Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday visited the land subsidence-affected Kalaban border area in Poonch district and expressed hope that the Centre would announce a relief package for the Union Territory, similar to those extended to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Abdullah said the administration has been directed to draft a rehabilitation plan, including the allotment of five marlas of land (one marla = 272.25 sq ft) under the existing policy, for Cabinet approval.
“We are in constant touch with the Centre. A central team has already visited several areas of Jammu and Kashmir. We will place our demands before them and hope that the UT receives a substantial package, on the lines of other states,” Abdullah told reporters.
During his visit, the Chief Minister reviewed the damage caused by land subsidence in Kalaban village of Mendhar tehsil, close to the Line of Control (LoC). Since September 11, more than 1,000 people have been affected, while over 95 houses, a graveyard, and a mosque have been damaged. Affected residents have been shifted to safer shelters.
On future resettlement, Abdullah said: “Wherever the land has sunk or continues to sink, people cannot be rehabilitated there. They will have to be relocated to a new site.”
He noted that under an existing government scheme, landless people are allotted five marlas of land, and a similar approach would be followed for displaced families. “We have asked the administration to prepare a detailed proposal, which will be placed before the Cabinet for careful consideration,” he added.
Abdullah further emphasized the government’s commitment to relief efforts. “It is our duty in this difficult time to extend maximum support to the people. This year’s rains have caused unprecedented destruction due to floods and landslides. Hardly any district in Jammu and Kashmir has been spared. Whatever financial resources we have will be utilized to ensure timely relief.”
