Government to Provide 5-Marla Land for Flood-Affected Families

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced today that the Jammu and Kashmir government will provide five marlas of land each to flood-affected families rendered homeless by devastating floods and landslides. This decision aims to help these families rebuild their lives by enabling them to construct dwelling units on the allotted land.

Abdullah made this critical announcement during his visit to Duggain, Billawar, an area severely impacted by recent flooding. Earlier, he conducted an aerial survey of the affected regions in the district, joined by local MLA, Dr. Rameshwar Singh.

During his address, Abdullah emphasized the government’s commitment to offering comprehensive assistance to the victims of this natural calamity. “The year 2025 has brought immense devastation to Jammu and Kashmir—from a dry spell in March-April to incessant rains, flash floods, and landslides impacting various districts,” he stated, underscoring the widespread devastation across the Union Territory.

He detailed the destruction caused, reporting that torrential rains damaged over 350 bridges, approximately 2,000 km of the road network, and vast tracts of agricultural land. In addition, standing crops and numerous buildings, both government and private, faced severe damage. “Given the enormity of restoration challenges, Jammu and Kashmir is looking forward to a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package from the Central Government,” he reiterated.

Omar Abdullah identified the importance of witnessing the disaster’s impact firsthand, saying his visits to remote areas, including Kathua, aimed to understand the ground realities. He also conducted aerial surveys over Hiranagar and Lakhanpur, which serve as entry points into Jammu and Kashmir.

Following his aerial surveys, the Chief Minister convened a meeting with the district administration. He instructed Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma and other officials to conduct thorough tours of affected areas and to submit detailed reports as soon as possible.

During this visit, MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, expressed concerns over extensive damages in his constituency due to landslides triggered by relentless rains. He highlighted that villages such as Moar, Najote, and Kanthal-Majra witnessed nearly 100 families losing their land and property entirely.

Dr. Singh urged the government to expedite the allotment of five marlas of land for these families. He also raised additional issues, including damage to the Jalana Bridge, delays in work for the High School Lohai, aspirations for upgrading High School Sadrota, as well as seeking amnesty from KCC loans and electricity bills for affected households.

In response, Abdullah assured the MLA that the government would seriously consider all these demands. “We will extend all possible support to assist the affected families in regaining stability and normalcy after these distressing events,” he concluded.