On the 11th anniversary of the catastrophic 2014 floods, the Environmental Policy Group (EPG) paid solemn tribute to the victims and survivors of one of the worst natural disasters in Jammu & Kashmir’s recent memory. While honoring the resilience of the people, EPG issued a strong statement criticizing continued government inaction and the failure to implement long-term flood mitigation strategies, even after repeated High Court directives.

EPG reminded the public that, following the 2014 disaster, it had filed a Public Interest Litigation (EPG vs Union of India & Others) before the Division Bench of the Hon’ble High Court of J&K. The PIL sought accountability from 16 departments of the Union and J&K Governments and urged judicial directions for increasing the carrying capacity of the Jhelum, conserving wetlands, and rehabilitating affected populations.
Though the High Court issued a series of landmark orders, EPG stated that remedial measures have either been ignored or half-heartedly implemented.
EPG emphasized that the present flood risk is not solely natural, but a result of decades of ecological degradation:
Massive tree felling and illegal land use in catchment areas
Unscientific riverbed mining with heavy machinery
Encroachments and dumping in wetlands and riverbanks
Shrinking flood absorption zones like Wular Lake and Hokersar Wetland
Choked flood spill channels and outdated urban drainage
“The Valley’s topography, where the Jhelum slows into a flat basin from Srinagar to Wular, naturally leads to sediment accumulation. Without regular scientific dredging and wetland conservation, the risk only grows,” the group warned.
The EPG was particularly critical of the abandoned dredging efforts post-2014, calling for:
Satellite-based sediment mapping
Year-round scientific dredging
Proper disposal of dredged materials
Transparent public monitoring
“Dredging should not be piecemeal or cosmetic,” EPG stated. “Unless backed by data and maintained continuously, it won’t mitigate flood risk.”
Flood Infrastructure Still Neglected
Despite over a decade since the floods:
The Jhelum flood spill channel remains neglected
Urban drainage in Srinagar fails after moderate rains
Embankments damaged in 2014 are still unrepaired
Wetlands and Nambals like Haigam, Shallabugh, Narakara, and Mirgund are encroached, degraded, or lost
EPG announced it is preparing a comprehensive ground report on recent flood episodes to be submitted to the High Court next week, when its PIL is next heard.
It also plans to organize a seminar with environmental and hydrological experts to develop updated recommendations for the government.
The EPG paid homage to the youth volunteers who risked their lives to rescue thousands during the 2014 deluge. “Their courage must be remembered—and their sacrifice must not be in vain,” the statement read.
“People of J&K deserve safety, not fear. The administration must honor both the spirit and the letter of the High Court’s directions, respect the voice of independent experts, and act decisively before another disaster strikes.”
The EPG reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing legal, scientific, and community-led solutions to protect Jammu & Kashmir from recurring flood threats.