The recent revelation regarding the failure to notify flood basins in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir highlights a concerning oversight that puts lives and property at risk. Despite the clear provisions outlined in the Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2010, necessary actions have been delayed due to the non-provision of crucial data from the Irrigation and Flood Control and Jal Shakti Departments. Flood basins play a critical role in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks. However, without their formal notification, the explicit provisions of the legislation cannot be implemented, leaving the region vulnerable to potential disasters. The Act delineates the process for identifying and declaring flood basins, emphasising the importance of surveys and investigations to determine areas susceptible to flooding. Moreover, the Act defines offences related to flood basins and embankments, along with corresponding penalties, underscoring the seriousness of ensuring their proper management.
The responsibility for this delay lies squarely with the Irrigation and Flood Control and Jal Shakti Departments, which have failed to provide essential revenue details and flood data despite repeated reminders from the J&K Water Resources Regulatory Authority (JKWRRA). Without this information, the Authority cannot fulfil its mandate to recommend the notification of flood basins, leaving the region vulnerable to the adverse effects of unchecked water flow. The repercussions of this official apathy are manifolds. The authorities must prioritise this matter and expedite the notification of flood basins in Jammu and Kashmir. Not only will this action enable the implementation of the Act’s provisions, but it will also empower the Authority to address offences such as unauthorised removal of bed material and construction activities that impact water flow. Urgent action is needed to address the long-standing issue of flood basins in Jammu and Kashmir. The authorities must work collaboratively to expedite the process, prioritise public safety, and uphold the principles of effective water resource management. Only through concerted efforts can the resilience of Jammu and Kashmir against the threat of flooding and the safeguarding of its residents be ensured.
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