Never Again! EPG to debate 2014 Kashmir floods, World Bank project and way ahead

6 September 2024

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Srinagar, Sept : As Kashmir approaches the tenth anniversary of the devastating September 2014 floods, the Environmental Policy Group (EPG), a J&K-based environmental advocacy forum, will host a significant commemorative event titled “September 2014: Never Again!”. The event, set for the 6th of September 2024, aims to spark dialogue and enhance collaboration between public institutions, civil society, and experts in flood risk mitigation.

With flood preparedness in Kashmir as a central theme, the event will reflect on past missteps and look towards building a more resilient future for the region.

The event will bring together a diverse array of experts and stakeholders to tackle flood risk reduction from multiple angles. EPG has sought participation of all those who passionately feel of this subject. A series of presentations and discussions will delve into topics that are crucial for building a robust flood management framework in Kashmir.

The key topics that will be discussed at the event include:

1. Jhelum Flood Management – A Case Study of the World Bank-Funded $250 Million Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project. It will be presented by an official from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department and will provide an overview of the World Bank-funded project, assessing its implementation and impact on flood risk mitigation.

Re-thinking City Public Services in Natural Disasters/Floods – Lessons from 2014 and the Way Forward
This presentation will look at how urban services and governance in Kashmir need to evolve to ensure effective responses during natural disasters, drawing lessons from the 2014 floods. It will be presented by Dr. G.N. Qasba

2. Wullar Lake as the Sponge – Is It Working?
As one of Kashmir’s largest water bodies, Wullar Lake has long been considered a key buffer for floods this presentation will explore whether the lake is still functioning as a ‘sponge’ to absorb floodwaters. It will be presented by prominent hydrologist Er. Ajaz Rasool
3. Climate Change Factor: Is Precipitation Pattern Really Changing?
With rising concerns about climate change, by Dr. Jasia Bashir, Assistant Professor, IUST & Climate Change Scientist will shed light on how shifts in precipitation patterns may be influencing flood risks in the region.

4. Are We Really Prepared? A Case for Multi-Sectoral Flood Risk Reduction and Mitigation in J&K
This session will challenge whether Kashmir’s flood preparedness measures are truly multi-sectoral, integrating all relevant stakeholders and sectors in risk reduction efforts. Speaker: Er Iftikhar Drabu

5. Development the Spoiler: Why Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction in J&K’s Development Paradigm is Important
Presented by Er. Iftikhar Hakim
Unplanned urban growth often worsens flood impacts. Er. Hakim will argue for integrating disaster risk reduction into all development projects in Jammu & Kashmir to prevent disasters before they strike.
6. Financing Flood Risk Reduction in J&K: Do We Have the Money Beyond the World Bank Project?
Beyond external funding like the World Bank project, where will the money come from for future flood mitigation initiatives in Jammu & Kashmir? This presentation will explore the financing gaps and opportunities. It will be presented by Arjimand Hussain, international development expert and prominent writer-columnist.

8. Riverbed Mining of Alpine Streams in J&K: Is Mitigation Still Possible? The adverse impact of rampant riverbed mining in Kashmir’s alpine streams will be discussed, alongside possible mitigation measures to protect the region’s fragile ecosystems. It will be presented by Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, prominent RTI and environmental activist.

Experts from across the board will discuss whether Kashmir is truly prepared for another disaster, and what must change to prevent history from repeating itself. The conference is expected to inspire a stronger partnership between public and civil society actors for sustainable and effective flood risk mitigation.