Enhancing Disaster Resilience in Mountain Geographies through Institutionalising a Multi-Stakeholder Network, Processes and Mechanisms

Ms Mir Sumira, Mr Peer Jeelani
Department of Geography & Disaster Management, Univerity of Kashmir

Located in the northern region of the Indian subcontinent, Kashmir Valley is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. However, due to its location, geography and climate, it is also highly vulnerable to natural disasters. The region’s vulnerability to hazards such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, flash floods and avalanches has historically posed significant challenges to the well-being and development of its inhabitants. These hazards lead to high population density, poor infrastructure and livelihoods and economic disparities in the valley are profound leaving lasting scars on the region’s landscape and local communities. The devastating earthquake in 2005 and the floods in 2014 are stark reminders strongly indicating the urgent need to enhance disaster resilience in the region. The project aimed to address this gap through the development of a strong and comprehensive multi-stakeholder network dedicated to advancing disaster resilience in Kashmir Valley. Bringing together government agencies, academia, community representatives and international organizations, this initiative aimed to provide an integrated approach to disaster risk reduction and management. The underlying rationale was to pool expertise, resources, and local knowledge to develop a comprehensive strategy that encompasses all phases of disaster management - prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.