Heavy snowfall, extreme cold and the resulting disruptions impact daily life and infrastructure during the winter months in Kashmir valley. One of the most critical disruptions is the frequent closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a vital lifeline for the Valley’s connectivity and economic sustenance. This arterial road is essential for the transportation of goods, medical supplies and other daily essentials. The harsh winters also exacerbate vulnerabilities by increasing the risk of natural disasters such as avalanches, landslides, and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). In this regard, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo recently convened a meeting with key officials from the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) to evaluate and strengthen disaster preparedness measures for the winter months. One of the more ambitious projects discussed in the recent meeting is the development of hazard-specific plans, such as the Cold Wave Action Plan and Landslide Management Plan. These initiatives are promising, but their success depends on timely implementation, adequate funding, and continuous monitoring. Disaster management in Jammu and Kashmir at times suffers from a lack of coordination among various departments and a reactive rather than proactive approach to emerging risks. Additionally, the ongoing development of a Landslide Management Plan and other tailored strategies were discussed in the meeting. Alongside the establishment of an Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) in Srinagar, the integration of advanced alert systems, such as the Common Alert Protocol (CAP) and the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), ensures that warnings about potential disasters are disseminated effectively across multiple platforms, including television, radio, social media, and other channels. Another critical aspect discussed during the meeting was the focus on capacity building and community involvement. In addition to disaster-specific measures, the administration has taken steps to address social vulnerabilities that often exacerbate the impact of natural calamities. The administration’s emphasis on community training and volunteer engagement is a positive initiative. However, these efforts often lack sustained follow-up and adequate funding. Training programs need to be continuous, well-structured, and inclusive, ensuring that local populations, particularly those in remote and disaster-prone areas, are equipped to handle emergencies. Without this, such programs risk becoming one-off events with limited practical utility. Despite these commendable efforts, challenges persist. The administration must adopt a proactive, holistic strategy that integrates long-term infrastructure development with immediate disaster preparedness. Investments in robust road networks, climate-resilient housing, and sustainable energy systems are as critical as updating disaster management plans. Furthermore, encouraging genuine community participation through continuous training and resource allocation can bridge the gap between policy and practice. Timely implementation of plans and infrastructure projects, such as the permanent EOC and community halls for displaced populations, remains crucial. The union territory’s critical infrastructure, including highways and power systems, must be made more resilient to withstand winter-related disruptions. Furthermore, addressing the long-term impacts of climate change requires robust adaptation frameworks that go beyond immediate disaster management. Sustained efforts, timely execution and proactive policy measures will be essential to overcome the complex challenges posed by winter in Kashmir valley.
Winter Challenges
