Srinagar, March 13 —Responding to a query from MLA Mubarak Gul, Javed Ahmed Rana, the Minister for Jal Shakti Department, stated on Thursday that 412 kachha/pakka structures, 301 boundary walls, and 3,35,704 trees have been removed from the riverbanks as part of an anti-encroachment drive.
He said the removal of encroachments along water bodies, including the Jhelum, remains a top priority.
“All field officers have been directed to maintain strict vigil and take immediate action against any reported encroachments," the minister said
He further said that the Weir in Chattabal plays a crucial role in maintaining Jhelum’s water level and remains operational to ensure navigable depth for boats during winter.
The minister also noted that the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department executed the beautification work of the Jhelum bund under the Smart City Project, funded through the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD), with the cost estimated at ₹68.02 crore as per the Detailed Project Report (DPR).