Srinagar, Apr 30: Unplanned developmental projects and haphazard urbanization in Kashmir have severely disrupted natural drainage systems and compromised critical flood control infrastructure, experts warn. These issues have come into sharp focus as the Valley grapples with a flood-like situation after incessant rains over the last four days.
Environmentalists and urban planners have long raised concerns about the rampant construction activities undertaken without proper planning or regard for the region’s ecological fragility. The unregulated development has not only encroached upon water bodies and wetlands but has also obstructed natural waterways, leaving Kashmir increasingly vulnerable to floods during heavy rainfall.
A report of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) on the 2014 flood in Kashmir, says there is an urgent need for corrective measures to prevent future disasters.
“Haphazard developmental activities, such as unregulated mining operations, construction projects, and poorly-planned urbanization have taken place without adequate consideration for environmental safety and sustainability. These activities have disrupted natural drainage patterns and weakened flood control infrastructure,” the report says.
It called for long-term measures, including the construction of alternative flood channels, the enhancement of urban drainage systems, the restoration of natural drainage and wetlands, and improved city planning that incorporates flood and earthquake vulnerability considerations.
Similarly, most parts of Jammu and Kashmir come under Seismic Zone IV and V and are vulnerable to earthquakes. Experts give varied reasons for earthquakes in J&K including various faults run through this part of Himalayas and exploding of gases.
Jammu and Kashmir is vulnerable to natural disasters like avalanches, earthquakes, and floods.
Experts say this part of the Himalayas has been facing frequent earthquakes due to active seismic activity.
“Studies indicate that a high magnitude earthquake could occur in Kashmir Himalayas but we can’t predict the timing. Since we have a fragile ecosystem we need adequate safeguards to minimize the damages,” said Junaid Ahmad, a research scholar.
Elaborating further he stresses for enforcing building codes. “We have to build earthquake resistant structures. Building codes need to be followed. We need trained engineers and masons to construct earthquake resistant structures including houses, buildings, flyovers, or bridges,” he said.
