Chief Secretary Pushes Rs 3,000 Crore Disaster Reconstruction Drive, Orders Fast-Track Execution Across J&K
SRINAGAR, June 19: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday directed all departments to accelerate the execution of disaster restoration and reconstruction projects worth nearly ₹3,000 crore across Jammu and Kashmir, stressing strict adherence to timelines and full utilization of funds under centrally sponsored recovery programmes.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Secretary assessed progress in the identification, approval and execution of infrastructure restoration projects being undertaken under the Disaster Component of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA)-based Recovery and Reconstruction package sanctioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs following the devastating floods and landslides of 2025.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department; Principal Secretary, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRR&R); Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports; Managing Director, JKPDC; Directors General of Accounts and Treasuries, Resources and Budget, besides senior officers of the concerned departments.
Reviewing the implementation status, Dulloo underscored the importance of completing all restoration works within the prescribed timelines and directed departments to significantly expedite execution to ensure full expenditure under the SASCI framework before the scheme's sunset provisions come into effect.
He instructed departments to immediately finalize and submit all pending permanent restoration projects under the PDNA framework and forward additional restoration proposals worth around ₹232 crore to the Finance Department for consideration.
To maintain transparency and prevent duplication of expenditure, the Chief Secretary directed all departments to furnish certificates confirming that projects proposed under SASCI and PDNA are not being financed through any other scheme or funding source, making it clear that no financial claims would be processed without such certification.
The Chief Secretary also asked the Public Works Department, Power Development Department and Housing and Urban Development Department to expedite the submission of additional infrastructure projects for inclusion under the Disaster Component of SASCI for the financial year 2026-27.
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Shailendra Kumar presented a detailed overview of financial assistance received, departmental allocations, project portfolios and implementation status under both funding mechanisms aimed at restoring damaged public infrastructure and enhancing disaster resilience.
The meeting was informed that Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated ₹1,431 crore under the Disaster Component of SASCI for restoration, reconstruction and mitigation measures. Of this, ₹860 crore has been earmarked for the Public Works Department, ₹315 crore for the Jal Shakti Department, ₹173 crore for the Power Development Department, ₹51 crore for the Agriculture Production Department and ₹32 crore for the Youth Services and Sports Department.
It was further informed that the Sub-Committee of the National Executive Committee (SC-NEC) of the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved ₹1,579.09 crore under the PDNA-based Recovery and Reconstruction package, including a Central share of ₹1,421.12 crore and a Union Territory share of ₹157.91 crore.
The approved assistance covers key sectors including housing, education, health, roads, public infrastructure, drinking water supply, sanitation, power, irrigation, agriculture, tourism, horticulture and environmental restoration, with the largest allocation directed towards rebuilding roads, public buildings, power infrastructure and water supply systems damaged during the 2025 disasters.
Officials informed the meeting that, following reconciliation of project proposals and elimination of overlapping works, restoration projects worth nearly ₹1,196 crore have been finalized under SASCI, while work plans exceeding ₹1,025 crore have already been uploaded on the BEAMS platform. The Finance Department has released more than ₹429 crore to various departments for implementation of approved projects.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness, Dulloo emphasized that the ongoing reconstruction initiatives should not only restore damaged assets but also strengthen public infrastructure to withstand future disasters, safeguarding lives, livelihoods and essential services across Jammu and Kashmir.
