12 years after devastating floods, Kashmir still awaits flood management plan
Recommendations remain unimplemented despite recurring flood threats
Srinagar: Twelve years after the devastating 2014 floods, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir still lacks a comprehensive long-term flood management strategy, with key recommendations by a premier Indian hydraulic research institute remaining unimplemented.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), in a study commissioned by the authorities, had recommended an integrated flood management plan, including modification of the flood spill channel, creation of detention basins and widening of the outfall channel to reduce the risk of future floods.
However, despite the passage of several years, the proposed structural interventions have remained confined to paper, while the authorities largely focused on dredging and other temporary measures. Officials said differing expert opinions and subsequent technical reviews stalled implementation of the comprehensive plan.
Observers said the continued delay in adopting an effective flood management strategy has left the Kashmir Valley vulnerable to recurring flood threats, exposing official negligence in addressing one of the region’s most pressing environmental and public safety challenges.
