Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reviewed key development projects and public issues in the Ganderbal district.
Abdullah undertook an extensive tour of Ganderbal, his home constituency, holding a series of public engagements and chairing a review meeting to assess the progress of key developmental projects and obtain a first-hand account of issues affecting the district, an official spokesperson said.
He said the chief minister inspected the ongoing construction of the New Bus Adda Road, a vital infrastructure project expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in the area.
Stressing the importance of timely completion, Abdullah directed the executing agencies to expedite the pace of work so that the road could be dedicated to the public at the earliest.
The chief minister chaired a review meeting to take stock of the progress of major development initiatives and deliberate on long-pending public issues in the district.
The meeting focused on road connectivity, irrigation infrastructure, flood protection measures, sewerage facilities, solid waste management, land acquisition and other critical projects aimed at improving public service delivery, the spokesperson said.
The deputy commissioner presented a detailed overview of the district’s priority development issues requiring urgent government intervention. The deputy commissioner highlighted the need to expedite land acquisition for several road-widening projects and the approach road to the Paribal-Takanwari bridge, strengthen irrigation canals and power canal embankments, improving road connectivity to the Central University of Kashmir, development of tourism infrastructure and a sewage treatment plant (STP) at Manasbal.
Abdullah emphasised that delays in execution should be minimised, and directed the departments to maintain close inter-departmental coordination so that the benefits of development reach the people without unnecessary delay.
The chief minister reiterated that the government remains committed to balanced and inclusive development across Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on strengthening infrastructure, improving civic amenities and addressing genuine public concerns through efficient governance and coordinated action.
During his visit, the chief minister also met several public deputations and individuals at Dak Bungalow Ganderbal, and patiently heard their grievances and development-related demands.
The deputations represented various areas of the district, including Safapora, Nuner, Manigam, Lar, Sherpathri, Shallabugh, Waskura, Wakura, Manasbal, Gutlibagh, Beehama, Rangil, Saloora, Wayil, Batwina and other villages.
The deputations raised a wide range of issues concerning drinking water supply, irrigation facilities, desilting of canals, upgradation of educational and healthcare institutions, availability of adequate staff in health centres, development of playgrounds and new playfields, sports infrastructure, tourism-related facilities and other local development concerns.
The chief minister gave a patient hearing to all the deputations and directed the concerned officers to examine the issues raised and take appropriate action in a time-bound manner. He assured the people that their genuine concerns would be addressed on priority and reiterated his government’s commitment to responsive, transparent and people-centric governance.
