Jammu, Apr 3 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, on Friday laid the foundation stone for key embankment and flood protection projects along the River Tawi, aimed at strengthening riverbanks and mitigating flood risks in vulnerable areas.
The projects include restoration of an earthen embankment on the left bank at Bikram Chowk upstream, sanctioned at a cost of Rs 3.05 crore and targeted for completion within six to nine months. Additionally, damaged flood protection works on the right bank near Hari Singh Park will be rebuilt at a cost of Rs 82 lakh, with completion expected within two years.
MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi, senior engineers, officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control and Jal Shakti departments, and local residents were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Rana said the projects would significantly enhance flood resilience and safeguard critical infrastructure and residential areas. Describing the Tawi as the “pride of Jammu,” he reiterated the government’s commitment under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to protect and rejuvenate the river.
“The initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to flood mitigation and the protection of lives and livelihoods. No effort will be spared to ensure the safety and well-being of the people,” he said.
Officials said the works will include crate revetments, strengthening of existing embankments with concrete panels, and backfilling to stabilise eroded stretches, addressing long-standing vulnerabilities in flood management infrastructure.
Rana added that the projects are part of a broader strategy to modernise flood control systems across the Union Territory, and assured that all damages caused by recent floods would be taken up on priority to ensure timely restoration and long-term resilience.
