SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the construction of new homes for families whose houses were destroyed in recent natural calamities in Ramban and Udhampur, marking one of the largest post-disaster rehabilitation initiatives undertaken in the Union Territory.
A total of 189 completely damaged homes in Ramban and 341 in Udhampur will be rebuilt free of cost with financial assistance from the High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India). The Ramban project will cost Rs 18 crore, while works in Udhampur have been pegged at Rs 34 crore. The houses will be three-bedroom prefabricated smart units equipped with additional facilities, including cowsheds.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to HRDS India for supporting flood-affected families and directed district authorities to ensure that all genuine beneficiaries are included in the project. “I will personally ensure that every poor affected family has a roof over their heads,” he said.
The initiative forms part of a larger rehabilitation plan under which 1,500 homes will be constructed across Jammu and Kashmir for families impacted by recent natural disasters and unprovoked shelling during Operation Sindoor. Construction is scheduled to be completed within six months.
HRDS India will provide free life insurance for all family members for 15 years, annual health check-ups and five-year post-construction maintenance of the homes. Officials described the extensive coverage for families affected by calamities and shelling as “historic in scale.”
The Lieutenant Governor also lauded the efforts of the district administration, police, Army, CAPFs, disaster response teams, the Shrine Board, J&K Bank, volunteers and civil society members involved in relief and rescue operations.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to social and economic justice, he said the UT Government, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has worked with “new energy” since 2019 to lay the foundations of a modern and equitable Jammu and Kashmir. “A strong foundation has been laid in the past five years. We are committed to fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people,” he said.
Sinha cited rapid development in Ramban and Udhampur, including accelerated project completion and inclusion-oriented schemes, and noted that the Government of India has allocated Rs 355 crore for Ramban and Rs 328.51 crore for Udhampur under PMGSY-4 to connect unconnected habitations through critical road projects.
He also said 13 next-of-kin of terror victims in Ramban had already been provided government jobs, with the remaining eligible families to be accommodated soon.
The events in both districts were attended by senior civil and police officers, representatives of HRDS India, DDC members and residents.
