J&K Cabinet Approves 5 Marla Residential Plots For Flood and Landslide Affected Families

The Jammu and Kashmir cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has approved a significant rehabilitation measure for families affected by devastating floods, cloudbursts, and landslides that struck the Union Territory in August and September 2025. The decision involves allotting residential plots of 5 marlas (approximately 1,361 square feet) to eligible households at safer locations to enable reconstruction of their homes. The proposal has been forwarded to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for final assent, marking a key step towards long-term relief for hundreds of impacted families.

The natural disasters caused widespread destruction, particularly in the Jammu region, with official figures reporting over 8,400 houses damaged or destroyed, around 200 lives lost, and extensive harm to livestock and more than 77,000 hectares of agricultural land. Among the worst tragedies were the August 14 flash floods at the Machail Yatra base camp in Chisoti, Kishtwar, which claimed over 60 lives, mostly pilgrims, and the August 26 landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi track near Katra that killed 35 pilgrims. These incidents triggered public outrage and demands for accountability, including a probe ordered by Lt. Governor Sinha into the Katra landslide, though the three-member committee's report remains pending four months later.

The allotment of residential plots at secure sites has been a long-standing demand from affected communities, who have sought safer alternatives to rebuilding in vulnerable zones prone to recurring natural calamities. While the government has already provided immediate financial relief to victims' families and the Centre has sanctioned reconstruction assistance for 5,000 damaged homes, officials acknowledge that identifying suitable land acceptable to local populations remains a challenge. District-level groundwork has progressed, and the cabinet's approval is expected to accelerate the rehabilitation process.

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This initiative reflects the administration's focus on building resilience in a region frequently battered by extreme weather events. By prioritizing relocation to safer areas, the government aims to prevent future losses and support sustainable recovery for flood-hit families across Jammu and Kashmir. Once the Lt. Governor grants assent, the scheme is poised to offer tangible hope and stability to those who lost homes and livelihoods in the recent disasters.

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