GANDERBAL: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Mini Secretariat here today to assess the status of various development activities, projects, and schemes in District Ganderbal.
An official spokesman said that during the meeting, he emphasized the need for a proactive approach among officers to ensure swift and effective resolution of public concerns. “Our contact with the public must increase. Following the elections, people’s expectations have risen, and more will be visiting government offices. We need to change our approach, reach out to people, and address their concerns,” the Chief Minister stated.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, other Cabinet Ministers including Sakeena Masood Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, and Satish Sharma; Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and Member of Legislative Assembly Kangan Mehar Ali also participated in the meeting.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, other Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, senior police and civil officials, Heads of Departments, and other concerned district officers were also present during the meeting.
As the representative of Ganderbal constituency in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the district’s development efforts. “Ganderbal, as my constituency, will experience more pressure—coming not just from me, but from the voters and residents here. Being elected from this segment naturally adds responsibility. I assure you of my full support and assistance in carrying out these duties,” he said.
Highlighting the year-round tourism potential of Sonamarg following the opening of the Z Morh Tunnel, the Chief Minister directed Tourism Department to come up with a plan for skiing at this tourist destination, he remarked, “Until now, Sonamarg was known as a summer destination. However, with the Z Morh Tunnel, Sonamarg now becomes accessible year-round. Previously, Gulmarg was our primary ski destination, but I believe Sonamarg holds immense potential for winter tourism. We should consider Sonamarg from a winter tourism perspective and develop a comprehensive plan. This will allow us to mark areas for skiing and install ski lifts. Given Sonamarg’s excellent snowbound conditions, it deserves our attention.”
The Chief Minister also cautioned about delays in execution of works under CAPEX and centrally sponsored schemes, underscoring the need to expedite execution of works in all districts, including Ganderbal.
“We haven’t had a particularly productive year in terms of projects’ execution due to successive elections and model code of conduct being in force. To make up for lost time, we must accelerate our pace. We are behind last year’s progress, and funds are at risk of lapsing if not utilized in time. I earnestly urge the Deputy Commissioner and his team to expedite works on the ground. This dry spell, though discomforting in so many ways, however, provides an opportunity to complete ongoing projects before the wet season sets in. By the end of the financial year, let us aim to minimize the gap between approved and executed projects”.
Chief Minister added, “timely submission of utilization certificates is essential for funds’ release, so let’s ensure allocated funds are spent effectively”.
Recognizing the potential of Manasbal Lake for water sports, CM said, “Manasbal has tremendous potential for water sports, with its water quality, depth, and unique conditions. We need to explore the possibility of establishing infrastructure to develop water sports at Manasbal.”
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal presented a detailed overview of the district’s infrastructure, achievements, and ongoing initiatives across sectors. Updates were provided on key projects, including the Srinagar-Leh Highway, Z-Morh Tunnel, Zojila Tunnel, and the progress on these works. Discussions covered various Centrally Sponsored Schemes such as PMAY, PM KISAN, and solid waste management, along with specific targets in social, agricultural, employment sectors and ongoing nasha-mukt campaign.
Winter preparedness, district capex, and additional schemes of the departments were also reviewed.
The Chief Minister was apprised of development scenario of the district through a detailed presentation and district officials were instructed to achieve targets in respect of water supply schemes, PMAY housing units for poor, social sector schemes.
CM gave directions for expediting the process for grant of forest clearances which are necessary for completion of the road projects.
The district administration was asked to identify land for Eklavya Model School, achieve targets with regard to educational assistance and to ensure completion of works in new industrial estates and make allotment to eligible applicants to start their industrial units.
CM reviews winter preparedness for Kashmir, Jammu winter zones
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while chairing a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat today to review winter preparedness for the 2024-25 season in Kashmir Valley and winter zones of Jammu division, underscored the critical importance of effective execution, an official press release informed.
“Plans have been announced, but execution is now crucial. Our preparations will truly be tested with the first snowfall. The prolonged dry spell is already creating challenges of depleted water levels and reduced power generation due to decrease in water flow,” the chief minister said. “The credibility of the government rests on us; once plans are announced, effective implementation becomes paramount,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, along with all administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, senior police and security officials, Deputy Commissioners, and BRO officers.
Officers from Jammu and other district headquarters participated via video conferencing.
During the meeting, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir presented a comprehensive briefing on the winter preparedness measures already in place across the Kashmir Division.
Giving details of key components of the winter action plan, the meeting was informed that snow clearance and maintenance of inter-district highways, district roads, towns’ roads have been prioritized and focus would be on ensuring essential services and functioning of hospitals, PHE supply, grid stations, and Fire & Emergency Services.
The Chief Minister was informed that all necessary machinery is in place with personnel ready to operate them efficiently.
In regions such as Gurez in Bandipora and parts of Kupwara, where winter access is limited, sufficient fuel supplies have been pre-stocked. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other Urban Local Bodies have geared up for dewatering activities, with pumps set and ready. Essential winter stockpiles, including food grains, fuel, HSD for generators, and repaired distribution transformers, are in position. Additionally, subsidized helicopter services are available for snowbound areas across Jammu and Kashmir to meet emergency and medical needs.
Medical facilities have been equipped with adequate medicines, oxygen cylinders, and firewood, with duty rosters issued for hospitals through March 2025.
Control rooms have been established at divisional, district, and departmental levels to ensure coordination and swift response throughout the winter season.
The Chief Minister gave directions for assured helicopter service in cut-off areas and making helicopter services financially viable for operators.
To deal with challenges of winter effectively, the Chief Minister directed equipping hospitals, adherence to power supply schedules, filling up of vacant posts in remote areas and taking timely action to safeguard public health, and safety during the harsh winter months ahead.
