Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday laid the foundation stone for 350 new houses in Jammu district for families affected by recent natural calamities and unprovoked Pakistani shelling during Operation Sindoor, an initiative that signals not only physical reconstruction but also renewed hope for hundreds of distressed households.
The project, with an estimated cost of ₹35 crore, will see the construction of three-bedroom pre-fabricated Smart Houses, fully funded by the High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India), a non-governmental organization. Notably, the entire effort is being undertaken without any financial burden on the government exchequer, highlighting the growing role of public–private synergy in disaster rehabilitation.
Designed to be modern, resilient and technologically advanced, the houses will include essential facilities such as cowsheds and are expected to be completed within six months. Beyond shelter, HRDS India has announced a comprehensive welfare package for the beneficiary families, including free life insurance coverage for 15 years, annual health check-ups for all members, and maintenance of the houses for five years, adding a crucial layer of long-term social security.
Expressing gratitude to HRDS India, the Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed his commitment to transformative change for the poor and vulnerable. He noted that over the past five years, lakhs of underprivileged families have benefitted from targeted welfare initiatives and that infrastructure in backward regions has witnessed unprecedented upgradation.
Describing Jammu as a “sacred city of temples” with an inclusive urban vision, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that sustained development efforts have accelerated poverty alleviation, strengthened social justice, and expanded equal opportunities. He underlined that the region has entered a new phase of rapid economic development and social transformation despite persistent challenges.
With a massive scale of projects completed in a short span, Jammu’s urban infrastructure and citizen-centric services have seen significant improvement. Enhanced mobility, improved civic amenities, and better urban aesthetics collectively reflect a development trajectory that is both visible and impactful.
The foundation stone laid on Monday thus symbolizes more than the start of construction; it represents a deeper commitment to rebuilding lives with dignity, resilience, and hope.
