Chapter-4 Interpreting Floods

CHAPTER - 4
INTERPRETING FLOODS

Flood Season in Kashmir

lood season is Kashmir is directly related to rainfall, as rainfall in Kashmir

has no particular season so does floods. History of last 130 years reveals that
there have been floods from March to October, with July having witnessed
maximum number of 17 floods, followed by August and September (almost all
disastrous floods have occurred in September) with 10 each, followed by May with 8,
March with 5, June and April with 3 each. There has been only one flood so far in
October (see table 30).

Frequency

The recorded history shows that the frequency of floods has increased in Kashmir
from last four centuries. This can also be attributed to the historiography in Kashmir
as historians never thought these events significant to record. They would make a
passing reference to these type of events. But it is noticeable that 19th century is one
of the well documented centuries in Kashmir history for which we have a variety of
sources like travelogues, indigenous sources like Majma’t tu Tawarikh, Gulzari i
Kashmir, Tarikh i Hassan, Wajeeza’t tu Tawarikh and Tarikh i Kabir Kashmir. From
1885 onwards, we also possess archival records and all these refer to very few floods
in nineteenth century. Some important European officials like Bates, Wingate and
Lawrence who minutely surveyed for natural calamities history of 19th century could
not locate more than few floods. Thus all sources point towards the thing that the
frequency of disastrous floods has drastically increased in 20th century as compared
to 19th century (see table 31).

Rainfall

The rainfall over last one and a half centuries has remained between 20 to 30 inches.
Few areas like Dorru, Kulgam and Baramulla have seen more rain than other areas. It
is important to note that it is always the intense rain; incessant and continuous,

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especially when it is record breaking, which results in floods in Kashmir (see tables
32-37).

Magnitude

The recorded history reveals that the magnitude (level and discharge) has almost
remained uniform. Before 1905, it is difficult to give exact information about
magnitude of floods. For flood of 1893, Dr. Tickell calculated discharge of 61,800
cusecs of which 37,500 flow through Srinagar, the level at Shergarhi was 27 feet. For
the flood of 1903, the Sangam gauge measured 30.6 feet [see flood of 1928]. In all
probability the discharge would have crossed 1,20,000 cusecs. After 1905, the gauge
level is documented in various reports [see table 38]. It is important to note that
throughout history, the highest level has remained between 31-33 feet, with few
exceptions. With every passing few decades there has been one feet rise in highest
level (it should be seen in context of bund maintenance through decades). The
discharge carried has not also shown any marked deviation and only on 4 times in
recorded history it crossed one lakh cusecs. Another noticeable thing is that the
discharge passing through Srinagar is less than half of that measured at Sangam.
However from 1985 onwards the recorded data shows that this gap is lessening with
every passing year.

Flooding Process in Kashmir

Kashmir being a flood prone area has witnessed floods from very beginning.
However, it is important to note that flood problem has always impacted the decision
of choosing sites especially for capitals and human interface with floods in the shape
of defensive measures from time to time has altered a little bit the flooding process in
Kashmir.

From ancient times, people began to construct embankments against these floods.1 As
these were not constructed in any planned way, this first interface between humans
and floods in Kashmir would have created uneven flood risks in Kashmir and laid
foundation for turning floods into disasters. The foundation of Srinagar has to be seen

1
Stein, M.A., op. cit., p. 413.

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in the context of flood problem in Kashmir, as it was formed on eastern side;2 here
high ground provided the security against floods. Further, bund was formed to protect
Dal and low lying areas. 3 This in all probability might have created additional
pressure on left bank as now Dal was closed for floods.

The sources are silent, and even recent research points to the fact that Suyya's scheme
of carrying water north of Trigam instead of south of it4 had no impact on flooding at
or above city. By Mughal and Afghan times, haphazard construction took place on
left bank and thus prevented the river from escaping to the west. 5 By 1735 the
haphazard settlement had taken place and natural drainage was altered, as it is in this
year that flood water entered into houses. It remained stagnant for many days and
according to Hassan it surprised the people as it happened for the first time.6 After this
same thing has happened again and again and haphazard planning has made it more
and more complex. Throughout centuries, every effort was made to contain the
discharge carried by Jhelum within the flood channel which itself created problems
and from 20th century the frequency of disastrous floods increased.

Vulnerability

Vulnerability means potential for losses or other adverse impacts.7 The flood history
of Kashmir demonstrates that all the areas located on tributaries of Jhelum, people
living on banks of Jhelum, especially it’s left bank and around Dal and Wullar are
highly vulnerable. Historically, people living around streams of South Kashmir have
been vulnerable but as it thus natural drainage and the danger subsides in a short time.
From Sangam onwards the more one moves downwards [from South to Central and
North Kashmir] the more vulnerable it is. From Sangam downwards the land falls
downwards on left side and this slope makes it highly vulnerable. The areas below
Srinagar have the highest vulnerability. It is here Walter Lawrence identified a flood
triangle having apex at Panznara and base at Wullar. It was further elaborated by
Arthur Neve who identified two flood triangles, first having apex at Shalteng and base

2
Ibid. p. 444
3
Ibid. p. 445.
4
Ibid. p. 421.
5
Lawrence, op. cit, p. 19.
6
Khuihami, Ghulam Hassan., op. cit., Vol. 2, p. 372.
7
Alexander David, op. cit., p. 19.

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at high ground south-west of Shadipur, lowest portion in this triangle extend from
Ranbirgarhi [8th mile from Baramulla road] to Serai Dangerpora near Shadipur. The
second triangle according to him is few miles away from this place and its apex at
12th mile on Baramulla road, base at Hajin and Tarazo.8 Dr. Uppal’s study of 1948
and 1950 flood found that Jhelum breaches the bunds at almost the same places every
time.9

Structures

As already said structures located on bank of Jhleum, Wullar, Dal and on hill torrents
are highly vulnerable. The flood history makes it evident that it is the foundation on
which houses stand and the material used for construction that has made these houses
vulnerable.10 As the water would stand in houses for days together so houses with
poor foundation would easily collapse. Similarly as mud and unbaked bricks were
used as building material thus made it easy for flood water either to melt or wash
these away.

People

The flood history demonstrates that nomads, shepherds, herdsmen and those who
travel near nallahs and hill torrents are highly vulnerable. Similarly people living in
vulnerable houses are also vulnerable.11 Though studies in other parts of world have
proved that older people, women and physically handicapped are highly vulnerable
but here no source material is found to identify which age group or gender is more
vulnerable.

The important thing to notice is that volume of discharge carried by flood has no
relation to deaths caused by it. The prime example is flood of 1903, though it carried
huge discharge but no death is reported from sources. It is better communication and
availability of boats that has always saved lives. But it has been seen that flood water
enters main centres responsible for communication like Radio, TV, I&FC and SDRF

8
JK. Pol. No. 92, year 1903.
9
Uppal, op. cit, p. 91.
10
JK. Pol. No. 92, year 1903.
11
Lawrence, op. cit., p. 207. Harris Report., op. cit., p. 11, Newspapers.

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this creates chaos and confusion. Recently the damage done to electricity poles and
transformers has been seen creating communication gap.

