Disaster Management in Jammu and Kashmir

The State of Jammu and Kashmir has a long history of natural disasters. The State has witnessed many natural disasters especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Owing to its peculiar topography, rugged terrain, extreme weather conditions and underdeveloped economy, the State has suffered a lot on account of natural disasters. Hazards like earthquakes, floods, fires, droughts, avalanches and landslides often convert into disasters leading to loss of human lives as well as public and private property. Enhanced vulnerabilities of the built environment make the State highly prone to natural disasters. The State Government identifies a strong need to have a State Policy on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. The State Policy recognizes that hazards are inevitable but these need not convert into disasters. This paper highlights the measure shortcoming, measures taken for the mitigation of the disaster.