GULMARG/TANGMARG: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday emphasised the timely execution of tourism and infrastructure projects, the adoption of modern technology and the strengthening of youth and healthcare facilities during a series of engagements in Gulmarg and Tangmarg areas of Baramulla district.
Chairing a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation at the Convention Centre Gulmarg, the Chief Minister stressed the need for timely completion of cable car projects and adherence to high safety standards in view of the growing tourist influx in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, officials presented details regarding key projects and initiatives of the corporation, including plans for upgradation of the Gulmarg Gondola Project to enhance carrying capacity, operational efficiency and safety standards through modernisation of infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Ashish Chandra Verma, Managing Director JKTDC Shreya Singhal and Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Sajad Qamar, among others.
Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated a multi-purpose indoor sports complex at Government Degree College Tangmarg, developed at a cost of ₹2.75 crore under the CAPEX budget.
The facility includes infrastructure for badminton, table tennis, billiards and other indoor sports aimed at promoting sports culture and youth engagement in the region.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, MLA Gulmarg Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq and senior officials.
During the visit, Omar Abdullah interacted with students and also participated in indoor games including badminton, billiards and table tennis.
The Chief Minister also launched a signature campaign under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan from the college premises and urged students to contribute towards building a drug-free society.
Addressing students, he said youth will play a central role in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted government initiatives related to employment, education and entrepreneurship.
He said the government plans to provide 20,000 to 25,000 government jobs during the year and is also supporting youth entrepreneurship through the Mission YUVA programme by facilitating easy access to loans.
The Chief Minister also said the government has initiated steps to allow establishment of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir to reduce the financial burden on families sending students outside the Union Territory for higher education.
Later, Omar Abdullah inaugurated a newly constructed block of the Primary Health Centre at Gulmarg built at a cost of ₹203.80 lakh under CAPEX.
He inspected various sections of the facility including the OPD, emergency room, pharmacy, X-ray unit and wards, and reviewed healthcare services being provided to local residents and tourists.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Sakeena Itoo, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, Tanvir Sadiq, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla S F Hamid, SSP Baramulla and other officers.
