- Compassion Knows No Boundaries: CM
“Jammu and Kashmir Bank has donated ₹4.10 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to aid families affected by the recent devastating floods. The contribution, handed over by MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee and the board, includes voluntary employee donations, reflecting collective compassion and solidarity with the affected communities. The floods have caused widespread destruction in Jammu, Udhampur, and South Kashmir, damaging homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, especially in agriculture and horticulture. Relief efforts are now underway with support from banks, the judiciary, political leaders, and state and national agencies”.
By Mohammad Irfan
In an inspiring display of unity and compassion, the Jammu and Kashmir Bank has contributed ₹4.10 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) to support the government’s ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts for families affected by the recent devastating floods that have ravaged large parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of J&K Bank, Amitava Chatterjee, accompanied by members of the Bank’s Board of Directors, personally handed over the cheque to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar on Thursday. The Chief Minister expressed deep appreciation for the contribution, describing it as a “significant gesture of solidarity” that demonstrated the bank’s enduring commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “J&K Bank has always been at the forefront when it comes to serving the community in moments of crisis,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said. “This generous contribution reflects the institution’s empathy and sense of responsibility toward our people who are struggling to rebuild their lives.”
Employees Step Forward With Compassion: What makes this contribution especially meaningful is that it has come directly from the employees of J&K Bank, who voluntarily contributed a portion of their salaries to the fund. “This initiative reflects the compassion of our employees and their readiness to stand with society in its hour of need,” said MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee after presenting the cheque. “We are not just a financial institution; we are part of this community, and it is our moral duty to help those who have suffered.” Chatterjee was joined on the occasion by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Principal Secretary (Finance) Santosh D. Vaidya, Executive Director Sudhir Gupta, and CGM Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat, alongside senior officials Rakesh Koul, Rakesh Magotra, and Tanveer Hussain. The Chief Minister, in his remarks, thanked both the bank’s leadership and its staff for what he termed as an act of “collective compassion.” “This contribution from J&K Bank employees will strengthen the government’s efforts to reach out swiftly to affected families,” Omar Abdullah said. “It is a gesture that goes beyond numbers — it is about solidarity, humanity, and faith in collective recovery,” he added.
Floods Leave Trail Of Destruction: The latest spell of devastating floods across Jammu and Kashmir has caused widespread destruction, especially in Jammu, Udhampur, and parts of South Kashmir, submerging entire neighborhoods, sweeping away bridges, crippling transportation, and destroying livelihoods. Preliminary government estimates suggest that thousands of homes and business establishments have been affected, while agricultural and horticultural losses could run into hundreds of crores. Roads in rural belts remain damaged, cutting off villages and making relief distribution challenging. For many families, this calamity has undone years of hard work. Farmers in Kathua and Rajouri reported entire fields being washed away, while apple growers in South Kashmir said they had lost their year’s produce just before the harvest. The floods have triggered a coordinated relief response from across the country, with various institutions, government bodies, and banks joining hands to assist in rebuilding efforts.
J&K Bank’s Legacy of Service: J&K Bank’s support for disaster relief is not new. The institution has repeatedly stepped forward during crises — from the 2014 floods to the COVID-19 pandemic — offering financial aid and logistical assistance. Founded as the region’s premier financial institution, J&K Bank has long intertwined its operations with the social fabric of the Union Territory. The bank’s leadership reaffirmed that it views corporate social responsibility as an integral part of its mission rather than a mere obligation. “Corporate citizenship is a cornerstone of our ethos,” said Chatterjee. “We believe that banking goes beyond transactions. It is about trust, relationships, and shared destinies,” he added.
Canara Bank Joins The Effort: Among financial institutions, Canara Bank has also extended support, contributing ₹25 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The cheque was presented by Manoj Kumar Das, Circle Head of Canara Bank, and Prashant Kumar, Regional Head, to the Chief Minister in Srinagar. “Canara Bank has always believed in going beyond banking,” Das said. “This contribution is a small step to support those rebuilding their lives after the devastating floods.” The Chief Minister appreciated the bank’s timely support, noting that such initiatives reflect the financial sector’s vital role in disaster recovery. “These contributions directly help us reach those in desperate need of shelter, food, and security,” Omar said.
Union Bank Of India Donates Rs 1 Cr Towards Flood Relief: Union Bank of India today extended support to the ongoing flood relief efforts in Jammu and Kashmir by contributing Rs 1 crore. A cheque was formally handed over to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Civil Secretariat here. Expressing gratitude, the Chief Minister appreciated the gesture of the Bank, noting that such contributions would significantly aid in relief and rehabilitation measures for the affected people. He said collective efforts from institutions and individuals play a crucial role in helping the State recover from the calamity.
Judiciary’s Contribution Reflects Institutional Empathy: The judiciary, too, has joined the wave of institutional compassion. The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir this week contributed ₹54,40,500 to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, symbolising the legal fraternity’s solidarity with affected families. Judicial officials described the contribution as a reflection of the institution’s concern for public welfare and empathy for those suffering, reiterating the judiciary’s commitment to supporting communities beyond its constitutional role. “The judiciary stands with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in this time of crisis,” said a senior court official. “This contribution, though modest, is symbolic of our shared responsibility toward rebuilding lives and restoring hope.” The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the High Court for the gesture, noting that it represented the judiciary’s deep-rooted sense of service to society.
