Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced today that the government will allocate five marlas of land each to flood-affected families in Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative targets families rendered homeless by last month’s flash floods and landslides, aiming to empower them to reconstruct their homes in the aftermath of widespread devastation.
The announcement came during an interaction with residents of Duggain, Billawar, a region particularly hit hard by the recent natural calamities. The Chief Minister had earlier conducted an aerial survey over the affected areas, accompanied by local MLA Dr. Rameshwar Singh, to assess the situation firsthand.
“The year 2025 has brought immense devastation to Jammu and Kashmir. From the dry spell in March-April to incessant rains followed by flash floods and landslides in August-September, the damage has been unprecedented,” Abdullah remarked. He emphasized the importance of prompt relief and rehabilitation, directing officials to ensure timely assistance.
According to the Chief Minister, over 350 bridges and approximately 2,000 km of roads sustained damage. Agricultural sectors also faced severe impacts, as thousands of hectares were flooded, destroying standing crops and disrupting livelihoods across the region. Abdullah stated, “Jammu and Kashmir is looking forward to a comprehensive relief package from the Central Government to address restoration challenges.”
Omar Abdullah reiterated the significance of assessing ground realities, mentioning that his visit to remote areas, including Kathua, aimed to derive better insights into the ongoing crisis. In addition to his aerial surveys, the Chief Minister met with the district administration, including Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma and senior officials. He instructed the team to tour affected regions and gather detailed reports on the destruction.
MLA Dr. Rameshwar Singh shared that the Bani region also faced severe landslide impacts. In villages such as Moar, Najote, and Kanthal-Majra, he noted that around 100 families completely lost their land and property. Singh emphasized the urgent need for land allocation for these families, alongside addressing additional pressing issues, including repairs to the Jalana Bridge and the delay in school upgrades.
The MLA’s requests extended to amnesty for KCC loans and electricity bills, advocating for the well-being of the affected households. In response, Chief Minister Abdullah assured that the demands would be thoroughly examined and all possible support will be provided to the flood victims.
This move by Omar Abdullah reflects the government’s commitment to mitigating the impacts of natural disasters on vulnerable communities. By providing essential resources such as land, the administration hopes to rebuild lives and help restore the affected areas to their former resilience.