‘Seepage from Repaired Bunds a Concern, Army Fully Prepared for Any Emergency’: Lt Gen Subrata Saha

Srinagar, Apr 1, KNT: Amid continuing rainfall across the Kashmir Valley, General Officer Commanding (GoC) Chinar Corps, Lieutenant General Subrata Saha on Wednesday assured that the Army is fully equipped and ready to deal with any emergency situation triggered by the worsening weather. He said the Army has activated all its company operating bases across Kashmir and is working in close coordination with civil authorities.

Speaking to Kashmir News Trust, Lt Gen Saha said that a detailed review was recently held with Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, where senior Army officials, including his Chief of Staff and Chief Engineer, participated. “We are in constant touch with the Divisional Commissioner and other agencies. There is seamless coordination among stakeholders, and all necessary preparations are in place to handle any contingency,” he said.

The GoC highlighted concerns emerging particularly in areas adjacent to Srinagar, noting that it is not the River Jhelum itself but the spilled channels where vulnerabilities are more visible. “Waterlogging and minor overflows from these channels are causing hardships in localities such as Bemina, Qamarwari, Sonawar, Hokersar, Zainakot, and Sharifabad,” he observed.

Lt Gen Saha also pointed out two key issues along the Jhelum in Srinagar contributing to anxiety: the high groundwater level, which is resulting in upward seepage, and water leakage from sites where bunds had been recently repaired. “These seepages are a matter of concern and are being closely monitored,” he said.

In terms of preparedness, the GoC said that boats have already been deployed at strategic points across Kashmir. “We have mobilised 25 medical teams across North, Central, and South Kashmir. The Army is fully ready to respond swiftly if the need arises,” he affirmed.

Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic mudslide in Budgam’s Laden area, which claimed 16 lives, the GoC noted that the affected houses were perched atop a hill with unstable, soft soil. “Most of the structures had mud walls and were unable to withstand the relentless rains,” he said, lamenting the loss of lives.

As weather continues to batter the region, the Army has reiterated its commitment to stand by the people of Kashmir and support the civil administration in any rescue or relief operations. [KNT]