The rising water level in river Jhelum on Saturday overflowed the damaged embankment at Shivpora here, leading to panic among locals.
In January this year around 70 meter long embankment hadcaved in near Yatoo Mohalla while the entire blacktop laid over it was washedaway by overflowing water from the river body.
The Irrigation and Flood Control Department Kashmir has”repaired” only a portion of the damaged bund with geo-bags.
“The rising water level overflowed these bags this morning.Some portions of the repaired work have already developed cracks,” said alocal. “It could cave in at anytime, which could result in water from Jhelumflowing into the locality,” said another local
Many residents feared incessant rains or melting of snow onmountains would led to rise in the water level, which could pose flood threatto the entire area.
This afternoon, the water level was 11.65 feet at Ram MunshiBagh –five feet below the danger mark. The water level was increasing with eachpassing hour.
Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control Kashmir,Shahnawaz Shah said the contractor had to complete the repair work within 30days.
“He was allotted the work on 22 February,” Shah said, addingthe repairing work took time because of soil testing and some formalities.