Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the flood-affected Kalaban border area in Poonch district, where land subsidence has caused widespread damage. Over 1,000 people have been affected, with more than 95 houses, a graveyard, and a mosque damaged since September 11.
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 asked to prepare a rehabilitation plan, including the grant of five marlas of land under the existing policy, for Cabinet approval.
The Chief Minister maintained that the government is in communication with the central government, which has constituted a team to visit affected areas. He assured that the state government will present its demands and hope for a positive response.
Rehabilitation Plans
Abdullah assessed the damage caused by land subsidence in Kalaban village, near the Line of Control (LoC). Residents have been relocated to safe shelters, and the government is working on a plan to resettle them at a new location.
The government already has a scheme to provide landless people with five marlas of government land. Following this pattern, the administration has been asked to prepare a proposal for Cabinet approval.
Outreach Efforts
Abdullah emphasized the government’s duty to help people affected by the floods and landslides. He noted that hardly any district in Jammu and Kashmir has been spared from damage, and the government will utilize its financial resources to ensure relief reaches the affected people.
