Div Com Reviews Utility Works for Jhelum Water Transport Project
Srinagar, Feb 19, KNT: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Thursday chaired a meeting to review progress on preparation of cost estimates for utility interventions along River Jhelum aimed at facilitating water transport in the Valley.
The meeting, held in coordination with the Transport Department, was attended by Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Ganderbal and Bandipora, besides the Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, Assistant Director IWAI Baramulla, Chief Engineers of KPDCL and KPTCL, and senior officers from R&B and PHE departments.
During the deliberations, the Divisional Commissioner set clear timelines for addressing bottlenecks affecting the proposed water transport project. He directed engineers concerned to submit cost estimates within weeks for key interventions, including removal of cofferdams and ensuring adequate height clearance of 33KV and 11KV power transmission lines along the identified river stretch.
Reviewing the Action Taken Report on land possession at eight identified locations along River Jhelum, officials informed that possession has been secured at seven sites. The remaining location requires further engagement with the local community to address pending concerns before formal possession is taken.
The Divisional Commissioner stressed inter-departmental coordination to ensure timely execution of works and removal of obstacles so that inland water transport on River Jhelum can be operationalised in a structured and phased manner. [KNT]
