Rs 3.22 cr relief disbursed to Rajouri flood, landslide-hit families: CM

Srinagar, Sep 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that a detailed assessment of damage caused by the recent flash floods and landslides in Rajouri constituency has been carried out, with relief disbursed to affected families and plans prepared for permanent restoration of damaged infrastructure.
Replying to a question by MLA Rajouri Iftikhar Ahmed during Question Hour of the Autumn Session, the Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, said 149 family-wise cases pertaining to damages caused by flash floods and landslides had been received by the District Administration Rajouri.
He said Rs 40.61 lakh had been disbursed to the affected families of Rajouri constituency under the prescribed SDRF norms. In addition, Rs 2.81 crore had been released to District Rajouri from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund which has been disbursed among the affected families in accordance with the approved norms.
The Chief Minister said a preliminary assessment of damage to roads and bridges in Rajouri district had been carried out and a proposal for permanent restoration of 403 roads and bridges had been prepared at an estimated cost of Rs 185 crore.
On the power infrastructure, he said damage amounting to Rs 27.99 crore had been assessed in Rajouri district due to heavy rains and flash floods during July 2026, of which Rs 9.39 crore pertained to Rajouri constituency.
He said temporary restoration of power supply had been undertaken through installation of an Emergency Restoration System (ERS) tower on the 132 KV Rajouri-Draba transmission line. The tendering process for its permanent restoration is under way.
The Chief Minister further informed the House that Rs 1.25 crore had been received under SDRF for temporary restoration of power supply in Rajouri district. Of this, Rs 57.60 lakh had been allocated to Rajouri constituency, while the remaining amount was distributed among other affected constituencies of the district.
As regards agricultural losses, the Chief Minister said the Agriculture Department had assessed crop damage during Kharif 2026 through field-level verification. Maize was affected over 416 hectares, with 15 per cent damage assessed, while paddy was affected over 101.50 hectares, with 65 per cent damage assessed.
He said the Jal Shakti and Public Works (R&B) Departments had also carried out detailed assessments of damage to water supply, irrigation and road infrastructure in the constituency.
The Chief Minister said all damaged roads, bridges, water supply and power supply schemes had been temporarily restored within one month. Detailed Project Reports for permanent restoration had been prepared and were under consideration.
He further stated that flood-prone electrical infrastructure would be strengthened and realigned wherever required to enhance its resilience against future eventualities. Adequate spares would also be kept available for immediate restoration of the electrical infrastructure in case of future damage or disruption.
On the demand for enhancement of compensation under SDRF for damaged houses, agricultural land, commercial establishments and other properties, the Chief Minister said revision of SDRF compensation norms falls within the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.