Sun Jun 29 12:20:07 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary of the text:**

An RTI application revealed that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has failed to utilize nearly half of the central funds allocated for building underground bunkers for border residents over the past five years. This underutilization occurred despite heightened calls for civilian safety following recent cross-border shelling and Operation Sindoor. While the central government provided ₹242.77 crore between 2020-21 and 2024-25, only 53.42% of the funds were spent. The revelation comes amid a backdrop of recent casualties from Pakistani shelling, prompting calls for more individual bunkers. Although existing community bunkers have proven useful, local leaders are advocating for more individual bunkers to better protect residents.

**Here’s the rewritten text as a news article:**

**J&K Fails to Utilize Millions in Central Funds for Border Bunkers**

**Jammu, June 29, 2025:** An investigation based on a Right to Information (RTI) application has revealed that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has failed to spend nearly half of the funds allocated by the central government for the construction of vital underground bunkers aimed at protecting residents along the volatile India-Pakistan border.

According to the RTI findings, ₹242.77 crore was provided to the Union Territory between 2020-21 and 2024-25. However, a staggering 46.58% of this amount remains unspent. This revelation comes at a particularly sensitive time, following last month’s “Operation Sindoor” and increased cross-border shelling, which have amplified concerns regarding civilian safety.

Raman Kumar, a Jammu-based activist who filed the RTI, expressed his surprise at the underutilization, especially considering the relatively peaceful period along the border in recent years. “Only 53.42% of the funds were utilized between 2020-21 and 2024-25,” he stated.

The central government initially sanctioned the construction of 14,460 individual and community bunkers in 2018-19 at a cost of ₹415.73 crore. While approximately 9,500 bunkers have been constructed to date, the slow pace of construction and unspent funds are raising questions about the administration’s preparedness to protect its citizens.

The lack of adequate shelter has been particularly felt after recent incidents. Intense shelling and drone attacks resulted in 27 fatalities and 70 injuries, primarily among civilians. These casualties have fueled demands for more individual bunkers, as existing community bunkers, while helpful, are not always sufficient.

Following a recent cessation of military actions agreed upon by India and Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited affected areas and pledged to develop a policy for the construction of individual bunkers. “We will formulate a policy on that, and a scheme will be formulated for the people in these areas which are closer to the LoC and the border, and that would then be taken up with the central government,” he said. He recognized the crucial role of community bunkers and assured, “We will ensure the construction of more such safer spaces to protect and support our people living in border areas.”

The failure to utilize allocated funds raises serious questions about the priorities of the Jammu and Kashmir administration and its commitment to protecting the lives of its citizens living on the border.

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