Project to Rebuild Houses Damaged in Recent Calamities
Jammu, Dec 9 :
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday visited Kathua and Samba districts and laid the foundation stone for the construction of 449 new homes for families affected by recent natural calamities.
A total of 344 fully damaged houses in Kathua will be rebuilt at a cost of ₹34 crore, while 105 damaged houses in Samba will be reconstructed at a cost of ₹10.50 crore, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC.
The construction of these three-bedroom pre-fabricated houses will be financed by High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India), which will also ensure modern amenities for homeowners.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor praised HRDS India for its humanitarian support.
“Unity is strength. Collective action can overcome challenges that seem insurmountable. We witnessed this spirit during the August crisis. The welfare of J&K’s people is our top priority, and we remain committed to serving them and fulfilling all their aspirations,” he said.
The LG said the project reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusive development and directed district officials to ensure that no genuine beneficiary is left out.
In the first phase, the initiative will build 1,500 state-of-the-art Smart Houses, designed with enhanced climate resilience. These homes will include boundary walls, cowsheds, and modern facilities. Completion is expected within six months of the foundation work.
HRDS India will also provide free life insurance for 15 years, annual health check-ups for all family members, and five years of free maintenance.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the rapid transformation underway in Kathua, Samba, and across J&K after 2019, noting improvements in infrastructure, education, health, and employment.
“Better infrastructure, equal opportunities, and social justice have always been my priorities. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we have scripted a new chapter of inclusive development,” he said.
The LG also thanked the district administration, police, army, CAPFs, disaster-response teams, emergency services, and civil society for their efforts during recent calamities.
A relief amount of ₹8.22 crore in Kathua and ₹1.38 crore in Samba has already been disbursed to affected families.
During his visit to Kathua, the Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated a state-of-the-art Indoor Sports Stadium, developed in partnership with corporate entities, along with outdoor basketball and volleyball courts.
Swami Atma Nambi (President, HRDS India), Col. Mahan Singh (Retd.), Keshav Dutt Sharma (DDC Chairs), Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, senior officials, and prominent citizens attended the ceremony. (KNC)