Srinagar, Oct. 1 -- The latest CAG report has once again served Kashmir an eye-opener on a danger it already knows too well.

The audit exposes serious weaknesses in flood management and preparedness, raising a basic question: how many assessments, plans and recommendations will it take before flood defence becomes a standing governance priority?

Kashmir has little room for complacency.

The September 2014 flood inundated 843.74 square kilometres, or 78.56 percent of the Jhelum floodplain examined in one study. Srinagar remained under water for more than a week, with flooding reaching about 30 feet in some areas.

That disaster should have permanently changed the way the valley plans its settlements, waterways and wetlands.

Research sin...