Jammu: Linking land with the identity of the people Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday asserted the importance of land in preserving identity, and exhorted the people to never let it go.
The land of Jammu and Kashmir must be protected by its people at all costs, he said.
Emphasizing the transformative vision of Dr B R Ambedkar and Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in advancing equality and justice, Omar Abdullah while speaking at the inauguration of Dr BR Ambedkar Bhawan in Bari Brahmana here, highlighted the significance of land reforms in Jammu and Kashmir as a step towards empowering the oppressed.
“Dr. Ambedkar gave India its constitution, enshrining equal rights without discrimination. He tirelessly fought for the rights of marginalized communities, giving them a voice, an identity, and a sense of dignity.
“In Jammu and Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah complemented his vision by implementing land reforms that restored dignity and a future to the oppressed. Land is deeply tied to identity and preserving it is essential for safeguarding our heritage and future,” the Chief Minister said.
According to an official press release, he praised Dr. Ambedkar’s emphasis on education as a catalyst for transformation.
“This land has been dedicated to a library, study circle and community hall instead of commercial use. These facilities will enable the youth to study Dr. Ambedkar’s works and conduct research, while also providing a space for social gatherings, for those in need,” he stated.
Recalling Dr. Ambedkar’s role in framing India’s Constitution, Omar Abdullah noted its revolutionary principles.
“Dr. Ambedkar ensured equality from the very beginning, granting women equal voting rights at a time when many nations denied such basic rights. His vision established a foundation of justice and equality, which remains unparalleled even today,” he said.
He acknowledged the gaps in representation and stressed the need for greater efforts to realize Dr. Ambedkar’s dream of true equality.
“If Dr. Ambedkar had foreseen the underrepresentation of women in assemblies and parliament in 2025, he might have introduced reservations for women from the start. While we have made progress, with women achieving milestones like becoming prime ministers and presidents, the journey toward equality continues,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also drew attention to India’s achievements in gender equality, which surpasses those of many nations.
“In contrast to some countries that have yet to elect a woman leader, India’s strides in empowering women are a testament to Dr. Ambedkar’s vision,” he added.
Concluding his address, Omar Abdullah assured the audience that the Charter of Demands presented at the event would be given due attention.
“I assure you that every effort will be made to address your concerns and fulfill your requests,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to inaugurate the Bhawan, describing it as a landmark institution that embodies Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals of education, equality, and progress.
Advisor to the chief minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner Samba Rajesh Sharma, president Dr BR Ambedkar Education Society Bari Brahmana, Pooran Chand, general secretary Romesh Chand, senior officers and other staff of the organisation were also present on the occasion.
CM calls for early completion of major hydropower projects in J&K
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday chaired a review meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDCL), calling for the early completion of major hydropower projects in the Union Territory.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to sustainable energy, Abdullah, according to an official press release, urged officials to devise revival plans for stalled projects and execute them efficiently.
The review meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat, focused on assessing the progress of ongoing hydroelectric projects and the expected enhancement in power generation.
“The timely execution of hydropower projects is crucial to unlocking Jammu and Kashmir’s potential as a power-surplus state. I urge all stakeholders to address challenges proactively and expedite ongoing works to serve the public interest,” Abdullah said.
During the meeting, the chief minister emphasised the importance of overcoming challenges, including contractual disputes, time and financial overruns in under-construction projects, and operation and maintenance issues in commissioned projects.
A roadmap for the next five years was presented, outlining plans for substantial capacity additions to meet growing energy demands. This, Abdullah said, would gradually reduce reliance on power imports and boost the region’s energy self-sufficiency.
Discussions also covered the formulation and appraisal of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for upcoming projects. JKPDCL was instructed to focus on strategic planning for the development of hydropower assets along the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Indus rivers.
Abdullah reiterated the need for a proactive approach to address challenges faced by JKPDCL, stressing that enhancing J&K’s hydropower capacity is essential to meeting the region’s energy demands.
Earlier, the Principal Secretary of the Power Development Department (PDD) provided a comprehensive update on the status of hydropower development in J&K. Of the region’s estimated 18,000 MW hydropower potential, 15,000 MW has already been identified, making it a key driver for future energy initiatives.
The meeting reviewed commissioned projects, including the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project (Stages I & II) on the Chenab River, the Upper Sindh Hydroelectric Project (Stages I & II) on the Sind River, and the Lower Jhelum Hydroelectric Project in Baramulla.
Projects under construction, such as the New Ganderbal Hydroelectric Project (93 MW) on the Sind River, the Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project (1,000 MW) under the Chenab River cascade, and the Ratle Hydroelectric Project (850 MW), which has been revived through a joint venture between NHPC and JKPDCL, were also deliberated upon.
