Srinagar, Jul 21: Twelve years after the devastating 2014 floods, Kashmir is still awaiting a comprehensive, long-term flood management plan, even as repeated flooding and flash floods continue to expose vulnerabilities across the Valley. The Flood Control and Irrigation Department, however, says it has put in place all necessary mitigation and preparedness measures to deal with any flood emergency during the ongoing wet spell. The department has strengthened embankments, carried out regular dredging of the Jhelum, reinforced vulnerable stretches, deployed men and machinery, stocked sandbags and activated water-level monitoring systems across Kashmir.

Experts and officials, however, say such measures may reduce flood damage but cannot prevent future disasters without scientific management of the Jhelum and its tributaries. “Only dredging the Jhelum and strengthening its embankments will not be enough. The government should have put in place a sustainable flood management plan with a dedicated budget for the Jhelum and its tributaries,” a senior Flood Control and Irrigation Department official said. He said the plan should include restoration of flood spill channels, scientific management of major tributaries, construction of check dams and detention reservoirs in upper catchments, afforestation and strict regulation of construction along rivers, streams and nallahs.

“Check dams and small reservoirs slow the flow of water before it reaches the Jhelum. They recharge groundwater, conserve water and reduce soil erosion. Afforestation in upper catchments is equally important because tree roots hold the soil together and reduce erosion during heavy rainfall,” he said.

The September 2014 floods exposed serious shortcomings in Kashmir’s flood management system, causing extensive damage in South Kashmir before submerging Srinagar for over three weeks. Hydrologists had then identified the Veshaw, originating from Kausarnag in Aharbal, Kulgam, as one of the major contributors to the sudden rise in the Jhelum.

The Veshaw, one of the river’s largest tributaries, joins the Jhelum at Sangam, where the Rambiara, Romshi and Tongri Nallah also add to the river’s discharge during prolonged rainfall. The Veshaw has the highest discharge among the Jhelum’s tributaries. The Jhelum is also fed by major streams including the Lidder, Brengi, Aripath, Sandran, Veth-Vethroo, Aripal and Lar in South Kashmir, and Doodhganga, Sukhnag, Ferozpora Nallah and Ninghli Nalla in central and north Kashmir. Officials say effective flood management requires treating the entire river system rather than focusing on the Jhelum alone. Since 2014, repeated floods and flash floods have damaged roads, bridges, irrigation infrastructure, paddy fields, apple orchards and vegetable farms across South Kashmir, particularly in Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama. Though none matched the scale of the 2014 disaster, the floods caused extensive damage to infrastructure, farmland and horticulture.

“Villages and tourist spots along the Veshaw, Lidder and other major tributaries in Kashmir remain vulnerable during prolonged rainfall,” another Flood Control and Irrigation Department official said. He said heavy rainfall or cloudbursts between June and September frequently cause these streams to swell before the additional discharge reaches the Jhelum, inundating downstream areas. “In low-lying areas, particularly Srinagar city, even a small downpour causes waterlogging every year due to the loss of wetlands and flood channels,” an official said. He said natural buffers had disappeared, leaving excess water with limited outlets. “The irrigation canals and natural water channels that once carried away excess water remain choked across the Valley, particularly in cities and towns, due to rapid urbanisation,” the official said.

Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Committee on Environment and legislator Muhammad  YusufTarigami said the lessons of 2014 had still not been translated into a long-term flood management plan. “We should have had a sustainable flood management plan long ago. Despite repeated reminders since 2014, successive governments have not even constituted an expert panel to scientifically study flood-prone tributaries such as the Veshaw for proper treatment,” Tarigami told Greater Kashmir. He said governments had continued to respond after floods instead of investing in long-term measures to reduce the risk. Chief Engineer, Flood Control and Irrigation Department, Showkat Hussain, acknowledged that a comprehensive flood management programme was still awaited but said all preparedness measures had been put in place.

“Our Flood Zone Committee is monitoring the situation round the clock. We have adequate sandbags, manpower and machinery to respond to any breach,” Hussain said. He said automatic water-level recorders were operational at several places, including Sangam, Awantipora, Pampore, Rambagh, Asham, Bandipora, Wullar, Khudwani and Batkote. “Regular dredging since 2014 has improved the Jhelum’s carrying capacity, while vulnerable embankments have been strengthened across Kashmir,” Hussain said. He said several other measures had also been taken in Srinagar to drain excess water from the city. Superintending Engineer, Hydraulic Circle Anantnag, Sareer Ahmad Wani, said engineering measures alone would not prevent floods unless natural waterways were protected.

“Flood spill channels have narrowed because of encroachments and construction along rivers and nallahs, restricting the natural flow of excess water,” Wani said. “With every downpour or cloudburst, overflowing nallahs and streams has become common, increasing the risk of flash floods.”
He said indiscriminate dumping of waste into streams had reduced their carrying capacity, while blocked Jhelum tributaries and water channels were causing recurring waterlogging in several low-lying areas. Wani said low-lying parts of Anantnag town and adjoining localities often witnessed waterlogging even after moderate rainfall because several tributaries, drains and smaller water channels had been choked over the years.
“The natural flow of water gets disrupted, leading to inundation in the town and its vicinity. Improving drainage, restoring canals and flood spill channels and protecting natural watercourses can significantly reduce the problem,” he said.

Wani said the Soil and Water Conservation Department was entrusted with constructing small reservoirs in upper catchments to slow runoff and conserve water.
An official, however, said such measures needed to be integrated with basin-wide management of the Jhelum and its tributaries to provide lasting protection against floods.
 

Srinagar, July 21: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed an event organized by the Department of Social Welfare, commemorating the successful completion of 100 days of the ‘Drug-Free J&K campaign’. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said while this milestone marks significant progress, our mission is far from complete.

