Despite passing of four years authorities have failed to complete dredging of Rambagh flood spill channel which is a key part of water regulation system in river Jhelum.
Under a program to increase water holding capacity of the 6.5 kms long channel the authorities had tendered out the work for extraction of 281232 cubic meters silt from the channel within six months.
But during past four years only 238234 cubic meters of slit has been extracted, with a shortfall of 42998 cubic meters. The tenders for carrying out the dredging were allotted to in early 2015 and several contractors were hired for completing the work. “The government had has set six month time for completion of the work. But authorities kept extending deadlines for contractors every time they failed to meet targets,” said an official.
Now the authorities have set March 2019 the latest deadline for completion of the work.
The flood spill channel starts from Padshahibagh here and flows into Wullar Lake in Bandipora district. It regulates Jhelum water level while passing through Srinagar.
Under the program, the water carrying capacity from Rambagh to Bemina stretch was to be increases from 4,000 cusecs to 8000 cusecs.
Assistant executive engineer flood spill channel Rambagh, Mukhtar Ahmad Sofi cited prevailing situation and unfavorable weather conditions as reason for delay in co0mpletion of the work.
“We will be completing pending work by March 2019,” Sofi asserted.