| As water level rises, defense mechanism is not in place | | |  S.Tahir-Ul Haq
Early Times Report
BARAMULLA, Mar 29: Despite predictions of moderate to heavy rains by MeT in valley, flood and irrigation department have failed to strengthen the flood defense mechanism putting lives and property of people at stake here in north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday. Due to incessant rains panic has gripped most of the villages in Baramulla district, as a large stretch of repaired embankment of river Jhelum has crumbled and developed cracks.
The water in rivers, streams, canals is increasing which has submerged most of the areas in Baramulla district, while as local residents accused the flood and irrigation department for their negligence. Early times have learnt from sources that incessant rains has caused overflowing of water bodies in various areas like Khowjabagh, Kanthbagh, Singhbagh, Dewanbagh, Khanpora, Sheeri, Wagoora, Kungamdara in Pattan Thesil, and Kunzer in Tangmarag Block. Local's residents of Baramulla told early times that, unfortunately the encroachments on water bodies led to large scale devastation by floods. That is why all embankments have been devastated by incessant rains from past few days and huge number of breaches has taken place particularly in Baramulla district and other parts of north Kashmir. Abdul Rashid of Usman Abad Colony told early times that today we found that our children, women are scared due to incessant rains which has caused flood like situation in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Baramulla district.
We want to know why the embankment developed cracks in Sheer colony Sopore, Tarazou, Watlab, Hygam, Pattan, Wagoora and in other adjoining areas, while as many bridges and culverts were washed due to incessant rains, said Rashid.
However a group of locals said that no one from the flood department was seen on the ground, they should have kept sand bags and other essential items ready to meet the challenges, and flood channels could not find its way and hence started inundating the residential areas in Baramulla district.
Amid heavy rains, the aggrieved residents of Baramulla district on Sunday staged protest against the Irrigation and Flood Control department. They demanded that the stern action should be taken against the concerned department for their callous attitude and indifferent approach towards the people.
"Last year floods caused extensive damage to our property. We want the district administration to make Irrigation and Flood department accountable and transparent in all respects where ever they are needed, they added. |
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