Danger Level

It is that level at which flood threat is declared. In almost a century, this level has
changed just by two feet. In 1928, any flood above 15 feet was considered dangerous
for city. Today it is 18 feet [see table 39]. This may be the result of bund maintenance
through decades, as well as flood management measures in last seventy years.

TABLE: 30

Flood season in Kashmir

Month YEAR

March 1894, 1902, 1914, 1948, 1957

April 1950, 1957, 1986,

May 1905, 1912, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1987

June 1948, 1987, 1996

July 1891, 1893 [two floods], 1903 [two floods], 1929, 1942, 1948, 1959,
1966, 1973, 1975, 1986, 1993, 1995

August 1900, 1929, 1947, 1948, 1957, 1976, 1985, 1986, 1996, 1997

September 1903, 1905, 1909, 1928, 1941, 1950, 1966, 1988, 1992, 2014

October 1954

Source: A.A.R, I & FC Reports, Newspapers, Archival Sources.

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TABLE: 31

Flood Frequency in Kashmir from eighteenth century onwards

17th century 18th century 19th century 20th century

1640, 1651, 1706, 1713, 1804, 1936, 1841, 1877, 1900, 1902, 1903 [3 floods], 1905
1662. 1730, 1735, 1881. 1885, 1891, 1892, [2 floods], 1907, 1909, 1912,
1748, 1755, 1893[two floods] 1894 1914, 1928, 1929, 1931, 1941,
1770, 1787, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1947,
1781 1948 [4 floods], 1950, 1954, 1957
[4 floods], 1959, 1966[2 floods],
1969. 1973, 1975, 1976, 1985,
1986 [3 floods], 1987 2 floods],
1988, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996 [2
floods], 1997.

Source: Manuscripts, Khuihami, Lawrence, A.A.R, I & FC Reports, Newspapers, Archival Sources.

TABLE: 32

All time record 24 hour rainfall [mm] over Kashmir.

Previous Record 2014

Station Period 24 h [mm] Date 24 h [mm] Date

Anantnag 1901 -1982 149.4 01-09-1928 180 04 – 09 – 2014

Kokernag 1979 -2011 135.8 25-02- 1982 149.5 05 – 09 – 2014

Qazi gund 1962 -2013 160.9 09-09 -1966 206 06 - 09 -2014

Source: Kamaljit Ray, S.C. Bhan, B.K. Bandopadhyay, The catastrophe over Jammu and Kashmir in
September 204: a metrological observational analysis, current science, vol .109, no 3, August 2015.

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Chapter-4 Interpreting Floods

TABLE: 33

All time record 48 hour rainfall (mm) over Kashmir

Previous Record 2014

Station Period 48 h [mm] Date 48 h [mm] 72 h [mm]

Anantnag 1901 -1982 186.6 13 -01 -1903 238.4 03–09 – 2014

Kokernag 1979 -2011 176.1 27 -08 -1997 268.9 04–09 – 2014

Qazi gund 1962 -2013 282.3 27 -08 -1997 362.7 05–09 – 2014

Source: Ibid.

TABLE: 34

All time record 72 hour rainfall (mm) over Kashmir

Previous Record 2014

Station Period 72 h [mm] Date 72 h [mm] Date

Anantnag 1901 -1982 210.8 16–05 - 1950 244 .8 02–09 - 2014

Kokernag 1979 -2011 194.5 26–07 - 1995 357. 5 04–09 - 2014

Qazi gund 1962 -2013 300.7 17–02 - 2003 519.4 04–09 - 2014

Source: Ibid.

TABLE: 35

Rainfall at Srinagar and Anantnag from 1891-1925 A.D, as shown in Annual

Administration Reports

Year SRINAGAR ANANTNAG A.A.R. PAGE NO.

1891 22.13 110

1893 36.44 97

1894 30.36 20.93 107

1901 20.96 20.93 502

1902 21.51 21.10 502,503

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Chapter-4 Interpreting Floods

1903 38.85 45.82 508,514

1911-1912 6.74 80

1912-1913 31.27 100

1913-1914 20.96 121

1914-1915 29.27 112

1915-1916 17.24 102

1923-1924 19.00 91

Source: A.A.RS’ 1891-1924.

TABLE: 36

Rainfall in Kashmir from 1932- 1951 A.D

Awantipora

Baramulla

Handwara
Anantnag
Srinagar

Kulgam

Langeet

Sopore
Durro
year

1932 27.39 12.36 23.52 30.89 52.31 37.14 27.78 22.99 31.51

1933 28.42 20.45 20.49 34.08 77.39 50.94 36.75 28.21 33.50

1934 15.79 5.69 14.12 13.76 21.31 25.94 22.05 18.96 26.43

1935 30.63 11.35 22.23 31.50 56.30 31.94 50.95 30.96 41.14

1936 27.17 18.38 17.46 33.81 49.86 53.32 34.16 22.11 43.73

1937 21.31 18.95 21.61 21.15 36.08 30.05 36.52 19.90 36.11

1938 21.78 15.95 21.21 28.82 41.61 51.13 41.37 21.48 39.82

1939 21.93 23.10 18.38 25.03 43.21 40.05 51.78 43.51 41.50

1940 22.20 22.60 18.73 28.06 40.15 29.91 32.58 23.93 28.59

1941 21.11 29.35 28.51 34.81 43.90 30.58 35.32 30.77 37.39

1942 30.71 35.91 24.02 32.66 42.37 37.59 51.91 37.85 38.12

1943 26.31 32.56 15.45 36.87 51.91 42.24 48.90 34.48 40.88

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1944 27.61 17.18 15.87 41.44 41.99 36.88 37.13 30.82 37.82

1945 17.83 4.02 14.39 23. 69 30.41 29.56 31.44 33.48 33.09

1946 22.20 11.25 17.92 20.04 50.25 35.22 29.50 24.48 33.17

1947 19.38 16.81 26.11 44.37 48.11 23.10 24.57 28.98 17.03

1948 32.78 18.97 23.12 42.32 77.50 17.90 30.83 38.32

1949 20.22 13.13 18.62 32.09 38.54 31.21 27.77

1950 34.21 22.37 32.35 62.52 27.95 54.34 39.31 69.33

1951 27.95 19.99 13.71 39.54 32.04 48.71 42.18 66.31

Source, Uppal, H. L, op cit, pp 20-21.

TABLE: 37

Rainfall in various districts of Kashmir from 1950-2000, showing years of excessive

rainfall, successive years of rainfall and year of highest rainfall
Successive Years of

Highest Amount of
Years of Excessive

Excessive Rainfall
Name of District

Rainfall In % of
Rainfall In Cm
Consideration]
Affected [data
Period under

Rainfall

normal
S.NO

Year

1. Anantnag 1966, 1972, 1986, 1986 – 1987 – 153.9 155% 1972

1987, 1988, 1989, 1988 – 1989 –
[1951 – 2000]
1990, 1994, 1996 1990.

2. Budgam 1966, 1975, 1992. NIL 123.9 184% 1992

[1959 – 2000]

3. Bandipora 1961, 1967, 1969, NIL 100.2 146% 1961

1972, 1982.
[1951 – 1994]

4. Baramulla 1986, 1987, 1988, 1986 – 1987 – 202.1 184% 1988

1989, 1990, 1992, 1988 – 1989 –
[1951 – 2000]
1995, 1996, 1997, 1990, 1995 –
1998. 1996 - 1997 -
1998

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Chapter-4 Interpreting Floods

5. Ganderbal 1956, 1957, 1982. NIL 209.6 209% 1956

[1951 – 1994]

6. Kulgam 1961, 1962, 1966, 1961 – 1962, 189.8 174% 1996

1972, 1982, 1986, 1994 – 1995 –
[1951 - 2000]
1988, 1994, 1995, 1996 – 1997.
1996, 1997.

