Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday visited Kathua and Samba and laid the foundation stone for the construction of 449 new homes for families affected due to recent natural calamities in the districts.
A total of 344 houses that were completely devastated in Kathua will be constructed for Rs. 34 crore. In Samba, 105 houses damaged during the recent flash floods will be rebuilt for Rs. 10.50 crore, an official press release informed.
It said the construction costs for these 3-bedroom houses will be financed by an NGO, High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India), which will also ensure modern amenities and facilities for homeowners.
Addressing the gathering, the LG commended HRDS India for its noble endeavour and its support to the UT administration in ensuring dignified and secure housing for the affected families in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Unity is strength. Collective action can surmount challenges which appear unconquerable, and we have witnessed this spirit during the crisis in August this year. Welfare of the people of J&K is our top priority. We are committed to serving them and fulfilling all their aspirations,” the LG said.
He said the project for the construction of new homes for affected families is being completed with the help of HRDS-India, which manifests our commitment to people and inclusive development of J&K. He also directed the district administration to include all the genuine beneficiaries, if anyone is left out.
The first phase of the initiative involves the construction of 1,500 state-of-the-art, three-bedroom prefabricated ‘smart houses’. Designed for modern living and efficiency, these technologically advanced homes offer superior resilience against future climate challenges and include facilities such as boundary walls and cowsheds. The construction of these houses is slated for completion within six months from the commencement of foundation work.
HRDS India will provide free life insurance coverage for the next 15 years and free annual health check-ups for all family members. The NGO will also cover the maintenance of the houses for the next five years.
The LG spoke on the rapid transformation taking place across the two districts of Kathua, Samba and various sectors in the UT of J&K following a massive push post 2019. He stated that sincere efforts have been made to improve the quality of life of every citizen in Kathua and Samba.
He called upon the citizens and all stakeholders to discharge their responsibility in ensuring that the pace of development does not slow down and the benefits of development reach the last person in the queue.
“Better infrastructure, education, health, employment, equal opportunities and social justice have always been my priorities. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have scripted a new history with all-round and inclusive development,” the LG said.
The LG also expressed gratitude to the district administration, police, army, CAPFs, Disaster Response forces, emergency responders, civil society members, and everyone involved in the relief and rescue operations.
An assistance amounting to Rs 8.22 crore and Rs 1.38 Crore was respectively disbursed to the affected families in Kathua and Samba.
During his visit to Kathua, the LG inaugurated and dedicated Indoor Sports Stadium to the youth.
The District Administration Kathua has partnered with corporate entities to elevate sports infrastructure and youth engagement through the construction of a state-of-the-art Indoor Sports Stadium, complemented by outdoor basketball and volleyball courts.
