Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday, 21 September 2026, informed the J&K Legislative Assembly that ₹185 crore has been earmarked for the permanent restoration of 403 roads and bridges in Rajouri district, damaged by recent flash floods and landslides. The announcement came during the Question Hour of the Autumn Session, in response to a query raised by MLA Rajouri Iftikhar Ahmed.

Flood Damage Assessment in Rajouri

The District Administration Rajouri had received 149 family-wise damage cases following the floods. Relief amounting to ₹40.61 lakh was disbursed to affected families under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, while an additional ₹2.81 crore was released from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Abdullah, who also holds the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction portfolio, said a detailed damage assessment had been completed and that plans for permanent infrastructure restoration are already in place.

Power Infrastructure Damage and Restoration

On the power front, damage worth ₹27.99 crore was assessed across Rajouri district due to heavy rains and flash floods in July 2026, of which ₹9.39 crore pertained specifically to Rajouri constituency. As a temporary measure, an Emergency Restoration System (ERS) tower was installed on the 132 KV Rajouri-Draba transmission line. Tendering for permanent restoration is currently underway. Under SDRF, ₹1.25 crore was received for temporary power restoration in the district, with ₹57.60 lakh allocated to Rajouri constituency.

Agricultural Losses and Infrastructure Repairs

The floods also caused significant agricultural damage. Maize was affected over 416 hectares with 15% crop loss, while paddy was damaged over 101.50 hectares with a steeper 65% loss. The Jal Shakti and Public Works (R&B) Departments conducted detailed assessments of damage to water supply, irrigation, and road networks. According to the Chief Minister, all damaged roads, bridges, water supply and power schemes were temporarily restored within one month. Detailed Project Reports for permanent restoration are currently under consideration.

Kupwara Electrification Under RDSS Scheme

Separately, replying to a starred question by MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Omar Abdullah — who also holds the Power Department portfolio — said electrification works covering 29 habitations and 1,936 households in Kupwara district are being carried out under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Letters of Award have been issued for 10 blocks of Kupwara district for works worth ₹14.74 crore, covering habitations including Moori, Tangdar, Machil, Keran, and Qadirabad, among others. Works have commenced in 10 habitations across five blocks, with ₹86 lakh spent so far. The Chief Minister confirmed that completion is targeted by October 2027, with ₹3.68 crore released for Kupwara district in the current financial year.

SDRF Norms and the Road Ahead

On demands for enhanced compensation under SDRF, Omar Abdullah clarified that revising the norms falls within the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India — signalling that the J&K administration has limited jurisdiction on that front. Flood-prone electrical infrastructure will be strengthened and realigned where required, with adequate spares maintained for immediate future response. All Detailed Project Reports for permanent works remain under active consideration.