7. Pulwama 1954, 1956, 1972 – 1973. 81.0 160% 1954

1966,1969,1972,
[1952 – 1982]
1973, 1976

8. Kupwara 1954, 1972, 1980, NIL 148.4 141% 1996

1986, 1996.
[1951 – 2000]

9 Shopian 1962, 1972, 1973, 1972 – 1973. 168.7 206% 1972

1995
[1960 – 1994]

10. Srinagar 1957, 1966, 1983, NIL 117.3 168% 1957

1986, 1996
[1951 – 2000]

Source: Climate of Jammu And Kashmir, Climatological Summaries Of States Series-No 20 Indian
Metrological Department, Pune, pp. 21-23.

TABLE: 38

Gauge Level [in feet] and discharge [in cusecs] at Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh in
flood years from 1905-2014.
Level at Sangam
in feet.

S.No Year Discharge in Cusecs

At Sangam At Ram Munshi Bagh

1. 1903 30.6

2. 1905 20.78

3. 1909 18.88

4. 1912 13,18

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Chapter-4 Interpreting Floods

5. 1928 30.6 80,000 32,000

6. 1929 29.23S

7. 1931 29.4 84,000

8. 1941 26.8 51,000

9. 1942 24.4 30,000

10. 1943 25.3 41,100

11. 1944 20.5 21,500

12. 1945 17.3 15,600

13. 1947 23.5

14. 1948 29.6 84,600

15. 1949 20.5 21,750

16. 1950 29.95 92,467.14

17. 1953 27. 53,000

18. 1954 29.15 80,000 37,026.86

19 1955 24.9 34,300

20. 1957 31.25 90,000 49,836.04

21. 1958 22.25 24,150

22. 1959 31.0 12,00,87.28 48,334.98

23. 1962 26.65

24. 1966 30.79 1,01,473.85 35,474.91

25. 1969 25.63 32,700

26 1973 31.25 1,05,000 43,231.43

27. 1975 29.74 47,900

28. 1976 31.58 90,000 34,284.81

29 1985 26.65 33,600

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Chapter-4 Interpreting Floods

30. 1986 24.7 26,435

31. 1987 25.7 29,411.31 13,860.07

32. 1988 30.9 48,935.69 36,426.50

33. 1992 32.6 65,305 40,955.83

34. 1993 29.1 46,143.46 38808.13

35. 1995 32.3 59,440 45,413.13

36 1996 32.3 59,700

37 1997 32.6 62,876 39,928.88

38. 2003 24.3 21,080.21 29370.32

39. 2006 29.8 47,300

40. 2014 36.0 1,20,000 70,000

Source: I & FC Reports, HLFC Report 1975, Report of 2014, Report of 1928, Harris Report, Uppal
Report.

TABLE: 39

Flood Alert and Flood Declaration Level at Sangam, Ram Munshi Bagh and Asham.

Sangam Ram Munshi Bagh Asham

Flood Alert level [in 18 16 13.5

feet]

Flood Declaration 21 18 14
Level [in feet]

Source; Greater Kashmir.

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TABLE: 40

Damage to Economy and human life from 1893-2014.

Flood of 1893 A.D. 32 human lives and 329 cattle were lost, 2225 houses. Revenue
loss of Rs. 64,804. 25,426 acres under crops were submerged.(Lawrence 207). 89
bridges damaged (Administration Report 1893-94 p. 84.) original budget of Kashmir
was Rs. 1,77,2609, floods necessitated a revised budget which added 2,30,222 and
1,87,700 for Jhelum valley road thus revised budget for Kashmir was Rs. 5,28,212
adding to this Rs. 43,346 expenditure for city bridge and Rs. 64, 000 for bund on right
bank.(Administration Report 1893- 94 pp.50-51)

Flood of 1903. In first flood 4934 houses collapsed. State gave relief in the form of
Singhara nuts, cash and timber worth Rs. 70,139 adding to this charity of Rs. 1108.
For crop damage State Council sanctioned remission of Rs. 52,107 also land revenue
amounting to Rs. 34,846 was remitted (Harris Report, pp. 3&4). For relief operations
central and north Kashmir was divided into two circles Northern and Southern circle
[Anantnag and Kulgam were not included for relief operations]. For northern circle
wood , singhara and charity amounting Rs. 24391 was distributed also in this circle
Rs. 185 was distributed by Arthur Neve [J&k Pol, File no 94 of 1903 p. 200]. In
southern circle timber valued Rs. 1451 was provided to victims.[J&K Pol. File
no.170- 11 of 1903] In the Second flood of Sep.1903, one-sixth of the kharif crop was
destroyed [J&k Pol File no.11 of 1903 p. 10]

Flood of 1905. Relief activities were mainly confined to Mir behri and city area.
Relief amounting to Rs. 45,227 was distributed, consisting of cash Rs. 14,533,
Singhara of Rs. 11,094 and taqavi Rs. 15,942 [dev, p.35]. By the Sep. flood of same
year more than 45,192 acres of crop got destroyed, six people lost their lives [GOI
foreign dept 1906 Nos 199-207], state engineering department requested for Rs.
3,02,086 .

Flood of 1928. 128 lives lost [including 45 Amarnath yatris], 2228 cattle lost [this
does not include from mountains and villages], remission of 48,818 maunds of 202
mujwaza villages. Mahraja Hari singh sanctioned Rs. Five lakh for various relief
works [Report on flood of 1928 p 6,8], 1750 houses damaged 234 completely,
irrigation head works in all tehsils, 23 only in kulgam and Anantnag, (Harris, pp.12-
13) 76 roads, 289 miles in length, 249 bridges damaged suffering a loss of Rs.
1,22,000, forest department property loss of Rs. 8,11,763. Total cultivated area
affected was 54,125 acres out of which 39,330 acres were damaged (Report on flood
of 1928, pp. 4-8)

Flood of 1948. 6000 houses partially or fully damaged, four lakh acre crop under
water (G.O.I Home, dept [6{17}-K-48 PP11). Two lakh eighty five thousand maunds
of crop lost (Ibid. p.13)

Flood of 1957. 20 human lives and 2413 cattle lost lives, 580 villages were affected,
6980 houses collapsed, 74,2113 acre crop area affected amounting damage of

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Rs.1,27,23.161. Total damage to Kashmir Rs. 4,84,622.5. Relief of Rs. 4,42,88.24

provided, also Seed distribution of Rs. 2,60,045, also drugs of Rs. 10,000 and
Medicines of Rs. 16,616, besides army provided various articles of value Rs.
3,56,495. (Master Plan, pp.11-12)

