Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha issued a clarion call for a stringent crackdown on encroachments along water bodies, labeling climate change as an undeniable reality that demands immediate action. Speaking at the 'Swachhata Vijayotsav' event under the 'Sewa Parv' initiative in Jammu, organized by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Sinha described the recent floods as an unprecedented disaster in the region. He urged both officials and citizens to unite in a movement to prevent illegal constructions around riverbanks and ecologically sensitive areas, emphasizing the catastrophic consequences of such encroachments during natural disasters.

The floods that ravaged Jammu in recent months have caused extensive damage, with over 4,000 houses destroyed, 3,237 kilometers of roads impacted, and more than 70 major bridges lost, alongside severe disruptions to water and power supply systems. Sinha called the scale of destruction unmatched in the region’s history, attributing it partly to human-induced factors like encroachments that exacerbate flooding risks. He appealed to citizens to report violations to authorities, stressing that such encroachments offer temporary benefits but lead to tragic losses during floods. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the need for self-reflection, urging society to create a safe, sustainable system to mitigate future calamities.

Sinha emphasized two critical responsibilities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir: restoring normalcy for flood-affected communities and raising awareness about climate change’s intensifying impacts, particularly at the rural and panchayat levels. He noted that public resistance often hinders encroachment removal efforts, but the recent devastation offers a chance to rethink development practices. To support recovery, the Government of India has approved the construction of over 5,000 houses under the Rural Development Department, with an additional 1,500 three-room homes, each costing approximately Rs 9 lakh, pledged by a Kerala-based organization, with construction set to begin in October 2025.

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The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to bridging rural-urban divides and fostering prosperity through initiatives in education, social welfare, healthcare, and infrastructure. He cited the central government’s consistent support over the past five to six years, including a recent visit by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to assess the flood damage firsthand. A central team’s damage assessment further assures comprehensive aid for recovery. Sinha also directed a dedicated environmental protection awareness campaign across rural Jammu and Kashmir, integrating the spirit of 'Sewa Parv' into daily life to promote a unified national identity focused on welfare and sustainability.

The event culminated with Sinha laying foundation stones for GOBARdhan Biogas Plants and Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), symbolizing a commitment to environmental sustainability and public health. By promoting cleanliness drives and community participation, Sinha envisions healthier, happier villages as part of a broader goal to build a just and inclusive society. His call to action underscores the urgency of collective responsibility in combating climate change and ensuring a resilient future for Jammu and Kashmir.

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