Omar Abdullah to Personally Seek Special Central Package for Flood-Hit Rajouri, Poonch

JAMMU/RAJOURI, Aug 6: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he would personally submit a proposal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a special Central assistance package for the flood-ravaged districts of Rajouri and Poonch, stating that the Union Territory lacks the financial capacity to meet the massive restoration costs on its own. Addressing reporters after chairing a high-level review meeting on relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Rajouri, Abdullah said that while the government could manage certain aspects of the recovery, large-scale restoration would require Central support. “Jammu and Kashmir does not have the financial capacity to bear the entire cost of restoration. Last year, after the floods, the Centre sanctioned a package of nearly ₹1,400 crore. This time as well, we will prepare a comprehensive proposal and seek similar assistance,” he said. The Chief Minister added that floods, flash floods and cloudbursts are recognised as natural disasters, eliminating the need for any separate declaration before requesting financial aid from the Centre. “As soon as the proposal is finalised, I will personally submit it to the Prime Minister,” he said. Reviewing the impact of the July 19 flash floods in Rajouri, Abdullah said the administration’s response had been carried out in three phases — rescue, recovery and rehabilitation. “Our first priority was saving lives. We deeply regret the loss of four precious lives in Rajouri. Had the district administration and police not acted swiftly during the night, the death toll could have been much higher,” he said. The Chief Minister said the focus has now shifted to rehabilitation and reconstruction, with priority being given to restoring damaged public infrastructure and essential services. He said electricity supply has been restored in most affected areas, while drinking water continues to remain a challenge because several Jal Shakti Department water supply schemes suffered extensive damage. Abdullah said suggestions made by local legislators, including the deployment of water tankers and installation of hand pumps in affected villages, would be implemented. He assured financial assistance for damaged houses and said families whose land had been washed away would be provided alternative plots to rebuild their homes. The Chief Minister also announced that farmers who lost crops and agricultural land in the floods would receive free ration for a period ranging from six months to one year. To reduce the impact of future floods, Abdullah said he has directed the Flood Control Department to immediately construct a protective embankment at Bela Colony, one of the worst-affected localities in Rajouri town. 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. “This is no longer a matter of choice but a necessity. The present building is not fit for use. A detailed project report is being prepared, and we expect the new Mini Secretariat to cost around ₹50–60 crore. We hope to complete it within the next two to three years,” he said. Highlighting the need to revise disaster compensation, Abdullah said assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for damaged structures has remained unchanged for nearly seven to eight years despite rising costs. “We have decided to enhance the SDRF compensation,” he said. On flood-damaged vehicles, the Chief Minister said he has instructed the police to expedite the registration of FIRs to ensure genuine victims can claim insurance without unnecessary delays. “Some people may try to misuse the process, but genuine victims should not suffer. The Senior Superintendent of Police has assured us that these cases will be processed quickly,” he said. Abdullah also said local MLA Iftikhar Ahmed highlighted several important issues concerning Rajouri town, including the implementation of AMRUT Phase-II, identification of an alternative site for the Kala Bus Stand, and improvements in power and drinking water supply. “We will examine all these issues and take appropriate action,” the Chief Minister said.