When confluence occurs in a region, the true test of governance is not simply found in its response, but in its being. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir encountered a rather challenging moment through the confluence of ten cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides that struck through the districts of Ramban and Udhampur.
Yet, from disaster, a strong and reassuring story of responsible administration and humane governance is emerging.
The destruction from the ten cloudbursts has been extensive, greatly impacting daily life, while simultaneously causing extensive damage to the main arterial highway, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).
This National Highway is much more than just a lifeline, serving the function of delivering essentials, commerce, and connectivity to the region. Its disruption is linked to the entire Jammu and Kashmir region. However, the administrative response to the disaster has been timely, effective, and most importantly focused on working with the people most impacted by the events.
The recent extended tour of the disaster-hit areas by senior administration officials is proof of this commitment. It was not a ‘ desk review’ but an ‘on-scene’ assessment, a first-person attempt to view the destruction, get a feel for the on-the-ground situation, and listen to those families and people impacted.
This direct interaction is the most important first step, in any recovery, which demonstrates to the public that their government cares and supports them in their point of need.
The only truly admirable aspect of this whole assessment is that the Government unequivocally prioritizes the safe relocation of people, and provision of the whole spectrum of relief to people affected by the disaster.
There is dual benefit for the people here. On one hand, they have most of their immediate needs met in addressing the immediate humanitarian intervention needs, offering basic shelter, food, medical assistance, and essential supplies.
At the same time, there is an important people-first strategy engaged, which provides a strong basis for the absolute monumental effort that will be involved in the recovery phase with reinstating NH-44 as well.
While the recovery of the national highway is recognized as critical for the region’s economic and logistics sustainability, the administration has properly prioritized human security before anything else – the health and safety of people must be the most critical element within any emergency recovery framework.
The challenges are enormous indeed, but in some respects the stalwart determination of the Jammu and Kashmir administration is one ray of hope. This is hope because it is a positive example of a responsive, responsible, and resilient governance model.
