Handwara, Feb 13: The construction of transit accommodations for Kashmiri Pandit families in Handwara is progressing rapidly, with most of the blocks nearing completion.
Executive Engineer R&B Division Handwara, Farooq Ahmad, told Rising Kashmir that 18 transit towers are being built at Kulangam Bagh in Handwara, each comprising four stories and 16 apartments, totalling 288 quarters.
“We have almost completed 15 blocks, and they are ready to move in. Only finishing touches remain, which were delayed due to some issues. The fencing work is ongoing, and once completed, we will proceed with the final stages,” Ahmad said.
He added that one remaining house in the construction area had received dismantling approval, allowing work on the 18th block to commence. The project’s overall deadline is June 2025, but efforts are being made to finish ahead of schedule.
“Our target is June 2025, but the government aims for completion before. We are already ahead in blocks and working efficiently to meet the deadline,” Ahmad stated.
Apart from housing, the transit colony will have full security provisions, a shopping complex, and a recreation hall for families and children. Responding to queries about educational facilities, Ahmad assured that police schools would be included.
A resident, Abdul Majid, welcomed the development, saying, “We want all our Kashmiri Pandit brothers to return to the valley and live peacefully with us as they did before.”
The transit accommodation is part of a larger initiative to rehabilitate displaced Kashmiri Pandits across the Valley, with similar projects underway in other districts.
The officer also mentioned that each quarter will have a lobby, kitchen, room, and washroom, all equipped with modern facilities. The electricity work has been completed, and in the coming months, these towers will be ready for use.
