SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated newly constructed residential blocks at Ahata Amar Singh and Sarwal, Jammu boosting housing infrastructure for Government employees linked to the Darbar Move.
Omar opened the facilities by cutting the ceremonial ribbon in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary (Estates) Shaleen Kabra, Director Estates Ashwani Khajuria, Deputy Director Estates Jammu Dr Vikas Sharma and other senior officials.
The project comprises two Ground + 6 blocks with 56 compact two-room flats, each featuring two bedrooms, a living area, kitchen, two washrooms and a balcony. Officials said the units have been designed for cost-effectiveness, structural safety and optimal space utilisation.
After inspecting the flats, Omar expressed satisfaction with the design, quality and space management, noting that the new accommodation would ease pressure on existing Government housing and improve living conditions for employees.
Director Estates Ashwani Khajuria briefed the Chief Minister on the project’s functional layout and the department’s broader plan to modernise ageing residential colonies in phases. Deputy Director Dr Vikas Sharma outlined the amenities and supervision mechanisms put in place to ensure quality control and timely execution.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment to developing safe and well-planned residential facilities, Omar recalled issuing directions in November to optimise land use, adhere to high construction standards and replace unsafe quarters with modern units following the revival of the Darbar Move after four years.
To meet rising accommodation demands, the Chief Minister instructed officials to explore high-rise residential towers and vertical designs that would expand capacity and promote equitable allotment across employee categories.
Omar commended the Estates Department for accelerating construction across various sites and urged continued efforts to upgrade housing infrastructure for Government employees.