Flood of 1959. Indirect loss; [in lakhs] crops 224.42, Buildings .56.88,
communication 1.0, livestock 47.09, R&B 52.48, irrigation 102.27, electric dept
47.31, forest deptt 111.80, agriculture dept 3.19, Dahat sudhar 5.91 = 648.88. Direct
Losses; Land Revenue 2.33, Relief to flood victims 21.84 and relief for human loss
as compensation .36 thus total loss = 648.55++24.55=673.10 [Preliminary Report for
flood control works above Wullar part 1-Sept. 1977, p. 12. People lost lives in
Kashmir [J&K Development dept. file no I -964 /59]

Flood of 1973. Indirect loss of 224.61 lakh consisting of crop 57.34, livestock 11.64,
buildings 12.07, communications 1.00 R & B 24.55, Irrigation 114.38, Dahat sudhar
2.27 =224.61 Further direct loss of 7.02 lakh consisting of land revenue 1.46, relief
to flood victims 1.90, compensation to human loss 3.66=7.02. so total direct and
indirect=231.63 lakh. Development Minister Mufti Sayed's statement in Assembly
that Centre granted 2.94 crore of which one crore was spent in affected areas on
different works and employment works. 1000 houses in valley damaged, 57 lakh
worth vegetables, 4.75 lakh acre land affected, gross damage 5 crore [Aftab 27
Sep.]

Flood OF 1966. 9 dead, 43 houses collapsed, 20,000 acre crop [paddy submerged]
(THE STATESMAN New Delhi July 18).

Flood of 1969. 53 villages affected, 250 houses damaged [khidmat 16 may ], Huge
damage in Shopian 10,000 fruit trees uprooted, 50 lakh damage due to rain [NEWS,
Nau Kashmir publications May 11]

Flood OF 1976. 38 lost lives [Aftab 8 August] 342 houses fell down, 118 villages
completely drowned [Sgr. Times 8 August], six lakh rupees released for flood affected
people; [Sgr. Times 6 August] 60,000 acre area crops under water [Sgr. Express 9
August].

Flood of 1985. 10 died in Valley, 136 villages and 13,000 acre under water in
Anantnag, 42 villages and 1300 acre under water in Srinagar, 05 villages and 300 acre
in Sonawari; statement by Irrigation Minister [Hamdard 22 July] [Zamindar 23 July]
[Sgr. Times 23 July] P.M Indra Gandhi released one lakh rupees [Aftab 22 July]

Flood of 1986. Governor demanded Rs. 50 crore from centre for flood restoration,
[khidmat 3 May], 7 dead, 3883 houses damaged, 594 completely collapsed, 24
houseboats, Max. damage to Srinagar & Baramulla [Kashmir Times, 4 May]

Flood of 1987. 4 dead, 20,000 affected [Hamdard 13 June], 50 Crore Rs. damage
[Hamdard 16 June], Finance Minister asked centre for Rs. 35 crore for agricultural
renewal [Nawai-e-Subu, 11 June]

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Chapter-4 Interpreting Floods

Flood of 1988. 65 Dead, 20,000 houses fallen, 6000 cattle lost [Roshni, 30
September], 60 crore damage to public property, 37 crore to private, 8 crore worth
timber washed away [Roshni, 10 October], 6000 houses fell, 20,000 damaged, 100
crore damage. Govt. demanded 100 crore from centre [08 Oct Aftab], 89 dead, P.M
Rajiv Ghandi sanctioned Rs. 53 crore [Aftab,16 October]

Flood of 1992. Public utility and kharif crop suffered damage Rs. 164 crore, standing
crop alone 45 crore. 11,185 cattle, 230 bridges and culverts, 36,0000 houses totally or
partially suffered damage [Kashmir Times, Sep 22]

Flood of 1995. 200 Houses, 40 shops damaged, 45 villages marooned in Budgam

[Kashmir Times 30 July], loss over Rs. 500 Crore [Kashmir Times August 1], 41
died, 418 Villages suffered, 1562 structures, 12 bridges. Governor called centre for
assistance [Kashmir Times, August 4]

Flood of 1997. 66 died in state, 75 cattle [Kashmir Times, 31 August], 144 villages
affected, 250 houses damaged [30 August, Kashmir Times]

Flood of 2014. 700 villages remained submerged, 300 persons lost lives, 6.48 hectares
of agricultural and horticultural land affected, 3 lakh houses got fully or partially
damaged, J&K Govt assessed a damage of Rs. 43,595.56 crore and sent to centre for
financial assistance [J&K Economic survey 2014-2015 Vol. 1. p. 16]

Source: A.A.R, Archival Files, Newspapers, I&FC Reports, Master Plan, HLFC Report 1975.

Exaggerated Role of Wetlands

The wetlands of Kashmir especially Dal and Wullar have always acted as moderators
and regulators for floods in Kashmir. However, their role in floods of Kashmir has
been quite exaggerated. In no way these can stop flooding in Kashmir or lessen the
damage at or above Srinagar.

Walter Lawrence writes, ‘'Mughals closed Dal for floods and thereby robbed the river
of one of the escapes for its flood water.’’12 This might have been done keeping in
view the aesthetic and economic value of Dal. Keeping Dal open for floods would
never have been a solution as from second half of 20th century there was consistent
opposition from people living around Dal against any increase in water level of Dal
owing to opening of its gates at times of floods. Even Harris did not think it viable to
use Dal as a flood reservoir because of low lying area and thickly populated.

12
Lawrence, op. cit., p. 19.

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Chapter-4 Interpreting Floods

Same is the case with Wullar. There is no relation between the water level in the
Wullar and the floods in the valley at and above Srinagar. Even when the lake is at
low level there may be high floods in the valley.13 In 1905 Wullar lake was low R.L
5167.0, at that time there was no effect beyond Shergarhi.14 In 1950 Wullar was very
low but it had no effect in lowering the river in the valley at or above Srinagar.15
Experts hold the opinion that it is impossible for water body like Dal and Wullar to
absorb floods like that of 2014 as the access amount of water which flowed over
banks was 484 MCM, which is equal to the same quantity of water that Wullar can
hold. Dal also can absorb only 20 MCM of water.16

Biggest Flood in History of Kashmir

Disasters are always studied through their impact. Before analysing floods in that
context, few things which history reveals about floods are important to know.
Rainfall, level and discharge are no standard to know the disastrous scale of floods as
rainfall in never uniform in Kashmir. Some areas experience more and some less. At
times a single stream drives such a huge volume of water that is enough to carry out a
flood. Similarly, level and discharge also faces problems as water sometimes before
reaching Sangam or Munshi Bagh escapes through breaches and thus escapes from
the correct measurement.

Now, if floods are studied through their impact, the history reveals quite interesting
things different from common perception. Physical damage or casualties is no
measure to know the extremity of flood. The flood of 1903 was one of the greatest
floods but no casualty was reported. Not the enormous amount of water but it is when
people are taken by surprise like flash flood that results in casualties. The economic
impact is a hallmark of disaster study, but this study should always be relative as with
every passing year economy is getting more and more complex. So, economic impact
should be seen as relative to time.

13
Uppal, op. cit., p. 80.
14
Ibid. p. 83.
15
Ibid. p. 89.
16
https://m.greaterkashmir.com/news/op-ed/flood-fury-and-the-myth-of-kandizal /200816.html,
accessed 19-02-2019

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The response by the State is also not a standard as different political systems respond
differently. The response also depends on economic conditions of the time.

