Disaster vulnerability and flood management policy framework in the Himalayas

Abstract

The Himalayas are one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world and have experienced an increasing number of disasters, particularly floods in recent years that have hampered the socio-economic development in the region. Flood management policies are key in mitigating and managing disasters and are an important part of disaster risk reduction. In the present study, we discuss the disaster vulnerability and policy framework in the North-Western Himalayas, with a focus on the flooding in the Kashmir Valley, which is one of the most vulnerable regions in the Himalayas. Kashmir has a long history of flooding that has affected society and the environment on a wide scale. However, flood management began at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The present work explores the primary sources to make a historical analysis of flood management in Kashmir. The study provides an in-depth analysis of the important policies and proposals for flood management in the region. It discusses the top priorities established by various flood management suggestions and examines how the focus was given to Srinagar city and the reclamation of agricultural land while neglecting other areas. The study highlights the failure of the flood management plans and why the problem of flood management persists in the Kashmir Valley. The study also discusses the vulnerability of the Kashmir Valley to floods and the resultant causes.