Over 9,500 Bunkers Built in Jammu & Kashmir Border Areas, More Under Construction

In a significant move to protect residents living near the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB), the Jammu and Kashmir administration has already constructed over 9,500 bunkers across high-risk districts like Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, and Kathua. These shelters aim to save lives by providing safe cover during frequent cross-border shelling and firing.

During a high-level meeting, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo reviewed the progress and confirmed that thousands of individual and community bunkers now stand ready. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to continue building more shelters in vulnerable areas.

Community Bunkers Offer Group Safety

To ensure group safety, the government has built community bunkers that can accommodate 30 to 50 people. These larger shelters serve entire neighborhoods in villages that frequently face shelling. Officials placed them strategically to make sure residents can reach them quickly during emergencies.

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently visited Tangdhar in Kupwara district—one of the most affected border areas. He inspected the newly built community bunkers and interacted with local residents. He urged authorities to speed up construction and ensure shelters remain functional and accessible.

Why Bunkers Matter for Civilians

People in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir often live under the threat of unexpected firing. Gunfire and shelling can erupt without warning, forcing families to flee their homes. These attacks disrupt schools, farming, and daily life.

The recently built bunkers have eased some of this fear. Designed with thick concrete walls and ceilings, these shelters can withstand blasts and offer protection during attacks.

“Earlier, we had to run wherever we could when firing started. Now we feel safer knowing we have a bunker nearby,” said Sunita Devi, a resident near the LoC in Rajouri.

Government Expands Bunker Construction

The administration launched this project several years ago but recently increased the pace. Officials confirmed that they have finished building over 6,000 individual bunkers and around 2,000 community shelters so far. Construction teams are working on hundreds more.

The central government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, provides funding for this initiative. As part of the plan, officials aim to build more than 14,000 bunkers in total, covering all villages located within five kilometers of the LoC and IB.

Chief Secretary Dulloo asked district officials to speed up construction and carry out regular inspections. He also called for strict quality checks to ensure the shelters meet safety standards.

Daily Struggles of Border Life

Families living close to the border often lead stressful lives. Many keep emergency bags packed at all times. Schools in these regions frequently shut down during shelling. Farmers worry about going to their fields.

Mohammad Ashraf, a farmer in the Poonch district, shared his experience. “We live in fear most of the time. When the firing starts, we rush to the bunker, even at midnight. Without it, our lives would be at serious risk.”

To support people working in open areas, local officials are exploring mobile bunkers. These movable shelters could protect farmers and livestock keepers when they work far from homes.

Political Attention and Field Inspections

Leaders like Omar Abdullah have brought political focus to the issue. His recent visit to shelling-affected areas highlighted the urgent need for safer infrastructure. He urged the administration to prioritize high-risk villages and ensure fast project completion.

District-level teams are now identifying the most exposed locations for new bunker sites. They review past shelling data and assess civilian population size before selecting each site. Officials also inspect completed bunkers regularly to make sure they stay usable.

What’s Ahead for the Bunker Project

Officials say they need to build around 4,000 more bunkers to meet the total demand. Construction will continue in phases. Teams plan to finish a major portion of the work before monsoon rains, which often coincide with increased border tension.

The government has also planned a bunker maintenance program. Local departments will conduct regular checks and repair any damage to make sure shelters stay ready for emergencies.

Final Thoughts

The bunker-building effort in Jammu and Kashmir goes beyond infrastructure—it directly impacts people’s survival. For thousands living near the LoC and IB, these shelters provide a much-needed sense of safety.

While tension on the border still disrupts normal life, these bunkers offer immediate protection and peace of mind. As more shelters come up and older ones receive proper maintenance, families living in the shadow of conflict can hope for a safer and more secure future.