Disaster Management in Jammu and Kashmir: Tracing the History of Relief and Rehabilitation Amidst Destruction

Abstract

Since primitive times, humans are trying to establish harmonious relationship with nature, and it has always been a constant struggle which speaks volumes about the survival and adapting techniques of the species. In last few years, it has been observed that frequency of natural disasters has increased manifold and we humans are collectively liable for this blatant interference with nature which has caused mammoth loss of lives and material over the centuries. In the region of Jammu and Kashmir, various kinds of disasters have been a recurring phenomenon affecting human lives and devastating the economies. The union territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost region of India and is considered to be one of the most picturesque lands on the planet. But the region has been unfortunately plagued by various natural disasters ranging from earthquakes, destructive floods, snow blizzards, avalanches, landslides, to wind storms, all owing to its peculiar topography, rugged terrain, extreme weather conditions, and unique geographical and geo-climatic settings, which has always caused a huge loss of human lives and property. This chapter attempts to chronologically trace the major disasters of Jammu and Kashmir region and understand the role of government in mitigating the disasters. This study critically examines the various policy documents, orders, and by-laws which have been framed and implemented from time to time by the government of the day. The study also looks into the role of various government agencies, i.e., National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other associated government departments.