Pampore: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated 368 newly constructed residential quarters for government employees at Sempora in Pampore, developed across 23 blocks at an estimated cost of ₹90.65 crore, an official press release informed.
Constructed by the Estates Department, the project marks the completion of a major residential infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening government housing facilities in the Kashmir Valley. It forms part of the government’s push to enhance employee welfare by providing modern, well-equipped residential spaces, the press release said.
The chief minister inaugurated the Estates Quarters and inspected the newly constructed residential flats, including 2BHK and 3BHK units. He also visited the canteen and mess facilities and was briefed by senior officers of the Estates Department on upcoming and proposed housing projects.
With its completion, the quarters are expected to significantly enhance the availability of accommodation for government employees and help ease long-standing shortage.
The project assumes added significance in view of the restoration of the annual Darbar Move by the present government, which has revived the need for adequate residential facilities for employees relocating between Jammu and Srinagar.
The residential quarters will particularly benefit a large section of Darbar Move employees, many of whom have faced persistent challenges in securing suitable accommodation for their families over the years. The availability of these units is expected to reduce dependence on private housing and improve overall working conditions by ensuring stability and convenience.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister reiterated his government’s commitment to providing suitable family accommodation to employees. He said that strengthening employee welfare remains a key governance priority, and that efforts are underway to further augment residential infrastructure in a phased manner across Jammu and Kashmir.
He emphasized that residential accommodation plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity and morale among government employees, adding that the government will continue to invest in infrastructure that directly impacts their well-being.
Highlighting the importance of efficient project management, the chief minister stressed the need for timely execution of public infrastructure works. He directed the concerned departments to ensure optimal utilization and proper maintenance of the newly created facilities so that they continue to serve employees effectively in years to come.
Meanwhile, the CM visited Shalina near Lasjan to inspect the site that had developed a breach during the floods in September last year.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Pampore Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi and other concerned officers.
During the visit, the Chief Minister reviewed the ongoing repair and flood mitigation works at the breach site. He directed the concerned departments to ensure strengthening of embankments to prevent recurrence of such incidents, an official spokesman said.
The spokesman said that emphasizing the need for durable and long-term solutions, the Chief Minister instructed officials to expedite the process and ensure that permanent restoration works are completed at the earliest.
He also stressed the importance of adopting robust flood management measures to safeguard vulnerable areas and protect public infrastructure.
