SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 18 development projects worth around Rs 100 crore in Bandipora district, covering key sectors including education, roads, bridges, drinking water, urban infrastructure, and agriculture.
The initiatives include the construction of the Government Degree College at Ajas (Rs 14 crore), a footbridge over the River Jhelum at Tundipora-Hakbara (Rs 10.62 crore ), a women’s hostel at Government Degree College Bandipora (Rs 10 crore), and a school building at Kaloosa (Rs 3.71 crore). Other major works comprise the upgradation of the Markundal-Hajin road (Rs 7.13 crore), a water supply augmentation scheme (Rs 6.66 crore), a multi-storey parking facility (Rs 3.74 crore), and residential accommodation for Panchayati Raj Institution members.
During his visit, the Chief Minister also chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the district’s developmental progress, public service delivery, and implementation of government schemes. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Ahmed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma, along with Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, legislators from Gurez, Bandipora and Sonawari, senior administrative officials, and district officers.
Reviewing the developmental scenario, the Chief Minister said that administrative and financial approvals have been cleared well in advance this year to ensure that departments fully utilise the working season, particularly in view of Bandipora’s challenging terrain and climatic conditions. He urged departments to maintain developmental momentum and ensure timely completion of projects.
He also highlighted the need for scientific cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants in Bandipora, directing officials to explore the establishment of a specialised industrial estate for medicinal herbs to promote entrepreneurship and generate employment opportunities for youth.
Local legislators raised constituency-specific demands, which the Chief Minister assured would be examined and addressed expeditiously.
Earlier, the Chief Minister distributed vehicles under the UMEED initiative, inspected stalls set up by self-help groups, and interacted with public delegations from Gurez, Tulail, and Sonawari, assuring timely redressal of their grievances.
He also held an interactive session with students of Government Degree College Bandipora, where he encouraged youth participation in democratic processes and public life.
