Kashmir rains revive debate on flood preparedness,
Experts call for proactive planning, not reactive responses
Srinagar, Sep 3, KNT: With continuous rainfall raising the risk of floods across the Valley, the spotlight has once again turned to the fragile flood management system in Kashmir. Political leaders and senior officials have been making visits to vulnerable areas, but observers and environmental experts stress that such gestures are not enough.
Minor floods and inundations have become a near-annual occurrence in Kashmir. Each year, homes are damaged, families displaced and infrastructure weakened. This recurring pattern, experts argue, highlights the urgent need for a shift from reactive responses to proactive flood management.
Policy specialists and environmentalists say political leaders carry a major share of responsibility in setting priorities. They underline long-term measures such as dredging of rivers, strengthening of embankments and revival of wetlands as crucial steps that must be backed by budget allocations and strong policy frameworks.
Join our WhatsApp Group
Community participation has also been identified as a key pillar of preparedness. Awareness campaigns on evacuation plans, regular drain cleaning drives, and reporting of encroachments could help reduce risks. “People must not only be informed but also involved in preventive efforts,” one expert noted.
📢 8,000+ readers already joined for instant Kashmir News Trust updates
Join our Telegram Channel
Another major area of concern remains accountability. Calls are being made for pre-monsoon inspections of embankments and drains, along with strict enforcement of desilting and timely relief arrangements. Similarly, development funds are being urged to be channelled towards resilient infrastructure, improved drainage, and support for disaster preparedness such as life-saving equipment and relief camps.
Illegal constructions along riverbanks and floodplains have repeatedly come under criticism. Analysts say removing encroachments requires political will, not just administrative orders, as floodplains continue to be vulnerable due to unregulated development.
Experts also stress the importance of inter-agency coordination. Departments such as Irrigation and Flood Control, Urban Development, Public Works, and Forests need to work in tandem with disaster management authorities for a coherent flood response strategy.
“Flood control is not just an administrative task. It is a leadership responsibility,” an environmental activist said, adding that the real challenge lies in political leaders prioritizing flood management before disasters strike.
As Kashmir grapples with yet another season of heavy rains, the debate over preparedness versus response has resurfaced, and with it, the reminder that climate change is likely to make such challenges even more frequent in the years to come. [KNT]
