Comments on: SEQUEL TO ‘FLOOD CONTROL IN THE VALE OF KASHMIR’ by Joseph Thomas

By: 3007 Solves the Flooding Problem in Srinagar « Guftagu @ amolak.in

3007 Solves the Flooding Problem in Srinagar « Guftagu @ amolak.in — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 15:14:18 +0000

[...] http://amolak.in/web/sequel-to-flood-control-in-the-vale-of-kashmir-by-joseph-thomas/ [...]

By: J Thomas

J Thomas — Sat, 06 May 2017 12:57:19 +0000

Thanks Iftikar. We need to look at the basics of fluid flow. We have to deal with a certain amount of water flowing through the Jhelum during floods. The speed is entirely determined by the gradient. So that gives a certain cross sectional area. If that cross sectional area is available within the river banks, it is fine. If not, we get floods.

I have described how embankments create problems. The Jhelum river bed is above street level. Even if there is no overflow, there is water seepage underground. So the water table is at or above street level.

The flood channel is workable if it takes the flood water to the sea. The current flood channel merely diverts the flood from the city to the rural area. The poor rural folk have no voice.

Agreed that upstream flood control measures like dams and afforestation are feasible and desirable. I am not objecting to any logical flood control measure.

A new flood channel will (1) divert the flood from the city to the rural area. It is unfair.
(2) consume a lot of land. Again unfair to the rural folk.
(3) cost about Rs one lakh crores.
(4) de-silting the river and the existing flood channel is sufficient. Therefore, a second flood channel is unnecessary.

The minimum de-silting that should be done is to lower the river level to street level.

Yes, I am in Bangalore and will be glad to meet you. Please let me know your email ID and phone nr and I’ll get in touch.

By: Iftikhar Drabu

Iftikhar Drabu — Sat, 06 May 2017 12:35:24 +0000

Dear Mr Thomas,

I am Kashmiri civil engineer currently working in Delhi. Both your articles are very interesting reading – one of Sep 14 and the Sequel. We need to get something done about the floods in Kashmir. You must have heard that now the situation is such that with a couple of days of rainfall the gauge at Ram Munshi Bagh crosses the danger level.

However, while dredging is important i do not think it is ‘the’ solution. We need to work on an intergrated plan which will cover all possible options. God willing will write an article on this and share my views.

I understand you are based out of Bangalore. I do visit there quite often – at least once every month. it would be good to meet you in person at your convienience to discuss this further.

Regards

Iftikhar

By: J Thomas

J Thomas — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 15:11:05 +0000

Thanks Mahavir for the kind comments which do encourage me.

Entirely agree with you regarding sand mining. It is extremely useful in flood control.

You may be interested in our latest article “THE CHENNAI FLOODS OF 2015 – HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF” which is also posted in this website.

Happy New Year !

By: mahavir nautiyal

mahavir nautiyal — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 13:37:10 +0000

I admire the passion of Wg commander J Thomas for taking up the cause of flood ravaged Kashmir and other places prone to similar catastrophe. I am not an expert on flood control measures but common sense says that river channels , particularly in the Himalayan region, would require dredging / de-silting periodically as rivers in spate carry down tremendous amount of silt and boulders. Sand mining of the river beds has unpleasant connotation and loud protests are raised over the issue particularly when it comes to sand mining of Ganga in Haridwar. It can also be effective if sand mining is done in the middle of the river bed but not the banks. Contractors will surely do a better job than a government department , due to latter’s proven apathy to social causes which do not give monetary return. However, there is a caveat that contractors must be supervised and monitored so that they do not lift sand from the river banks which is an easier option and hence more profitable. Kudos to enterprising men , whether in armed forces or civilians. whether serving or retired,who put the Nation and people first.

By: THE CHENNAI FLOODS OF 2015 – HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF by Joseph Thomas « Guftagu @ amolak.in

Mon, 28 Dec 2015 05:50:12 +0000

[...] Joseph Thomas on SEQUEL TO ‘FLOOD CONTROL IN THE VALE OF KASHMIR’ by Joseph Thomas [...]

By: Joseph Thomas

Joseph Thomas — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 17:16:57 +0000

Mohammad Ashraf, I.A.S. (Retired), is a Former Director General Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir. This is indeed encouraging. It means that opinion makers are urging the government to take urgent action.

Dredge The Jhelum, Please!
By M.Ashraf
24 December, 2015
http://www.countercurrents.org/ashraf241215.htm

By: Joseph Thomas

Joseph Thomas — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 16:24:54 +0000

Dear sir, thanks for your interest. I am not from Kashmir, though I served there several decades ago. I am not a dredging expert and got into flood control as a matter of general interest. Hydrodynamics and subsonic aerodynamics are very similar. In fact, the latter is derived from Hydrodynamics.

Glad that you are actively involved in the dredging and marine industry. You may like to promote your business with the J&K Government. I have no connection with them, or any other govt.

Yes, my article does not touch on the dredger/equipment specifications. The picture of the Ellicot dredger was included in the article because it is already in use. Other pictures are for illustration only.

Best wishes.

By: Munir Ahmad Mufti

Munir Ahmad Mufti — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 05:01:25 +0000

Dear Sirs,

While I read your article shared by Mr. Ashraf Fazili with interest, I would appreciate to get your email address as being from Kashmir & actively involved in the Dredging & marine industry for over 2 decades globally based in Middle East ,it would be wise to share ideas.

I can also be reached via mobile : +971503435337 or skype:munirmufti.

I think your article does not touch on the dredger / equipment specifications required for such projects. I note with interest the Lousy Ellicot which has a refutable history being privileged by J&K Government for unknown reasons.

Regards

Munir

By: M V Kannan

M V Kannan — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 14:05:17 +0000

Dear JT Sir,

You hit the nail on the head long ago. It is sad that we skip the obvious escape route and take the contorted ones to confound ourselves. Here’s hoping that wisdom prevails at least now.

Best regards,

M V Kannan