SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects in Ganderbal constituency, including infrastructure works totalling over Rs 12 crore.
At Bakura, he inaugurated a groundwater-based Water Supply Scheme completed under the JKIDFC programme at a revised cost of Rs 329.04 lakh. The scheme is expected to provide clean drinking water to local residents.
He also inaugurated an Old Age Home at Pandach, constructed at a cost of Rs 499 lakh. The two-storey facility includes medical rooms, dining halls and gender-specific accommodation wards for senior citizens.
At Safapora, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a Science Block at Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET), aimed at enhancing the institution’s technical education infrastructure. At Wahidpora, he laid the foundation stone for the Central Veterinary Hospital, a two-storey facility estimated at Rs 437.82 lakh to improve animal healthcare in the district.
Later, the Chief Minister visited Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple to review arrangements ahead of the annual mela. He interacted with temple authorities and devotees, assuring prompt resolution of the issues raised.
The Chief Minister also distributed scooties among specially-abled persons in Ganderbal as part of an initiative to support inclusive mobility.
In the latter part of the visit, Omar Abdullah held a public darbar attended by delegations and individuals from across Ganderbal district. Residents from areas such as Waskura, Lar, Kangan, Safapora, and Gund raised demands including improved potable water supply, establishment of a district library, upgradation of health and education facilities, better road connectivity, pension schemes, and development of irrigation infrastructure.
The Chief Minister assured that genuine grievances would be addressed on priority. He reiterated his government’s focus on addressing public needs and ensuring inclusive development.
He was accompanied by Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javed Ahmad Dar, and Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, along with senior administrative and police officials including Additional Chief Secretary Shantmanu, Principal Secretary Shailendra Kumar, and DC Ganderbal Jatin Kishore.
