JAMMU, Sep 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has launched a major repair and renovation programme in migrant camps across Jammu, addressing a long-pending demand of displaced Kashmiri Pandit families.
The initiative covers more than 200 building blocks and around 5,000 flats, besides community halls and other common facilities in various migrant camps.
Many of these camps, including Jagti and other settlements, were established between 2004 and 2011 under the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Programme. Over the years, residents had repeatedly sought comprehensive repairs as buildings and public facilities deteriorated.
Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), J&K, Arvind Karwani, inspected ongoing works at the Jagti and Nagrota migrant camps along with senior officials. He directed authorities to conduct structural audits of all buildings and ensure quality construction in consultation with residents and camp authorities.
The Public Works Department (Roads and Buildings) has undertaken repair and renovation works covering the residential blocks, flats, community halls and other facilities.
The government has also prepared a comprehensive plan for improving internal roads and lanes, parks, migrant schools, health dispensaries and the Sub-District Hospital at Jagti.
The administration has recently accorded administrative approval involving a financial outlay of Rs 82.45 crore for the works.
During his visit, Karwani reviewed basic amenities including drinking water, electricity and sanitation. Jal Shakti Department officials were directed to ensure uninterrupted water supply and arrange additional tanker services wherever required.
For a long-term solution, the Jal Shakti Department has proposed a project costing around Rs 10 crore to augment water supply in Jagti township. Officials were also directed to conduct regular water-quality testing to ensure safe drinking water for residents.
Meanwhile, Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) costing around Rs 11.5 crore have been finalised for migrant camps at Nagrota, Muthi-Buta Nagar and Purkhoo. The facilities will be developed along the lines of the existing STP at Jagti, with work expected to begin shortly.
Tender formalities are also nearing completion for the construction of multi-purpose community halls across migrant camps at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore. The halls are planned to provide space for women’s self-help groups, libraries for students and activities promoting culture and heritage.
On the social welfare front, Karwani said nearly 3,000 migrant families have benefited from various government schemes following the digitisation and integration of migrant ration cards with the national database.
The next round of outreach camps will begin from September 30 at different locations in Jammu to assist migrants with online applications for welfare, social-sector, self-employment and skill-development schemes.
Senior officers have also been directed to conduct weekly visits to assigned camps, monitor development works and address grievances, including issues related to immovable properties in Kashmir.
Officials have further been asked to supervise a door-to-door outreach campaign to identify eligible beneficiaries and assist them with documentation and online applications for various government schemes.
