Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently visited the land subsidence-hit Kalaban border area in Poonch district, where he assessed the damage caused by the floods and landslides. The region has been severely affected, with over 1,000 people displaced and more than 95 houses, a graveyard, and a mosque damaged.
Flood Relief Efforts
Abdullah expressed his hope that the Centre will extend a relief package to Jammu and Kashmir, similar to those provided to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. He stated that the administration has been instructed to prepare a rehabilitation plan, which includes granting five marlas of land to affected families under the existing policy.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that a team from the central government has visited various areas of Jammu and Kashmir to assess the damage. He assured that the state government will present its demands to the Centre and work towards securing a suitable relief package.
Rehabilitation Plans
Abdullah acknowledged that the village of Kalaban has become unsafe due to land subsidence and that residents cannot be resettled in the same area. He announced that the government will resettle the affected families at a new location, utilizing the existing scheme that provides landless people with five marlas of government land.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of outreach efforts, stating that it is the government’s duty to help people in difficult times. He noted that the rains have caused unprecedented damage in Jammu and Kashmir, with hardly any district remaining unaffected by floods, landslides, or heavy rains.
Abdullah assured that the state government will utilize its available financial resources to ensure relief reaches the affected people. The government’s efforts aim to provide aid and support to those affected by the floods and landslides, with the hope of receiving additional assistance from the Centre.
