Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced today that the Jammu and Kashmir government will provide five marlas of land to flood-affected families rendered homeless this year. The initiative aims to support families who lost their homes and livelihoods due to devastating floods and landslides.
The announcement took place during Abdullah’s interaction with Duggain residents, who experienced substantial losses from the recent flooding. Earlier, he conducted an aerial survey of hard-hit areas, joined by MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh.
Omar Abdullah assured the public of comprehensive assistance. He directed local administrations to implement efficient relief and rehabilitation strategies. “The year 2025 has inflicted considerable devastation upon Jammu and Kashmir—from a dry spell in March-April to incessant rains and flash floods in August-September,” he stated. “The damage from Kathua to Kupwara has been catastrophic.”
The Chief Minister detailed the staggering impact of the calamity, noting that over 350 bridges and approximately 2,000 kilometers of roads suffered severe damage. Thousands of hectares of agricultural land were ruined, crops washed away, and both public and private properties sustained extensive damages. “Given the enormity of restoration challenges, we look forward to a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package from the Central Government,” he added.
Omar Abdullah emphasized the significance of understanding the realities on the ground. His visit to remote areas of Kathua aimed at assessing damage firsthand. He also conducted an aerial survey of Hiranagar and Lakhanpur, which serve as entry points to Jammu and Kashmir.
Later, the Chief Minister convened a meeting with district officials, including Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, and senior civil and police officers. He instructed the DC to extensively tour all affected areas and compile detailed reports to expedite recovery efforts.
During the meeting, MLA Dr. Rameshwar Singh expressed concerns regarding the devastation in the Bani region, where landslides caused by heavy rainfall wreaked havoc. He stated that in villages like Moar, Najote, and Kanthal-Majra, nearly 100 families lost their entire properties.
Dr. Singh called for the government to expedite land allotments of five marlas to those families. He also raised issues concerning damage to infrastructure, including the Jalana Bridge, delays in educational project approvals, and requested an amnesty for KCC loans and electricity bills for impacted families.
In response, the Chief Minister assured the MLA that the government would take all these concerns into serious consideration and extend appropriate support to affected families, aiming for their swift recovery.
