Out of the total Rs 30000 cores needed for flood prevention by increasing carrying capacity, digging new channels and dredging rivers, there is a mea- gre amount of rupees 7854 crores earmarked for the purpose. Not only such a meagre amount has hinted at the government non- serious approach over saving the state from another flood like situation but has also led many to believe that the state is virtually sitting on a brink with no prepa- rations to tackle the cata- strophic floods.
There are also reports that as apparently the state government hailed the package announced by Modi here, in reality there is nothing major on the developmental ground ensured during the package. Pertinently, the finance minister Drabu had earlier said that in addition to humanitarian relief, around Rs 4000 crore have been earmarked in the Rs 80000 crore economic package for rebuilding flood-affect- ed public infrastructure while another Rs 4000 crore have been earmarked for disaster management. The mere amount of 4000 crore is not going to serve the purpose at all.
There are atleast 30000 crore needed to save Jammu and Kashmir from future floods. There was a proposal in hand for the construction of flood spill channel from South to North Kashmir. The project now is going to be a distant dream for the state. At a time when voices of concern are heard from all sides to secure state from the future flood threats, the chocking of funds from the government would prove worrisome for all. What is needed is a comprehensive package that would minimise, if it would not avoid, the future threats of nature’s fury in Kashmir. The state government must rigorously pursue the case with the federal government so that the perturbed state could look forward for the better days ahead.
Editor in Chief