Jammu: Emphasising the need for a proactive and sustainable approach to flood management in the face of changing climatic conditions, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Sunday said preventive measures, timely interventions and resilient infrastructure are essential to minimise the impact of natural disasters on lives, livelihoods and public assets.
Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana said the government is committed to strengthening protective infrastructure in vulnerable areas and ensuring that development initiatives translate into tangible and lasting benefits for local communities.
“As we witness increasingly erratic weather patterns and climate-related challenges, strengthening our preparedness against floods has become imperative.
“Our priority must be to protect vulnerable riverbanks, safeguard habitations and agricultural land, and ensure that critical public infrastructure remains secure,” the minister said, inaugurating flood protection works worth Rs 5.91 crore along vulnerable stretches of Nikki Tawi and Waddi Tawi rivers here.
The projects, funded under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme and NABARD, are aimed at mitigating riverbank erosion, reducing flood risks and strengthening protective infrastructure in areas vulnerable to rising water levels and heavy river discharge during periods of intense rainfall.
He said effective flood management requires advance planning, sound engineering interventions and sustained efforts to reduce risks before disasters strike.
“All flood protection works must adhere to prescribed technical standards and quality benchmarks, with particular emphasis on durability, long-term sustainability and timely execution,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of preparedness and coordinated action in disaster management, Rana called for close coordination among the concerned departments, regular monitoring of project implementation and adherence to prescribed quality standards.
He said sustained supervision is necessary to ensure effectiveness of flood protection measures, especially in areas exposed to recurring flooding and riverbank erosion.
“Flood protection cannot be confined to responding to emergencies after damage has occurred. We must anticipate risks, identify vulnerable stretches and implement timely preventive measures. Our approach must be forward-looking, with clear focus on reducing disaster risks, protecting lives and livelihoods, and building infrastructure capable of withstanding increasingly challenging weather conditions,” the minister said.
Rana underscored the importance of completing ongoing works within stipulated timelines, directing that implementation be closely monitored to avoid unnecessary delays.
