Says Calls for Crackdown on Encroachments Along Water Bodies in J-K
Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu:DD, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday announced that over 5,000 houses will be rebuilt in the Union Territory following the recent devastating floods, underlining the administration’s commitment to restoring normalcy and ensuring the welfare of affected families.
Sinha urged strict action against encroachments along rivers and water bodies, stressing that citizens and administration must work together to prevent disasters caused by such illegal constructions.
Sinha termed the recent floods in Jammu as a major catastrophe, noting that over 4,000 houses were damaged, more than 3,237 km of roads affected, and over 70 major bridges destroyed. Addressing the ‘Swachhata Vijayotsav’ under ‘Sewa Parv’, Sinha emphasized that while encroachments may provide temporary relief, they put lives at risk during flood-like situations. He called on officials to maintain strict vigilance and urged citizens to report violations in their areas to build a safer and sustainable environment.
Sinha also outlined the government’s relief measures, saying the central government has approved construction of more than 5,000 houses under the Rural Development Department, with an organisation from Kerala building 1,500 additional houses.
He highlighted the importance of cleanliness drives, rural development, and environmental protection campaigns, including cornerstones laid for GOBARdhan Biogas Plants and Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants under SBM (G), to ensure long-term prosperity and public welfare in J-K. (KNC)