SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said Kashmir would remain incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits, asserting that their dignified return to their homeland in an atmosphere of security and confidence was essential to restoring the region’s historical heritage and human values.
“The dignified return of Kashmiri Pandit families is a commitment towards restoring the historical heritage of Kashmir and reinstating human dignity,” the Lieutenant Governor said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating transit accommodation flats at Zewan in Srinagar.
He said Kashmir’s natural, cultural and spiritual beauty would be complete only when Kashmiri Pandit families could live in their homeland with dignity, security and confidence.
“Behind every flat is a family and behind every family is a long story of struggle, patience, waiting and hope,” Sinha said, referring to the families being provided accommodation under the Prime Minister’s Development Package.
The Lieutenant Governor inaugurated 936 flats at Zewan and virtually inaugurated two other residential complexes at Kankarmal in Budgam and Toham Bagh in Kupwara, taking the total number of flats inaugurated to 1,416.
He said the project envisaged the construction of 6,000 flats at 20 locations across 10 districts through 342 residential blocks.
“About 5,200 flats have been completed so far, while approximately 3,800 have been allotted to PM Package employees,” he said.
Sinha said the project was initially approved at an estimated cost of Rs 920 crore, which was later revised to Rs 1,325 crore. He added that its execution had been delayed following the 2014 floods.
He said the commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was now beginning to materialise on the ground.
Emphasising the need for proper upkeep of the residential complexes, the Lieutenant Governor called for regular water supply, uninterrupted electricity, adequate security arrangements and effective waste management.
“No resident should feel that the administration’s attention has ended immediately after the inauguration,” he said.
Sinha also assured PM Package employees that the administration would provide all possible assistance to those willing to construct their own houses.
He congratulated the families who had received their new homes and expressed hope that the accommodation would offer them a secure and dignified living environment. (KNO)
