Speaker calls for high quality and fast execution of bridge protection works

SRINAGAR, July 16:Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather conducted a detailed review of flood protection measures at Apazyari Nallah under NABARD, alongside assessing the restoration of flood-damaged spots under SASCI-II.

During the review meeting, officials informed the Speaker that the anti-erosion and urgent flood protection works at Apazyari Nallah have been sanctioned at an estimated cost of over 7.31 crore rupees, while the restoration of flood-damaged spots is being undertaken at an estimated cost of over 1.54 crore rupees.

The projects incorporate a series of protective interventions, including crate works, check crates, reinforced concrete walls, and cut-off walls, with a primary focus on safeguarding bridge foundations and preventing erosion caused by flash floods.

The Speaker emphasized that protecting vital public infrastructure, especially safeguarding bridges against erosion and flood damage in vulnerable areas, must remain a top priority. He directed executive engineers to conduct regular field visits to the nallah, identify all vulnerable stretches, and implement appropriate preventive measures in a timely manner.

Stressing that all works must meet the highest quality standards and be completed within the stipulated timeframe to benefit the public without delay, the Speaker instructed the concerned officers to maintain strict supervision during execution.

These bridge protection and flood mitigation measures are expected to benefit nearly 40,000 residents across 15 villages, including Badipora, Nowpora, Choudrigund, Hafroo, Loolipora, Watkaloo, Chak Banagund, and Sogam, by enhancing the resilience of the local road network and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.