SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg today reviewed the progress of Flood Plain Zoning and the notification of flood basins across the Kashmir Valley.
During the meeting, it was noted that, based on the inundation patterns observed during the September 2014 floods, six wetlands—Hokersar, Nowgham Jheel, Hygam Jheel, Narkara Nambal, Anchar Lake, and Wullar Lake—along with a flood plain on the left side of the River Jhelum (from Sangam to Padshahibagh), have been identified as key flood basins.
The Divisional Commissioner was informed that the Jammu & Kashmir Water Resources Regulatory Authority (JKWRRA) has already invited public objections for three wetlands—Hygam, Nowgham, and Hokersar. No objections have been received for Hygam and Nowgham, while the KMZ file for Hokersar is pending submission by the Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department.
The Divisional Commissioner directed that the required details be expedited within three days to facilitate the invitation of public objections for Hokersar as well.
The Chief Engineer, I&FC Kashmir, informed that revised revenue details for Anchar Lake have been obtained from the offices of the Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Ganderbal.
Regarding Wullar Lake, where a major portion falls within Bandipora district, the concerned Deputy Commissioner has been requested to share the necessary details. Similar information pertaining to the Baramulla portion of Wullar Lake is also being sought from the district administration.
The Chief Executive Officer, Jhelum & Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP), stated that the consultant engaged for the project has completed hydrological modelling for a 1-in-25-year return period flood. This modelling will aid in demarcating the regulatory zone of the flood plain from Sangam to Padshahibagh, and is expected to be shared with the I&FC Department within the next two days.
Emphasizing the importance of timely completion, the Divisional Commissioner directed that all requirements for the notification of flood basins and flood plain zoning be finalized by April 30, 2026, enabling the Government to take further necessary action.
The Chief Engineer, I&FC Kashmir, was instructed to closely monitor progress and ensure continuous coordination with district administrations to achieve timely and result-oriented outcomes.