In a major step meant to help thousands of people who were hit by cloud bursts, heavy rains and attendant problems, the Centre has sanctioned the construction of 5,061 houses in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir. Starting August 16, when Jod near old Ujh barrage in Ghati area of Kathua district was hit, almost all 10 districts of the Jammu region were lashed by heavy precipitation.
It was the turn of Janglote near Kathua district headquarter to see death and destruction due to heavy rains. In late August, all hell broke loose in Chishoti area of Kishtwar district near Machail Mata when a cloudburst claimed 70 lives. Manny more were accounted for missing, not to be found again till date.
After the Chishoti nightmare, all government agencies, RSS volunteers and Sewa Bharti sprang into action trying to provide succour to the affected. Just as rehabilitation was picking up at Chishoti, many areas in Kathua district reported collapse of houses, deaths and destruction of standing crops due to heavy rains. This phase was due to an overflowing Ravi river which broke one of its embankments at Lakhanpur inundating dozens of houses and government buildings.
Later, Tawi river in Jammu city wrecked havoc leading to collapse of the 4th bridge, considered vital for traffic movement to Akhnoor, Rajouri and Poonch. Overflowing seasonal rivulets did a lot of damage in Udhampur district also. So much so that restoring traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been difficult till date.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan for sanctioning the construction of 5,061 houses which were damaged due to the recent natural calamities across rural areas of J&K.
In a post on X, the LG said: “Grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji & Hon’ble Union Minister of Rural Development, Shri Chouhan Shivraj Ji for sanctioning the construction of 5,061 houses which were damaged due to the recent natural calamities across rural areas of J&K.’’
This approval under special project of PMAY-G will bring back safety and stability in the lives of thousands of households. A new home will enable the families to regain the economic stability significantly improving the family’s well-being”.
Speaking at a function organised in Srinagar on Saturday, Mr Sinha expressed concern over natural calamities triggered by climate change. At another function organised by the Pahari community, he said: “Vision of a sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity will shape a brighter future of tribal community in J&K”. Bringing Pahari tribal community to mainstream is the commitment of the Centre and their empowerment will build a resilient and prosperous UT.
The LG began his address by recalling historic decision taken by PM Modi to give Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Pahari ethnic groups. He said the empowerment of tribal communities is the top priority of the Central government.
“There is need for continuous efforts to ensure the development of the community who were provided Scheduled Tribe status by the Parliament last year as their prosperity is fundamentally linked to our inclusive growth goal,” Mr Sinha said.
Responding to the demands put-forth by the representatives of the Pahari community, Mr Sinha said it will be ensured that Pahari ethnic groups enjoy their rights as per the act passed by the Parliament.
Mr Sinha urged the tribal communities and all the sections of society to stand united against terrorism and actively counter extremist propaganda to safeguard peace and stability. Some divisive elements are trying to peddle fake narrative like terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF). It poses a serious threat and people must counter it, Mr Sinha said.
On the occasion, Mr Sinha paid tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig, former MLC Zafar Iqbal Manhas and many other prominent Pahari leaders were present on the occasion.
