Will the J&K Government Provide Five Marlas of Land to Families Affected by Natural Disasters?
Synopsis
On February 5, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that the Jammu and Kashmir government will allocate five marlas of land to families affected by natural disasters. The land will be on a 40-year lease, providing much-needed support for those rendered homeless. This initiative aims to help thousands of families rebuild their lives after devastating incidents.
Key Takeaways
Government provides five marlas of land to homeless families.
40-year lease with minimal ground rent.
Support for families affected by natural disasters .
Over 6,400 families already compensated.
Initiative aims for long-term rehabilitation .
Jammu, Feb 5 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, announced on Thursday to the Legislative Assembly that the state government has granted approval for the distribution of five marlas (approximately 126.5 square metres) of state land to families left homeless due to natural disasters. This land will be allocated on a 40-year lease.
In response to a query from BJP member Balwant Singh Mankotia, the Chief Minister confirmed that the Council of Ministers had sanctioned this decision, leading to the issuance of a government order dated January 2. The policy targets families affected by floods, flash floods, landslides, cloudbursts, and earthquakes in Jammu and Kashmir.
The land will be exclusively available for residential use, with no premium charges applied. Beneficiaries must pay an annual ground rent of Rs 10 per marla for the lease duration of 40 years, which can be extended under the rules, subject to approval from the relevant authority. Conditions specified in the government order will govern the allotment, Abdullah explained.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister reported that more than 6,400 families impacted by flash floods and landslides in the Udhampur district have already received financial aid totaling over Rs 23.49 crore.
He noted, "A total of 6,449 families across Udhampur, Chenani, Ramnagar, and Latti-Marothi tehsils were compensated according to established norms." In Udhampur tehsil, 2,666 families received around Rs 9.32 crore, while over Rs 5 crore was allocated to 1,208 families in Chenani tehsil.
In Ramnagar tehsil, relief assistance of Rs 7.86 crore was sanctioned for 2,298 families, and 277 families in Latti-Marothi tehsil received over Rs 1 crore in relief, the Chief Minister added.
Abdullah emphasized that damage assessments were conducted by field teams, and eligible cases were verified following the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) guidelines. Compensation was then provided directly to beneficiaries through established financial channels.
The government has undertaken various initiatives to rehabilitate families made landless by natural disasters, including the allocation of state land for residential purposes as per approved standards.
On another note, Omar Abdullah, who is also in charge of the finance portfolio, is set to present the budget in the Assembly on Friday. This budget is particularly anticipated by over 61,000 daily-rated Public Health Engineering (PHE) workers, whose regularization has been pending for more than 20 years. Many are hopeful for a favorable announcement regarding this issue in the budget speech.
Point of View
The initiative by the Jammu and Kashmir government to allot land to families affected by natural calamities reflects a proactive approach to disaster management and rehabilitation. This measure not only addresses immediate housing needs but also highlights the government's commitment to supporting its citizens during crises. Such steps are essential for long-term recovery and stability in the region.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the land allotment?
The land is allocated to provide housing for families who have lost their homes due to natural disasters.
How long is the lease for the land?
The land is allotted on a 40-year lease.
Will there be any cost for the land?
Beneficiaries will pay an annual ground rent of Rs 10 per marla, with no premium charges.
What types of natural disasters qualify for this assistance?
Families affected by floods, flash floods, landslides, cloudbursts, and earthquakes are eligible.
How many families have already received assistance?
Over 6,400 families affected by flash floods and landslides in Udhampur district have received financial aid.
