Flash flood devastation at SKUAST-Jammu, losses estimated at over Rs 100 Cr
Jammu, Aug 31: The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) administration has initiated a comprehensive damage assessment across both campuses, and a consolidated report is being prepared for submission to the government of Jammu and Kashmir to seek immediate relief and restoration support.
A catastrophic flash flood struck the SKUAST-Jammu on August 26, 2025, severely impacting both its campuses at Chatha and R S Pura. The Chatha campus was the worst hit, where water levels rose to nearly seven to eight feet, submerging buildings, roads, parapets, vehicles, and agricultural fields, while the R. S. Pura campus also reported significant damage.
To assess the situation on the ground, a high-level team from the Agriculture Production Department comprising the Secretary, Special Secretary, Director Planning, Joint Director Planning, and Deputy Secretary visited SKUAST-Jammu.
As per preliminary estimates, the losses have been tentatively assessed at Rs 100-120 Cr, including civil works (electrical and mechanical), laboratory equipment, furniture, IT equipment, glassware, chemicals and consumables, playgrounds, libraries, sports facilities, stadiums, student centres, community radio stations, e-studios, vehicles, etc.
Detailed item-wise information is being compiled, and the consolidated report will soon be submitted to the government for necessary action.
“The floodwaters caused widespread devastation, with initial estimates suggesting losses of around Rs 100-120 Cr. Apart from costly research equipment, vehicles, IT infrastructure, records, experimental fields and livestock units, the university suffered extensive damage to roads, boundary parapets, the powerhouse, internal pathways, drainage structures, playgrounds, the library, sports facilities, the stadium, the student centre, the Community Radio Station, the e-studio, etc.,” university authorities stated.
They have pointed out that of grave concern is the potential loss of invaluable research data, experimental trials, and breeding material, which form the backbone of the university’s academic and research mandate.
Significant losses were also reported in the assets created under various research and development initiatives such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project in Jammu and Kashmir (JKCIP), hi-tech greenhouses, polyhouses, ex-situ gene banks, and modern farm machinery, including gensets and tractors.
Ground floors of all major buildings, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, and administrative blocks, were inundated. Vehicles belonging to staff and students were seen floating across the campus.
Nearly 500 individuals, including students, faculty, staff, and labourers, were stranded in different parts of the campuses. At Chatha, many students and employees were seen struggling as water levels rose dangerously, while others took refuge on higher floors and rooftops, waiting for rescue. They were trapped inside and had to be rescued after an hours-long struggle. In a coordinated operation, the Indian Army, CRPF, NDRF, and SDRF, assisted by university officials and local volunteers, carried out massive rescue efforts.
Timely intervention of rescue agencies and locals averted a major tragedy and demonstrated their continued commitment to public safety and disaster relief.
Amidst the crisis, Prof. B. N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, personally monitored the situation from the onset of flooding until the last stranded student and employee were safely rescued. He remained in constant coordination with rescue agencies, faculty, and staff to ensure that no life was lost.
Prof. Tripathi commended the swift action of the Army, CRPF, NDRF, and SDRF and the courage of university staff who supported evacuation operations.
Expressing deep concern over the damages, Prof. Tripathi stated, “The loss is enormous, not only in terms of property and equipment but also in terms of invaluable research data and ongoing experiments. However, I want to assure our students, faculty, and the scientific community that SKUAST-Jammu will recover from this disaster with renewed strength. We will rebuild our infrastructure, restore our research fields, and continue our mission of serving the farming community of Jammu and Kashmir.”
The aftermath of the flood, however, remains grim, as submerged soils, debris and silt deposits have damaged infrastructure, research farms, experimental plots, and seed production units, threatening years of scientific work.
Faculty members expressed anguish over the damage to critical laboratories and data but reaffirmed resilience.