The flood history of Kashmir reveals that for a flood to be declared biggest, it should
have following characteristics.

I. Pan Kashmir character.

II. Limited lag time [time taken by flood water to make impact should be
limited].

III. Rainfall and magnitude [level and discharge].

IV. Relative economic impact and casualties.

V. People displaced by floods [temporary and permanent migration].

VI. Time taken by State and Society to reweave or to resume day to day affairs.

By the above mentioned standards, floods of 1959 and 2014 have been the biggest
disasters in Kashmir history.

State, Politics and Floods in Kashmir

The floods have been affecting the State and politics of Kashmir from ancient times.
The decisions of establishing the political capitals in Valley were very much related to
flood problem of the State. Pravararsen's decision of founding Srinagar on the right
bank was because of keeping flood problem in view. Similarly Laltiditya's decision of
shifting of capital to Letpora, and then setting Parihaspora permanently as capital was
because of floods. Similarly, Shihab-ud-din and Zain-ul-abideen too wanted to shift
capital from Srinagar, but owing to location benefits probably this was not done.
Floods have not caused destabilisation of any government in Kashmir but few
governors have been transferred owing to failure to control food crisis. In modern
times, disaster politics started in 1959 A.D, owing to the political rivalry between
G.M Bakshi and G.M Sadiq. Recently it is Kandizal (a place near Kakapora,
Pulwama), which has involved a high drama of politics especially in flood of 2014.
Earlier authorities used to breach it to save city, but in 2014, the sitting M.L.A of
Chadoora, Javid Mustafa Mir, himself sat on this place and did not let authorities to
breach it.

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The floods have been an important element in emergence of powerful State in

Kashmir. As it gave state much space to enter directly into the day to day lives of the
people. As people invited State to make food available for them, rescue and
rehabilitate them, restore embankments and irrigation canals and to save them from
the opportunist designs of black marketers and grain dealers. Thus multiple
opportunities were provided to State to penetrate deep into everyday lives of the
people. This thing also not only made people over-dependent on the state but also at
times overburdened State.

State has been quite helpless in front of disasters as it could neither stop these nor
could lessen their impact, owing to existing state of knowledge, technology available
and socio-economic compulsions and lack of political will, though from 1890 it was
desperately trying to find out a solution. But its performance remained quite
unsatisfactory even in areas where it could have performed better. It never created
fleet of divers who could quickly evacuate people and keep the adequate number of
boats whose number remained between 50-100 up to 1950. Even after 1950 State had
to depend on private boat owners at time of floods. These were the only means of
rescuing people but their number remained same throughout decades though
population was growing. Same was the case with construction of granaries at safe
locations and keeping grain stored to meet any emergency. These problems continued
up to recent past and State was never interested in matters like these.

Flood study provides a classic case study to know how State, rulers, administration
and common people behave differently in different political systems.

Many a times before 1947 Governors and Maharajas would remain outside Kashmir
at the time of disasters. They would rarely rush to the help of people. But post 1947,
after the establishment of responsible government, now owing to electoral politics,
leaders were answerable to the people so they would frequently visit their areas.

Before 1947, official reports hardly make any mention about officers and state
machinery being blamed and charged with corruption and misappropriation of funds.
But post 1947, these charges became rampant, owing to multi-party system and
electoral politics. At the time of every flood the ruling party has been charged with

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corruption, misappropriation, favouritism and as having failed to meet the demand of

public.

Though, even in pre-1947 period, steps were taken on a larger scale to contain floods
but in post-1947 period, we continuously see promises being made by the rulers to
people for containing floods. It was to make people believe that only they could solve
this problem or to lessen the anger of people at the time of elections. Post-1957,
disaster politics was done on a larger scale. Both ruling as well as opposition parties
tried to make maximum out of disaster.

Prior to 1947 flood was a local event, where local sources were utilised to overcome
the devastation caused by floods. There were exceptional times especially in Mughal
times when some money or grain was sent to Kashmir as a relief measure. This whole
scenario changed after 1947 with the accession of Kashmir to India. Flood was now
made a national event. It was started by Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah in 1948 and
reached to great heights under Prime Minister Bakshi in 1959. Appeals were made
throughout India through electronic as well as print media for relief. Not only Central
government but private and philanthropic organisations would also actively take part
in this and money and material was sent for relief and rehabilitation.

Same is the case with preference area for State. It has always been the city people and
areas close to Wullar. In 1928 official reports mention about relief works in Pahalgam
[more because of pilgrimage value] and Pulwama. After 1950, State took attention
towards South Kashmir, now as demanded by electoral politics. There has been city-
rural divide in relief measures. Most of my respondents from South Kashmir narrated
that State would rarely reach to them. Even if damage assessment was made and relief
was sanctioned still it could not reach to them owing to rampant corruption and
favouritism as only those with political connections would get relief.

There have been also some positive results of floods. It has led to creation of
institutions; establishment of relief circles, first power house at Mohra, establishment
of hydraulic division and flood and irrigation control department came into existence
because of floods.

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Disasters and Legislation

From time to time disasters forced state to legislate on various aspects related to
disasters. Prior to 1947 State did not focus its attention on floods though Epidemics
Act was passed in 1920 and Sanitation Act in 1933. The Kashmir Valley
Embankment Act was passed in 1935, but it was more concerned about matters
related to irrigation than floods. It was in 1954 after the establishment of responsible
government that Jammu and Kashmir Natural Calamities Destroyed Areas
Improvement Act was passed in 1954. After this State Emergency Relief Fund Act
was passed in 1960. Jammu and Kashmir Irrigation Act was passed in 1978, a part of
it dealt with floods. Continuous floods struck after 1950’s and there was price rise
after every flood due to hoarding and black marketing so in 1988 Jammu and Kashmir
Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Committees
Act was passed. The Flood Plain Zones Act was passed in 2005. The Jammu and
Kashmir State Disaster Management Rules Act was passed in 2007. In 2011 J&K
Water Resource Management Act was passed.17

Democracy of Disasters

One of the important dimensions of disaster studies is to look whether every class of
society has suffered equally in course of disaster as rich can afford food at high prices,
buy technology and material to construct strong resistant houses, construct houses at
safe location or can afford quick evacuation at time of floods. History demonstrates
that very few disasters have been democratic. However, it is to be remembered that
the privileged class was mainly ruling or influential class and it was not too much in
number. Thus almost all Kashmiris have suffered, but if seen in the context of class
analysis, poor have been always worst affected.

Floods and Economy

Economic sector has been the worst hit in the flood history of the Kashmir. With
economy getting more and more complex, the damage caused to economy has also
increased [see table 40]. Primarily, it is the crop which is affected. The floods either
totally wash away the crop fields or submerge it for days together and making it

17
www.bareactslive.com/indexjk.html. Accessed on 26-02-2019.

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unsuitable for human as well as animal consumption. Floods at times also wash away
whole crop along with soil. Historically floods as they enter the houses in lower areas
either wash away the stored grain or make it unfit for consumption. Thus, they have
caused food crisis at many times in Kashmir history. Besides agriculture, horticulture,
floriculture and pisciculture have also been affected thus rendering enormous damage
to economy.

