Examiner Bureau | Rajouri:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he would personally approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek a special Central financial package for the flood-affected districts of Rajouri and Poonch, stating that the Union Territory lacks the financial capacity to meet the full cost of restoration and rehabilitation on its own.
Addressing reporters after chairing a high-level review meeting on flood relief and rehabilitation in Rajouri, Abdullah said the government would prepare a comprehensive proposal and submit it to the Centre at the earliest.
“While there are certain works we can undertake on our own, the reality is that Jammu and Kashmir does not have the financial capacity to bear the entire cost of restoration. After last year’s floods, the Central Government sanctioned a package of nearly Rs 1,400 crore for Jammu and Kashmir. This time too, we will prepare a detailed package and I will personally submit it to the Prime Minister,” he said.
The Chief Minister said floods, flash floods and cloudbursts are recognised as natural disasters and do not require any separate declaration before seeking Central assistance.
Reviewing the impact of the devastating flash floods of July 19, which claimed four lives in Rajouri district, Abdullah said the government’s response had been carried out in three phases—rescue, recovery and rehabilitation.
“Our foremost priority was to minimise the loss of human lives. We deeply regret the loss of four precious lives in Rajouri. Had the district administration and police not responded swiftly during the night, the casualty figure could have been much higher,” he said.
Abdullah said the administration has now entered the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, with priority being accorded to restoring damaged public infrastructure and essential services.
He said electricity supply has been restored almost completely in the affected areas, while restoration of drinking water remains a major challenge due to extensive damage to several Jal Shakti Department water supply schemes. He added that suggestions made by local legislators, including the deployment of water tankers and installation of hand pumps in affected villages, would be implemented.
The Chief Minister assured that compensation would be provided to families whose houses were damaged in the floods. He also announced that families whose land had been washed away would be provided alternative plots to enable them to rebuild their homes.
He further announced relief for the farming community, stating that farmers who suffered losses to crops and agricultural land would be provided free ration for a period ranging from six months to one year.
As part of long-term flood mitigation measures, Abdullah said he has directed the Flood Control Department to immediately construct a protection bund at Bela Colony to prevent floodwaters from inundating residential areas during future floods.
He also announced the construction of a new Mini Secretariat in Rajouri after the existing Deputy Commissioner’s office building was found to be structurally unsafe.
“The present building is no longer fit for use. Constructing a new Mini Secretariat is no longer a matter of choice but a necessity. A Detailed Project Report is being prepared, and the project is expected to cost around Rs 50–60 crore. We aim to complete it within the next two to three years,” he said.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that compensation being provided under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for structural damage had become inadequate in view of rising construction costs.
“The SDRF compensation has not been revised for nearly seven to eight years. We have decided to enhance it so that affected families receive more realistic assistance,” he said.
On the issue of vehicles damaged in the floods, Abdullah said he had directed the police to expedite the registration of FIRs to facilitate insurance claims for affected owners.
“While safeguards are necessary to prevent misuse, genuine victims should not face unnecessary delays. The Senior Superintendent of Police has assured us that all legitimate cases will be processed expeditiously,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said local MLA Iftikhar Ahmad raised several important developmental issues concerning Rajouri town during the meeting, including the implementation of AMRUT Phase-II, identification of an alternative site for the Kala Bus Stand, and issues related to drinking water and power supply.
“We will examine all these issues carefully and take appropriate action,” Abdullah added.
