A report from Jammu’s Jal Shakti (Irrigation and Flood Control) Department has assured that the construction of the Tawi Barrage on the Tawi River will not lead to any flood risks. The report asserts that the construction of the Tawi Barrage adheres to all government orders, regulations, and guidelines, addressing public concerns over flood risks. The Jal Shakti Department submitted the report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on January 6, 2025.
Expert Reviews and Safety Measures
The authorities will construct the Tawi Barrage across the Nikki Tawi and Waddi Tawi channels near Belicharana. The design of the Barrage prevents flooding in the region. According to the report, the project underwent rigorous hydraulic studies ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the construction. The design of this Barrage was reviewed by experts from IIT Roorkee. The design includes a waterway capable of handling flood events. That occur once every 500 years, significantly surpassing the intensity of the 2014 floods that affected the region.
No Ecological Impact of Tawi Barrage
In addition to flood prevention, the report highlights the environmental safeguards in place for the Tawi Barrage. The construction includes the creation of a pond with a capacity of 1.35 million cubic meters (MCM) at an elevation of 297.8 meters. This pond will maintain a constant water level, ensuring that no water stagnates downstream of the barrage. The authorities stress that this design will prevent any adverse ecological effects on the Tawi River, which has been a subject of concern for local environmental groups.
NGT Inquiry and Clarification
The NGT initiated the ongoing inquiry, thus prompting the submission of the report. This inquiry was triggered by concerns raised in a May 2024 news article titled “Tawi Barrage and River Front Projects in Jammu Are Destroying the River and Inviting Disaster.” Specifically, the article raised alarms over potential ecological damage and flooding caused by the barrage. However, the Jammu Jal Shakti Department’s report dismisses these claims. Furthermore, the department reaffirms that the project complies with all safety regulations and is being executed with environmental sustainability in mind.
