Jhelum Flood Management Phase-II: ₹1,623 Crore Plan Underway to Strengthen Embankments in Kashmir

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SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 27: The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced that work under Phase-II of the Flood Management and Comprehensive Plan for River Jhelum is actively underway, with a total sanctioned cost of ₹1,623.43 crore aimed at strengthening embankments, widening flood channels, and mitigating future flood risks across the valley.

The statement was made in the Legislative Assembly in response to a question by MLA Mubarak Gul, who sought details on flood prevention measures, delays in dredging, and ongoing works in Srinagar district.

Flood Damage and Recovery Efforts

Officials informed the House that the devastating floods of August and September 2025, particularly on August 26 and September 3–4, caused severe damage to infrastructure across Jammu province, exposing the continued vulnerability of the region to flash floods.

Under the Jhelum–Tawi Flood Recovery Programme, the first phase of the project — sanctioned at ₹399.29 crore — has been largely completed. Of this, ₹328.02 crore has already been released, comprising ₹224.22 crore from the Government of India and ₹103.80 crore from the Union Territory share. The government said ₹327.04 crore has been fully utilized.

Phase-II: ₹1,623 Crore for Long-Term Protection

Phase-II of the project, sanctioned at ₹1,623.43 crore, focuses on long-term management and infrastructure strengthening in the Jhelum basin, including:

Widening of flood spill channels
Strengthening of river embankments
Modernizing drainage systems
Capacity enhancement for water flow during extreme events

Of the total sanctioned cost, the Government of India’s share stands at ₹1,303.06 crore, while the Union Territory share is ₹320.37 crore.

So far, ₹160.56 crore has been released and fully utilized for preparatory and initial works, including embankment reinforcement and desilting of priority stretches.

Government Denies Project Delays

Contrary to claims of delay, the government clarified that dredging and allied activities in Srinagar are ongoing under the supervision of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department.

Officials stated that a comprehensive flood management study, commissioned in 2018 under the World Bank-funded Jhelum–Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP), is still in progress.

The study aims to develop a detailed blueprint for flood management in the Jhelum basin, including:

Assessment of existing drainage infrastructure
Technical evaluation of proposed flood channels
Prioritization of interventions with expert consultation

Future Plans: New Flood Channel Proposal

Officials said that the proposal for constructing a new flood channel in Srinagar will be taken up after the completion of the ongoing study and review of its recommendations.

They emphasized that all ongoing dredging and embankment works are being executed by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department in coordination with district authorities to ensure effective flood mitigation before the next monsoon season.

Commitment to Resilient Infrastructure

The government reiterated its commitment to implementing sustainable solutions that safeguard both urban and rural populations from flood risks.

It also highlighted that the Jhelum–Tawi Flood Recovery Project is not just a short-term measure but a comprehensive strategy that includes environmental rehabilitation, early warning systems, and community awareness programs for long-term resilience.

Background

The 2014 Jhelum floods had caused widespread devastation across Kashmir, leading to major reforms in disaster management and infrastructure planning. Since then, the UT administration has prioritized projects aimed at preventing similar crises through improved drainage systems, embankment reinforcement, and flood control channels.

Officials added that the ongoing Phase-II plan will address many of the vulnerabilities exposed in 2025 and ensure that the Jhelum River’s capacity to handle excess discharge is substantially improved.

For More Updates

For continuous coverage on Jhelum flood management projects, infrastructure updates, and environmental reforms in Jammu & Kashmir, follow Times of Kashmir.

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Author: Zahoor | Environment & Infrastructure Correspondent, Times of Kashmir
Updated On: October 27, 2025