioners to conduct joint surveys with relevant departments and submit proposals for the formal notification of flood basin areas.
Meanwhile, in view of the adverse weather forecast, officials were instructed to ensure readiness of men and machinery for uninterrupted essential services across the Valley(DD)