Srinagar, September 21 (Daily Kiran) : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on September 21 that Jammu and Kashmir will allocate ₹185 crore for the restoration of roads and bridges in the region. This decision comes in response to significant damage caused by recent floods and landslides.
During a session in the assembly, Abdullah addressed a question from Rajouri MLA Iftikhar Ahmad regarding the assessment of damages in the Rajouri constituency. He confirmed that the government has evaluated the losses and has provided relief funds to affected families. Plans for the permanent restoration of the damaged infrastructure have also been drafted.
The Rajouri district administration reported 149 cases related to family losses from the recent disasters. Under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) guidelines, ₹40.61 lakh has been distributed to the impacted families, while ₹2.81 crore has been released from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
An initial assessment of the damage to roads and bridges in Rajouri has been completed. A proposal has been prepared, estimating the cost for the permanent restoration of 403 roads and bridges at ₹185 crore.
On electricity infrastructure, Abdullah noted that heavy rainfall and sudden flooding in July 2026 resulted in an estimated loss of ₹27.99 crore in Rajouri district, with ₹9.39 crore specifically affecting the Rajouri constituency. An Emergency Restoration System (ERS) tower has been installed on the 132 kV Rajouri-Draba transmission line for temporary restoration, while the tender process for permanent restoration is underway.
For temporary restoration of electricity supply, ₹1.25 crore has been allocated under SDRF, with ₹57.60 lakh earmarked for the Rajouri constituency.
In terms of agricultural losses, Abdullah reported that maize crops across 416 hectares were affected, with a 15% loss estimated. Additionally, rice crops over 101.50 hectares suffered a 65% loss. The Water Resources and Public Works departments have conducted detailed assessments of the damage to water supply, irrigation, and road infrastructure.
He assured that all damaged roads, bridges, water supply, and electricity projects would be temporarily restored within a month. A detailed project report (DPR) for permanent restoration is being considered, and measures will be taken to strengthen electricity infrastructure in flood-prone areas. Adequate additional equipment and materials will be kept on hand for swift restoration in case of future damage.
Regarding demands to increase compensation under SDRF, Abdullah stated that any changes to the guidelines fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In response to a question from MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Abdullah informed that work is ongoing to connect 29 localities and 1,936 homes to electricity in Kupwara district under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The Chief Minister oversees the electricity department.
Letters of Award (LOA) have been issued for works worth ₹14.74 crore across ten blocks in Kupwara. These projects will take place in the localities of Muri, Manigah, Kumkadi, Tangdhar, Rede Chowkibal, Wavoora, Machil, Keran, Hayhama, Karus, Teetwal, Sogam, and Kadirabad.
Surveying, drawing, and the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) have been completed, and the procurement of necessary materials is underway. Work has commenced in ten localities across five blocks, with ₹86 lakh already spent.
The Chief Minister assured the assembly that the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) is committed to completing electrification within the scheduled time and ensuring reliable power supply to the public.
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