Avinash Azad
In a significant disclosure during the ongoing session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the charge of the Revenue Department, informed the House that no new rehabilitation policy has been formulated for victims of the recent natural calamities, including floods and landslides.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came in response to a question raised by BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma, who sought to know whether the government had framed a fresh rehabilitation policy for recent flood victims, and if not, the reasons behind the delay.
Responding in writing, Omar Abdullah clarified that while a comprehensive policy has not yet been finalized, a proposal is under active consideration to provide land to families rendered homeless by natural disasters. “The Government has not formulated any fresh rehabilitation policy for the recent flood victims. However, a proposal regarding the allotment of State land measuring five marlas in favour of each landless family affected due to natural calamities (i.e. floods, landslides, cloudbursts, earthquakes) on lease basis for residential purposes only, is under consideration,” the Chief Minister stated.
The revelation has sparked debate among legislators and affected families who have long demanded a structured and time-bound rehabilitation framework. Many argue that piecemeal proposals fail to address the recurring vulnerability of people living in flood-prone and disaster-hit areas.
Opposition leaders have criticized the government’s inaction, pointing out that years after the devastating floods, thousands of families still await permanent housing and compensation. “Merely saying a proposal is under consideration doesn’t bring relief to displaced families,” one legislator remarked.
Experts say the absence of a comprehensive rehabilitation policy not only delays recovery for disaster victims but also exposes the lack of disaster preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir. “The UT needs a legally backed, transparent policy that ensures quick relief, fair land allotment, and livelihood restoration,” said a senior policy analyst.
Meanwhile, sources within the Revenue Department told The Hidden News that the proposed land allotment plan — if approved — would prioritize landless families and those who lost their homes completely in floods and landslides. The process, however, is still at the drafting stage and awaits administrative approval.
For thousands of affected families across Jammu, Kashmir, and hilly regions of Chenab Valley, the hope now rests on the government’s willingness to move beyond proposals and deliver tangible rehabilitation measures rather than bureaucratic assurances.
