SRINAGAR: The permanent restoration of the damaged stretch of Jhelum river embankment at Shivpora which caved in last month has been started.
The permanent restoration follows temporary restoration work which was executed immediately after the incident – at a cost of Rs 20 lakh – in order to avoid overflowing of water in case of rise in water level in the river.
The restoration work on the 60 meter stretch which was damaged in the incident is being executed at an estimated cost of Rs 75 lakh — which is in addition to the expenditure made for temporary restoration works at the spot.
In the first instalment the Srinagar district administration has released Rs 35 lakh to the Irrigation & Flood Control or I&FC department for executing the restoration works. The remaining amount will be released in the second instalment.
The restoration involves geo-synthetic technology which involves using of polymeric products which are suitable for use in the ground where high levels of durability are required.
Executive Engineer I&FC Srinagar Aijaz Ahmad said that an expert in geo-synthetic technology has been roped in to provide necessary advice in restoration of the damaged stretch. He said that the National Institute of Technology or NIT Srinagar will also be involved in supervision of the restoration work.
The time of completion of the restoration work is one month and is expected to be completed before the end of March.
Meanwhile the district administration is holding an assessment and understanding of the reasons that led to the caving in of the embankment in order to ensure incidents like this do not recur.
The I&FC department has been asked to undertake immediate corrective action that might be required to ensure vulnerable spots if any in the district are immediately strengthened wherever required.
