LG Manoj Sinha Lays Foundation Stone for New Houses for Flood-Affected Families in Chishoti, Kishtwar
KISHTWAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today laid the foundation stone for the construction of new houses for flood-affected families in Chishoti Paddar, Kishtwar.
Nineteen houses that were completely destroyed during the recent natural disaster will be rebuilt free of cost with the support of the High-Range Rural Development Society (HRDS) India, a civil society organisation.
Paying homage to those who lost their lives in the tragedy, the Lieutenant Governor said, “The catastrophic floods claimed precious lives, swept away homes, and damaged vital infrastructure. The three-bedroom prefabricated smart houses, for which the foundation stone was laid today, will help restore normalcy for the affected families.”
He commended HRDS India for its humanitarian efforts and recalled his earlier appeal to the organisation.
“Since SDRF relief is insufficient, I had requested HRDS India to rebuild 1,500 fully damaged houses across the Union Territory under Operation Sindoor after the August floods. Their agreement to take up this initiative will provide immense relief to the affected families,” he said.
Each new house will be built with a concrete foundation and prefabricated technology using fibre cement boards, powder-coated GI sheets, and a steel structural framework with C-channel sections. These durable materials have been selected to withstand the region’s harsh climatic conditions and ensure long-term resilience. Every home will be developed as a ‘Smart House’ equipped with modern design elements to ensure comfort, safety, and functionality.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed deep gratitude to the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, district administration, local community, youth, and volunteers for their tireless efforts in saving lives, evacuating Machail Mata pilgrims, and providing medical assistance. “The people of Chishoti have shown remarkable courage and resilience in the face of adversity,” he noted.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to rehabilitation and development under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Lieutenant Governor announced several new initiatives for the region.
“In a boost to our efforts to provide modern infrastructure in Paddar Kishtwar, the Government of India has sanctioned an Army Goodwill School and a Petrol Pump for Paddar,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He further announced that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) will reconstruct the Atholi–Machail Mata Road and build a new bridge in Chishoti. Additionally, land has been handed over to BSNL to establish new 4G towers in areas identified with weak mobile connectivity.
During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with local residents, listened to their concerns, and directed the district administration to link the youth with self-employment schemes under Mission Yuva.
He also informed that the ongoing work to enhance facilities for Machail Mata pilgrims will be completed by May 2026 and assured that steps will be taken to construct a Yatri Niwas at Paddar.
A two-minute silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives in the August 14, 2025 tragedy at Chishoti.
Prominent attendees at the ceremony included Shri Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition and MLA Paddar-Nagseni; Ms Shagun Parihar, MLA Kishtwar; Shrimath Swami Atma Nambi, President, HRDS India; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shri Shridhar Patil, DIG DKR Range; Shri Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar; Shri Aji Krishnan, Founder–Secretary, HRDS India; senior officials, and local residents.
