HRDS India will rebuild 1500 houses in J&K: LG Manoj Sinha
Kishtwar, Nov 3: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India), a civil society organisation, would rebuild 1500 damaged houses in Jammu and Kashmir.
Laying the foundation stone for the construction of new houses for flood-affected families in Chishoti, Paddar in Kishtwar, LG Sinha said, “Since SDRF relief is insufficient, I had earlier requested HRDS India to rebuild 1500 fully damaged houses across J&K under ‘Operation Sindoor’ and in the aftermath of August floods, to which they had agreed. This initiative will provide huge relief to the affected families.”
He said 19 houses that were completely damaged during a natural disaster that struck Chishoti would be rebuilt free of cost with the support of HRDS India.
The LG paid homage to the people and security personnel who lost their lives due to the tragic natural disaster.
“The catastrophic floods swept away precious lives, wiped out several homes, and tore through infrastructure. I am hopeful that the three-bedroom pre-fabricated smart houses for which the foundation stone was laid today will help bring the lives of the affected families back on track,” he said.
LG Sinha appreciated the HRDS India for its noble initiative.
Each house will feature a concrete foundation utilising prefabricated technology, including fiber cement boards, powder-coated GI sheets, and a steel structural framework with C-channel sections.
These materials have been selected for their strength, durability, and ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions, ensuring long-term resilience and suitability to the region’s environment.
Every reconstructed unit will be developed as a ‘smart house,’ incorporating modern design elements for comfort, safety, and functionality.
The LG thanked all the emergency responders, district administration, Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, armed forces, local community, youth, and voluntary organisations for saving precious lives, evacuating Machail Mata devotees to safety, and providing timely medical care.
“I must commend the profound resilience of the people of Chishoti. Nature has tested them severely, but this strong community met the challenge head-on,” he said.
LG Sinha reaffirmed his commitment, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the complete rehabilitation of the flood-affected families and meeting the development needs of the people of Kishtwar.
“In a boost to our efforts to provide modern infrastructure to Paddar Kishtwar, the Government of India has sanctioned an Army Goodwill School and One Petrol Pump at Paddar,” he said.
The LG also announced that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) will reconstruct the Atholi to Machail Mata Road and build a new bridge in Chishoti.
He said that all the black spots in the mobile network connection had been identified and land transferred to BSNL to set up new 4G towers.
During his visit, LG Sinha interacted with the locals and listened to their issues and demands.
He directed the district administration to connect the youth with self-employment opportunities through Mission Yuva.
The LG said the ongoing works for the augmentation of facilities for the yatris at Machail Mata will be completed by May 2026.
He also assured that appropriate steps will be taken to meet the demand for the construction of Yatri Niwas at Paddar.
A two-minute silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives in Chishoti on August 14, 2025.
Leader of Opposition (LOP) in J&K Legislative Assembly and MLA Paddar-Nagseni Sunil Sharma; Member of Legislative Assembly from Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar; President, HRDS India, Shrimath Swami Atma Nambi; Principal Secretary to LG, Mandeep K Bhandari; Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; DIG DKR Range Shridhar Patil; Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma; Founder Secretary and representatives of HRDS India, Aji Krishnan; senior officials, prominent citizens, and people from different walks of life attended the foundation stone laying ceremony.
