Srinagar : A parliamentary committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs has flagged Jammu and Kashmir’s heightened vulnerability to floods, landslides, earthquakes, avalanches, and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), while noting that gaps persist in last-mile connectivity, enforcement of land-use regulations and the integration of disaster risk reduction measures across development sectors.
In its observations on disaster management in J&K, the committee noted that J&K is particularly exposed to multiple hazards because of its “fragile Himalayan ecology, complex terrain and climatic variability.”
“The committee noted that J&K is highly vulnerable to multiple hazards including floods, landslides, earthquakes, avalanches, and GLOFs, owing to its fragile Himalayan ecology, complex terrain and climatic variability,” the report said.
It observed that Kashmir valley is particularly prone to floods, the Chenab Valley to landslides, while the Jammu region falls in high seismic zones.
The panel said J&K has developed a structured disaster management framework, with the Disaster Management Plan initially notified in 2017 and subsequently revised in 2023 to bring it in line with the UT governance structure and the National Disaster Management Plan.
“The committee observed that J&K has developed a structured disaster management framework, with the Disaster Management Plan initially notified in 2017 and subsequently revised in 2023 to align with the UT governance structure and the National Disaster Management Plan,” it said.
The committee also noted that District Disaster Management Plans had been prepared for all 20 districts, ensuring complete coverage.
On institutional preparedness, the panel said mechanisms had been strengthened following the reorganisation of J&K, including through the reconstitution of the Disaster Management Authority and improved coordination among UT, divisional, and district-level authorities.
However, it pointed to “initial challenges relating to role clarity, inter-departmental coordination and data sharing,” particularly during the transition phase.
The report also examined the incorporation of disaster risk reduction into infrastructure projects.
It noted that measures such as slope stabilisation, drainage systems, embankments and geotechnical interventions were increasingly being incorporated into road projects, including the Srinagar-Jammu corridor, as well as tourism and hydropower projects.
However, the committee cautioned that “such integration remains uneven and project-specific rather than systemic.”
The panel appreciated efforts to strengthen early warning systems through the adoption of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), integration of alerts from agencies including the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Central Water Commission (CWC), and Directorate General Resettlement and Relief (DGRE), and the use of platforms such as SACHET and Decision Support Systems.
“Emergency Operation Centres at UT and district levels provide real-time coordination and dissemination of alerts,” the report said.
But the committee identified a significant challenge in reaching people in remote and mountainous areas.
“However, the committee noted that last-mile connectivity remains a challenge in remote and mountainous districts such as Kishtwar, Kupwara and Bandipora due to terrain and communication limitations,” it said.
It also observed the “absence of a fully integrated real-time multi-hazard warning platform and community-based alert systems.”
Response capacity and local preparedness
The panel noted that J&K’s response capacity is supported by SDRF battalions, NDRF deployment and coordination with the Army and other central agencies, particularly for mountain search and rescue, avalanche response and high-altitude logistics.
It also noted that resources were being pre-positioned and seasonal preparedness measures, including winter stocking in snow-bound areas, were in place.
At the community level, the Committee highlighted programmes such as Aapda Mitra and Aapda Sakhi and the constitution of Panchayat- and Block-level Disaster Management Committees.
“Training programmes, mock drills and awareness campaigns have been conducted across districts to enhance local preparedness,” it said.
The panel also recorded mitigation measures including slope stabilisation, flood protection works, embankments and soil conservation interventions in vulnerable areas such as Ramban, Baramulla and Uri.
It described monitoring of glacial lakes and implementation of GLOF mitigation frameworks through dedicated committees and scientific studies as “important steps towards long-term risk reduction.”
On urban flooding, the committee noted that measures including de-siltation of drains, strengthening of embankments and flood-channel improvements were being undertaken in Srinagar and Jammu.
However, it highlighted continuing problems involving floodplain encroachment, inadequate drainage infrastructure and enforcement gaps.
“The committee noted that regulatory frameworks for earthquake-resistant construction and floodplain zoning are in place; however, enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly in peri-urban and rural areas,” the report said.
It also flagged challenges associated with the utilisation of funds meant for resilience-building.
“Similarly, while funds such as SDRF, CAMPA and mitigation programmes are being utilised for resilience-building, challenges in timely fund utilisation, technical capacity and monitoring were observed,” it said.
In its concluding assessment, the committee acknowledged the progress made by J&K in strengthening its disaster management systems but called for a broader and more systematic approach.
“The committee is of the view that while Jammu and Kashmir has made significant progress in strengthening disaster management systems, there is a need for greater emphasis on last-mile connectivity, enforcement of land-use regulations, integration of disaster risk reduction into all development sectors and strengthening of technological and institutional capacities to enhance the effectiveness of response, relief and rehabilitation across J&K,” the report said.