The second economic sector affected by floods has been the structures. From ancient
times houses [being made of mud and wood] and bridges have been continuously
damaged by floods. Towards the end of 19th century, new structures began to be
affected, thus roads, water supply schemes, government buildings, telegraph lines,
electricity poles have been highly affected. The flood water many times remains
stranded in houses for days together thus making all the valuable items useless.

Another important sector affected has been the cattle wealth. Both in upper as well as
in lower areas cattle have been swept away by floods in countless number. State from
time to time had to remit the revenue and also to provide relief to the people. This
further added to the economic loss to State in indirect form.

Thus different components of economy have been hit by floods from ancient times
and it has been a prime cause of poverty in Kashmir. Frequent occurrence did not let
economic sector to develop and become complex as crops were continuously washed
out, grain stored was also either washed out or made unfit for human consumption.
The cattle wealth was either washed away or did not have fodder available for them.
The houses were washed away taking away all the valuable items stored in these.
Land was continuously eroded away. Thus it has been a struggle for life, food and
shelter. All the resources and energy were utilised to make food available, reclaim
land and reconstruct houses. It has been a continuous cycle of economic rebuilding. It
never let capital accumulation in Valley and thus economy became subservient to
disasters.

Up to recent times, there has been no insurance system. The only help to people
whatsoever came from State. At times a little bit of help came from Christian
Missionaries [1893, 1903 and 1928] and other philanthropic organisations. The
response of State to this impact evolved over years. It started from revenue remission,

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then cash or wood to reconstruct houses, taqavi to renew agriculture. Post 1959 State
began to compensate loss of human lives and import of cattle to rebuild livestock
sector.

The first preference of the state has always been the food. Focus has been on whatever
is easily available like turnip and Shinghara. Post 1900, the communication was given
the first preference. Initially only wooden logs and then cash were provided to
reconstruct houses. The 20th century saw State focussing on P.H.E, P.W.D and other
works. From 1890, onwards the sufferers have been provided employment in relief
form by taking part in restorative works like on embankments, canals etc.

The price rise has been a hallmark of floods in Kashmir history and on most number
of times there has been excessive human hand in it as grain dealers and black
marketers want to make maximum out of disaster.

Floods and Erosion of Agricultural Land

As already said, flood water sometimes erodes away the crop along with the soil.
Thus huge tracts of agricultural land are filled with stones and are turned into what are
commonly called as ‘aadas’. This is mostly done by the tributaries of Jhelum in south
Kashmir. As a case study we studied the Brengi at Soaf Shali. According to
knowledgeable people of the area, some 40 years back the Brengi used to flow on its
right side in its downward course from its today’s course. Some 30 years back it
changed its course and began to flow on the left side from its today’s position. Today
it is flowing in the middle of the course that it has changed through decades. The
impact of this has been that thousands Kanals of land have been turned into an aada
and thus made un-fit for cultivation, from its emergence at Vailoo to the point it meets
other streams of Anantnag. Same is the case with all the other streams of south
Kashmir and few streams of North Kashmir. No research work has been done on this
thing so far. Thus its impact on economy, landscape etc. is yet to be known.

Society/Community and Floods

Like every other thing, the society also has been impacted by floods. The prime
impact being in the form of casualties. The floods have taken thousands of human
lives in Kashmir. Every big flood in Kashmir has caused temporary migration of

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people from lower/vulnerable areas to upper/safer areas thus there is intra-valley

migration. Both state and society have taken interest in it from time to time; State
either encourages people to migrate or people themselves migrate and at times this
migration is permanent. Another short term impact of floods has been postponement
of events like marriages etc. Floods have been an important element in mobilising
Kashmiris particularly after 1950. Time and again people have patrolled- and objected
to breaching of Kandizal and increasing the water level in the Dal. After 1950, people
have been at times taking part in patrolling bunds, combating floods and in restorative
works. Similarly the price rise after every flood has greatly mobilised common
masses in Kashmir by taking part in anti-profiteering movement from time to time.
The European writers have made mention of boat men community in demeaning
terms. Boats formed the only source of rescue and State had very little number, so for
boatmen community flood is harvesting season and they make maximum out of this.

Floods cause social crisis in Kashmir. The prime cause is communication problem. As
already said, the main institutions of State like radio, T.V, I&FC are located in flood
prone area, their collapse causes serious problems and increase of chaos and
confusion.

Disasters and Religiosity

People all over the world cope with adverse life situations. Coping is generally
viewed as a process through which individuals try to understand and deal with
significant personal and situational demands in their lives. Religious coping means
using religion psychologically to cope with unbearable and unpredictable situations.
Religious coping can involve seeking a closer relationship with God through viewed
prayer or other religious acts or finding a reason for the event by attributing it to an
act of God. It is an example of emotion-focused coping, which aims at reducing or
managing the emotional distress arising from the situation.18

18
Bentzen, Jeanet Sinding., Acts of God? Natural Disasters across Sub National World Districts, p.
4. www.goole.com accessed on July 24, 2019. Origins Of religiousness, The role of Natural
disasters, pp. 1-2, www.google.com, accessed on July 24, 2019.

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Religious people cope by- 1. Obtaining a personal closeness with God, a sense of
meaning and purpose in life. 2. Engaging in religious activities, which are typically
attempts to be less sinful and participation. 3. Searching for an explanation for the
event for instance the event was God’s plan or it was God’s punishment. The two
former are termed as Uncertainty Hypotheses, while the later has been termed the
Supernatural Punishment Hypothesis or simply Acts of God.19

Disasters can increase intrinsic as well as extrinsic religiosity of people. Intrinsic

religiosity involves private prayer and one’s personal relation to God, while example
of extrinsic religiosity is going to a religious place.20

Irrespective of time and faith people in Kashmir have perceived disasters as acts of
God, carrying a message from God, or punishment for their sins. The effect on
religiosity is driven by the intensive margin [the degree of believing] and by extensive
margin [whether or not people]. In Kashmir religion has been much dominant in the
lives of people, thus frequent occurrence of disaster has naturally deeply impacted the
religiosity of people. After every disaster it is common that both intrinsic as well as
extrinsic religiosity of people is increased. After every disaster people perform Tauba
o Takseer [repenting to God] both performed individually as well as in community
form in the shape of Khatm i Shareef [uttering of specified words]. There is
tremendous increase in Nazr o Niyaz [monetary offerings] at religious places both in
the shape of food and money. It is not only short term impact but this has caused a
long term impact on religiousness of people. This thing has led to the extra ordinary
importance of Sufi Shrines in the lives of people. People not only visit these places for
spiritual solace, but huge wealth is amassed at these centers in the shape of Nazr o
Niyaz by people, as a means of Wasalat [intermediation] to Sufi so as to save them
from God’s wrath. This thing has led to tremendous increase in power of the class
who are custodians of these centers. Continuous visitation by people to these centers
has increased the trading activities around these centers where mostly business in
things of common utility is done. In this way these have become important centers of
cultural exchange.

19
Bentzen, Jeanet Sinding., Origins Of religiousness, The role of Natural Disasters, op. cit., p. 2.
20
Ibid. pp. 6-7.

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Superstitions are also attached to disasters. A practice is followed by some people that
they either show flags taken from Sufi shrines to flood or they either slaughter an
animal or take some straw and scratches in a winnow and throw it into the river to
make it flow in the opposite direction and change its course in order to save their life
and property. Some people believe that this works and these practices have continued
even in recent times.