Wave Of Support From Across India: The humanitarian crisis in Jammu and Kashmir has also drawn national attention, prompting several state governments to extend financial assistance to bolster relief operations. The Maharashtra Government has contributed ₹5 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. In a post on social media platform X, the Office of the Chief Minister of J&K announced the contribution and conveyed Omar Abdullah’s gratitude.“Such gestures of solidarity strengthen the spirit of unity and shared responsibility across states,” the post read. Similarly, the Haryana Government, led by Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, has donated ₹5 crore to both Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir for relief and rehabilitation. The Haryana CM said in a statement that the people of Haryana “stand shoulder to shoulder with their brothers and sisters in J&K.” Omar Abdullah thanked CM Saini and the Haryana Government for their generous contribution, saying, “This support will help us deliver timely relief to affected families. It is a reminder that in times of crisis, compassion knows no boundaries.”
Political, Legislative Solidarity: Adding to the outpouring of support, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma announced that all 28 BJP MLAs from Jammu and Kashmir have decided to contribute ₹1 crore each, amounting to a collective ₹28 crore for flood relief. In addition, BJP Members of Parliament have pledged ₹2.5 crore each, taking the total contribution from the party’s legislators and MPs to ₹35.5 crore. “Our legislators and MPs stand united with the people who are enduring this tragedy,” Sharma said. “We are committed to ensuring that every rupee reaches the people who need it most.” He added that several Union Ministers would visit Jammu and Kashmir to coordinate recovery measures and hold meetings with local officials and farmer groups.
Support From Delhi Government : Support has also poured in from the Delhi Government, whose Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called Omar Abdullah and offered assistance for the flood victims. According to a statement from the J&K CM’s office, Omar expressed gratitude for Gupta’s offer and lauded Delhi’s expression of solidarity. “Such gestures of cooperation and goodwill strengthen our resolve in these difficult times,” Omar said, adding that J&K will always remember the compassion extended by other states.
Coordinated Government Response: Meanwhile, several National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Management teams remained on the ground conducting rescue and relief operations in affected areas. Temporary shelters, food distribution centers, and mobile medical units were established across badly hit districts. Officials said that over 40,000 people were provided temporary accommodation, and relief materials continue to be airlifted to cut-off regions. The government has initiated a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that includes immediate cash relief, reconstruction of damaged houses, restoration of road and power infrastructure, and revival of agriculture and horticulture sectors.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appreciated the contributions, calling them acts of “collective compassion” that bolster relief and rehabilitation efforts. Donations from institutions and states help ensure timely support reaches every affected family. The administration is focused on restoring infrastructure, protecting key sectors, and enhancing disaster preparedness. Coordinated efforts from government, citizens, and institutions highlight a shared commitment to rebuilding resilient, safer communities across Jammu and Kashmir.
Rebuilding Economy, Livelihoods: The floods have not only physical damage but also deeply impacted the economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The apple industry, a key driver of the region’s economy, has suffered significant losses due to damaged orchards and disrupted supply chains. Similarly, cement factories, transporters, and small business owners have reported major setbacks. Economists say that institutional support, such as that from J&K Bank and other contributors, will play a crucial role in stabilising the economy.
A Shared Commitment To Recovery Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while reviewing the state’s ongoing relief operations, said the government was determined to rebuild stronger and more resilient infrastructure. “We are grateful to every individual and institution that has come forward,” he said. “This crisis has tested our strength, but it has also revealed the best in people — their kindness, generosity, and unity.” Omar reiterated that every contribution, whether from a bank, a government, or an individual, would be utilised with transparency and accountability. “Our priority is to ensure that help reaches every flood-affected family,” he assured.
Kashmir Horizon View: The directives issued by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during the high-level review meeting underscore a proactive approach to crisis management, blending administrative readiness with inter-departmental coordination. As Jammu and Kashmir braces for the impact of the active Western Disturbance, the emphasis on preparedness and unified response will play a crucial role in minimizing disruptions and safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. In recent years, the Union Territory has witnessed frequent weather-induced challenges — from floods and landslides to early snowfall affecting horticulture and transportation. The latest weather advisory, forecasting rain and snow across several districts, serves as a timely reminder of the importance of institutional resilience. The Chief Minister’s directions to key departments, ranging from Agriculture and Horticulture to PWD, Power, Jal Shakti, and Disaster Management, reflect an integrated strategy rooted in prevention, preparedness, and rapid response. A major focus area remains the protection of Kashmir’s horticulture economy — particularly the apple industry, which is at its harvesting peak. By directing departments to ensure smooth fruit transportation to terminal markets, the government aims to mitigate losses from weather disruptions and logistical bottlenecks. The establishment of advisory cells for farmers and orchardists will enable real-time dissemination of weather updates, allowing cultivators to take precautionary measures to protect their produce. On the infrastructure front, the deployment of machinery and quick-response teams along major routes and vulnerable stretches of highways will help ensure uninterrupted connectivity. The coordination among agencies such as NHIDCL, NHAI, BEACON, and Project SAMPARK — each assigned specific roads for snow and debris clearance — demonstrates a structured approach to emergency operations. The directive to establish unified control rooms across divisions will further strengthen communication links between civil, police, and engineering wings, ensuring swift decision-making during adverse conditions. Equally significant is the government’s focus on uninterrupted essential services. The readiness of Power and Jal Shakti departments to restore disrupted utilities, coupled with adequate stocking of ration, fuel, and medicines, will help maintain normalcy even if weather conditions deteriorate. The decision to keep ambulances stationed at vulnerable points and identify patients requiring possible evacuation reflects a humane and preventive health strategy. The Chief Minister’s call for efficient information management, through the Information Department’s timely dissemination of advisories and alerts, reinforces the role of communication as a pillar of disaster mitigation. By keeping citizens informed and vigilant, the government aims to enhance public participation in safety and response measures.
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