SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation for multiple development projects in the Baramulla district, including key road works and panchayat infrastructure aimed at strengthening connectivity and grassroots governance.
The Minister launched the Rs 200.24 lakh macadamisation project at the Fruit and Vegetable Mandi, Sopore. The initiative is aimed at improving infrastructure in North Kashmir’s primary horticultural trading hub, with a focus on streamlining transport, enhancing trade operations, and supporting economic activity in the region.
In addition, he inaugurated the upgradation work on the Rawoocha–Hatchipora–Pazalpora–Hamam Markote road, an important rural connectivity project expected to ease movement of people and goods across several villages.
As part of his visit, Javid Dar also laid foundation stones for three Model Panchayat Ghars at Daniwagha, Chatloora, and Drussu in the Rafiabad constituency. Each unit is being constructed at a cost of Rs 35 lakh under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), taking the total estimated investment in the panchayat infrastructure to Rs 105 lakh. These facilities aim to improve delivery of rural governance services and promote participatory planning at the grassroots level.
Addressing a public gathering at Government Higher Secondary School, Dangiwacha, the Minister said these projects reflect the government’s broader push for rural development, infrastructure modernisation, and economic empowerment. He urged youth to actively participate in government welfare schemes focused on agriculture, horticulture, livestock, skill-building and entrepreneurship.
Javid Dar reiterated the government’s focus on improving rural infrastructure and services, stating that the Omar Abdullah-led administration is committed to inclusive growth, youth development and decentralised governance.
