SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a pre-budget consultation meeting with public representatives from Srinagar, Bandipora, and Ganderbal districts at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar. The discussions focused on developmental priorities, infrastructure improvements, and public welfare initiatives.
MLAs from these districts sought liberal funding for key projects, including traffic decongestion, parking facilities, community halls, water body restoration, sports infrastructure, and drainage improvements. They also emphasized the need for better drinking water quality, upgraded sewage treatment, electricity supply, and scientific waste management. The introduction of water ambulances in Dal Lake and employment generation for Srinagar’s youth were also highlighted.
Representatives from Bandipora and Ganderbal districts stressed the need for fire service stations, National Highway status for the Bandipora-Gurez road, allowances for officials in remote areas, employment in hydroelectric projects, and improved medical infrastructure. They also sought enhancements in health, education, roads, power distribution, and irrigation facilities, along with tourism and youth services development.
The meeting was attended by District Development Council (DDC) chairpersons, MLAs, and government officials, including Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, and Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D Vaidya. Deputy Commissioners from the three districts provided presentations on district profiles, ongoing projects, and budgetary requirements.
MLAs expressed their appreciation for the inclusive approach of the government and thanked the Chief Minister for involving them in the consultation process.
