BRO chief calls for new approach to strengthen Himalayan infrastructure against extreme weather

The recent spell of heavy and unprecedented rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh has once again brought the vulnerability of the Himalayan states into sharp focus. Landslides, flash floods and road blockages have not only disrupted daily life but also cut off vital connectivity to remote regions. Amid these challenges, Director General of Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, has called for a fresh approach to building and maintaining infrastructure in the fragile Himalayan terrain.

He was speaking on the occasion of Border Roads Wives Welfare Association (BROWWA), the welfare arm of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which has marked its 25th anniversary.

Expressing concern over the devastation caused by the recent floods, Lt Gen Srinivasan, talking to THE WEEK, stressed the “urgent need to study the fragile mountains of the Himalayan range and work on permanent structures to withstand the challenges posed by changing weather patterns.” 

He underlined that road connectivity in these sensitive zones cannot be seen as a routine engineering exercise but as a lifeline for the people. “We need to improvise and strengthen road connectivity in these regions at the earliest,” he said.

The BRO, which is responsible for building and maintaining strategic roads across some of the toughest terrains in India, has been at the forefront of relief and restoration efforts in the wake of the calamities. Its personnel have been working round the clock to clear blocked highways, restore bridges, and ensure that essential supplies reach flood-affected communities.

Lt Gen Srinivasan noted that while roads connect villages, towns, and borders, their true significance goes beyond physical infrastructure. “BRO not only connects people through its roads, but also connects people’s hearts,” he said, adding that resilient road networks are critical for both security and humanitarian reasons.

The challenges in the Himalayan belt are compounded by the twin realities of climate change and unplanned development. Scientists have repeatedly warned that the frequency of extreme rainfall events is likely to rise, increasing the risks of landslides and flash floods. For agencies like BRO, this means rethinking conventional construction methods and adopting more durable designs tailored to the delicate mountain ecosystem.

Calling for collaborative efforts, Lt Gen Srinivasan emphasised that long-term planning, scientific studies, and sustainable engineering practices must go hand in hand. “Our goal must be to ensure connectivity that endures – infrastructure that can withstand the forces of nature while serving the aspirations of the people,” he said.

The silver jubilee celebrations, held today, were marked by cultural programmes, community outreach showcases, and the presence of Bollywood actress Nimrit Kaur, who is herself the daughter of an Army officer. The event underscored BROWWA’s journey from a small support group to a robust organisation of over 18,000 wives, united in resilience and solidarity.

For the wives of BRO personnel, whose husbands serve in some of the most inhospitable terrains of the Himalayas and beyond, BROWWA has been more than just a support group; it has become an extended family. 

Speaking to THE WEEK, Ms Sumita Raghuvanshi, President BROWWA, said, “We are over 18,000-member association, and are working day and night with each other as a strong family, as our husbands remain busy in difficult terrains. Over these 25 years, this organisation has helped so many women overcome stress and struggles in everyday life. We also do a lot of work for generating employment.”

BROWWA’s initiatives range from skill development and financial literacy workshops to health camps and community events, ensuring that women left behind at home are not left behind in life. Its employment generation programmes have enabled thousands to achieve independence and dignity.

Adding an emotional note, Nimrit Kaur said BROWWA is “more than family.” Kaur spoke of her father's legacy, "I stand here not just as an actress, but as the proud daughter of a soldier whose sacrifice reminds us every day of the true meaning of service. BRO families hold up the invisible backbone of this nation's safety and security, often away from the limelight but never away from the heart of duty."

Recalling her father’s sacrifice and the memorial built in his honour at Srinagar’s Beacon, she emphasised how support networks like BROWWA give meaning and strength to families who carry the burden of sacrifice.