PM Modi to Visit Jammu Kashmir for Flood Damage Review

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days to review the devastation caused by recent floods, cloudbursts and landslides, after completing a similar assessment in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ashok Koul confirmed that the Prime Minister will take a “first-hand account of the damages caused by the recent natural calamities.” The date of his Jammu and Kashmir visit is expected to be announced shortly.

According to sources, Modi will conduct aerial surveys of the landslide-hit holy town of Katra, where more than 35 people were killed last month en route to Vaishno Devi Shrine, and of Chasoti village in Kishtwar district, where over 60 people lost their lives after a massive landslide struck the hamlet. Officials said a special relief package for Jammu and Kashmir flood victims may also be announced.

Earlier on Tuesday, Modi visited Himachal Pradesh to assess losses from floods and landslides. He conducted an aerial survey of affected areas before holding a review meeting in Kangra on relief and rehabilitation measures.

The Prime Minister announced a financial assistance package of Rs 1,500 crore for Himachal, including the advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and aid under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured was also declared.

Modi directed that a multi-dimensional approach be adopted to restore normalcy, including rebuilding homes under PM Awas Yojana, repairing highways, restoring schools, providing livestock kits, and supporting farmers with additional aid. He also announced that orphaned children will receive long-term support under the PM CARES for Children scheme.

The Centre has deployed Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to Himachal and J&K for damage assessment. Their findings will determine further assistance. Modi praised the efforts of the NDRF, SDRF, Army, and local administrations in relief operations, assuring that the Union Government will continue to work closely with states in their recovery.