There have been incessant rains from last few days in Kashmir Valley. The phenomenon is normal and the Valley historically received rains during this time of the year. However, the downpour has led to apprehensions of floods even as water level in all rivers, lakes and tributaries is far below than the danger mark for even alert to be sounded.
The officials have time and again called for a fool-proof action plan especially when flood situation arises.
The devastating 2014 floods were a nature phenomenon as well as human tragedy as government overlooked geological features and drainage patterns prior to it as well as post it by allowing illegal construction on river banks and over natural water channels.
In drafting the management plans, Jammu and Kashmir must be aware of the scientific consensus that future rain spells may be short, often unpredictable and very heavy, influenced by a changing climate. There is need to invest in reliable infrastructure to mitigate the impact of flooding and avert disasters like one in 2014 when almost half of the Srinagar and many villages in south Kashmir were devastated.
It is worth pointing out that the response of the governments to the imperative has been tardy and even indifferent. The official machinery is hesitant to act against the encroachment of water bodies’ catchments, river courses and floodplains.
Unscrupulous people are allowed to build structures in close proximity to the rivers and lakes. Granting permissions or closing eye to such constructions is an abdication of responsibility and a violation of Disaster Management Authority Guidelines to prevent flooding.
A recent report has put India among the 10 most disaster prone countries in the world and ranked floods as a climate related hazard posing the greatest risk to the people. India has numerous flood forecasting systems that provide predictions of water levels and flows but not their impact in terms of loss of life, damage to buildings, critical infrastructure and agriculture.
The impact-based forecast of flood is in pipeline. It will be useful for efficient, effective contingency planning and swift evaluation of the severity for a necessary response.
The mechanism is tipped to predict impacts to people, their houses, crops, livestock, and transport routes and such mitigating many of the challenges, people face during flood events. The government should be hailed for the decision but the endeavor is this regard for better predictions should continue.
The administration must also draw up various plans clearly and in an era of the climate crisis, the same is a prerequisite, not a choice.
