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 area 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 hope that the Centre will extend a relief package to Jammu and Kashmir, similar to the ones provided to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. He stated that the administration has been asked 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 the government is in communication with the central government and has presented their demands. A team from the Centre has visited various areas of Jammu and Kashmir to assess the damage.
Relocation and Rehabilitation
Abdullah emphasized that the government is committed to providing relief to the affected people. He noted that the village has become unsafe due to land subsidence and that residents cannot be resettled in the same area. Instead, they will need to be relocated to a new, safer location.
The government already has a scheme in place to provide landless people with five marlas of government land. Following this pattern, the administration has been asked to prepare a proposal for the Cabinet’s approval.
Outreach Efforts
Abdullah stressed that it is the government’s duty to help people in difficult times. The recent floods and landslides have caused unprecedented damage in Jammu and Kashmir, with hardly any district remaining unaffected.
The Chief Minister assured that the government will utilize its financial resources to ensure relief reaches the people. He also appealed for support from the Centre to aid the affected areas.
