Soon after the incident involving caving in of around 20-meter stretch of Jhelum embankment at Shivpora, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary early Tuesday morning visited the area and took a firsthand assessment of the damage.Concerned officers from Irrigation & Flood Control, Geology & Mining, Public Health Engineering, Public Works Department and Revenue departments accompanied him informing him of their evaluations about the incident.The DC inspected the caved-in spot of the embankment as well as the adjacent area seeking detailed information from accompanying officers of the extent of damage to the embankment and possible reasons for the same. He also interacted with the locals of the area seeking their assessment of the damage.He authorised release of Rs. 35 lakh for its restoration and directed the I&FC for its immediate restoration even as he emphasised the importance of adhering to all related quality requisites.Dr Shahid also directed conducting an enquiry into the incident to ascertain the causes of the damage.
Speaking on the occasion he stressed the importance of a thorough assessment and understanding of the reasons that led to the caving in of the embankment in order to ensure incidents like this do not recur.It should be noted that the DC had visited the area earlier this month and asked the I&FC department to initiate the work process for strengthening of embankment in the area.With regard to resultant disruptions in power supply in the area - where distribution transformers were affected - it was informed that concerned Executive Engineer PDD has been instructed to work out immediate measures for providing power supply to the area from an alternative line. It was informed that restoration of the affected road stretch in the area will be taken up soon after restoration of the embankment.Meanwhile the Irrigation & Flood Control officers have been asked to undertake immediate corrective action that might be required to ensure vulnerable spots if any are immediately strengthened wherever required.