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 disaster. 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 hope that the Centre will extend a relief package to Jammu and Kashmir, similar to those given to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. 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 the government is in communication with the central government, which has constituted a team to visit the affected areas. Abdullah stated that they will present their demands to the team and hope for a positive response.
Relocation and Rehabilitation
During his visit, Abdullah acknowledged that the village has become unsafe due to the land subsidence and that residents cannot be resettled in the same area. He announced that the government will resettle the affected families in a new location, providing them with necessary assistance.
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 and Relief Measures
Abdullah emphasized the government’s commitment to helping the affected people, stating that it is their duty to provide assistance during this difficult time. 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.
The Chief Minister assured that the government will utilize its financial resources to ensure relief reaches the affected people, providing them with necessary support and assistance.