Society/Community and Response to Disasters

How a community responds to disasters has been of prime interest for sociologists
and anthropologists. The effect of a disaster on community is never static, it can have
either positive or negative effect on community. In some cases disasters can strength a
community structure [the therapeutic community]. The idea of therapeutic community
is that after a disaster the collective imagination of community is activated like never
before. A community once fractured by diverse interests and historic rifts can be
turned into a united community of survivors. But more often disasters exacerbate
existing community conflict [the corrosive community].21 The corrosive community is
characterized by a loss of trust in community– a perceived loss of charity, concern,
empathy and recovery resources; a fragmentation of community groups; and a
breakdown of social relationships, both personal and institutional. 22 Floods create
panic in Kashmir, it is a matter of flight rather than fight for everyone. No one cares
except for himself and his family and property. This is why after 1928 army and
police have been consistently called out to evacuate stranded people and patrol bunds.
There are exceptions when brave men risk their lives to save people caught in floods.
Once this short period is gone it is the therapeutic nature which is mostly
demonstrated. Community kitchens, relief shelters and intra-Kashmir relief operations
are all part of this therapeutic nature. Floods have been an important cause of famines
and food scarcity in Kashmir. Food is the only thing which has shown some of the
signs of corrosive nature of community as it has resulted into cannibalism, deserting
families, food riots, hoarding and black marketing.

21
Thomas Deborah, Philips D Brenda, Lovekamp William, Fothergil Alice., Social Vulnerability To
Disasters, second Edition, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, London, New York,
2010. p. 404.
22
Ibid. p. 405.

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The role of disasters in ceding space to Christian missionaries to enter more directly
in day to day affairs of people is an important noticeable thing as missionaries had
money, man power, doctors, medicine, food, boats & influence at their disposal. Thus
because of these material things, people were attracted towards them. Thus, in the
long run they got place to work in more close connection with the people and this
interaction helped them to gain ground in Kashmir.

Some of the nineteenth century European travelers were very critical of Kashmiri’s
nature and called it selfish, cunning and wicked. It is important to note that some
European writers like Allen Stacey, Arthur Neve, and Walter Lawrence attributed
these to the frequent occurrence of disasters.23 Floods create crisis in Kashmir as food,
shelter, connectivity and thus everything is lost. It creates sense of insecurity among
people and everyone has to fight for survival. Also certain elements among boatmen,
grain dealers and transporters want to make maximum out of the opportunity. All
these things have also found place in the indigenous poetry [see disaster culture
below].

Resilience

It is often used to describe the individuals who bounce back from the trauma or
succeed in spite of having conditions that are very stressful.24 The resilient nature of
Kashmiris to disasters is demonstrated by the frequent occurrence of disasters. Floods
never caused desertion of Kashmir or large scale intra-valley migration. In fact history
demonstrates that after every disaster within a very short period of time people
resettled and went back to their normal and routine life. As a case study, the land
which is continuously washed away or where sand or boulders are deposited has been
continuously made fit for cultivation again and again by cultivators after every flood.

Disaster Culture

Disasters are important cultural events,25 they have an important cultural dimension.
Disasters impact culture, and culture contributes to disasters.26 Following catastrophic

23
Lawrence, op. cit., p. 220. Allen Stacey., Visiting Kashmir, B. T. Batsford, Ltd. London, p. 34.
24
Thomas Deborah, et, al., op. cit., p. 407.
25
Rodriguez Havidan, Quarantelli L Enrico and Dynes R Russel., op. cit., p. 430.
26
Ibid. p. 434.

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events, survivors and responders also engage in a wide range of cultural production.
They tell jokes and there are stories about the events. Buildings are spray painted with
graffiti to convey message of hope, humour or frustration. New rituals are enacted to
provide order and meaning to their lives, including those surrounding the handling of
dead. Makeshift memorials are created to allow survivors the opportunity to share
their emotions and remember those they lost. And poems and songs are written in
order to make sense of what happened. 27 According to Firtz the folklore of every
society reflects the powerful role that disasters have played in the life of people.
According to him in every society disasters have promoted one of the dominant
themes in art, music, folk tales and other products. Quarantelli included film, novel,
comic books and other cultural products decimated through mass media in it. 28
Disasters are social constructs, some view disasters as the result of divine
intervention, others regard them as factors of government failure and others see them
as a natural phenomenon. The past disaster is a contested terrain in which various
groups [victims, media and public officials] attempt to make sense of the event.29 In
fact it is media, politicians, victims and other groups who decide what is and is not a
disaster.30

Historically, the State as well as subjects have irrespective of time and faith perceived
the disasters as divinely or divine punishment, but this has never stopped Kashmiris to
look for short term as well as long term measures to escape from disasters, as people
have never under looked the mismanagement on part of State and subjects in handling
disasters. Like everywhere the disasters in Kashmir also found place in folklore.
Though in eighteenth century Didamari in Waqaiat-e-Kashmir had given poetic form
to some of disastrous events. But it is from 1880 onwards that we have folklore in
‘Ladi Shah’ form and puzzles available on disasters. These are called as Namas
[written stories in poetic form] like Sailab Nama, Bunil Nama, Waba Nama, and even
on famine [drag].

27
Ibid. p. 430.
28
Ibid. p. 433.
29
Ibid. p. 437.
30
Ibid. p. 438.

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There are too many common elements in all these namas, i.e. the providential nature
of disasters, the breakdown of social values and disasters as being social levelers. All
point to the fact that state had no answer to the disasters. The induced religiosity, use
of symbols of repression like ‘Sailab Singh’ and ‘Bunil Major’ for disasters and
showing the insecure and possessive nature of people, the psychological impact of
disasters and the inhuman nature of hoarders black marketers and grain dealers.

Important contribution in this field is of Habibullah Hakim, he wrote a Sailab Nama

on the flood of 1903. The sailab nama is very detailed and provides some insights
which are not otherwise available in contemporary sources. The poet points to the
sudden occurrence of flood, how people were flooded at night and why flood was not
democratic as rich were not affected? Further the authorities were not serious about
the flood and it affected both life and property. Poet describes how flood was loss for
some and gain for some as logs which were swept by flood were caught by people of
lower areas. Further, poet describes how flood turned out to be a multiple disaster for
people as flood, police and grain dealers; all were anti-people. Further, he points to
the price rise and the presence of Punjabi grain dealers at Aali Kadal [perhaps these
were brought by state]. The poet describes the situation where rich brought rice on
high prices and poor had to feed on mere Satu [pierced rice]. The poet describes how
flood caused loss of employment and people went from place to place in search of
employment and at last reached residency were a Meem [English lady] asked them
what for?31

Sokh Sokh Wasith Aav Aab e Kahar

Go kuni Khanabal Khadanyar

Hund Boi Paran Ram Ram

Kalima i Shahadat Ahl e Islam

Kihr Lag Khanini Dishith Naar

Dawaltmandan Kich Sheri Jaye

Qahwa, Bati Paran Beyi Sheeri Chai

31
Hakim Habibullah, Kuliyat Habibullah Hakim, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and
Languages, First Edition 1981, second edition, 1996, p. 337.

