Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects worth ₹42.38 crore across Ganderbal district, aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure, road connectivity, public amenities, youth facilities, heritage conservation and tourism development, an official press release informed.
It said the chief minister began his tour at Beehama, Ganderbal, where he laid the foundation stone for construction of a Library & Reading Room to be established by the Culture department at an estimated cost of ₹4.83 crore. The project is envisioned as a modern knowledge and learning space for students and youth of the district.
He also e-launched several key infrastructure projects including upgradation of inner links of Ahan Zazna, Waskura and Khojbagh Kondbal; upgradation and construction of link roads from Gutlibagh to Baba Wayil under NABARD-RIDF; construction of Sindh Riverfront Phase-I at Ganderbal; and widening and upgradation of road from Dursuma Market to Misbagh Baba Mohallah, Checkpora Arhama, involving a cumulative estimated cost of ₹15.36 crore.
The chief minister e-inaugurated the new Divisional Office building of Sindh Forest Division at Beehama, Ganderbal, constructed at a cost of ₹1.11 crore, which is expected to improve administrative functioning and public service delivery in the forest sector.
In the cultural heritage sector, the chief minister laid the foundation stone for restoration, conservation and development of the historic Masjid Hamam and allied works at Malshahi Masjid, Malshahi Bagh, at an estimated cost of ₹5.01 crore. The project aims to preserve this architectural and cultural legacy while promoting heritage tourism.
At District Hospital Ganderbal, the chief minister inaugurated Bone Dexa Scan and Fibro Scan machines procured under CSR support from HDFC Bank at a cost of ₹1.16 crore. The advanced diagnostic equipment is expected to significantly improve healthcare services and facilitate early diagnosis and treatment for patients in the district.
Later, at Gadoora, Ganderbal, the chief minister laid the foundation stone for construction of a Youth Hostel at Government College of Physical Education, Ganderbal, to be executed by the Public Works Department at a cost of ₹15.26 crore.
During his visit to the college premises, the chief minister also inspected an exhibition showcasing modern sports science and training equipment, including magnetic gait analysis systems, force plates, body stat analysis tools, basic life support demonstration units, skiing equipment, bowling machines and coaching analysis software. He appreciated the college administration for equipping students with modern training and coaching facilities and promoting scientific approaches in sports education.
The chief minister also visited the work site of Guzhama Bridge where he reviewed the status of this long-pending project and directed the concerned departments to ensure timely execution while maintaining quality standards.
He was informed that the technical evaluation process has been completed and the bridge design is presently under progress. Stressing the importance of timely completion, the chief minister instructed the officers to ensure that the project is completed within the approved cost and stipulated time frame so that the bridge is dedicated to the public at the earliest.
A large gathering of local residents expressed gratitude to the chief minister for taking up the bridge project, which had remained stalled for more than a decade. Interacting with the locals, the chief minister assured them that the government is fully aware of the hardships faced by the people due to the absence of the bridge and reiterated his commitment to completing the project within the stipulated time frame.
During the tour and inauguration and foundation laying ceremonies, the chief minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Minister for Forests Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq.
Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development Department, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services & Sports, Commissioner Secretary Culture, Chief Conservator of Forests J&K, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, SSP Ganderbal, Chief Engineer Public Works (R&B), Medical Superintendent District Hospital Ganderbal and other senior officers also accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit.
CM dedicates medical equipments worth Rs 2.25 cr at Jawahar Lal Nehru Hospital
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday dedicated medical equipment worth Rs 2.25 crore to the public at Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Hospital here, strengthening critical healthcare facilities at the hospital.
The chief minister inaugurated advanced medical equipment under Corporate Social Responsibility by HDFC Bank including an ERCP Endoscopy Machine, Ultra/Doppler Sound Machine, Tissue Processor for Histo Pathology and Laser Urology equipment, procured at a total cost of Rs 2.25 crore, an official spokesman said.
He said during his visit, the CM toured the newly inaugurated facilities, including the Department of Pathology, Department of Laboratory, Immunology Section, Biochemistry Section and USG Room, among others.
Abdullah also interacted with doctors, technicians and paramedical staff at the hospital.
Appreciating the dedication and commitment of the healthcare workers, Abdullah lauded the staff for providing quality healthcare services to the people throughout the year.
CM Abdullah outlines roadmap for J&K’s emergence as premier film destination
In a bid to make Jammu and Kashmir a cost-effective destination for global filmmakers, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced a series of initiatives aimed at building a robust local film infrastructure and a skilled workforce that will create employment opportunities for the youth in the region.
Beyond traditional Bollywood, the chief minister is actively looking at encouraging Southern cinema and music video producers to come to Jammu and Kashmir, promising a streamlined “single-window” clearance system and significant reductions in production overheads.
Recognising that high production costs often deter film units, Abdullah told PTI recently that the government is collaborating with major production houses in Mumbai to train local youths in technical crafts such as cinematography and lighting.
“We are working with organisations, particularly in Mumbai, to create a trained pool of resources so that when a film unit comes here, they don’t have to bring everybody with them,” Abdullah told PTI here.
He said that this strategy serves a dual purpose, because it is cheaper for the film unit and it also creates local employment here.
“Look, we need to sort of recognise that we need to build an infrastructure here for people to be able to come and film.
“We need to make it easier and cheaper because production costs are extremely high. So one of the things we’re trying to do is to create a pool of talented youngsters who are trained,” he said.
In addition to manpower, the government is focusing on the “logistics of filming”, Abdullah said and added that plans are underway to establish a local pool of high-end filming equipment, ranging from spotlights to camera dollies.
“So they don’t have to bring everything… all the way here for filming. So it’s something that we are currently in the process of executing, and we hope that it will show results,” he said.
Addressing concerns regarding bureaucratic hurdles, the chief minister said that Jammu and Kashmir’s film policy is being effectively implemented through the tourism department, which has a dedicated officer to coordinate all permissions.
Acknowledging some “dealing difficulties” in the past, the chief minister asserted that his administration has worked to remove these bottlenecks to ensure a smoother experience for creative teams.
“It is something that we are currently in the process of executing, and we hope that it will show results soon,” Abdullah said and hoped that these measures would firmly place the valley back on the international cinematic map.(PTI)
