Ganderbal: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reviewed the overall development scenario in Ganderbal district, inaugurated five completed development projects worth ₹16.72 crore and laid foundation stones for two new projects worth ₹41.54 crore, taking the total value of the projects to ₹58.26 crore, an official press release informed.
It said the projects include improved road connectivity, a new school building, a bridge over the River Jhelum and a multi-purpose auction platform at the Fruit and Vegetable Mandi, Zazuna, aimed at strengthening public infrastructure and supporting the district’s horticulture economy.
The chief minister laid the foundation stone for the construction of a bridge over the River Jhelum at Guzhama Shilwat at a cost of ₹39 crore. The bridge is expected to improve connectivity for local residents. He also laid the foundation stone for a multi-purpose auction platform at the Fruit and Vegetable Mandi, Zazna, at a cost of ₹2.54 crore to strengthen trading facilities for fruit and vegetable growers.
The chief minister also inaugurated five completed projects, including roads connecting Tehsil Bagh with Lar Bypass and Yanihama with Dangerpora; the road from Dar Mohalla Wattalbagh to Dangerpora and allied links; the double-storey building at High School Gogjigund; the widened and upgraded road from Fatehpora Dak Bangloo to Gadoora Bridge; and the Pati Waskura to Kharbagh Bund road along the River Jhelum. These works, completed at a combined cost of ₹16.72 crore, are expected to improve local connectivity and educational infrastructure.
During the tour, the chief minister reviewed the progress of the Srinagar Ring Road project and was briefed by engineers at Dr Farooq Abdullah Environmental Park, Manigam, on the ongoing construction and upgradation of the Pandaach-Manigam section.
The 12.115-kilometre highway project, being executed by the National Highways Authority of India at a cost of ₹290.51 crore, involves upgrading the existing two-lane road to a four-lane dual carriageway. The project includes bridges, a flyover, culverts and service and slip roads, and is scheduled for completion by May 2028.
The chief minister also reviewed ongoing works on the Sindh River Front and the Municipal Town Hall in Ganderbal. The first phase of the Sindh River Front project, being developed at an approved cost of ₹4.83 crore, includes a protection wall, landscaping, a paved walkway, a viewpoint, a patio café and ornamental lighting.
Reviewing the Town Hall upgrade and extension project, approved at a cost of ₹3 crore, the chief minister directed the concerned officers to expedite the works and ensure their early completion so that the facilities could be made available to the public at the earliest.
During his visit to the Fruit and Vegetable Mandi at Zazuna, the chief minister assessed arrangements and activities during the ongoing harvest season and interacted with farmers and progressive growers. The growers apprised him of issues affecting their work and the horticulture sector. Omar Abdullah assured them that their genuine demands would be taken up for appropriate resolution.
The chief minister’s visit focused on reviewing ongoing infrastructure projects, assessing the implementation of development works and addressing issues raised by local residents and growers.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javid Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shreya Singhal, along with senior officers, heads of departments, engineers and other concerned officials, accompanied the Chief Minister during the tour.
Sonamarg to emerge as year-round adventure sports hub, projects being planned: CM
Sonamarg is being positioned as a year-round hub for adventure sports, with the Jammu and Kashmir government planning projects for skiing and skating in winter and rafting in summer, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday.
The government is also working to develop eco-tourism destinations in the Tragbal and Mohanmarg areas of Ganderbal district, with the necessary clearances to be obtained from the concerned authorities, he said.
“It has barely been a year since Sonamarg began to be viewed as a winter destination. Previously, Sonamarg remained shut during winters, and people could not access it. Now, with the tunnel constructed, Sonamarg is open for tourism all 12 months of the year. We are now preparing projects for new destinations and winter sports,” Abdullah told reporters in Ganderbal.
The chief minister was in Ganderbal, his Legislative Assembly constituency, to inaugurate the 70th National School Games and review development works in the district.
“It is my effort, and indeed my desire, to work alongside Mian Mehr Ali (MLA Kangan) to firmly place Sonamarg on the tourism and adventure sports map — for rafting in summer and skiing/skating in winter. Projects are currently being prepared for this,” he said.
Asked about the delay in eco-tourism projects at Tragbal and Mohanmarg, Abdullah said such projects sometimes take time because clearances are required from the Forest, Environment and Wildlife authorities.
“However, by following due process, we will secure all required clearances and develop these new destinations,” he added.
On the land acquired for the Central University of Kashmir, Abdullah said the government would honour the procedure adopted at the time of acquisition and implement the terms agreed upon with the landowners.
“Whatever written agreement was signed with them (landowners), and whatever terms were formally executed on paper, will be implemented,” he said.
Speaking about development in Ganderbal over the past two years, Abdullah said the government was working to accelerate projects across sectors.
“The goal has been to touch every sector of governance. Today as well, projects worth nearly Rs 60 crore were either inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid. This includes a major bridge worth Rs 40 crore to cross the Jhelum, where work is underway,” he said.
Several roads, a school building and an auction shed at the Zazna fruit and vegetable mandi were also inaugurated on Thursday, he said.
Abdullah said the primary objective of his visit was to attend the National School Games being held at the College of Physical Education in Ganderbal.
“Boys and girls from every corner of the country have come to participate. We were allocated two sports: Wushu and Taekwondo. Our children have a strong interest in both, and we hope this sports event will be a great success,” he added.(PTI)
