J&K accelerates ₹3,000 crore disaster restoration works; CS sets deadlines

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, June 19: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday directed departments to accelerate the implementation of disaster restoration and reconstruction projects worth nearly ₹3,000 crore across Jammu & Kashmir, stressing timely utilization of funds and completion of works under centrally supported recovery packages sanctioned after the devastating floods and landslides of 2025.

Chairing a high-level review meeting, Dulloo assessed progress on infrastructure restoration and reconstruction works being undertaken under the Disaster Component of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA)-based Recovery and Reconstruction package approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Public Works Department, Principal Secretary DMRR&R, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Managing Director JKPDC, Director General Accounts and Treasuries, Director General Resources, Director General Budget and other senior officers.

Reviewing implementation status, the Chief Secretary emphasized that all restoration works must be completed within prescribed timelines and directed departments to significantly expedite execution so that expenditure under the SASCI framework is fully utilized before the scheme’s sunset period. He also instructed departments to finalize and submit all pending permanent restoration projects proposed under the PDNA framework.

Dulloo further asked departments to submit additional restoration proposals worth around ₹232 crore to the Finance Department for consideration. To ensure transparency and prevent duplication of expenditure, he directed all departments to furnish certificates confirming that projects proposed under SASCI and PDNA are not receiving funding from any other scheme or source. He made it clear that no financial claims would be processed without such certification.

The Chief Secretary also directed the Public Works Department, Power Development Department and Housing & Urban Development Department to expedite submission of additional infrastructure projects for inclusion under the SASCI Disaster Component for 2026-27.

During the meeting, ACS Finance Shailendra Kumar presented an overview of the financial assistance received, departmental allocations and implementation progress under both funding frameworks aimed at rebuilding disaster-hit infrastructure and strengthening resilience against future calamities.

He informed the meeting that Jammu & Kashmir has received ₹1,431 crore under the Disaster Component of SASCI for restoration and reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by natural disasters and for undertaking mitigation measures to reduce future disaster risks.

According to departmental allocations approved on the recommendations of a high-level committee, the Public Works Department received the largest share of ₹860 crore, followed by the Jal Shakti Department with ₹315 crore, Power Development Department with ₹173 crore, Agriculture Production Department with ₹51 crore, and Youth Services and Sports Department with ₹32 crore.

The meeting was also informed that the Sub-Committee of the National Executive Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved ₹1,579.09 crore under the PDNA-based Recovery and Reconstruction package. Of this, the Central share amounts to ₹1,421.12 crore, while the Union Territory share stands at ₹157.91 crore.

Officials said the approved assistance covers multiple sectors, including housing, education, health, roads, public infrastructure, drinking water supply, sanitation, power, irrigation, agriculture, tourism, horticulture and environmental restoration. Infrastructure sectors such as roads, buildings, power systems and water supply networks account for the largest share of the assistance due to the extensive damage suffered during the 2025 floods and landslides.

The Chief Secretary was informed that after reconciliation with the PDNA framework and removal of overlapping works, project proposals worth nearly ₹1,196 crore have been finalized under SASCI. In addition, work plans valued at more than ₹1,025 crore have already been uploaded on the BEAMS platform, while the Finance Department has released over ₹429 crore to departments for execution of approved works.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to resilient reconstruction, Dulloo said the restoration initiatives should not only rebuild damaged assets but also strengthen infrastructure to withstand future disasters, thereby protecting lives, livelihoods and essential services across Jammu & Kashmir.