Centre plans massive study, siren-based warning system to tackle cloudburst and flood threats in JK
Government prepares multi-agency initiative to map hotspots, install early warning sirens
By: Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: The Union government is working on a massive drive to study the growing cases of cloudbursts and flood threats across Jammu and Kashmir, with plans to introduce an extensive early warning system that includes siren-based alerts on highways and in vulnerable areas, official sources confirmed on Friday.
According to senior officials, the initiative will be a multi-agency effort bringing together experts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA). The plan is expected to blend modern technology with on-ground community participation to reduce casualties during sudden weather events.
“The idea is to develop a real-time, location-specific alert system that combines high-resolution weather radars, automatic rainfall and river-monitoring stations, and alarm sirens in key danger zones. The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, Pir Panjal ranges and flash-flood-prone valleys will be prioritised,” an MHA official said.
A senior IMD scientist explained that the study will focus on short but intense rainfall events, which often trigger devastating cloudbursts.
“We are analysing micro-scale weather conditions such as five-minute rainfall bursts, moisture build-up and mountain triggers. The challenge is to turn this data into instant neighbourhood-level alerts so that residents can act quickly,” he said.
Highway authorities are also expected to play a key role. An NHAI official said the warning sirens would be linked with existing slope-stability sensors, CCTV networks and digital display boards. “If sensors detect a sudden surge in water or debris upstream, sirens will blare and message boards will flash detour instructions for drivers. The goal is to use those precious minutes to prevent tragedies,” the official added.
The Centre’s plan includes forensic mapping of cloudburst and flood hotspots, creation of solar-powered community sirens connected to district control rooms, integration of warnings with mobile networks and radio broadcasts, and mandatory quarterly safety drills in schools, markets and transport hubs. Officials said the findings will also guide planning for new roads, tourist facilities and housing in fragile catchments.
The move comes after a series of alarming weather events this month. Several stretches of the Jammu–Srinagar highway were blocked by landslides following heavy rainfall, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. In Reasi district, a landslide in Mahore flattened a house, leaving several people feared dead. Meanwhile, residents along the Jhelum river in Srinagar and Pampore expressed fear after the water rose near danger levels, with many questioning the government’s failure to complete dredging and embankment strengthening.
A senior JKDMA official said the proposed measures would “close the gap between forecast and action.” He added, “People don’t need a lengthy weather bulletin when the sky opens up. They need a siren, an escape route, and a tested system they can trust. That is what this drive aims to achieve.”
Sources said the project is expected to be funded through a mix of central and state resources, with the possibility of international support for advanced radar and hydrology systems. If cleared, J&K could see the first phase of installation within a year.
