Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today laid the foundation stone for restoration and construction of flood protection works worth 2.47 crore at Fattu Kotli, Garkhal along the left bank of River Chenab.
The Minister was accompanied by MLA Akhnoor, Mohan Lal Bhagat and senior officers from the department. Addressing on the occasion, the Minister affirmed that strengthening flood management infrastructure remains a top priority for the government and the intervention at Fattu Kotli will bolster the resilience of vulnerable areas against flood threats.
He underlined the importance of building durable and effective protective structures along the vulnerable riverbanks to safeguard the lives, property and agricultural land from the recurring menace of floods. Javed Rana emphasised that with the monsoon season approaching, it is imperative to expedite flood protection works across the Union Territory.
He directed the concerned departments and executing agencies to ensure timely completion of the works with strict adherence to prescribed quality standards, leaving no room for delays or lapses. The Minister reiterated the government's commitment towards developing robust flood mitigation infrastructure and assured that all vulnerable stretches along the major rivers would be addressed on priority.
He called upon the officers to adopt a proactive and responsive approach towards maintenance and strengthening of existing protective structures ahead of the approaching monsoon, particularly in areas susceptible to erosion and inundation. Earlier, the Minister also inspected the damaged Tawi embankment at Bhagatpur village in Marh Block of Jammu district.
During his visit to Bhagatpur, the Minister inspected the damaged portion of the Tawi embankment and sought detailed report from the officers regarding the restoration plan. He stressed the need for adopting a proactive approach towards maintenance and strengthening of flood protection infrastructure, particularly in areas prone to erosion and inundation.
The Minister also interacted with the local residents and public representatives, who apprised him of various issues concerning the flood protection and water management in their respective areas. He assured them that all their genuine concerns would be addressed in a time-bound manner.