The recurring threat of floods in Kashmir has once again brought into sharp focus the fragility of its ecosystem and the immense responsibility of its institutions. Natural calamities, whether triggered by incessant rainfall or aggravated by inadequate infrastructure, no longer come as isolated events. They are recurring reminders of the mounting pressures of climate change, unregulated urbanization, and gaps in preparedness. What has become increasingly evident is that floods in the Valley are not merely natural disasters but stress tests of governance, coordination, and community resilience. The recent high-level review of the situation, bringing together administrators, technical experts, and field officers, was a step in the right direction, but the true measure of progress will be how quickly directives translate into action on the ground.
The lessons of history are not distant. The devastating floods of 2014 had underlined the scale of vulnerability, damaging homes, crops, and infrastructure, and leaving scars that are still remembered vividly. While many structural measures have since been initiated, the Valley remains exposed to heavy rainfall and river overflow. Embankments, though strengthened at points, still require urgent reinforcement, and waterways continue to carry risks of breaches. The real challenge lies not just in repairing damage once it occurs but in adopting a preventive and long-term approach. Sandbags and emergency evacuations may save lives during critical hours, but resilience must be built through stronger infrastructure, better planning, and scientific monitoring of vulnerable spots. Preparedness cannot be limited to engineering fixes alone. It has to be accompanied by efficient communication networks, timely advisories, and a culture of community engagement. The reassurance given to citizens must be backed by visible field action, from patrolling of embankments to the establishment of relief shelters and control rooms that work round-the-clock. The public deserves clarity, not panic, in moments of crisis. Misinformation and rumor-mongering in such times can be as damaging as the rising waters themselves, and the administration’s focus on countering false narratives is crucial. Health vigilance is another critical layer of response. Floods not only damage property but also create fertile ground for waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and outbreaks that can devastate vulnerable communities. Hospitals and health centers need to remain on high alert, stocked with essential medicines, and equipped with mobile units for outreach in areas that may be cut off. Surveillance for post-flood epidemics must begin even before the waters recede, and health workers should be provided with protective equipment and logistical support. Preventive healthcare in such times is not a secondary concern; it is an essential pillar of disaster management. Equally important is the question of livelihoods. Standing crops and farmlands often bear the brunt of inundation, leaving farmers in distress. Damage assessments must be realistic, transparent, and completed without bureaucratic delay so that compensation reaches those who need it most. The resilience of the Valley will not only be judged by how quickly roads and bridges are repaired but also by how swiftly families can return to earning a living, how children return to schools, and how farmers resume their work without being crippled by debt. Connectivity remains a lifeline in emergencies, and the Mughal Road’s role as an alternative corridor has been underscored once again. While the Srinagar-Jammu highway is the traditional artery, reliance on a single route has repeatedly exposed the Valley to isolation during crises. Multiple road corridors must be developed and maintained to ensure redundancy, particularly when fruit trucks and supply chains cannot afford delay. Disaster preparedness is not only about saving lives; it is also about protecting the economic arteries of a region that depend on timely trade and movement.
The next few years will test whether the lessons of these recurring floods have been absorbed in policy and practice. Climate-induced calamities are expected to increase in frequency, and complacency will only deepen vulnerabilities. Toward a resilient valley, disaster preparedness, health vigilance, and infrastructural rehabilitation must work in unison rather than in silos. A resilient society is not built overnight, but every crisis offers an opportunity to lay stronger foundations. If governance continues to evolve with foresight, and communities remain engaged with trust and cooperation, Kashmir can indeed emerge stronger from the waters that threaten it.