Govt Sleeps on Jhelum Dredging as Lean Season Slips Fast

The water level in the river has fallen. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department had earlier this year issued tenders for purchasing two dredgers. The process hasn’t reached anywhere yet, said an official.

Jhelum is calmer these days. The water level in the river has fallen. But there is no urgency on part of the Government to speed-up the dredging in the river to increase its carrying capacity which has been reduced drastically owing to siltation after last year`s deluge. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department had earlier this year issued tenders for purchasing two dredgers. The process hasn’t reached anywhere yet, said an official. Owing to inadequate machinery the Department has now hired an “excavator” (Water Master Classic) from Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) – the body responsible for preservation of Dal Lake – for removing masses of land that have grown up in Jhelum in the summer capital of the State.