Illegal Excavation Near Doodganga Embankment Raises Flood Safety Concerns: EPG | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) on Saturday expressed serious concern over an incident of alleged illegal excavation carried out in the hinterland of the flood embankment of Doodganga Nallah near the Channapora bridge crossing during the intervening night.

According to the group, unidentified persons reportedly excavated earth up to a depth of nearly five feet in an area adjoining the embankment. EPG said such activity is not only illegal but could also have serious implications from a flood control perspective.

The organisation stated that excavation close to the embankment has the potential to weaken its stability and structural integrity, particularly during periods of high discharge and flood situations. It also pointed out that the site where the excavation was carried out is government land belonging to the Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) Department, and any unauthorised digging or encroachment on such land is a matter of serious concern.

Following the incident, the EPG said it immediately took up the matter with the Superintending Engineer, Flood Control Budgam, and the Executive Engineer of the IFC Division Narbal. During discussions with the officials, the group highlighted the possible repercussions of such excavation on the safety and stability of the Doodganga Nallah embankment.

The officers, after taking note of the issue, assured that necessary action would be initiated to stop the work at the site and ensure that no encroachment takes place on the government land.

EPG also said that residents of the area reportedly intervened and acted to stop the work at the location.

The group has urged Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg to issue appropriate directions to ensure that illegal excavation and encroachment on government land are prevented. It emphasised that any activity that may jeopardise the safety and stability of the Doodganga Nallah embankment from a flood control point of view must be addressed immediately.

EPG further called for restoration of the embankment to its original condition and strengthening of the bund to ensure long-term protection and stability.