Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of 449 houses for families affected by natural disasters in the Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative aims to provide safe, durable and dignified housing for households that lost their homes during recent calamities.

Of the total homes planned, 344 completely damaged houses in Kathua will be rebuilt at a cost of Rs 34 crore, while 105 flood-affected homes in Samba will be reconstructed at a cost of Rs 10.50 crore. The project is being fully financed by HRDS India, a non-government organisation that will support the construction of modern three-bedroom houses with essential amenities.

As part of the wider rehabilitation effort, the administration has planned the construction of 1,500 prefabricated smart houses designed for enhanced climate resilience. These units are expected to be completed within six months from the laying of the foundation stone.

During the launch, the Lieutenant Governor commended HRDS India for partnering with the Union Territory administration in restoring homes and livelihoods. He also directed local authorities to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries are covered under the rehabilitation programme.

In addition to housing reconstruction, financial assistance of Rs 8.22 crore in Kathua and Rs 1.38 crore in Samba has been distributed to affected families. The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated a new indoor sports stadium in Kathua, emphasising the administration’s continued focus on improving social infrastructure, youth development, and essential services across the region.

This coordinated initiative between the government and HRDS India aims to rebuild resilient communities and support long-term recovery for families impacted by climate-related disasters.