Jammu, Nov 29, 2025: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the construction of new homes for families whose houses were destroyed in recent natural calamities in Ramban and Udhampur. The initiative marks one of the largest post-disaster rehabilitation efforts in the Union Territory.
Under the project, 189 fully damaged houses in Ramban and 341 in Udhampur will be rebuilt at an estimated cost of Rs 18 crore and Rs 34 crore, respectively. All homes—modern, three-bedroom prefabricated Smart Homes—will be constructed free of cost with full financial support from the High-Range Rural Development Society (HRDS India).
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to HRDS India for its “noble initiative” and directed district authorities to ensure that all genuine beneficiaries are included.
“I will personally ensure that every poor affected family has a roof over their heads,” LG Sinha said, stressing that the new homes will provide stability and support long-term social development.
Massive Rehabilitation Plan for Calamity & Shelling-Affected Families
The foundation laying marks the beginning of a larger plan to build 1,500 new houses across Jammu & Kashmir for families impacted by natural disasters and Pakistani shelling during Operation Sindoor. Construction is expected to be completed within six months using advanced techniques for stronger, more resilient structures.
HRDS India will additionally offer 15 years of free life insurance, annual healthcare checkups, five years of home maintenance, and essential add-ons such as cowsheds, making the initiative historic in scale.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the coordinated efforts of the district administration, security forces, SDRF, emergency responders, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, J&K Bank, and volunteers who contributed to rescue and relief operations.
“A Strong Foundation for a New J&K”
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to eliminating social disparities, the LG said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the UT is moving towards social and economic justice.
“After 2019, we worked with new energy to build a new Jammu & Kashmir,” he noted. “A strong foundation has been laid over the past five years. With sustainable development at the core, we are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people.”
He added that the UT now takes pride in its ancient cultural heritage while enjoying modern 21st-century infrastructure, benefitting poor families, tribals, farmers, women, and youth.
Accelerated Development in Ramban & Udhampur
Highlighting rapid progress in both districts, the LG noted that the administration ensured development reached the last mile. The Government of India has allocated Rs 355 crore to Ramban and Rs 328.51 crore to Udhampur under PMGSY-IV for critical road connectivity projects.
Thirteen next-of-kin of terror victims in Ramban have been provided government jobs, with remaining eligible families to receive appointments shortly.
The event was attended by HRDS India Administrator Ms. Saritha P. Menon; Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar; DIG Shridhar Patil; Deputy Commissioners of Udhampur and Ramban; senior officials; DDC Chairman Lal Chand; and representatives from various social and political organisations, along with local citizens.
