Sensors to risk maps, J&K draws up shield against floods in the light of Nepal disaster, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• Jammu & Kashmir is implementing early flood warning systems at three hydroelectric projects: Baglihar, Upper Sindh, and Parnai.
• The measures include a GIS-based multi-hazard risk atlas and enhanced disaster risk planning and regulation.
• This initiative is a response to recent floods in Nepal and recurring natural disasters like cloudbursts and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in J&K.
• The Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) is spearheading a five-pronged strategy for disaster preparedness across the Union Territory.

Detailed Insights:

• The early warning systems will be installed upstream of dams and barrages, aiming to provide 1-2 hours of response time for potential flash floods.
• The three hydroelectric projects are located in mountainous regions highly vulnerable to flash floods triggered by cloudbursts, avalanches, and GLOFs.
• Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban districts are identified as highly vulnerable to landslides and GLOFs, with Mundiskar lake categorized as "highly vulnerable".
• The DMRRR's five-pronged strategy includes creating a GIS-based multi-hazard risk atlas, enforcing building safety codes, and updating district disaster management plans.
• J&K plans to establish a dedicated disaster management training institute and sign an MoU with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) for landslide forecasting.
• A study by Kashmir University identified five glacial lakes in the Kashmir Himalayas, including Bramsar and Gangabal, as having "very high susceptibility" to GLOFs.

Key Concepts Involved:

• GIS-based multi-hazard risk atlas: A geographical information system used to map and assess multiple natural hazards and vulnerabilities in an area.
• Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF): A sudden release of large volumes of water from a glacial lake due to the failure of its natural dam, often caused by glacier retreat.
• Cloudburst: An extreme, localized rainfall event, typically exceeding 100 mm per hour over a small area, often leading to flash floods.
• Geological Survey of India (GSI): India's primary geological organization responsible for geological mapping, mineral exploration, and assessing geological hazards.