Reacting to the recent floods in Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly criticized the governments that have been in power since 2014, stating that they have failed to take necessary measures to prevent the recurring floods in the region. Abdullah asserted that these eleven years have been wasted due to the carelessness of those in power. He believes that the situation could have been mitigated if the promises made after the devastating 2014 floods had been kept, particularly regarding the dredging of the Jhelum River and its flood channels.

Abdullah highlighted that a package was prepared after the 2014 floods to increase the water-carrying capacity through dredging of the Jhelum and its flood channels. However, these plans were not executed effectively. He lamented that the lack of action has led to the current crisis, where people are again facing displacement and financial losses.

During a visit to flood-affected areas in Srinagar, Abdullah acknowledged that while Srinagar city was saved from flooding this time, other areas, particularly Kulgam district, have suffered significant financial losses. He stressed that such a situation should not have occurred and that lessons from the 2014 floods must not be forgotten.

Abdullah has urged immediate intervention from the Union government, requesting that the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), which is currently assessing flood damage in Jammu, also conduct a similar assessment in Kashmir. He plans to request Home Minister Amit Shah to send the team to Kashmir to assess the losses in Kulgam, Anantnag, Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, and Bandipora. Abdullah is seeking a relief package from the central government for both Kashmir and Jammu.

In addition to seeking central assistance, Abdullah said his government will work to increase the water carrying capacity of Jhelum and the flood channels through dredging so that residential areas getting flooded due to an overflowing Jhelum is prevented in future. He has also directed the district administration to evacuate families from inundated areas immediately and ensure the establishment of temporary shelters with essential supplies, including safe drinking water.

The Chief Minister has appealed to the public to disregard rumors and assured them that the administration is closely monitoring the flood situation. He acknowledged the financial losses suffered by the people and stressed the government's commitment to providing all possible support to the affected population.

The recent floods have evoked memories of the devastating 2014 floods, during which the Jhelum River and its tributaries swelled, submerging large parts of Kashmir and causing significant loss of life and property. This year, the rising water levels in the Jhelum prompted authorities to advise evacuations in flood-prone areas.

Experts have pointed out that the recurring floods in Kashmir are a result of both natural and man-made causes. Natural causes, such as heavy rainfall and cloudbursts, are inevitable, but their impact can be minimized through human efforts. Unplanned construction, encroachment on floodplains and wetlands, and inadequate drainage systems have been identified as major factors contributing to the flood situation.

To prevent future floods, experts recommend implementing short-term and long-term measures. Short-term measures include reinforcing weak embankments, clearing drainage channels, establishing emergency shelters, and improving rescue operations. Long-term measures include climate-resilient urban planning, overhauling drainage infrastructure, accelerating dredging of the Jhelum, promoting rainwater harvesting, and banning construction in floodplains and wetlands. They also emphasize the importance of restoring wetlands, which act as natural sponges, and implementing smart flood forecasting systems.