Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today announced that the government will provide five marlas of land each to families rendered homeless due to devastating floods. This initiative targets those who have lost their houses and land to recent natural disasters in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister made this significant announcement while engaging with local residents in Duggain, Billawar, whose lives were severely disrupted by flooding. Prior to this, he undertook an aerial survey of the flood-impacted areas accompanied by MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh.
During his visit, Abdullah promised the affected families all possible assistance and directed local authorities to expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts. “This year has brought immense destruction to Jammu and Kashmir—from the severe drought in March-April to relentless rains, flash floods, and landslides between August and September,” he stated. “The damage from Kathua to Kupwara has been unprecedented.”
Highlighting the scale of the devastation, he reported that torrential rains have obliterated over 350 bridges, damaged around 2,000 kilometers of road networks, and devastated thousands of hectares of agricultural land. This calamity has washed away millions of rupees worth of standing crops and inflicted damages on both government and private properties. “In light of the vast restoration challenges, Jammu and Kashmir anticipates a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package from the Central Government,” Abdullah added.
Focusing on the critical need for firsthand assessments, Abdullah shared that his tour of the remote areas in Kathua aimed to deepen his understanding of the current situation. He also conducted aerial surveys in Hiranagar and Lakhanpur, essential entry points to Jammu and Kashmir.
Concluding his visit, the Chief Minister conducted a meeting with the district administration, including Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner, and senior civil and police officials. He instructed the Deputy Commissioner to perform extensive reconnaissance in all affected areas and submit thorough reports promptly.
MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, noted that the Bani region has faced severe damages due to landslides triggered by the relentless downpour. He highlighted that villages such as Moar, Najote, and Kanthal-Majra have seen nearly 100 families completely lose their land and property.
Dr. Singh appealed for the allotment of five marlas of land to these families and addressed other urgent concerns such as the damage to the Jalana Bridge, impending delays in school construction tenders, and the need for amnesty from KCC loans and electricity bills for affected families.
The Chief Minister assured attentive consideration of all these demands and committed the government to extend comprehensive support to the families affected by the floods.
