Jammu and Kashmir Strengthen Disaster Preparedness with Strategic Initiatives

Disaster Management Disaster Management in India

Posted by admin on 2025-01-26 09:07:02 |

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Jammu and Kashmir are making significant strides in disaster management with the approval of the state’s first comprehensive State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP) and the inauguration of critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing disaster response capabilities. These efforts reflect the administration’s commitment to minimizing the impact of natural disasters and ensuring the safety of its residents.

The recently approved State Disaster Management Plan, developed in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, aims to reduce the region’s vulnerability to natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. A key focus of the plan is to build both human and institutional capacities to respond effectively to emergencies. The plan includes the establishment of Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) at divisional and district levels to facilitate prompt coordination during crises. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement, structured governance frameworks, and conducting regular risk assessments and mock drills to maintain a high level of preparedness.

In parallel with this strategic planning, the administration is also enhancing the region's infrastructure to support disaster management efforts. On January 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg, a 6.5 km-long tunnel that provides year-round connectivity to Ladakh. This $932 million infrastructure project is expected to significantly improve disaster response times and facilitate the transportation of relief materials to remote areas. Additionally, a second 14 km tunnel is under construction and is expected to be completed by 2026, further improving access through the treacherous Zojila Pass.

Furthermore, the government has launched an initiative to geo-tag thousands of Chinar trees, ensuring their conservation while creating a database that aids environmental disaster planning.

These initiatives collectively mark a major step toward a disaster-resilient future for Jammu and Kashmir, strengthening response capabilities and safeguarding the region’s natural and human resources.

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