Srinagar: Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has linked the Jammu and Kashmir floods to the massive loss of wetlands in the valley. In a statement on Tuesday, it highlighted the urgency to enact the Wetland (Conservation) Act, on the lines of the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980. As per the societys findings, Dal Lake in Srinagar has suffered due to reclamations all along its periphery in the marshy areas. According to BNHS, the area of Dal Lake is now reduced to 1200 hectares, which is about half of its earlier spread. Similarly Wular Lake and other adjoining marshes have been reduced to a mere 2400 hectares now, down from 20,200 hectares.
“This can be termed as an ecological disaster. The damage caused to life and property could have been minimized if the large number of wetlands that once existed in the Valley, had been preserved. Wetlands act as a sponge for excess water. Wular Lake is a classic example of how important wetlands are to tackle floods,” said Asad Rahmani, Director, BNHS.
On ground, in Srinagar, as flood waters begin to recede, anger is rising among the residents. This was a disaster waiting to happen, but still caught the State Govt napping. Although the rains which lasted for five days could not be prevented, but its devastating effects could have been mitigated, had there been a sensitive and able administration in place. As far back as in 2010, the State flood control department filed a report warning of the risk of catastrophic flooding. The report was ignored. To make matters worse, many old canals in Srinagar have been converted into roads. Many wetlands which absorb floodwaters have also been drained for construction purpose. These measures have effectively blocked most exit points for water in case of heavy rains or flooding.
Even as recently as Sep 7th, the State Govt could have acted and prevented people from marooning. The flood waters that hit most localities of Srinagar on 7th Sep, had hit Anantnag and Pampore a few days back. The gauge at Sangam had already gone under water and the floods in Srinagar were imminent. The met department had also forecast heavy rains for 5-6 days. Any administration, which was sensible and used common sense and the resources at its command, should have seen floods coming in Srinagar. But the dispensation that is ruling J & K is not known to have any of these attributes. Not only has the State Govt been a colossal failure in warning people in advance, but has not been seen doing much rescue and relief afterwards as well.
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