SHOPIAN: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reviewed the developmental progress of Shopian district and dedicated projects worth ₹76.45 crore, reaffirming his government’s commitment to balanced and equitable development across the district.
Chairing a comprehensive district review meeting, the Chief Minister assessed the implementation of major developmental schemes, public service delivery and the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects. He also interacted with farmers, fruit growers and public delegations to hear their concerns.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Shabir Ahmad Kullay and Showkat Hussain Ganai, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, the Deputy Commissioner Shopian and senior officers.
The Deputy Commissioner presented a detailed overview of the district’s developmental profile, implementation of centrally sponsored schemes and the physical and financial progress of various departments.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister described Shopian as a strategically significant district whose identity is closely linked to its apple industry, scenic beauty and the historic Mughal Road. He said the government would continue to strengthen these sectors through focused investments and sustained development.
Acknowledging the financial constraints facing Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah assured that no injustice would be done to Shopian or any of its Assembly constituencies.
“There will be no injustice with Shopian despite our financial limitations,” he said, directing officers to address shortcomings and expedite developmental works raised by legislators.
He also instructed the Deputy Commissioner to closely monitor projects sanctioned under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) to ensure their timely completion.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation of 13 development projects spanning roads, bridges, drinking water supply, rural infrastructure, urban development and horticulture.
Among the projects inaugurated were the upgradation of the Shirmal-Wathoo-Matipora Road, water supply schemes at Shadab Karewa, Domwani, Adijen Gadipora and Rebon Khojpora, residential accommodation for Panchayati Raj Institution members at Gagren, the Trenz-Sheikhpora Bridge, and the upgradation of the Safanagri-Lamine Darbagh Wachi Road.
He also laid the e-foundation for the Doompora multi-cell causeway, beautification works in Shopian town, a mechanical windrow composting unit at the Mega Fruit and Vegetable Mandi, Aglar, and a pasteurised compost unit at Allowpora. At Aglar, he physically laid the foundation stone for an auction platform at the Mega Fruit and Vegetable Mandi to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure.
Interacting with representatives of the Fruit Mandi Association, farmer groups and horticulturists, the Chief Minister said agriculture and allied sectors remain the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and assured that the government would strengthen the sector through improved infrastructure, better market access and farmer-centric initiatives.
Responding to issues raised by growers, he assured priority action on demands related to controlled atmosphere storage facilities, marketing infrastructure and shop allotments. He also promised measures to curb the sale of spurious pesticides and explore weather-based crop insurance, hail protection nets and other risk mitigation mechanisms for fruit growers.
Later, the Chief Minister met several public delegations from different parts of Shopian district and assured them that their genuine grievances would be addressed on priority.
He also visited exhibition stalls set up by various government departments and local entrepreneurs, where he appreciated locally produced agricultural, horticultural and value-added products promoting rural livelihoods.
