SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Monday reviewed Jammu and Kashmir’s flood preparedness in view of the ongoing monsoon season. The meeting was attended by Chief Engineers and other senior officers.
Rana assessed the region’s readiness and infrastructure to deal with potential emergencies, particularly in flood-prone areas. He directed officials to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of water levels in major rivers, especially the Jhelum, Ravi and Tawi, along with their tributaries.
The Minister also inspected the Flood Control and Management Room at Ram Munshi Bagh, Srinagar. Stressing the importance of real-time alerts, he called for prompt dissemination of early warning signals to all concerned departments, agencies and stakeholders for a swift and coordinated response.
Officials from the Flood Control Department briefed him that the department is fully equipped and operationally prepared to tackle any flood-related situation. They also highlighted a key initiative—the Kashmir Flood Watch App, developed in collaboration with the Information and Forecasting Cell (IFC). The app provides real-time water level updates for the Jhelum and its major tributaries using data from automatic water level recorders, enabling timely warnings and informed decision-making.
To strengthen response mechanisms, an extensive institutional framework has been set up comprising a Central Flood Committee, District Coordination Committees, Flood Zonal Committees, Sectors and Beats. Each unit has been assigned defined roles to ensure smooth coordination, resource mobilization and effective ground-level execution.
On the logistics front, officials informed that ample stocks of EC bags have been readied, many of which are pre-filled and strategically placed for immediate use during emergencies.
Commending the proactive efforts of the Flood Control Department, Rana reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property through technology-driven solutions, timely interventions and awareness initiatives. He urged all departments and citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with authorities and make effective use of digital tools and real-time updates provided by the government.
