Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced today that the Jammu and Kashmir government will allocate five marlas of land to each flood-affected family who has lost their homes and land due to devastating floods and landslides this year.
The announcement came during an interaction with residents of Duggain and Billawar, where the impact of the recent flooding has left families without shelter or means for recovery. Accompanied by MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, Abdulaziz conducted an aerial survey of affected areas in the district.
“The year 2025 has brought immense devastation to Jammu and Kashmir. From dry spells in spring to relentless rains and landslides later, the damage across the region has been unprecedented,” Omar Abdullah stated. He emphasized the urgency of relief and rehabilitation, directing local administration to ensure prompt assistance.
The Chief Minister revealed that torrential rains have inflicted severe damage, including the destruction of over 350 bridges and around 2,000 km of roads, alongside significant loss of agricultural land and standing crops. He highlighted that both government and private buildings suffered extensive damage. “Given this scale of destruction, we appeal for a comprehensive relief package from the Central Government,” he remarked, seeking support amid the recovery processes.
In his commitment to assess the situation, Omar Abdullah visited remote regions like Kathua to understand the ground realities. His aerial surveys covered critical entry points into Jammu and Kashmir, including Hiranagar and Lakhanpur, providing him with firsthand insights into the devastation.
After his inspections, he convened a meeting with district officials, including Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, and senior civil and police officers. He instructed district officials to conduct thorough inspections of all flood-affected areas and submit detailed reports on the damages and required support.
During the engagement, Dr. Rameshwar Singh brought attention to the extensive damages in the Bani region, caused primarily by landslides following heavy rains. He stated that villages such as Moar, Najote, and Kanthal-Majra have witnessed complete loss of land and property, affecting nearly 100 families. Singh requested the immediate allotment of five marlas of land for these families and raised additional concerns such as damages to the Jalana Bridge, delays in infrastructure projects, and requested amnesty from loans and utility bills for the affected.
In response to these representations, CM Omar Abdullah assured the gathered representatives that the government would review these demands earnestly. He emphasized the state’s priority on ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to support those suffering from the floods.
The Chief Minister’s proactive approach and promise of five marlas of land allocation embodies an essential step towards recovery. As Jammu and Kashmir faces ongoing challenges from natural calamities, government support will be pivotal in rebuilding the lives of countless families affected by this year’s unprecedented floods.
