Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday stressed that climate change is a harsh reality and urged both citizens and the administration to launch a strong movement against encroachments along water bodies in the Union Territory.
Speaking at the Swachhata Vijayotsav organised by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj under Sewa Parv, the LG described the recent floods in Jammu as an unprecedented catastrophe that left over 4,000 houses destroyed, more than 3,200 km of roads damaged, and over 70 major bridges washed away. Water supply and power systems also suffered severe losses.
“We exhort officials to act firmly against encroachments along rivers and lakes. Citizens too must report such violations. While encroachments may give short-term relief, they endanger lives during disasters,” Sinha said, urging people to treat prevention of illegal construction as a moral responsibility.
He noted that administrative efforts to remove encroachments often face public resistance, but the scale of devastation demands collective self-reflection and a shift towards sustainable practices. “This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call to create a safe and secure future,” he said.
Sinha also underlined two pressing responsibilities for J&K — restoring lives disrupted by floods and ensuring that people understand the growing impact of climate change. He extended condolences to affected families and assured them of full central government support, recalling the Union Home Minister’s visit and the central team’s damage assessment.
The LG announced that over 5,000 houses have been sanctioned for construction under the Rural Development Department, while a Kerala-based organisation has committed to building 1,500 three-room homes, each costing around ₹9 lakh, with work set to begin in October.
Reaffirming his vision to bridge the rural–urban divide and ensure prosperity, Sinha highlighted the central government’s performance over the past five to six years. He stressed the role of cleanliness drives in improving public health, building community participation, and creating happier villages.
He further directed a focused environmental awareness campaign in rural J&K, saying, “Sewa Parv should not be seen as a one-time initiative but as a way of life, fostering a unified national identity for collective welfare and prosperity.”
On the occasion, the LG also laid foundation stones for GOBARdhan Biogas Plants and Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).
