UDHAMPUR: Taking forward his initiative for a permanent and comprehensive solution to the recurring waterlogging and flooding along Dhar Road and adjoining areas of Satteni, Sountha, Channi More & Bredian, MLA Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania convened a high-level review meeting today at the Conference Hall of DC Office, Udhampur.
The meeting was convened after a detailed spot inspection of the affected areas of Dhar Road, Sattani, Sounthan, Bredian and Jaganoo Morh Market, where the recurring problem of storm-water discharge and inadequate drainage was examined in the presence of various stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by senior representatives of HQ 611 AD Brigade, NHAI, 35 BRTF (GREF), Irrigation & Flood Control Department, Revenue Department, Police and Northern Railways, besides other concerned officers and representatives.
Addressing the meeting, Pathania emphasised that the issue requires a coordinated, scientific and catchment-based approach rather than isolated construction of drains and culverts. He called for immediate inter-departmental coordination so that storm water generated from highways, railway areas, hill slopes and other catchments is properly channelised without causing damage or inconvenience to residential areas, agricultural land and commercial establishments.
He stressed that every executing agency must ensure that future infrastructure development, particularly road improvement and widening works, incorporates adequate cross-drainage structures and does not obstruct the natural flow of water.
As per the directions arising from the spot inspection, specific responsibilities were reviewed during the meeting.
Northern Railways was asked to prepare a comprehensive drainage management plan for storm water generated within railway limits, including suitable drains, retaining structures, catch-pits, additional culverts and proper outfall arrangements, so that discharge from railway premises does not adversely affect areas outside railway land.
NHAI was directed to prepare a comprehensive storm-water management plan for the existing as well as proposed National Highway and ensure proper channelisation of storm water towards KV Nallah through scientifically designed drainage structures. The feasibility of diverting part of the discharge towards Jaganoo Nallah was also discussed.
Irrigation & Flood Control Department was directed to prepare a comprehensive drainage master plan covering the entire Dhar Road catchment, with special focus on the two low-lying canal areas which have emerged as major water-accumulation zones. Hydraulic studies and permanent flood-mitigation measures were stressed upon.
35 BRTF (GREF) was asked to closely coordinate with the Irrigation & Flood Control Department in all future road improvement and widening works and jointly prepare a permanent DPR incorporating adequate culverts, cross-drainage structures, retaining walls and storm-water management components.
The Revenue Department was directed to identify encroachments, unauthorised fillings and other obstructions in natural drainage channels and canals and take action as per law, besides undertaking awareness against dumping of debris, solid waste and construction material in drainage channels.
The PDD was asked to identify electricity poles and allied infrastructure obstructing existing or proposed drainage alignments and take necessary action for their shifting in coordination with the executing agencies.
The Rural Development Department was asked to ensure that all future developmental works incorporate scientific storm-water management principles and do not obstruct natural drainage channels.
Pathania called for Action Taken Reports from all concerned departments, clearly indicating the works proposed, estimated cost, timelines and implementing agencies. He also stressed the need for regular review so that an integrated drainage management plan is put in place well before the peak monsoon period.
Later, MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania received a thumping welcome from the people of Sattani, Sounthan and adjoining areas, who expressed gratitude for taking up the long-pending issue of waterlogging and drainage with the concerned authorities.
Addressing the gathering, Pathania said that the persistent problem of flooding and uncontrolled storm-water discharge had been a matter of serious concern for the people and assured them that the issue was being pursued at the highest level for a permanent and scientific solution.
He informed the people that a Rs 140 crore project has been sanctioned for comprehensive management of storm and flood water in Village Sattani and Sounthan, which, he said, would go a long way in addressing the recurring problem and strengthening the drainage infrastructure of the area.
Pathania said that the project would be complemented by the inter-departmental measures discussed in the review meeting, ensuring that storm water is scientifically collected, channelised and safely discharged instead of being allowed to enter residential areas, agricultural fields and markets.
He said that the focus would now be on time-bound implementation, proper engineering, coordinated execution and regular monitoring, adding that no effort would be spared to ensure that the people of Dhar Road, Sattani, Sounthan and adjoining areas receive a lasting solution to the problem.
He reiterated that development must go hand in hand with proper drainage planning and that future road, highway and other infrastructure projects should be designed in a manner that complements the natural drainage system rather than obstructing it.
