Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday visited the fire-affected market in Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district to assess the situation and assured his full support to the affected.
“Visited Sonamarg today, where a devastating fire caused significant damage to several shops, impacting many livelihoods. Assured the affected shopkeepers of full support, with immediate relief already announced. The government stands with them and will take all necessary steps to ensure their rehabilitation and recovery,” Abdullah wrote on X.
A massive fire broke out in Sonamarg resort town of Ganderbal district on Saturday, damaging several shops and restaurants.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kangan Mian Mehar Ali and Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore. During his visit, the Chief Minister interacted with members of the Sonamarg Market Association, extending his sympathies and assuring them of the government’s full support.
According to an official press release, he reiterated his government’s commitment to assisting the affected traders and ensuring swift measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The CM later chaired a high-level meeting with the Sonamarg Market Association, attended by senior officials, including the DC, SSP, SDM Kangan, CEO Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) and other district officers.
The meeting focused on addressing the concerns of the traders, who put forth key demands such as immediate financial assistance, permission for building reconstruction and the establishment of a fire service station in Sonamarg.
Responding to these concerns, the Chief Minister emphasized that the reconstruction of shops must follow a well-planned design, developed in consultation with all stakeholders, including the Tourism Department, District Administration, and SDA.
He assured that this approach would enhance safety and prevent such incidents in future. Highlighting the growing tourism influx in Sonamarg, especially after the opening of the tunnel, the CM underscored the urgent need for a permanent fire service station in the area.
He assured the traders that a permanent fire station would be established, with its location to be finalized in consultation with relevant stakeholders to ensure quick emergency response.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister announced that financial assistance under Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for the affected shops has been approved which would provide some succour to the affected persons during this difficult time.
CM Omar Abdullah engages with stakeholders for pre-budget deliberations
Continuing his engagement with various stakeholders, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a pre-budget consultation meeting here at the Civil Secretariat.
The session focused on understanding the perspectives of representative bodies from various sectors ahead of the upcoming Budget Session of the J&K Assembly.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Higher Education Shantamanu, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D Vaidya, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services & Sports along with heads of departments and senior officers from various departments, attended the meeting both in person and virtually.
During the discussions, stakeholders from diverse sectors including industrialists, traders, hoteliers, travel & tour operators, tourism players, educationists, sportspersons, agriculturists, horticulturists, entrepreneurs and representatives of industry & trade bodies like FCIK, KCCI, CII, PHD Chamber shared their inputs and suggestions for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Budget 2025-26.
During the deliberations, key demands were projected by stakeholders pertaining to framing of one consolidated industrial policy, upgradation of Industrial estates, connecting IGC Lassipora with National Highway, power amnesty to industrial units, crop insurance for horticulture produce, conservation of wetlands, incentivizing cherry, walnut & apricot plantation, PPP model in health sector, preservation of houseboats, free hold rights to industrial units, setting up of multi-disciplinary institutions, higher education clusters, autonomous degree colleges, establishing skill development university, creating parking lots in downtown Srinagar and other towns, decongestion of tourist places, solid waste management in tourist resorts, maintenance of stadiums & playgrounds, setting up of sports academies and increase in promotion & publicity budget for tourism.
Addressing the participants, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized that these consultations have become a key part of this government’s pre-budget exercise, aimed at gathering insights from multiple sectors to shape effective policies and allocate resources efficiently.
The Chief Minister patiently listened to all stakeholders, underscoring the importance of these discussions in addressing economic challenges and promoting growth. He reiterated the government’s commitment to presenting a budget that aligns with public needs and aspirations.
To ensure a people-centric budget, the Chief Minister noted that extensive pre-budget consultations have been conducted. So far, he has engaged with public representatives, including Chairpersons of District Development Councils (DDCs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from ten districts—Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam, Pulwama and Kulgam in Kashmir division and Udhampur, Ramban, Kathua, Reasi and Samba in Jammu division.
Additionally, consultation meetings have already been held with various stakeholders from Jammu, including representatives from industry & trade, tourism, hotel & hospitality, education, social welfare, tribal affairs, youth affairs, and agriculture sectors.
