Kashmir’s Changing River Beds and the Looming Threat of Floods
Human actions wield profound repercussions, as we’ve disrupted nature’s delicate balance through the indiscriminate exploitation of its resources. Our wanton interference has taken its toll on vital ecosystems, including forests, mountains, glaciers, and water bodies, unleashing unintended consequences. Now, nature is retaliating with a vengeance, meting out floods as a direct consequence of our actions.
Semran Parvaiz
The world grapples with the recurring menace of floods, and the Kashmir Valley is no stranger to this peril. In a recent episode, relentless downpours rekindled the haunting recollections of the catastrophic deluge that engulfed the region in 2014. Regrettably, despite nearly a decade having elapsed since that calamity, it is disheartening to observe that the lessons from that ordeal remain largely unheeded by both the authorities and the populace. While floods are an inevitable facet of the natural order, the recurrent disasters in Jammu and Kashmir are predominantly the result of heedless human activities that disrupt the fragile equilibrium of nature.
Human actions wield profound repercussions, as we’ve disrupted nature’s delicate balance through the indiscriminate exploitation of its resources. Our wanton interference has taken its toll on vital ecosystems, including forests, mountains, glaciers, and water bodies, unleashing unintended consequences. Now, nature is retaliating with a vengeance, meting out floods as a direct consequence of our actions.
Within the idyllic confines of the Kashmir Valley, the spectre of flooding looms ominously over all its districts, with multifarious causal factors at play. Even a mere three days of rainfall can spell impending disaster for thousands of homes. In this piece, we delve into the intricate intricacies of Kashmir’s vulnerability to flooding, with a particular emphasis on the pivotal role played by shifting riverbeds in this complex narrative.
Flood-Prone Kashmir
The geographical location of Kashmir valley, located in the middle of mountains, makes it particularly vulnerable to floods. Throughout history, the region has been affected by recurrent flood disasters, with records dating back to as early as 1903. From 1929 to the catastrophic events of 2014, the flood cycle has persisted as an undeniable reality, influenced by both natural forces and human activities.
The presence of surrounding mountains creates a natural funnel that channels heavy rainfall and snowmelt waters towards the valley, increasing the risk of flooding. Additionally, the Himalayas are known for their rapidly changing weather patterns, which can lead to sudden and intense downpours, increasing the flood threat.
While natural factors play a significant role, human actions have also contributed to the severity of the floods. Over the years, extensive deforestation, mining, and urbanization have altered the landscape, affecting the region’s hydrological balance. The loss of vegetation reduces the soil’s ability to absorb excess water, leading to faster runoff and increased flood risk.
Furthermore, the expansion of buildings and infrastructure projects without proper consideration for floodplain areas such as river beds has restricted natural drainage channels. As a result, floodwaters have fewer outlets to flow out, causing water levels to rise rapidly during heavy rains.
Human-Induced Disasters and The 2014 Calamity
In the face of floods, we must confront the undeniable truth that human actions play a significant role in increasing these disasters. Our relentless exploitation of natural resources, such as forests, mountains, glaciers, and water bodies, has had dire consequences. Nature, in its response, is merely reciprocating the harm we have out to it.
The devastating floods of 2014 were a clear reminder of our vulnerability to nature’s anger. Heavy rainfall unleashed massive water flow from higher mountains, leading to the overflowing of critical basins, including Jhelum, Chenab, and Tawi. The aftermath was nothing short of catastrophic, with widespread destruction of property and the irreplaceable loss of countless lives. Despite nine years having passed since that tragic event, the recent rains have reignited fears of a similar calamity happening once again.
Having said that floods happen often in Kashmir valley because it is surrounded by big mountains. But people have made a big difference in how bad and how often these events happen. The rapid cutting down of once-lush forests has upset the delicate balance of nature, making it harder for the land to soak up extra water. So, when it rains hard in the area, the water rushes without control, flooding towns and causing a lot of damage.
Climate change is causing glaciers to melt, which makes it more likely that floods will happen in the area. As glaciers melt quickly, they leave behind glacial lakes that can burst and cause huge floods downstream. Jammu and Kashmir has more than 100 glacial lakes spread across many mountain areas. The possibility of such tragedies needs our immediate attention.
