Why Flood in Srinagar City?

The recent incessant rainfall in Kashmir has once again created a flood-like situation similar to 2014. The water level in the Jhelum and its tributaries posing flood threat and causing disruption in Central Kashmir. This time, the rains have also resulted in severe human and infrastructural damage because of cloudbursts and complete disconnection of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway. People in Central Kashmir now fear even a normal rainfall, knowing that there are still no proper flood channel arrangements in Srinagar. A decade ago, when both Central and South Kashmir were submerged in floods, it was expected that preventive measures would be put in place. Yet, after 11 years, there is still no tangible plan to manage even a normal rainfall in Srinagar city. Why?

Firstly, nature has created everything in balance; it is humans who interfere with it. If we go back to the Dogra rule in the 1900s, there was a complete system of flood channels and drainage in the city from Padshahi Bagh to Wular Lake. These channels were useful during heavy and continuous rainfall, providing an easy track for floodwaters. Until the late 1980s, these channels were relatively well-maintained and helped protect the city by diverting excess water from the Jhelum. But over time, humans in the city disrupted rivers and channels for excess water through encroachments, which drastically reduced the carrying capacity. The encroachment on the banks of flood channels and Jhelum tributaries has made life and property in the city highly vulnerable. There must be strict rules in place and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the flood control department before allowing any construction.

Secondly, the boom of construction in flood-prone areas like Bemina, and Rajbagh has occupied the natural floodwater pathways. Without any flood-preventive mechanism in place, this has resulted in damage to roads and buildings. The wetlands like Hokersar, Anchar, Khushalsar, and Narkara, which once absorbed floodwaters and acted as sponges, are no longer as intact as they were three decades ago. Other factors such as deforestation and soil erosion are also responsible.

Thirdly, the government, which has the authority to allot land land for construction needs to take strong action against violators. Government should seriously deal with the cases of encroachment. At the same time, they must give some alternative in housing sector. Preventive measures and declarations of flood-prone and earthquake-prone zones should be officially announced by the government in order to prevent future damage and encroachment. Unfinished dredging projects, weak embankments, shrinking wetlands, failed drainage systems, weak crisis management, and untimely response continue to add to the crisis. We shoud now have long-term flood management strategies in this Himalayan region, which is proven to be one of the most vulnerable to floods and earthquakes.

Fourthly, we need to understand the causes of the flood-like situation. There are two types of causes: natural and man-made. Natural causes can be prevented and mitigated through human efforts by protecting nature as it is. Even some common issues make a big difference: poor drainage systems in urban centres, water-logging even after minor rains, weak infrastructure, incomplete dredging, inadequately reinforced embankments, unchecked urban expansion blocking natural drainage routes, public irresponsibility and negligence, lack of accountability and weak administrative surveillance, rivers turned into dumping grounds, and rampant sand mining.

At the end of the day, the problem lies with all of us—the people. Our government should now place a plan, particularly for these problems, once and for all. To safeguard Kashmir from recurring floods, both short-term and long-term measures must be implemented with urgency and accountability. In the immediate term, weak embankments should be reinforced, drainage channels cleared, emergency shelters established, and rescue operations made more efficient. Community participation through local flood brigades and NGOs should also be encouraged to support relief distribution, advisories, and shelter provision.

Modern storm-water drainage systems must be developed and maintained regularly, while Jhelum embankments and tributaries require permanent strengthening with flood-control engineering. Timely dredging, repair, and construction of new bunds are essential to increase water-carrying capacity. Urban planning reforms should ban construction in floodplains and wetlands, while climate-resilient designs should guide future expansion. Restoration of wetlands such as Dal, Wular, and Hokersar must be prioritized as they act as natural flood sponges.

Technological innovations like satellite-based flood forecasting, AI monitoring, and automated siren systems in vulnerable areas should be adopted. Public awareness campaigns, disaster preparedness drills, and mandatory rainwater harvesting can reduce risks. Finally, strict accountability, penalties for pollution and encroachment, and dedicated relief funds are vital. If pursued earnestly, these measures can make Kashmir safer, more sustainable, and resilient against future disasters.