LG Sinha Lays Foundation for 320 Flood-Hit Smart Houses | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday laid the foundation stone for 320 houses destroyed in recent flash floods and landslides in Reasi district, a project fully funded by High-Range Rural Development Society (HRDS India) at an estimated cost of Rs 32 crore. The initiative will provide modern, prefabricated ‘smart houses’ to affected families without any burden on government finances.

Addressing the gathering, Sinha said, “With HRDS India, our vision is to ensure no family affected by natural calamities remains weak or disadvantaged. This is a new model for the country, taking care of needy families without using government money.” The houses, including cowsheds to support rural livelihoods, are slated for completion within six months.

He highlighted that similar foundation stones had previously been laid for 1,869 houses for families affected by Pakistani shelling during Operation Sindoor and recent natural calamities across eight districts, including Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, Ramban, Jammu, Kathua, and Samba.

Sinha emphasised his efforts to promote all-round development across the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, integrating physical, social, and digital infrastructure over the past five years. He also addressed long-standing local demands, announcing that work on the underground sewerage system in Katra town will commence within six months, with the Master Plan for Katra nearing final approval and the establishment of an Inter-modal Station underway.

Praising the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Sinha lauded its role in rescue, relief, and community service. He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the construction of the Shankaracharya Temple in Katra (Rs 30 crore), the completion of five temples in Reasi last year with another five planned, promotion of Sanskrit and Vedic education through funding to Chudamani Sanskrit Santhan Nyas and Gurukuls, and reconstruction of 15 flood-damaged schools. Over the past seven years, the Shrine Board has invested Rs 12 crore in developing villages around the Holy Shrine, earning national recognition for environmental excellence.