Jammu and Kashmir Government on Saturday said that the restoration of roads and bridges damaged during the 2023-24 flash floods in Lolab Valley is progressing rapidly, with over 70% of the work already completed.
In response to a query raised by MLA Qaisar Jamsheed Lone in the Assembly, the government stated that the damaged infrastructure will be restored fully by the end of March 2025.
The Minister in-charge said that the flash floods had wreaked havoc on key connectivity routes in Lolab, cutting off several villages from the district headquarters, however, immediate temporary restoration was initiated on major affected sites, including the Gundjahangir Road, Shartmuqam flood crossing, Shumriyal and Khumriyal Bridges, Kaw Mohalla Road, Kenninard Kalaroose Road, and Shartmuqam foot crossing superstructure.
“To ensure long-term sustainability, the government has also prepared Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the permanent restoration of these critical infrastructure assets, which will be undertaken as per fund availability”, he said.
The minister also informed that several PMGSY roads in the constituency were also severely damaged, including, Kurhama-Shalgund Road, Khurhama-Kawari Road, Shalgund-Saiwan Road, Rednag-Rangwar Road and Km14-Sogam Road.
The Minister said that the department has already completed over 70% of the restoration work on these roads, allowing partial connectivity in the affected areas, while the remaining 30% work is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025—(KNO)
