SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday laid the foundation stone for the construction of new houses for families affected by the devastating floods in Chishoti Paddar, Kishtwar.
A total of 19 houses, completely damaged during the natural disaster, will be rebuilt free of cost with the support of the High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India), a civil society organisation.
Paying homage to the victims, including civilians and security personnel, the Lieutenant Governor said the initiative would help the affected families rebuild their lives. “The three-bedroom prefabricated smart houses laid today will help bring the lives of the affected families back on track,” he said.
Sinha appreciated HRDS India’s support under ‘Operation Sindoor’, through which 1,500 fully damaged houses across the Union Territory are being reconstructed. He said the effort would bring much-needed relief where State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) assistance was inadequate.
Each new house will feature modern prefabricated technology with durable materials such as fibre cement boards, GI sheets, and steel frameworks designed to withstand harsh climatic conditions. The units will be developed as “Smart Houses” to ensure comfort, safety and resilience.
The Lieutenant Governor also announced several development initiatives for Paddar Kishtwar, including the reconstruction of the Atholi–Machail Mata road and a new bridge at Chishoti by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), establishment of an Army Goodwill School, a petrol pump, and installation of new BSNL 4G towers in identified connectivity black spots.
Expressing gratitude to the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, and local volunteers for their rescue efforts during the August 2025 floods, Sinha lauded the people of Chishoti for their resilience.
He also directed the district administration to connect local youth with self-employment schemes under Mission Yuva, and assured that facilities for Machail Mata pilgrims would be upgraded by May 2026, including the construction of a Yatri Niwasbat Paddar.
A two-minute silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. The event was attended by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, MLA Shagun Parihar, HRDS India President Swami Atma Nambi, senior officials, and local residents.
