The Jammu and Kashmir administration has unveiled a comprehensive Rs 3,340 crore action plan aimed at bolstering disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies. The initiative focuses on enhancing early warning systems, reducing vulnerability to natural hazards, and upgrading emergency response infrastructure across all districts.
The significant allocation was directed during a high-level review meeting in Jammu, chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. The meeting involved a thorough assessment of existing disaster management efforts, institutional reforms, and the optimal utilization of funds, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming monsoon season.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasized the imperative for effective and timely deployment of funds designated for disaster management, mitigation, and risk reduction programs. He underscored the necessity of a structured, evidence-based, and multi-sectoral approach, built upon six fundamental pillars: early warning systems, risk reduction, relief and response, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and capacity building.
Furthermore, the Chief Secretary mandated a detailed, expert-driven analysis to be conducted by a constituted committee. This analysis will inform the development of department-specific mitigation plans, with a particular emphasis on identifying high-risk zones and implementing targeted interventions. Deputy Commissioners have been tasked with proactively mapping vulnerable areas, drawing lessons from past disaster events, and ensuring that preventive measures are in place before the onset of the monsoon.
Senior officials present at the meeting included the Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), Additional Chief Secretary (PWD), Principal Secretary (DMRRR), the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, the Director of SDRF, the CEO of ERA, and other key officers. Deputy Commissioners from all districts joined the proceedings virtually.
A central theme of the discussions revolved around strengthening infrastructure resilience in disaster-prone areas, with specific attention paid to the Chenab basin. Officials called for advanced studies, enhanced monitoring capabilities, and the implementation of technology-driven early warning systems in the region. The Finance department highlighted the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure and integrating modern forecasting tools to minimize potential loss of life and property.
The Public Works Department provided an update on the ongoing permanent restoration of damaged infrastructure. They also detailed structural mitigation measures being undertaken to reduce disruptions caused by extreme weather events. The Director of the SDRF stressed the need for augmenting manpower, acquiring modern equipment, and improving logistical capacities to enhance the overall efficiency of disaster response operations.
The Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DDMRRR) informed the attendees that comprehensive mitigation guidelines have been disseminated. Departments have been instructed to align all proposals with these guidelines to secure necessary funding support. The department also indicated that new district-level allocations would be released shortly for urgent intervention measures.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu emphasized the critical role of training volunteers in remote and inaccessible areas to expedite response times. Concurrently, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir advocated for strengthening flood zoning and modeling, as well as ensuring the early operationalization of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Budgam.
The CEO of ERA reported that the construction of the Budgam EOC is nearing completion, with partial operationalization anticipated by the end of April and full commissioning targeted for August. She also confirmed that the procurement of essential disaster management equipment has commenced, ensuring readiness for potential exigencies.
Deputy Commissioners presented on-ground assessments, highlighting the need for consultancy support, equipment, and capacity-building initiatives. They also reported on the preparedness measures implemented during previous disaster events in their respective districts.
Further insights revealed that a Multi-Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Assessment is currently underway in pilot districts, including Ramban, Kishtwar, and Srinagar. This initiative is complemented by the development of a Risk Atlas designed to map hazard-prone zones across the entire Union Territory.
The administration has previously secured over Rs 330 crore from the High-Level Committee based on recommendations from the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT). Additionally, Rs 1,579 crore has been approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs for recovery and reconstruction efforts, with Rs 1,431 crore allocated under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) for the restoration of damaged infrastructure.
Institutionally, the Union Territory has established a dedicated Directorate of Disaster Management and is actively working towards the creation of an Urban Disaster Management Authority. A dedicated mitigation fund has been operationalized to support targeted risk reduction projects in vulnerable regions.
In a significant step towards enhancing capabilities, the administration has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and is collaborating with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to develop hyper-local early warning systems. The Incident Response System has been extended down to the tehsil level, bolstered by regular mock drills and structured training programs.
Line departments such as Housing and Urban Development, Public Works (R&B), and Jal Shakti are integrating disaster-resilient engineering practices. These include earthquake-resistant construction, comprehensive floodplain mapping, slope stabilization techniques, and the installation of advanced flood monitoring systems.
The government has also initiated policy reforms, including the strengthening of building bye-laws, the enforcement of land-use regulations, flood-plain zoning, and the mandatory compliance with disaster risk reduction measures in all major infrastructure projects. These measures signify a notable shift towards establishing long-term resilience and proactive risk reduction within Jammu and Kashmir’s disaster management framework.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
