Frequent Floods Weaken Jhelum's Embankments: No Dredging Threatens Lives, Livelihoods in Riverside Villages

Dozens of riverside villages along the Jhelum river face an existential threat due to frequent floods when swollen waters press against cracked embankments. Locals in multiple villages say they repeatedly patch the same weak stretches with sandbags as official repairs are slow. Since the devastating floods of September 2014, the Jhelum has repeatedly overflowed and breached its embankments. No dredging work was carried out on the Jhelum River between March 2020 and March 2025. The recent flash floods in August and September 2025 caused severe devastation - at least 150 people lost their lives. Experts warn that without consistent dredging and proper upkeep, the Valley remains highly exposed to another devastating flood. The stalled Rs 1,623 crore comprehensive flood management plan remains incomplete.