“We are determined to neutralise the drug cartels and narco-terror networks that target our youth. We continue to strengthen our key priorities of dismantling illicit trafficking ecosystems, enhancing public awareness, and providing robust rehabilitation to help affected individuals reintegrate into society. The first 100 days of the campaign laid the foundation for the rigorous path ahead. The road ahead will certainly be tough, but our resolve to completely wipe out narco-terrorism is stronger than ever,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said that during this 100-day campaign, he traveled across every region of the Union Territory, connecting with communities in all 20 districts through Padyatra. He recalled meeting many parents burdened by fear for their children’s futures.

“Standing alongside families in their darkest moments allowed me to truly grasp the depth of their anguish. Yet amid that pain, I saw an unwavering hope of a shared conviction that our youth can break free from addiction and reclaim their lives. During my Padyatra, I saw both pain and courage. I witnessed despair and also glimpses of hope, and I can proudly say that such unprecedented public support for this campaign has never been seen in the history of Jammu Kashmir.

Padyatra in every district sent a strong message that we will not allow our youth or our future to be stolen. Over the past 100 days, we backed that resolve with decisive action. 2,581 drug traffickers arrested, nearly 1,431 kg of narcotics including 23.29 kg heroin seized, and over Rs. 188.89 crore in assets confiscated to cripple narco-terror financing.

By revoking hundreds of driving licences, vehicle registrations, recommending suspension of hundreds of passports and by taking action against non-compliant pharmacies, we have sent a clear message that no offender is above the law. Most importantly, thousands of young people have received treatment and are now rebuilding their lives in the mainstream,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor stated that rehabilitation transforms lives, restores families, and secures our future. He observed that the administration will soon launch the “Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026,” starting with a pilot in the two sensitive districts of Jammu as well as Kashmir Division.

He observed that the initiative, built on a structured 3-year cycle, guides individuals through medical care and therapy in Phase 1, education and employment in Phase 2, and long-term relapse prevention with community support in Phase 3.

“The past 100 days have awakened a new consciousness among the people of Jammu Kashmir, and with their cooperation narco-terrorists will be wiped out and their networks dismantled link by link. The foundation on which smugglers built their empire of narco-terror will be completely destroyed. Those who have ruined the future of our young people will receive such severe punishment that future generations will remember it. I consider this justice and a strong warning against crime. My message is absolutely clear that if you ruin others’ lives, the law will not spare your future either,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor also called upon people to speak up against drug abuse. He said the government needs support of entire community.

“We need every citizen to speak up, report local drug activity, and help those affected by addiction. If someone in your community is suffering, don’t walk away. Guide them toward treatment, support their recovery, and help them start fresh. Young people trapped by addiction are victims of circumstances and therefore need support, not ostracism, and they need the trust of society. Our goal of a drug-free Jammu Kashmir is perfectly clear. This is not merely a dream but our national resolve. We are working to establish more rehabilitation centres. Consultancy services are being strengthened, and skill development and employment opportunities are being provided to youths who complete rehabilitation,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor also called upon youth to become the greatest strength of the nation and do not sacrifice their dreams to drugs. Never let a drug dealer dictate the course of your life.

“Your energy is meant for building, your talent for creation, and your courage for moving forward. Take pride in your culture, your heritage, and who you are, and step confidently into a brighter future. I also appeal to the parents to never ignore any signs of drug use in their son or daughter. We must remember that seeking help in time is wisdom. History bears witness that whether it was terrorism or narco-terror, silence has caused the greatest harm to society. So, break the silence and spread awareness so we can save millions of lives.

I also urge all teachers and leaders of religious and social organisations to sustain the energy you have shown in these 100 days. You shape lives so keep instilling discipline and confidence in the youth and make them aware of the harmful effects of drugs. Let us pledge to turn this campaign into one of India’s broadest and most effective mass movements. Let us pledge to reach every person in need. Let us pledge to hold the hand of every young person who wants a new beginning. Let us pledge to dismantle every drug cartel that spreads poison in society and together create a Jammu Kashmir that is drug-free, terror-free, and full of hope, development and trust,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the officials of civil administration, Police, law enforcement and security agencies, volunteers, social and religious organisations, youth and Nari Shakti and all the stakeholders for their valuable contribution to the Drug-Free J&K campaign.

The Lieutenant Governor felicitated outstanding performers and released a special DIPR-compiled Coffee Table Book, highlighting the widespread impact of Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign.
The event also featured an impactful documentary screening by Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR), an engaging short skit by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL), and presentations by J&K Police and Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) J&K Chapter.

A two- minute silence was observed in the memory of citizens who lost their lives in the recent natural calamities in J&K.

Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; S.J.M.Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Chanderkar Bharti, Principal Secretary Home; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare; Shreya Singhal, Director Information; Divisional Commissioners; Deputy Commissioners; public representatives; heads of educational institutes; senior officials; members of civil society and various social organisation; prominent citizens and youth in large from across the UT attended the ceremony, in person and through virtual mode.

Srinagar, Jul 21: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday said the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory was imperative for the eventual restoration of its special status.

Abdullah asserted that the National Conference will keep reminding the Centre of its promise to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and expressed hope that the commitment would be fulfilled.

“Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is imperative for its special status. The NC will continue to remind the Centre of its promise of restoration of J&K’s statehood, and we hope that it will fulfil its commitment,” Abdullah said.

The chief minister was in Delhi on Monday to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, but was stopped by police from moving towards the protest venue due to the heavy deployment of police personnel for the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest.

“Statehood protest in Delhi was just the beginning and not the end,” the National Conference (NC) leader said.

He sought to reassure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the party remained committed to promises it had made.

“I assure my people we stand by our promises and will remain steadfast. A new strategy and programme will soon be decided by the party leadership,” the chief minister said.