Authorities today said that it will assess condition ofrepaired Jhelum embankment in the summer capital.
They also said repairs of damaged stretch of Jhelumembankment at Pandrethan here will start in two days.
The development comes a day after Greater Kashmir reportedthat Jhelum embankment at Pandrethan has developed fresh cracks.
Chief engineer Irrigation and Flood Control departmentKashmir, Ashok Kumar, today visited the spot at Pandrethan and directedconcerned officials to undertake immediate repairs the damaged embankment.
“We have been directed to undertake immediate repairs ofdamaged portion of the embankment. The work will begin in two days,” saidMuhammad Hanief, executive engineer Irrigation and Flood Control department(I&FC).
In 2014, from Shivpora to Pantha-Chowk, several breaches hadoccurred paving way for flood waters to enter into Srinagar.
Experts said unsafe embankments can prove disaster forSrinagar. “Caving in of river embankment at few places in Srinagar hasraised question marks over repairs of embankments,” said a group of localsat Pandrethan.
Chief engineer I&FC said he has directed officials toreview strength of damaged embankment at places which were refilled or repairedafter 2014 devastating floods.
“I assure you that all measures will be taken to makeembankments strong,” the CE said. He said adding officials headed byexecutive engineer Muhammad Hanief have been asked to review strength ofrepaired embankments.
Experts maintained that there are specific methods to fillup breaches of river embankment. “Application of these methods isimportant to ensure filled breaches are able to face pressure of rising waterlevels,” said an expert.
Large stretch of embankment of river Jhelum crumbed nearLasjan on 24 January last year. However, at that time the water level was low.
On 2 July last year, breach in embankment at Shivpora areahere were caused at same spots wherefrom Jhelum water had entered the localityduring devastating floods in 2014. Thissignified failure of authorities to undertake flood prevention measures.
On September 7, 2014, Jhelum had crossed record 23-feet atRam MunshiBagh gauge here submerging localities on both sides of the riverincluding city’s commercial hub LalChowk and its adjoining areas.