JAMMU, 21 November 2025 — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday laid the foundation stone for a large-scale housing reconstruction initiative in Poonch and Rajouri, aimed at rehabilitating families whose homes were destroyed in recent natural calamities and unprovoked Pakistani shelling during Operation Sindoor.
Under the project, 133 houses in Poonch and 388 in Rajouri will be rebuilt free of cost with support from the High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India). The LG said the initiative reflects the Government of India’s commitment, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, to ensure complete rehabilitation and long-term welfare of affected families.
Sinha noted that earlier, ex-gratia relief, employment to next of kin of deceased civilians, and compensation for damages caused by flash floods and shelling had already been provided. “It is being ensured that not a single family is deprived of their rights and fundamental needs,” he said.
In Poonch, 13 next of kin were given government jobs and 14 families received ex-gratia relief. Compensation was provided to 160 kachcha and 425 pucca house owners. In Rajouri, one next of kin of a civilian killed during Operation Sindoor received a government job, and 465 damaged houses were compensated. Relief was also extended to families whose homes were affected by natural disasters.
The LG expressed gratitude to the district administration, police, Army, CAPFs, emergency responders, civil society members and volunteers for saving lives and supporting families during crises. He also acknowledged HRDS India for its collaboration.
Sinha said that 1,500 prefabricated three-bedroom “Smart Houses” will be built across Jammu and Kashmir in the first phase and handed over within six months of construction commencement. The houses, costing around ₹51 crore in Poonch and Rajouri, will include cowsheds, five-year maintenance by HRDS India, and solar panels in the second phase.
He directed district authorities to ensure inclusion of all genuine beneficiaries, emphasising that there would be no cap on the number of houses. “This project is specifically designed for those who are economically weak. Their welfare is the greatest service,” he said.
Highlighting development in recent years, the LG said the progress in Poonch and Rajouri is unprecedented after decades of neglect and cross-border terrorism. He cited completion of 1,125 bunkers in Poonch and 2,923 in Rajouri, with proposals for thousands more. Additionally, 19 terror-affected families in Rajouri and nine in Poonch have been provided government jobs, with instructions issued to identify any remaining eligible families.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, senior officers of the police and civil administration, HRDS India leadership, and public representatives.
