Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, along with Secretary Transport, Avny Lavasa today chaired a meeting to review the removal of bottlenecks for water transport of the Inland Waterways Authority of India’s (IWAI) envisaged project of River Jhelum. 

The meeting was participated in by Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla and Ganderbal; RTO Kashmir; Chief Engineers KPDCL & PWD; engineer from I&FC and PWD departments; and the IWAI Coordinator.

At the outset, the IWAI Coordinator gave a detailed presentation on the bottkenecks of the project and highlighted the required interventions.

Addressing the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner directed IWAI to take possession of land at two identified locations and to conduct a joint inspection to identify land for the third location.

It was informed that out of eight proposed locations, four have already been taken over by IWAI.

Regarding issues related to HT and LT power lines, the Divisional Commissioner instructed IWAI to share a detailed list of site-specific issues with the Chief Engineer, KPDCL, for preparation of removal estimates.

Similarly, the PWD was directed to assess removal of cofferdams under bridges and to facilitate necessary clearances. 

The Divisional Commissioner also appointed RTO Kashmir as the nodal officer to ensure close coordination and effective communication among all concerned departments.

While directing for joint inspection of agencies for assessing site  interventions, he emphasized that a consolidated report outlining all required interventions be compiled and submitted within one week.