In a major development, the High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir for building houses damaged during Operation Sindoor and recent floods in Jammu Kashmir. The initiative of Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha will go a long way to help the impacted families as, during the signing ceremony, the LG rightly said that the construction of houses is more than just putting up structure. It is about building dreams, a fresh start and a new chapter in the lives of affected families.
During Operation Sindoor, scores of homes were destroyed in shelling by Pakistani forces in Rajouri, Poonch, Kupwara, Uri and other areas. Again, during recent floods, homes and hearths were impacted in Jammu and Kashmir, mostly in Jammu region. The HRDS India’s initiative to build 1500 houses for the effected people is a great humanitarian step and will help the affected people. The HRDS India build 3-bedroom houses, designed and delivered as a “Smart House”, incorporating modern features for comfort and safety across the UT.
The initiative will not remain confined to cross-LoC shelling victims and flood victims but will also cover the victims of terrorism. Under the initiative, the HRDS India and Divisional Commissioners of both the divisions will also identify terror victim families whose houses were destroyed by the terrorists. Besides, 15-year life insurance coverage to all family members, HRDS India will ensure monthly health check-ups and digital connectivity for every house.
It goes without saying that people living along LoC and border are the first line of defence of the country. They always face the wrath of enemy and not only suffer financially but even lives too are lost. During Operation Sindoor, heavy shelling by Pakistan forces killed many and destroyed homes and hearths. Though the government has taken several steps for relief and rehabilitation already, but the initiative of constructing model homes for the victims is much appreciable step.
Similarly, during recent floods, cloudbursts and incessant rains, too much destruction was witnessed, particularly in Jammu region. Scores of people have been left homeless as hundreds of structures were washed away. These affected people need and deserve a massive rehabilitation push and in this regard HRDS India’s decision to build houses for them is a great initiative to put these peoples’ lives back on track.
Same is the case with victims of terrorism. Of late, the LG has been focused on the rehabilitation of such victims and all the district heads have been directed to identify such victims so that administration can reach out to them for relief and rehabilitation. Through this new initiative, these victims too could be helped in a big way. Need is that the concerned administrative heads quicken the process of identifying the victims of cross-LoC shelling, floods and the victims of terrorism so that HRDS India starts constructing the houses to the utmost relief of the affected people.
