Early Times Report
JAMMU, Apr 4: The government has taken up two exclusive drainage projects in Sopore town to improve the drainage network and mitigate water-logging, particularly during heavy rainfall.
This information was given by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, in reply to a Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Sopore, Irfan Rasool Kar, regarding water logging in Sopore town following rains.
She was replying on behalf of the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.
The Minister stated that Sopore town is predominantly a low-lying area and water accumulation in such locations is natural during heavy showers.
She added that to mitigate the situation, five dewatering pumps available with the Municipal Council, Sopore, are being deployed for immediate drainage of accumulated water with additional support from the Fire and Emergency Services as and when required.
The Minister further informed that under the UT Capex (Drainage Sector), two projects have been taken up in Sopore town. The Drainage Scheme Sopore (D/S Sopore) is currently under execution at a sanctioned cost of Rs 4.97 crore. Besides, construction of a deep drain at Lane number 06, Bagi Sana, Badam Bagh, Sopore, costing Rs 35 lakh, has been completed, she informed.
She added that these works are aimed at strengthening the drainage infrastructure and mitigating water-logging during heavy rainfall. In addition, the matter has been taken up with the J&K Urban Environmental Engineering Department on March 25, 2026, for preparation of a comprehensive DPR for the drainage network in Sopore town, she said.
The Minister also stated that the Municipal Council, Sopore, is regularly undertaking the cleaning of drains with available manpower and machinery, wherever required.
She further informed that the PW (R&B) Division Sopore has been approached on March 19, 2026, for preparation of estimates for desilting of existing drains within the urban limits of Sopore town and action will be initiated during the current financial year upon receipt of these estimates.
The Minister added that funds amounting Rs 6.40 lakh have been released by the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir, for the desilting of drains. |
