Jammu, 21st November 2025: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today laid the foundation stone for new homes in Poonch and Rajouri for families affected by recent natural disasters and unprovoked Pakistani shelling during Operation Sindoor.
A total of 133 houses in Poonch and 388 houses in Rajouri, which were completely damaged, will be rebuilt free of cost with the support of the High-Range Rural Development Society (HRDS India). These efforts reflect the Government of India’s commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to rehabilitate affected families and improve the lives of residents in these districts.
Highlighting the continued support for victims, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Earlier, ex-gratia relief, employment for Next of Kins (NoKs), and financial compensation were provided to families affected by flash floods and cross-border shelling. Under Security Related Expenditure (SRE) and Central Schemes, over Rs. 10 crore has already been provided to other house owners in Poonch. No family will be left behind.”
So far, 13 NoKs in Poonch and one in Rajouri have been given government jobs. In Poonch, 160 Kachcha and 425 Pucca houses have received compensation for rebuilding, while in Rajouri, 465 damaged houses have been restored with financial support. Families affected by natural calamities in Rajouri have also received compensation to repair their homes.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to the district administration, police, army, CAPFs, emergency responders, civil society, and volunteers for their tireless support in saving lives during these crises. He also commended HRDS India for their role in this initiative.
“The most urgent need for these families is a safe and secure roof over their heads,” he said. “In the first phase, 1,500 prefabricated three-bedroom Smart Houses will be built across the Union Territory and handed over within six months. Each house is designed to help families quickly get their lives back on track, and will include facilities such as cowsheds. Maintenance for five years will be covered by HRDS India, with solar panels to be installed in the second phase.”
The total cost of houses in Poonch and Rajouri is estimated at Rs. 51 crore, fully funded by HRDS India. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the project will prioritize genuine beneficiaries, with no cap on the number of houses for those in need. “This initiative is for the economically weaker sections. Ensuring their welfare is our highest duty,” he added.
Highlighting the broader development in these districts, he said, “Poonch and Rajouri have witnessed unprecedented progress in recent years, including the construction of bunkers—1,125 in Poonch and 2,923 in Rajouri—to protect border communities. For the first time since independence, people here are truly benefiting from the development they deserve.”
The foundation laying ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, IGP Bhim Sen Tuti, DIG Tejinder Singh, Deputy Commissioners Abhishek Sharma and Ashok Kumar Sharma, CEO HRDS India Krishnakumar S. Devan, former MLA Ravinder Raina, senior officials, and local residents.
