Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced today that the Jammu and Kashmir government will provide five marlas of land to each family affected by recent floods, which have left many homeless. The initiative aims to assist families who have lost their homes and land due to destructive landslides and flash floods.
During his visit to Duggain, Billawar, Chief Minister Abdullah engaged with local residents whose lives have been profoundly impacted by the flooding. His visit followed an aerial survey of the devastated areas in the district, accompanied by MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh.
Abdullah emphasized the government’s commitment to offering necessary assistance, directing officials to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation measures. He remarked, “The year 2025 has brought immense devastation to Jammu and Kashmir—from the dry spell in March to incessant rains and relentless floods in August and September.” The Chief Minister pointed out that the destruction has been widespread, affecting regions from Kathua to Kupwara.
The figure of damage is staggering: over 350 bridges and approximately 2,000 kilometers of road networks have suffered destruction. Additionally, thousands of hectares of agricultural land washed away, damaging both standing crops and numerous buildings, both private and government-owned. Abdullah reiterated the need for a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package from the Central Government to address these challenges.
As part of his on-ground assessment, the Chief Minister visited remote areas in Kathua to grasp the ongoing situation. He also conducted an aerial survey in Hiranagar and Lakhanpur, vital entry points into Jammu and Kashmir.
Following the surveys, Abdullah held a critical meeting with district officials, including Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma. He instructed the DC to perform thorough tours of all affected regions and compile detailed ground reports promptly.
On the same day, MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, highlighted the extensive damage experienced in the Bani region. He noted that the torrential rains had resulted in landslides that obliterated land and property for many families. In villages such as Moar, Najote, and Kanthal-Majra, nearly 100 families lost everything. He urged the government to allocate the promised five marlas of land to these affected families.
Additionally, Singh raised urgent matters such as repairs for the Jalana Bridge, delays in projects like the upgradation of High School Lohai, and amnesty for KCC loans and electricity bills for those impacted.
Responding to these concerns, Chief Minister Abdullah assured residents that the government would take these demands seriously and would extend all possible support to the families grappling with the aftermath of the floods.
