JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javid Ahmad Rana, said that an amount of Rs. 2083 crore has been earmarked for flood management of River Jhelum and its tributaries under PMDP package of 2015 after September 2014 deluge. The Minister, who was replying to a question raised by Farooq Ahmad Shah, informed that the carrying capacity of river Jhelum has been enhanced from 31800 cusecs to 41000 cusecs in Srinagar Reach.

 The Minister said that the DPRs for flood management were subsequently framed for implementation in two phases, Phase I and Phase II for short term and long term flood measures. He further informed that Phase-I was approved for Rs.399.29 crore in 2015-16 by the Ministry for Water Resources (MOWR) and is nearing completion where as Phase II (Part-A only) was approved by MOWR in March 2022 for an estimated cost of Rs. 1623.43 crore with the objective to mitigate flood threat of 60,000 cusecs on river Jhelum.

The Minister said that the project is under execution and Rs. 114.293 crore from Central Assistance have been spent on it. He added that a total of 30 bank protection works are being executed under this project, out of which, 29 have been tendered and 16 are complete. The progress of these works is 80% in aggregate. He informed that DPR of "Comprehensive Flood Management works on River Jhelum and its tributaries- Phase-II" was framed at an estimated cost of Rs. 5411.54 crore and the same was submitted to the DoWR (RD&GR), MoJS, Gol for approval.

The Minister said that in-principle approval was accorded by the State Administrative Council with the stipulation that while the department may proceed with implementation of Part-A (estimated at Rs. 1684.6 cr.) utilising the available funds, with respect to the remaining i.e. Part-B, the department may explore financing options. Thereafter, in July 2022, Administrative Approval for Part A of Phase-II has been accorded for Rs. 1623.43 crore. The Minister said that entry and exit gates in Hokersar wetland have been completed at a cost of Rs. 28.45 crore which is pivotal for rejuvenation of the Hokersar wetland.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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