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Grewat Sarts House Boat Tayyar

Nadar Badi Mit Grid Aab o Gam

Naav Chum choni Sahibo Taar

Hakim Lukn Kya As Chati

Kita Tsal Ti Kita Gali Ti Fati

Gali Yeti Doh Khot Doh Go Drog

As Nav Adi Hevnui ni Tog

Rehms Peth Aav Parwardigaar

Dil Phot Ketsn Bakhtawarn

Phal Timv Thov Heth Dyarn

Tomul Laj Aith Ti Oot Bah seer

Bochhi Sit Kheni Rod Suti Gi seer

Dopukh Vn Gasv Residency

Yeti Qabool Naqd Ti Tati Jinsi

Shergarh Meem Drai Krni what for?

Translation

Slow and steady the rains brought flood32

And amalgamated Khanabal Khadanyar together

The Hindus uttered Ram – Ram

And Muslims their word of Imaan

The wells are dug when sorrowing are aflame

Houses for wealthy were built anon

Qehwa, Noon Chai and rice stood waiting for them

32
Special thanks to Prof Farooq Ahmed, Prof Iftikhar Lone and Prof. Mudasir for helping in
translating some of the verses from Kashmiri into English

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Boats got ready to ferry the items

The downtrodden submerged in grief

I prayed to God to ferry me across

For rulers it was of no concern

Many a flock fled, disappeared and drowned

When the prices rose high

And we could not buy

Allah came to our rescue

Some generous, felt the heat

They started purchasing the grain heap

Rice was sold at 8 and wheat at 12

Acute hunger bore stomach full

Some shouted let’s move down to residency

And offer cash or kind

At Shergarh, appeared a Damsel ordering ‘what for’?

There is another anonymous Sailab Nama where poet has used the words ‘Sailab
Singh’ for flood, probably in reference to the centuries of repressive rule. The poet
refers to the devastation caused by Rambiara and Romshi. He writes that rain was
such a heavy that a Pandit brother asked god that if there was not any hole in the sky.
The poet describes how first in houses then in fields flood washed away wheat, maize
etc. and how the lower areas of Srinagar were flooded and up to Chadoora. The poet
gives place to the inhuman nature of grain dealers who sold one Kharwar of rice at 10
rupees. He further discuses how flood turned out to be a harvesting season for
boatmen after Kandizal breached.33

33
Ramzan Shad, Kashirin luki baithn hund intikhab, Sahitya Academy, 1st edition, 1997. pp. 118-121

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Chapter-4 Interpreting Floods

Yihi aes Khoshye Parwardigar

Sailab Singh Go zorawar

Gori Boi Wanni Log Bagwans

Zod Ma chu Gomut Asmans

Gars Mnz Rozith Gom Bati Mar

Kya Beaar Gi Yim Gali Daar

Dah Dabl Laji Timv Sari Khaar

Baar Sahibo Asi Div Taar

Kandizal Khani Yeli Mutsrn Aav

Pehrs Mnz Khot Navn Bav

Aed Tsali Kralipor Aed Tsali Cxaar

Translation

What lot was brought to us?

As Sailab Singh grew invincible

Pandits Yelled oh! Baghwan

The heavens are showering ruthlessly

Our homes turned corn less

Hoarders turned merciless

Eatables turned unmanageable

Oh lord; you are the only savior

When the bank broke apart at Kandizal

Boats turned beyond purchase power

Some fled to Kralpur and some to Cxaar

There is another anonymous Sailab Nama which calls flood as act of God and
describes how flood killed people in Kashmir. The poet describes the main points in

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Srinagar [the course of flood] where it caused damage. Poet describes that flood
entered Hozuri Bagh-Shehri khas-Noor Bagh-Amira Kadal-Habba kadal.34

Kar Kor Zati Pakn Wari Thav Kan

Yeth Kashir Mari Kita Keri Sailaban

Wadi os Bresware Oes Jumhuk Shab

Roodi Kni Khoon Woth Os Khalqn Tab

Translation

O listeners pay heed to me, it is God who did it all

Countless perished in floods of Kashmir

Thursday it was and Friday night

When blood showered instead of rain

Another important Sailab Nama is of Wahab Parry Hajini on the flood of 1903.
Wahab has given detail of the entire course of the event. According to him it snowed
heavily in the winter of 1902-03 and this snow was melted by monsoon rains which
flooded the entire Kashmir. Being a religious person he too calls it a Godly act. He
says that people because of the flood went to mosques and would recite Durood-e-
Najat [blessings and greetings on Prophet]. Wahab describes the course of flood
through every village.35

Tru Wah Shath Ti Akvui Sani Aan Jinab

Sapun Shor Aafat o Inqilab

Ba Mahe Fugan Sheen Pov Be Shumaar

Zillah Kamrazs Barin Koh Ti Bal

Nihal Pursi Aab Khot Watan

Aki Daki Timov Pov Sori Patan

34
Saqi, Moti Lal., Kashir Luki Baith, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture And Languages,
Srinagar first edition 1967, second edition 1988 , pp. 119-120.
35
Hajini, Wahab Parry., Dewan-i-Wahab, edited by Professor Mohi-ud-din Hajini, Jammu and
Kashmir Academy of Art Culture And Languages, Srinagar, 1971, pp. 72-73.

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Chapter-4 Interpreting Floods

Dapan Varmuli Lob Kakrv Najat

Paran Masjidn Mnz Durood-e-Najat.

Translation

Thirteen hundred and twenty one Hijri it was

Everywhere drumbeating of calamity there was

It snowed heavily during the winter

Hills and mountains of north were heavily snowed

All streets were filled with the water

A single current made Pattan to fall.

Kakrs in Baramulla got respite

They were reciting Durood-e-Najat in mosques.

Another important contribution in this field is the literary master piece Aagar Nama
of Ghulam Mohammad lone. Its background is the flood of 1928. The poet personifies
the Springs, rivers and streams of Kashmir. Flood there is a royal wedding of
Rambiara and Romishi and Wullar is the grand wedding hall. Historically it provides
very vital information regarding the flood of 1928. One of such examples is the death
of some 50 odd people at Kulgam. According to official reports they were nomads. It
is Lone who gives details about them that they were a particular class of people called
‘Kul Faqir’. Out of the entire group only those 7 survived who climbed up the trees.
Similarly he refers to the Amarnath pilgrims taken away by flood at Pahalgam and
gives details about their life style.36

The floods have also found place in the proverbs and sayings of Kashmir. One of such
examples is:

Yeli Dal Darwazi Wut Gatshan, teli chhuh nah Kansisih hund bozan.37

36
Lone, Ghulam Mohammad., Aagar Nama, A Mathnavi on Springs and Rivers of Kashmir, Jammu
And Kashmir Academy Of Art Culture And Languages, Srinagar, 1989.
37
Knowles, J. Hinton., Dictionary of the Kashmiri Proverbs and Sayings, Gulshan Books, Srinagar,
2005, p. 245.

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Chapter-4 Interpreting Floods

When the flood gates of the lake open, then they do not listen to anyone.

Dal Lake, as already said is used as a moderator of floods. To save city, some of the
flood water is diverted to it. It is closed by a gate called Dal gate or Dal Darwaza.
Whenever its level would increase it causes gate to burst; especially up to the time
when it used to be made of wood and this would prove quite disastrousness for the
city.

194