Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced today that the government will allocate five marlas of land to each flood-affected family in Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative aims to support families rendered homeless and landless due to landslides and flash floods that destroyed their residences and livelihoods.
During a visit to Duggain, Billawar, where many homes suffered severe damage, Abdullah expressed solidarity with the residents. His tour followed an aerial assessment of the disaster-stricken areas in the district, where he was accompanied by local MLA Dr. Rameshwar Singh.
In his address, he assured residents of comprehensive support while emphasizing the need for timely relief and rehabilitation efforts. He described 2025 as a year of unprecedented devastation for the region, citing the decline from a dry spell in early 2025 to the critical floods and landslides experienced later.
“From Kathua to Kupwara, the damage caused has been catastrophic,” Abdullah stated, highlighting the significant infrastructure impacts, including the destruction of over 350 bridges and approximately 2,000 kilometers of road networks. Additionally, significant agricultural land and crops have been ravaged, affecting both public and private structures.
He called for a comprehensive relief package from the Central Government to address the extensive restoration challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister noted that the extent of damage necessitated urgent attention to facilitate the recovery process.
Abdullah emphasized the importance of firsthand observations during his visit to remote areas like Kathua. His aerial surveys of Hiranagar and Lakhanpur offered crucial insights into the overwhelming scale of destruction.
Subsequently, Abdullah convened a crucial meeting with the district administration, including Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, along with senior civil and police officials. He instructed the DC to tour affected areas and report on damages promptly.
During the meeting, Dr. Rameshwar Singh highlighted the extensive losses in the Bani region caused by recent landslides. He reported that villages including Moar, Najote, and Kanthal-Majra have witnessed nearly 100 families losing their lands and properties completely. He urged the government to expedite land allotments and address additional pressing issues like damage to the Jalana Bridge and delays in upcoming school upgrades.
The Chief Minister acknowledged these urgent demands and promised a thorough evaluation of all concerns raised during the discussion, pledging the government’s commitment to support affected families.