Also, people have moved into natural drainage pathways and marshes, which has made them smaller. Construction is being done in and around lakes. Concrete has taken the place of these once-important floodwater storage areas, reducing their ability to soak up extra water. Floods are more likely to happen, and when they do, they can cause a lot of damage.
After the rains of 2014, there were claims of complete plans for dealing with floods. But work has been slow, and many of the plans have not yet come to fruition. Flood predictions and early warning systems are still very important because they can help save lives by allowing evacuations and rescue measures to be taken on time.
The possible reasons for floods
Kashmir’s vulnerability to floods is not the result of a singular cause but rather a complex interplay of factors that demand a comprehensive understanding. Here, we delve into the multifaceted reasons contributing to the imminent flood threat in Kashmir.
The problems with Jhelum
Over the past few decades, the Jhelum River, vital for irrigation in Kashmir, has faced a significant challenge: extensive siltation. Another problem is the construction of houses on river banks. The Jhelum River bank is covered almost everywhere with the residential areas, which affects the natural structure of the river. It’s like floods don’t come to houses, but houses go to floods rather. Lack of proper prevention measures has made it less able to hold water, which makes it more likely to flood. Encroachments and fast urbanisation have made things worse because they have made the river and its floodplains less able to handle heavy rain. So, when it rains hard, the river has a hard time holding all the extra water. This can cause floods that can cause a lot of damage to the towns and villages along its banks. To protect the area from the looming danger of flooding, steps must be taken right away to recover the river’s flow and keep people from building on its natural floodplains. We can only hope to lessen the risks of floods in the beautiful valley of Kashmir if we take steps like these.
Degradation of wetlands
Kashmir is known for its beautiful wetlands all over the world. The environmentally important wetlands in the Jhelum floodplains, which were once important floodwater storage areas, have been hurt by urbanisation and pollution. These important marshes, which were once nature’s sponges, have been slowly replaced by concrete structures, which has made them less able to soak up floods. Because of this, the area is now more likely to be damaged by floods.
The loss of marshes caused by urbanisation and expansion has upset the natural balance and flow of water in the area. By holding and slowly releasing extra water during heavy rain, these marshes were very important in reducing the damage from floods. But because they are falling apart, there are fewer places for water to gather. This means that the area is quickly and completely flooded.
The effects of this damage were clear during the recent floods in Kashmir when the lack of natural sponges made the damage from the floods worse. By keeping these natural pools in good shape, we can make the area more resistant to flooding and protect people from the harmful forces of nature. Also, the Jhelum floodplains need careful planning for how land is used and steps to stop further development if they are to have a better and more stable future.
Incomplete Flood Management Efforts
Even though the deadly floods of 2014 made it clear that complete flood management was needed right away, progress in this area has been slow and insufficient. Initiatives to increase the Jhelum River’s carrying capacity through cleaning and repair have run into problems because they don’t have enough money or space.
The size of the problem has been huge. Not only did they have to deal with the river’s carrying capacity, but they also had to deal with other things that make floods more likely, like encroachments of river banks and wetlands. Important flood control measures haven’t been put into place because there aren’t enough resources and buildings.
With the recent rains, the effects of this slow progress have become clear, and people are once again worried about the threat of flooding. To protect towns from future disasters, the government must put flood control at the top of its list of priorities and put money into it. To make the area more resistant to floods, it is important to give it enough resources and make sure it has the tools it needs. We can only reduce the risks that floods bring and protect the health of the people who live in the area if we are vigilant and work hard.
The Glacial Threat
Having said that climate change is causing glaciers to melt quickly, which is a big worry for the area. As glaciers melt, they leave behind glacial lakes in different mountain areas. These lakes can cause flash floods in the valleys below. Because of how vulnerable towns are to floods caused by glacial lake outbursts, they need to be constantly monitored and prepared. Every other day we hear the news of a mountainous area being struck with cloud bursts in Kashmir which causes flash floods.
Studies show that climate change is making many of the mountains in Jammu and Kashmir melt quickly. This is what makes glacier lakes, which have a lot of water in them. So, if the natural walls that hold these lakes back break, the water can rush out all at once, causing terrible flash floods downstream.
