Commissioner/Secretary I&FC Takes Stock of Flood Control Measures in Leh Town

Commissioner/Secretary I&FC Takes Stock of Flood Control Measures in Leh Town

Emphasizes Nallah Cleaning and Structural Measures

Leh, June 21: The Commissioner/Secretary PHE and I&FC Department, UT Ladakh, Ajeet Kumar Sahu, spearheaded a comprehensive review meeting to address the issue of choking points in nallahs and underscore the significance of timely cleaning and flood control measures to minimize flood risks in the region.

During the meeting, Commissioner/Secretary Ajeet Kumar Sahu stressed the need for annual cleaning of nallahs, with completion targeted for May to align with the department’s annual plan. To ensure a thorough examination of the entire stretch, it was decided that a joint inspection team comprising officials from I&FC, the Municipal Committee Leh, and the Revenue department would conduct comprehensive inspections of nallahs. To streamline these processes, the Chief Engineer of I&FC has been entrusted with developing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in consultation with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Leh. The SOP will include specific timelines for inspection and cleaning, identification of vulnerable locations, deployment of personnel and machinery, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities for all departments and officers involved.

In a firm stance against mulba dumping and to preserve the cleanliness of nallahs, a strict non-dumping policy was reaffirmed. Sahu made it unequivocal that dumping of mulba, including construction debris, in nallahs is strictly prohibited, and individuals found violating this directive will face stringent penalties under the Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling, and Disposal) Act, 2007, as well as the Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2010. Shopkeepers and residents involved in mulba dumping will also be held accountable.

Addressing the structural challenges related to choking points, Commissioner/Secretary Sahu directed the identification of problem areas and the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to determine appropriate engineering solutions. An expert agency already working on Leh Nallah will be engaged to find effective resolutions for these choke points and initiate their implementation.

Regarding Shenam Nallah, Commissioner/Secretary Sahu emphasized the need to regulate water flow by developing headworks that align with the nallah’s capacity and requirements. He stressed the implementation of a manual control system for water control on canals, along with the design of traps to remove garbage and sedimentation pits. He further called for the establishment of a multi-stakeholder committee to regulate water flow in various canals in and around Leh City, including Shenam Nallah.

Furthermore, Commissioner/Secretary Sahu directed the procurement and deployment of suitable machines specifically designed for cleaning nallahs with difficult access points.

Commissioner/Secretary Ajeet Kumar Sahu also requested the Chief Engineer of I&FC to ensure timely preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Leh Nallah, enabling early intervention in addressing nallah-related challenges and implementing flood mitigation measures. He urged all relevant authorities to promptly execute the directives, contributing to a cleaner and safer Ladakh for the welfare of the public.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioner, Leh; Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue, Leh; Chief Engineer, I&FC; Chief Engineer, PHE, and other concerned officials.