The Rs 1600 crore (US $ 250 mn) ambitious Jhelum-Tawi Flood Recovery project, which was launched by the Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today, is all set to upgrade the infra base in the State on professional and technical lines.The loan assistance from the World Bank would be shared by Centre and the State Government on 90:10 basis and it would be operative for five years ending June 2020. The loan assistance would not only comprise fund flow from the world body but also expertise to handle such projects and the necessary technological advancements as well. It will also facilitate capacity building and creation of livelihood.The project was pursued by former Chief Minister, late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in the aftermath of devastating floods of 2014 in the State. Today when the Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti launched the project, she made it amply clear that her Government would purse the vision and dream of late Chief Minister with all seriousness. She hoped that the infrastructure to be raised in the project would be of world class and as per the guidelines of seismic and disaster management experts.
The works to be completed under the project include projects in core sectors like roads, bridges, hospitals and other infrastructure projects. A key factor of the project is that the sectoral and geographical equities have been adequately ensured.The works to be completed under the project would be disaster resistant and in tune with strict expert guidelines.Component wise, the $ 250 million project would comprise re-construction and strengthening of critical infrastructure (US$60 million), reconstruction of roads and bridges (US$80 million), restoration of urban flood management infrastructure (US$50 million), strengthening and restoration of livelihoods (US$15 million), strengthening disaster risk management capacity (US$25 million), contingent Emergency Response (US$0 million) and implementation support (US$20 million).The primary beneficiaries would be the communities in the State that were affected by loss of public service infrastructure. By strengthening disaster risk management systems and institutions, the project will benefit the entire State.