SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for over a dozen development projects worth Rs 36.50 crore across Ganderbal district, reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure, sports, power distribution, and road connectivity.
At Beehama, the Chief Minister inaugurated six major sports infrastructure projects, including the upgradation of Beehama Stadium, Madr-e-Meherban Stadium, and playfields at Gund Rehman, Manigam, Wakura, and Batwina. He also unveiled new sports equipment and witnessed youth performances in Judo, Thang-Ta, and Yoga, highlighting Ganderbal’s sporting talent.
In Saloora, Omar Abdullah inaugurated a 33/11 KV, 1×6 MVA receiving station, aimed at strengthening the district’s power distribution network. He later inaugurated a Pre-Fab Indoor Badminton Hall, a 400-metre synthetic athletic track, and a synthetic football turf at the Government College of Physical Education (GCOPE), Gadoora, participating in a friendly badminton match and a 100-metre sprint.
The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for four road connectivity projects, including the upgradation of Shajinga Link Road and Khatijinag Road; construction and upgradation of the Dar Mohallah–Watalbagh–Dangerpora road; Pati Waskura–Kharbagh road; and the Tehsil Bagh–Lar Bye Pass–Yanihama–Dangerpora road.
Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, senior officials, and district officers, Omar Abdullah described the developments as “the beginning of a new era of development in Ganderbal,” stressing that the projects reflect the government’s commitment to the people, not as favours but as recognition of their trust.
He announced plans to equip every block in Ganderbal with modern cricket and football grounds, libraries with internet facilities, and access to athletic and football infrastructure at GCOPE during non-academic hours. On healthcare, he assured funds for upgrading Ganderbal District Hospital and recruitment of additional doctors to address manpower shortages.
Reflecting on post-2019 challenges, Omar Abdullah vowed to continue delivering roads, jobs, education, health, electricity, and water to all areas, emphasising that no part of Ganderbal would be left behind. He concluded by pledging to work “day and night” to maintain the district’s steady growth, echoing the vision of Baba-e-Qaum, Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah.
