SRINAGAR, August 25 (BANN): In a major step towards rebuilding disaster-affected areas and strengthening resilience across Jammu and Kashmir, the State Executive Committee (SEC) has approved disaster recovery and reconstruction interventions worth Rs 664.54 crore.
The approved package will cover 1,227 infrastructure restoration works and the reconstruction of 8,804 fully and severely damaged houses across the Union Territory.
The decision was taken during the third meeting of the SEC of the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRR&R), chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. The interventions will be implemented under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) assistance sanctioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs through the National Disaster Management Authority.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Principal Secretary, Home; Commissioner Secretary, Forests; Commissioner Secretary, School Education, senior officers of DMRR&R and representatives of other concerned departments.
Focus on Building a More Resilient Jammu & Kashmir
Chairing the meeting, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo stressed that the sanctioned assistance should not be limited to merely repairing damaged infrastructure. He emphasised the need to utilise the funds strategically to build a **stronger, safer and more disaster-resilient Jammu and Kashmir.
He directed all concerned departments to ensure the timely and optimum utilisation of funds while adhering to prescribed timelines and quality standards. The Chief Secretary also called for close coordination among departments so that the benefits of the recovery programme reach affected families and communities at the earliest.
Principal Secretary, DMRR&R, Chandraker Bharti, presented a comprehensive reconstruction and development roadmap before the committee.
The interventions form part of the wider Rs 1,416 crore Departmental Plan for 2026-27, mapped against the overall approved assistance ceiling of *Rs 1,534.58 crore under the PDNA framework.
Rs 188.35 Crore for Housing Recovery
Giving priority to disaster-affected families, the SEC has earmarked Rs 188.35 crore for housing recovery.
The funds will be placed at the disposal of Deputy Commissioners for the reconstruction of 8,804 fully and severely damaged houses through a structured district-wise mechanism. The initiative aims to provide affected families with safer and more resilient homes, helping them rebuild their lives with greater security and dignity.
Major Investments Across Key Sectors
The approved recovery programme covers social, infrastructure, productive and cross-cutting sectors, with a focus on restoring essential public services, community assets and livelihoods while improving preparedness for future disasters.
Key allocations include:
Rs 29.28 crore for the School Education Department to undertake 175 restoration works and restore damaged educational infrastructure.
Rs 118 crore for the Jal Shakti Department for 21 high-impact water supply works.
Rs 196.45 crore for the Irrigation & Flood Control Department to undertake 61 critical safety and flood protection works.
Rs 32.63 crore for the Tourism Department for 75 works related to the restoration of tourism assets and cultural heritage sites.
Rs 99.83 crore for the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department to undertake 895 greening, conservation and ecological restoration works.
The tourism interventions are expected to support the revival of local economic activity and tourism-linked livelihoods, while ecological restoration works will focus on strengthening environmental resilience and restoring landscapes affected by disasters.
Build Back Better Approach
The projects will be implemented in accordance with national Recovery and Reconstruction Guidelines, directions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and disaster-resilient standards prescribed by the National Disaster Management Authority.
Departments have been directed to adopt the “Build Back Better” approach, ensuring that reconstructed infrastructure is stronger and better equipped to withstand future hazards.
The Rs 664.54 crore recovery package marks a significant step towards translating PDNA assistance into concrete action on the ground, with the broader objective of restoring damaged infrastructure, rebuilding affected communities and creating a safer, stronger and more resilient Jammu and Kashmir.
