Securing valleys and slopes, Pg 12.

Key Highlights:

• Monsoon 2025 caused devastating floods in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, highlighting the vulnerability of mountain states.
• Disaster management involved the Army, Air Force, NDRF, local police, and volunteers in rescue and relief operations.
• Extreme rain in late August led to floods in the Chenab and Tawi basins in J&K, resulting in over 140 lives lost.
• Over 10,000 pilgrims were safely evacuated from the Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh despite torrential rains and slope failures.
• Technology such as drones, satellite communication, and Doppler radars were used for damage assessment and coordination.

Detailed Insights:

• The disaster response showcased coordination between various agencies, including the NDMA, Central Water Commission, and IMD, to manage dam releases and prevent breaches.
• Despite warnings issued through SMS and apps, citizen awareness and preparedness remain insufficient, with continued construction in riverbeds exacerbating risks.
• Recovery efforts must focus on rebuilding roads with slope stabilization, reinforcing river embankments, and expanding the network of Doppler radars.
• Integrating civil society with local knowledge into district disaster management authorities and enforcing strict building codes are crucial for resilience.
• The Aapda Mitra program needs deeper penetration into schools and local communities to enhance disaster preparedness at the grassroots level.
• Scaling up technology, such as expanding landslide mapping by the GSI and continuous monitoring of glacial lakes by the NRSC, is essential for future readiness.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Doppler Radar: A specialized radar that uses the Doppler effect to produce velocity data about objects at a distance.
• GIS (Geographical Information System): A system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data.
• NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority): The apex body for disaster management in India, responsible for framing policies and guidelines.