Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that the government will provide five marlas of land to each homeless, flood-affected family in Jammu and Kashmir on October 5, 2025. The initiative aims to assist those rendered landless due to devastating floods and landslides, enabling them to rebuild their homes.
While interacting with residents in Duggain, Billawar, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting those who lost their homes and livelihoods. Earlier in the day, he conducted an aerial survey of flood-ravaged areas in the district with MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, to assess the extent of damage.
“This year has been catastrophic for Jammu and Kashmir with severe weather events causing widespread destruction,” Abdullah remarked, referring to the extensive damage from both previous dry spells and recent torrential rains. He highlighted that since March and April, the region has seen devastating flash floods and landslides which have had an unparalleled impact.
The Chief Minister noted that these natural calamities have destroyed over 350 bridges and roughly 2,000 km of roads. Furthermore, thousands of hectares of agricultural land have suffered, resulting in significant losses of standing crops as well as damages to both government and private infrastructure. “Given the enormity of the destruction, we seek a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package from the Central Government,” he asserted.
His visit to the remote areas, particularly in Kathua, underscored the government’s commitment to understanding the dire situations faced by affected communities. Abdullah also conducted an aerial survey over Hiranagar and Lakhanpur, assessing critical entry points into Jammu and Kashmir.
Following the aerial survey, the Chief Minister convened a crucial meeting with the district administration, including Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma and other senior officials. He urged for immediate assessments of all the affected areas, stressing the importance of detailed ground reports to guide relief efforts.
Dr. Rameshwar Singh highlighted the devastation in the Bani region, describing the extensive damage that landslides have inflicted on the local populace. In villages like Moar, Najote, and Kanthal-Majra, nearly 100 families have lost everything. He sought the government’s urgent attention towards allotting five marlas of land to these families in addition to addressing other concerns—like the damage to the Jalana Bridge, and the delay in development projects such as the High School Lohai upgrade.
Addressing the pressing issues raised, Abdullah reassured the residents of his commitment to seriously consider their demands and extend full support. He emphasized the need for thorough assessments of both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation strategies for all affected families.