Locals allege only cosmetic works done since 2014 deluge; authorities insist measures are in place
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD) Barely two days of rainfall have brought large parts of Kashmir under the shadow of floods, with locals questioning the fate of funds allocated for dredging the Jhelum and strengthening its embankments after the devastating 2014 deluge.
“We were told that crores were sanctioned for dredging and flood protection, but nothing substantial is visible on the ground. Even a short spell of rain pushes us to the edge,” said Ghulam Ahmad, a resident of Pampore.
The Jhelum, already swollen by incessant rains, has once again triggered panic among people living along its banks. Many believe that despite tall promises, only patchwork and temporary measures have been carried out.
“It is shameful that in this day and age, two days of rainfall can paralyse us,” said Shazia, a shopkeeper in Srinagar, who shifted her goods fearing inundation.
Officials, however, defended their efforts. A senior Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) officer maintained, “We have completed dredging at key stretches and kept over one lakh sandbags ready. Additional boats from SDRF are on standby.”
But locals argue sandbags and temporary barricades cannot replace durable embankments and wider spill channels. “Unless permanent flood management is put in place, we are sitting ducks for another 2014-like tragedy,” warned Manzoor Ahmad, a farmer from Bijbehara.
Experts add that encroachments on floodplains, unplanned urbanisation, and shrinking wetlands are further reducing the river’s capacity to absorb excess water, leaving the Valley increasingly vulnerable to even moderate rainfall(DD)