Thus, it is important to keep an eye on ice lakes on a daily basis. Monitoring helps find possible dangers early, so officials can take steps to stop disasters before they happen. Floods caused by glacial lake outbursts can be less dangerous if people take preventative steps, like building the right infrastructure to strengthen glacial lake walls.
Due to the growing number of extreme weather events and the ongoing changes in the climate of the area, it is important to invest in studies and resources to learn more about how glaciers move and how they might affect communities further downstream. Floods caused by glacial lake outbursts are very dangerous and can cause a lot of damage. The only way to keep people safe and healthy in the area is to stay aware and take action.
What Can Be Done
Even though it may be hard to stop natural disasters from happening altogether, there are things we can do to lessen their effects and save lives. One of the most important steps is to put money into tools that can predict floods and tell people about them early.
Flood forecasting methods use information from many different sources, such as weather forecasts, river levels, and patterns of rainfall, to predict when floods might happen. These systems can give important information ahead of time, so officials can tell people in the affected areas in a timely manner. Early reports can greatly reduce the chances of deaths and damage to property by giving people time to move to better places.
Another important part of getting ready for floods is to strengthen the banks along rivers and other bodies of water. When there is a flood, embankments protect against rising water levels. Making sure they are strong and have good structure can help stop them from breaking and reduce the number of floods in vulnerable places. Also, all the illegal encroachments must be removed from the river banks all over the Kashmir valley.
It is very important to give local groups the tools and training they need to help save lives during floods. Local people are often the first ones to help in an emergency, so giving them the skills and tools they need can make a big difference in the aid efforts. People who know how to use boats and other safety tools can help rescue and evacuation efforts go more smoothly, especially in places where emergency services might be hard to reach during floods.
In addition to these steps, flood hazard zonation mapping is a key way to find places that are at high risk of flooding and are sensitive to it. By knowing which areas are most likely to flood, officials can decide where to put their resources and how to help lessen the damage.
The deployment of flood alarm systems in susceptible areas offers a significant boost to preparedness. These systems leverage sensors and real-time data to detect escalating water levels, triggering timely alarms that serve as a vital warning for both residents and authorities alike. Such rapid alerts empower communities to spring into immediate action, ensuring swift and effective response to flood situations, thereby minimizing their impact.
Conclusion
Floods remain an ever-present threat in Kashmir, necessitating an immediate and collective effort. To break free from the cycle of recurrent disasters, we must conscientiously acknowledge the consequences of our actions and prioritize ecological solutions. One crucial step involves the restoration of wetland areas, which serve as natural bulwarks against storms, facilitating enhanced absorption of excess water.
In our endeavor to mitigate flood risks, it is imperative to undertake the dredging and rehabilitation of the Jhelum River, increasing its capacity to contain surging waters. Concurrently, the rejuvenation of riverbanks and the removal of all unauthorized encroachments become pivotal measures essential for the safety and well-being of the populace.
Furthermore, preparedness is of paramount importance. The establishment of advanced flood prediction systems and early warning mechanisms empowers communities to receive timely alerts, enabling them to take requisite actions or, if necessary, evacuate promptly. Through a collaborative effort and a commitment to respecting the delicate equilibrium of nature, we can safeguard Kashmir from the devastating floods that have inflicted profound suffering in the past.
The moment has arrived for decisive action. By fortifying our communities, we can fortify them against the ravages unleashed by tempestuous storms, ushering in a future of greater resilience and protection.
References
https://www.greaterkashmir.com/todays-paper/editorial-page/jk-looming-flood-threats
https://www.outlookindia.com/national/unplanned-development-making-kashmir-prone-to-floods-news-300588
https://www.greaterkashmir.com/editorial-page-2/srinagar-continues-to-be-under-flood-threat
Admin Rules Out Flood Threat In Kashmir Valley Despite Heavy Downpour
Semran Parvaiz is a freelance science writer with an experience of 3 years and her work has been featured in some reputed journals. She is currently pursuing a master’s in Zoology from the Central University of Kashmir and has a great interest in scientific topics.
