by Ovais Gull
Srinagar: Though increasing water level in rivers and streams in Kashmir has gripped panic among the people, the Irrigational and Flood Control (I&FC) department here on Saturday said there was no need to panic as the water level is increasing due to melting of snow.
Talking to INS, Chief Engineer I&FC, Ashok Kumar Sharma said that there was no need panic at all. “The increase in water level in river Jhelum and other streams was normal and has taken place due to melting of snow. The intermittent rainfall that has lashed Valley from last evening will not contribute to the floods at all,” he said.
He added that incessant rainfall for 24 hours may cause any worry about floods but the rains are occurring intermittently and that will not contribute to the floods. “As soon as the snow melts completely, the water level would start receding. I wish the snow melts before the onset of rainy season that would be the either situation for us,” he said.
“In case the heavy downpour would occur for 24 incessantly, then we will have to be alert but at present we don’t need to panicky as there is no flood like situation at all,” he said, adding that the department is fully prepared to tackle every situation.
He also added that it is a very good scenario at present.
Pertinently, intermittent rains lashed Valley since Thursday evening while as the local Meteorological department here has predicted more rains till April 17.
The MeT has predicted wet weather till April 17, saying that they are predicting heavy rainfall in between April 16 and 17.