Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today announced that the government will provide five marlas of land each to all flood-affected families who have been rendered homeless, having lost both their houses and land due to landslides and flash floods. The land will enable them to construct new dwelling units.
The Chief Minister made the announcement while interacting with residents of Duggain, Billawar, whose homes and livelihoods were severely impacted by the recent flooding. Earlier, he conducted an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas in the district, accompanied by MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh.
Assuring people of full support, Omar Abdullah directed the administration to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation. “The year 2025 has brought immense devastation to Jammu and Kashmir—from the dry spell in March-April to incessant rains, flash floods, and landslides in August-September,” he said. “From Kathua to Kupwara, the damage has been unprecedented.”
Highlighting the scale of destruction, the Chief Minister said torrential rains have damaged over 350 bridges, around 2,000 km of roads, thousands of hectares of agricultural land, besides washing away standing crops and inflicting damage on both government and private buildings. “Given the enormity of restoration challenges, Jammu and Kashmir is looking forward to a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package from the Central Government,” he added.
Emphasizing the importance of first-hand assessment, Omar Abdullah said his visit to the remote areas of Kathua was aimed at understanding ground realities. He also undertook an aerial survey of damages in Hiranagar and Lakhanpur, the entry point of Jammu and Kashmir.
Later, the Chief Minister convened a meeting with the district administration, including Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, the ADC, and senior civil and police officers. He instructed the DC to undertake extensive tours of all affected areas and submit detailed ground reports at the earliest.
Speaking at the meeting, MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, noted that the Bani region too has suffered heavy damages due to landslides triggered by torrential rains. He pointed out that in villages such as Moar, Najote, and Kanthal-Majra, nearly 100 families have lost their land and property completely. He demanded the allotment of five marlas of land for these families and raised other key concerns, including damages to the Jalana Bridge, delays in tendering work for High School Lohai, the upgradation of High School Sadrota, and amnesty from KCC loans and electricity bills for the affected families.
The Chief Minister assured that the government would examine all these demands seriously and extend every possible support to the victims.
(Agencies)
