Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the newly constructed additional accommodation block at Circuit House, Church Lane, Srinagar, aimed at enhancing hospitality infrastructure and improving facilities for visiting dignitaries and guests.
According to an official press release, the project has been executed by the Public Works (R&B) Department under the Capex budget at a cost of ₹781.34 lakh.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Member Legislative Assembly Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad (Pardesi), Secretary Hospitality & Protocol Avny Lavasa, Director Hospitality & Protocol Ashwani Kumar and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
The newly added facility is a three-storeyed structure comprising a basement, ground floor and two upper floors. The block houses 18 accommodation rooms, including 12 standard rooms and six suites, designed to provide comfortable and modern lodging facilities.
The building has been equipped with several contemporary amenities, including a 13-passenger OTIS lift, central heating system, air conditioning, three linen/store rooms and a ramp facility to ensure accessibility for differently-abled persons.
The accommodation units have been aesthetically designed with a blend of modern interiors and traditional Kashmiri architectural elements. The standard rooms feature wallpapered walls, carved rubberwood bed-back panels, Khatamband ceilings and laminated flooring. The suites have been furnished with premium interior finishes, including laminated wall panels, MDF slat walls, Duco-finished fittings and Khatamband ceiling work, reflecting a refined and elegant ambience.
The chief minister inspected various sections of the newly constructed block and took a detailed tour of the facility. He appreciated the aesthetics of the building, quality of construction and the thoughtful incorporation of traditional design elements in its interiors.
He observed that the enhanced accommodation facilities would further strengthen the hospitality infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir and improve the experience of guests visiting Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, several public representatives and delegations today called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his Public Services and Outreach Office (Raabita) here and discussed a range of constituency-specific and sectoral issues.
Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Ladakh, Haji Mohammad Hanifa, called on the Chief Minister along with delegations representing employees of the Power Development Department serving in Ladakh and members of the Private School Association of Kargil. The delegations raised issues concerning their respective sectors. The Chief Minister assured them that their concerns would be taken up with the relevant authorities for appropriate action.
MLA Bandipora, Nizam Ud Din Bhat, also met the Chief Minister and apprised him of various developmental and public welfare issues concerning his constituency. The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the issues raised and assured appropriate consideration.
MLA Hazratbal, Salman Sagar, called on the Chief Minister along with a delegation of civil society members from Hazratbal. The delegation expressed gratitude for resolving the long-pending issue of the construction of the Sub-District Hospital at Habak, Hazratbal. They also discussed other developmental concerns and sought continued support for ongoing initiatives in the area. The Chief Minister appreciated their feedback and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening public services and infrastructure.
MLA Hazratbal, Salman Sagar, also led a delegation of the Jal Jeevan Mission Contractors’ Association, who met the Chief Minister and sought resolution of its pending issues. The Chief Minister assured the delegation that their concerns would be examined and addressed in accordance with established procedures.
MLA Beerwah, Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani, met the Chief Minister and discussed various developmental requirements and public issues pertaining to his constituency. The Chief Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring equitable development across all regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairperson of the J&K Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE), Prof. Minu Mahajan, also called on the Chief Minister and briefed him on various matters relating to the functioning of the Board and the conduct of professional entrance examinations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Reiterating his Government’s commitment to responsive and people-centric governance, the Chief Minister assured all the delegations and public representatives that the genuine issues raised during the meetings would receive due attention and appropriate follow-up.
