J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Pushes ₹1,579-Crore Recovery Plan; Orders Disaster-Resilient Reconstruction Across Infrastructure Sectors
J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has directed departments to accelerate projects under the ₹1,579.09-crore Recovery and Reconstruction package, emphasizing disaster-resilient infrastructure, faster execution, BEAMS monitoring and efficient fund utilization after the 2025 floods and landslides.
J&K Steps Up Post-Disaster Recovery with Focus on Stronger, Safer Infrastructure
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, a 1989-batch AGMUT cadre IAS officer, has directed government departments to accelerate the planning and execution of projects under the ₹1,579.09-crore Recovery and Reconstruction package, stressing that the Union Territory’s rebuilding efforts must go beyond repairing damaged infrastructure and create assets capable of withstanding future disasters.
The high-level review meeting focused on the implementation of projects prepared under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) framework following the devastating floods, landslides and cloudbursts that struck Jammu and Kashmir in 2025. Dulloo emphasized faster project formulation, timely fund utilization and stronger coordination among departments so that reconstruction work proceeds without unnecessary delays.
The latest review comes as the administration continues implementing a broader disaster-restoration programme exceeding ₹3,000 crore, combining the PDNA-based recovery package with additional infrastructure funding under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) disaster component.
₹1,579.09-Crore Package Aims for Permanent Restoration
The Recovery and Reconstruction package worth ₹1,579.09 crore was approved by the Sub-Committee of the National Executive Committee after assessing damage caused by the 2025 disasters through the PDNA exercise.
Unlike emergency relief measures that focus on immediate repairs, this package is designed to restore critical infrastructure through long-term reconstruction that improves resilience against future natural disasters.
The assistance covers restoration across multiple sectors, including roads, bridges, drinking water systems, power infrastructure, irrigation networks, housing, agriculture, horticulture, health, education, tourism and environmental restoration.
Officials said the objective is to replace damaged assets with stronger and more durable infrastructure rather than simply restoring previous conditions.
“Build Back Better” Becomes the Central Strategy
A key message from the Chief Secretary’s review was that reconstruction should follow a “Build Back Better” approach. Dulloo instructed departments to ensure that every project incorporates disaster-resilient features capable of reducing vulnerability to future floods, landslides and cloudbursts.
Instead of rebuilding infrastructure exactly as it existed before, departments have been asked to improve structural resilience through modern engineering practices and risk-reduction measures.
The emphasis on resilience reflects the administration’s effort to make reconstruction investments more sustainable over the long term.
Roads and Bridges Remain Top Priority
One of the biggest areas of focus continues to be the restoration of roads and bridges, which suffered extensive damage during the 2025 disasters. These transport links are critical for maintaining connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous terrain, making their restoration essential for both public services and economic activity.
The road sector has also received significant support under the separate ₹1,431-crore SASCI disaster component, which complements the broader recovery programme.
SASCI Disaster Component Strengthens Restoration Drive
Alongside the PDNA package, Jammu and Kashmir is also implementing projects under the ₹1,431-crore Disaster Component of SASCI, adding further momentum to reconstruction efforts.
Digital Monitoring Through BEAMS
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in monitoring the recovery programme. Dulloo directed departments to ensure that all project plans are uploaded onto the BEAMS digital platform, allowing authorities to track implementation more effectively.
Geo-tagging has also been made a priority, enabling officials to monitor projects remotely, improve transparency and maintain accurate records of reconstruction work across the Union Territory.
The use of digital monitoring tools is expected to help identify delays, improve accountability and ensure that public funds are used efficiently.
Preventing Duplication of Government Funding
One of the recurring concerns during the review was avoiding overlap between different government schemes. Since multiple funding streams are currently supporting reconstruction, including PDNA and SASCI, the Chief Secretary instructed departments to cross-verify every proposal before implementation.
This reconciliation process is expected to improve planning while reducing unnecessary duplication of work.
Recovery Linked to Long-Term Disaster Preparedness
The latest review reflects a broader shift in Jammu and Kashmir’s disaster management strategy. Rather than treating recovery as a standalone exercise, the administration is attempting to combine reconstruction with long-term disaster preparedness by integrating resilience into future infrastructure.
The devastating floods, flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts witnessed during 2025 exposed vulnerabilities across multiple sectors, prompting authorities to rethink how public infrastructure should be designed in high-risk areas. The government’s current approach seeks to ensure that newly built assets are better equipped to withstand future emergencies.
A Strong Push for Faster Execution
Closing the review, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo stressed that sanctioned funds must translate into timely and durable outcomes on the ground. Departments have been directed to accelerate project execution while maintaining engineering quality, financial discipline and strict compliance with disaster-resilient standards.
With the ₹1,579.09-crore PDNA Recovery and Reconstruction package and the ₹1,431-crore SASCI disaster component moving simultaneously, Jammu and Kashmir’s reconstruction programme now represents one of the Union Territory’s largest coordinated infrastructure restoration efforts in recent years.
The administration’s goal is clear – rebuild faster, build stronger and ensure that every reconstructed road, bridge, water supply system and public facility is better prepared for the natural disasters of the future.
