L-G lays foundation for 500 houses damaged in flashfloods, Pak shelling

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday laid the foundation stone for more than 500 houses for families whose homes were destroyed during Pakistani shelling in Rajouri and Poonch districts in May this year and in the flashfloods of August. The construction will be undertaken with support from the NGO HRDS India.

“Today, we laid the foundation stone for 133 houses with the help of HRDS India. These homes were completely damaged in the recent flashfloods and during the unprovoked firing by Pakistan under Operation Sindoor,” the L-G said during his visit to Poonch.

He added that under various state and central schemes, relief amounting to more than Rs 10 crore has already been provided to affected households. “The Government of India is committed to the complete rehabilitation of all affected families and to improving the lives of every resident of Poonch,” he said.

Later, during his visit to Rajouri, Sinha laid the foundation stone for 388 more houses that were fully damaged in natural calamities and Pakistani shelling. These too will be constructed in partnership with HRDS India.

“Ex-gratia relief, employment to the next of kin of the deceased, and compensation to families affected by flashfloods and Pakistani shelling have already been provided. We are ensuring that not a single family is deprived of their rights and basic needs,” the L-G said. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to completing the reconstruction work within the stipulated timeframe.

In addition to reviewing rehabilitation efforts, Sinha also conducted a detailed assessment of the overall security situation in Poonch.

An MoU has been signed between HRDS India and the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu for the construction of houses damaged during Operation Sindoor and the recent floods. HRDS India will build 1,500 free three-bedroom houses equipped with modern safety and comfort features.