How 3 projects in J&K are preparing to avoid a Nepal-like tragedy

Three hydroelectric projects in Jammu & Kashmir are implementing early flood warning systems to mitigate the risk of disasters similar to the one that occurred in Nepal. These projects, located in mountainous regions prone to flash floods, cloudbursts, avalanches, and glacial lake outbursts, include the 900-MW Baglihar hydroelectric project in Ramban district, the 105-MW Upper Sindh hydroelectric project in Ganderbal district, and the 37.5-MW Parnai hydroelectric project in Poonch district.

The government aims to secure sufficient response time by installing sensors and communication equipment upstream of these hydroelectric dams and barrages. The system will provide one to two hours of warning before potential disasters strike, with sensor redundancy to ensure continuous data transmission. In response to recurring natural disasters, the Jammu & Kashmir government is adopting a multi-pronged strategy to enhance disaster resilience.

This includes creating a GIS-based multi-hazard risk atlas, enforcing strict building safety codes, updating district disaster management plans, integrating risk reduction into master plans, establishing a dedicated disaster management training institute, and signing an MoU with the Geological Survey of India for landslide forecasting.

Identifying high-risk glacial lakes in the Kashmir Himalayas, the government aims to protect over 2,704 buildings, 15 major bridges, and hydroelectric power plants from potential glacial lake outburst floods.