The recent heavy rainfall and cloudburst-like events across the Himalayan region have once again reminded us that floods are no longer rare events. They are becoming more frequent and more destructive. Kashmir, which witnessed the devastating floods of 2014, is today more vulnerable to flooding than it was a decade ago. Although flood forecasting and disaster response have improved over the years, overall flood risk has increased because climate change and human activities are making the Valley more susceptible to flooding. Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events across the Himalayas. Rising temperatures allow the atmosphere to hold more moisture, often resulting in very heavy rainfall over a short period. Such intense rainfall can quickly overwhelm rivers, streams, and drainage systems, leading to flash floods and river flooding. In recent weeks, many parts of the Himalayan region have experienced cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, showing that these extreme weather events are becoming more common. However, rainfall alone is not responsible for the increasing flood damage. The landscape of Kashmir has changed significantly over the past decade. Rapid urbanisation, unplanned construction, encroachment of wetlands and floodplains, and changes in land use have reduced the Valley’s natural ability to absorb and safely store floodwater. Wetlands that once acted as natural reservoirs have continued to shrink due to urban expansion and encroachments. Floodplains that were meant to safely carry excess river water are increasingly occupied by buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.

As cities continue to expand, large areas of open land have been replaced by concrete surfaces. Roads, buildings, parking areas, and paved spaces prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground. Instead, water flows rapidly over these surfaces and enters drains and streams within a short time. When drainage systems cannot handle the........

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