Recent disasters in J&K more man-made than natural: EPG

Srinagar, Aug 30: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has expressed deep concern over the rising frequency of disasters in J&K, stressing that the recent tragedies caused by cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides are more man-made than natural.

EPG Convenor Faiz Bakshi said that while dozens of lives have been lost and property worth crores damaged, “the ones responsible for the destruction of our natural resources are speaking the loudest, using environmental conservation as a political tool.”

EPG conveyed solidarity with victims in Chishoti, Vaishnodevi, and other affected areas, noting that businesses, agriculture, horticulture, and entire communities have suffered heavy losses.

The Group pointed out that despite repeated warnings for over a decade, very little has been done to address the Valley’s acute flood vulnerability, as even moderate rainfall recently pushed the River Jhelum into the flood declaration zone, reviving memories of the catastrophic 2014 deluge.

EPG, which has filed a Public Interest Litigation (EPG vs Union of India & Others) before the Hon’ble High Court with 16 government departments as respondents, lamented the lack of follow-through on judicial directions to restore the carrying capacity of the Jhelum and associated water bodies. “The 2014 floods had wiped out villages and infrastructure, yet Kashmir continues to face the same risks as if nothing has changed,” Bakshi said.

The group underlined that unchecked deforestation, encroachments, illegal land use, and degradation of wetlands like Hokersar, Mirgund, Shallabugh, Narakara, and Wular Lake have stripped the Valley of its natural flood safeguards. “Wetlands once acted as sponges, but now they are shrinking every year, leaving Kashmir dangerously exposed,” Bakshi warned.

Calling dredging of the Jhelum essential, EPG insisted it must be undertaken scientifically and continuously, rather than in piecemeal and cosmetic ways. Equally critical, the group noted, is the revival of the flood spill channel, strengthening embankments, and upgrading Srinagar’s outdated drainage system.

“The Valley cannot afford another 2014. Unless wetlands, forests, and river systems are restored, floods will keep returning with even greater devastation,” Bakshi cautioned, urging the government to approve and implement the long-pending Flood Recovery and Prevention Vision Plan on a war footing.