Rising level of Dal worries residents

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 28

Stating that they had not yet recovered from the devastation caused by September-2014 floods, the residents of Mir Behri, in the backwaters of Dal Lake, are demanding that the level of the lake be kept one feet below normal. They said the frequent spells of rain were posing a greater risk to the residents.

“We are in a state of frustration since last year’s floods as our daily life has come to a standstill,” said Firdous Ahmad, vice-president of Mir Behri Welfare Society.

He said the situation could have been “little better” if the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) kept the level of water below normal.

“The situation could have been little better if the LAWDA authorities keep the level of water below the normal. In contrast, the authorities have kept the level of water two feet higher than the normal after 2014 floods,” he said.

Meanwhile, flood victims of other areas staged a protest under the banner of Kashmir Flood Victims Welfare Forum at the Press Enclave today.

A statement issued by the forum said both state and the Centre had turned a ‘deaf ear’ towards their problems.

“The relief provided so far to the affected families and business sector did not satisfy anybody. Relief cheques of Rs3,800 and Rs12,000 did not even meet the labour cost of cleaning the flooded houses and business establishments,” the statement said.