Free Homes for Victims of Operation Sindoor, Floods & Terror Violence: LG Sinha Unveils Major Relief Initiative

Convener News Desk

Srinagar, Sept 11: In a landmark humanitarian initiative, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today announced the construction of 1,500 free houses for families affected during Operation Sindoor, the recent floods, and for next of kin of terror victims across Jammu and Kashmir.

The initiative will be executed by High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India), which signed an MoU with the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir at Raj Bhawan under the supervision of Lieutenant Governor.

On the occasion LG Sinha described the endeavour as “a fresh start and a new chapter in the lives of affected families,” adding that while human losses remain immeasurable, this initiative would help ease their pain.

He said the project reflects government’s vision of safeguarding affected families and called the initiative “not just about structures, but about building dreams.”

“Construction of houses is more than just putting up structure. It is about building dreams, a fresh start and a new chapter in lives of affected families. Human losses are so profound and devastating that they can’t be measured but this initiative will definitely ease their suffering,” LG Sinha said.

Each of the 1,500 three-bedroom houses will be developed as “Smart Houses,” incorporating modern safety and comfort features.  Beyond construction, HRDS India has committed to regular follow-up and community support.

As part of its extended commitment, HRDS India, in collaboration with BSNL, will also provide free internet access to all beneficiary households to support education, communication, and digital inclusion.

Officials said the trained HRDS volunteers will visit each beneficiary household monthly to disseminate information about new government schemes and to run free awareness sessions on health, education, hygiene and preventive care.

The organisation has also pledged to repaint every beneficiary house every five years at no cost to the families. These wraparound services are intended to ensure long-term welfare and social reintegration of beneficiaries, officials said.

HRDS India will also repaint each house every five years and ensure regular volunteer visits to guide families about government schemes, health, education, and preventive care.

Selection of beneficiaries will be jointly carried out by HRDS India and the Divisional Commissioners of both Jammu and Kashmir.

Under the Scheme, Divisional Commissioners of both regions and HRDS India will identify families whose homes were destroyed during Operation Sindoor  or the recent floods and will also identify families whose houses were destroyed by terrorists so that the next-of-kin of terror victims can be prioritised for housing support.

Officials said beneficiary identification will be handled at the divisional level to ensure local needs and records guide allocations.

Present on the occasion were Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to LG; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; and senior representatives of HRDS India including Founder-Secretary Aji Krishnan and Chairman (Global Initiatives) Sanjeev Bhatnagar.

Officials said the project, undertaken by High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India), reflects the administration’s vision of safeguarding the future of families devastated by natural calamities, unprovoked shelling, and terrorist violence.