PoJK: Alarm Raised Over Illegal Constructions, Urgent Need for Disaster Preparedness
People in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) are increasingly concerned about the surge in illegal constructions across the region. Khalid Mahmood Mirza, a local official, has warned that the unchecked expansion of settlements along natural watercourses is posing serious risks to communities.
Mirza stressed the urgent need to strengthen urban drainage systems and remove obstacles that block the natural flow of water. He argued that poor urban planning is amplifying the region’s vulnerability to disasters.
Recalling past tragedies, he highlighted the catastrophic earthquake of October 8, 2005, which destroyed vast areas of government and private property and claimed nearly 46,000 lives. Even after nearly two decades, the aftermath of that disaster remains visible, particularly in education and infrastructure.
“Even today, around 150,000 children in the region still lack access to proper school buildings and safe roofs,” Mirza said, pointing to the slow pace of rehabilitation efforts.
The official also noted that recurring natural disasters—such as floods, cloudbursts, and landslides—further exacerbate the situation. These events not only devastate lives and property but also strain financial resources that could otherwise be used to rebuild schools, roads, and hospitals. With funding stretched thin, long-term recovery remains difficult, leaving many communities caught in cycles of vulnerability.
Mirza emphasized that unregulated urban expansion has worsened the crisis. “Encroachment on natural water channels increases the risk of urban flooding,” he said, calling for decisive government action against illegal constructions and advocating for comprehensive urban planning. He urged policymakers, civil society, and local communities to recognize the serious risks of ignoring environmental realities.
According to Mirza, building disaster resilience requires more than emergency relief—it demands forward-looking investment in infrastructure, education, and climate adaptation.
“If drainage systems are upgraded, illegal encroachments removed, and resources allocated wisely, we can reduce future losses and protect the lives of our people,” he concluded.
