SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday launched a scathing attack on previous governments, accusing them of failing to act after the devastating 2014 floods. He said that the past 11 years had been “wasted,” and argued that the current flood situation could have been avoided if the Jhelum river and its flood channel had been dredged.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the flood-hit Lasjan area in Srinagar, Abdullah said, “We will have to ask questions about what was done after the 2014 floods in Kashmir. Those who were ruling here have done nothing to ensure floods do not recur.”
The Jhelum river spilled over its banks at Shalina in Budgam district in the early hours of Thursday, inundating several low-lying areas. While timely evacuation prevented any loss of life, the chief minister confirmed that there had been significant damage to property.
“Thankfully, there is no loss of life due to prompt action by the administration, but property damage could have been avoided. If dredging had been carried out during the past 11 years, we would not be facing this crisis again,” Abdullah said.
He also announced that he would write to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting that a central team visiting 10 districts of Jammu division to assess flood-related damages also be sent to Kashmir. “The same team should come to the valley to assess the losses here as well,” he added.
Abdullah’s remarks underscore growing anger over recurring flood threats in the Kashmir Valley, with residents accusing successive administrations of negligence and lack of preparedness despite repeated warnings since 2014.
