SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects worth Rs 42.38 crore across Ganderbal district, focusing on healthcare, road connectivity, public infrastructure, youth facilities, heritage conservation and tourism.
At Beehama, Ganderbal, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a library and reading room to be developed by the Culture Department at an estimated cost of Rs 4.83 crore. The facility is intended to serve as a modern learning and knowledge hub for students and youth.
He also e-inaugurated and launched several infrastructure works, including the upgradation of internal link roads at Ahan Zazna, Waskura and Khojbagh Kondbal; improvement of link roads from Gutlibagh to Baba Wayil under NABARD-RIDF; development of Sindh Riverfront Phase-I; and widening of the Dursuma Market to Misbagh Baba Mohallah road at Checkpora Arhama. These works collectively cost around Rs 15.36 crore.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the new divisional office of the Sindh Forest Division at Beehama, constructed at a cost of Rs 1.11 crore, aimed at improving administrative efficiency and service delivery.
In the heritage sector, he laid the foundation stone for restoration and conservation works at Masjid Hamam within the Malshahi Masjid complex at Malshahi Bagh, with an estimated cost of Rs 5.01 crore, aimed at preserving the site and promoting heritage tourism.
At District Hospital Ganderbal, he inaugurated Bone Dexa Scan and Fibro Scan machines procured under CSR support from HDFC Bank at a cost of Rs 1.16 crore, expected to enhance diagnostic capabilities and patient care.
Later, at Gadoora, he laid the foundation stone for a youth hostel at Government College of Physical Education, Ganderbal, to be executed by the Public Works Department at a cost of Rs 15.26 crore.
During the visit, the Chief Minister also inspected the work site of the Guzhama Bridge and reviewed its progress. He directed officials to ensure timely completion within the approved cost and stipulated timeframe. Authorities informed him that technical evaluation has been completed and the design phase is underway.
Locals expressed appreciation for the revival of the long-pending bridge project, which had remained stalled for over a decade.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Forests Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, Youth Services and Sports Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, along with senior civil and police officials.
