Srinagar- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday laid the foundation stone for construction of new houses for families affected by recent natural calamities and unprovoked Pakistani shelling during Operation Sindoor in Poonch and Rajouri.

A total of 133 houses in Poonch and 388 houses in Rajouri that were completely damaged will be built free of cost with the support of the High range Rural Development Society (HRDS India).

Reaffirming the Government of India's commitment to full rehabilitation, the Lieutenant Governor said the initiative reflects the resolve to improve the lives of border residents.

“Earlier, ex gratia relief and employment to Next of Kins of the deceased were provided and compensation paid to the families affected by flash floods and Pakistani shelling in both the districts. Under SRE and central schemes, relief of more than Rs 10 crore was already provided to other house owners in Poonch. It is being ensured that not a single family is deprived of their rights and fundamental needs,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He noted that 13 NoKs in Poonch were provided government jobs and 14 families received ex gratia. In Poonch, 160 kachcha and 425 pucca house owners were given compensation to rebuild their homes. In Rajouri, one NoK of a civilian killed during Operation Sindoor was provided a government job, while 465 damaged houses received relief. Compensation was also extended to homes damaged by natural calamities.

Expressing gratitude, the Lieutenant Governor said,“I thank the district administration, police, army, CAPFs, emergency responders, civil society members and volunteers for saving many lives during natural calamities and unprovoked Pakistani shelling and for extending support to affected families.” He also praised HRDS India for its“noble initiative.”

Highlighting the immediate need for secure housing, the Lieutenant Governor said,“A total of 1500 houses will be built in the first phase across the Union Territory and will be handed over to the beneficiaries within six months of the beginning of the foundation work. These new three bedroom prefabricated Smart Houses are designed to help families quickly get their lives back on track.”

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