Jammu: BJP Lawmakers Pledge Rs 35.5 Crore for Flood Relief in Jammu
BJP lawmakers have contributed Rs 35.5 crore to aid relief efforts in flood-affected areas of the Jammu region, where over 110 people have died due to torrential rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods over the past two weeks. The announcement was made by the Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma.
“All 28 BJP MLAs have donated Rs 1 crore each, totaling Rs 28 crore, while BJP MPs have pledged Rs 2.5 crore each, bringing the total contribution to Rs 35.5 crore,” Sharma said.
He added that the Union Government has already released Rs 209 crore to the UT Disaster Response Fund and formed a committee to submit a report within two days, following which a relief package will be finalized and disbursed. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also urged chief ministers of other states to contribute financially to support recovery efforts.
Sharma noted that the Army, Central Armed Police Forces, and other agencies will provide full support in a mission-mode response.
While expressing concern over the widespread devastation, Sharma criticized the NC-led J&K government for what he called an inadequate response, terming their efforts as “lip service” and “eyewash.” He alleged that the government showed a step-motherly attitude toward Jammu and failed to act decisively despite controlling essential departments like electricity and water supply.
In contrast, Sharma highlighted the prompt response of the Centre and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, citing rescue operations along the Mata Vaishno Devi route.
Outlining immediate relief measures, Sharma said the Union Home Minister has directed MLAs and senior leaders to meet affected families from September 4–6, organize medical camps on September 9, and conduct cleanliness drives on September 10–11.
He also mentioned that rehabilitation support has been requested for nearly 200 families affected by the Margee village cloudburst in Warwan, along with permission for farmers to sell accumulated aggregates independently. Additionally, free ration for all affected individuals has been requested, which will be coordinated with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) by the Union Home Minister.
