Kashmir Flood Restoration Funds: Over Rs 289 Crore Allocated Amid Urgency

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary announced the allocation of over Rs 289 crore during the financial year for urgent flood restoration efforts. Despite no central funds, Rs 100 crore was released from the capital expenditure budget. Additional resources have been secured under SASCI for comprehensive flood management.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has mobilized Rs 289 crore for urgent flood restoration and management initiatives this financial year, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary revealed on Tuesday. An additional Rs 100 crore was allocated from the capital expenditure budget, though central funding remains absent.

Choudhary made this announcement in the Assembly while answering BJP legislator Rajiv Jasrotia's query. The funds, part of the State Disaster Response Fund, aim to address the pressing infrastructure needs following flood damage. Each district received Rs 5 crore toward these efforts.

Further resources have been secured as part of the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), with the central government approving Rs 1,431 crore for comprehensive flood management, notably through the Jhelum river and ongoing projects by the Jal Shakti Department under the Flood Management and Border Area Programme.

(With inputs from agencies.)