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| Fragile Relationship Exposed | | | | The floods wreaking havoc across the Jammu region have once again exposed the vulnerabilities of our disaster preparedness and the fragile relationship between human settlement, infrastructure, and nature. Torrential rains have triggered flash floods, landslides, and overflowing rivers, cutting off vital road links, submerging agricultural land, damaging houses, and leaving thousands stranded. Floods in Jammu are neither new nor unexpected. The topography of the region—marked by fast-flowing rivers, hilly terrains, and fragile slopes—makes it highly prone to such natural calamities. Yet, despite this known vulnerability, year after year, we see the same tragic scenes replayed: people marooned without relief, roads washed away, and emergency response units stretched to their limits. The fundamental question that arises is whether enough has been done in terms of preventive measures, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure to mitigate such disasters. The damage caused by the floods this year is a grim reminder of how urbanization without planning has worsened natural vulnerabilities. Encroachments along riverbeds, illegal construction on floodplains, deforestation, and indiscriminate mining have weakened the region’s natural defenses. When rivers rise above danger marks, their natural course is obstructed, causing water to spill into habitations and farmlands. This man-made contribution to a natural calamity is a reality that policymakers cannot ignore any longer. Equally concerning is the disruption of connectivity. The washing away of roads and bridges highlights the poor quality of infrastructure in a region that is both strategically sensitive and economically significant. Jammu serves as the gateway to Kashmir and a vital link for pilgrims, tourists, and the armed forces. Relief and rescue operations by the administration, armed forces, and volunteers deserve appreciation, but the larger challenge is rehabilitation and long-term recovery. Families have lost their homes and sources of livelihood. Compensation and immediate relief must be disbursed without delays. Farmers whose crops have been washed away need targeted support to prevent them from slipping into crippling debt. Rehabilitation efforts must go beyond token measures and focus on rebuilding lives with dignity. Most importantly, this disaster should serve as a wake-up call for proactive planning. The Jammu region requires robust flood management strategies, including dredging of rivers, construction of check dams, restoration of wetlands, and strict enforcement of zoning laws to prevent encroachments. Early warning systems must be strengthened with the help of technology, ensuring that people receive timely alerts before disaster strikes. Equally, there must be accountability in infrastructure development so that public money is not wasted on projects that collapse in the first onslaught of rain. The floods in Jammu are not just only about nature’s fury—they are also about human negligence. If lessons are not learned and corrective measures not implemented, the cycle of destruction will continue year after year. What Jammu needs is not just relief after tragedy but resilience before it strikes. |
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