Bandipora, Jun 17 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today gave Bandipora district a massive developmental boost by inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for 18 major projects worth approximately ₹100 crore. These multisectoral projects span higher education, roads, bridges, clean drinking water, urban development, and agriculture infrastructure, aiming to directly address the key needs of the local population.
Major initiatives include the construction of the Government Degree College at Ajas (₹14 crore), a footbridge over the River Jhelum at Tundipora-Hakbara (₹10.62 crore), a female student hostel at Government Degree College Bandipora (₹10 crore), and a school building at Kaloosa (₹3.71 crore). Other works include the Markundal-Hajin road upgrade (₹7.13 crore), a water supply augmentation scheme (₹6.66 crore), a multi-storey car parking facility (₹3.74 crore), and residential apartments for Panchayati Raj Institution members.
During his visit, the Chief Minister chaired a high-level review meeting to evaluate the developmental scenario, public service delivery and the progress of various schemes. The review meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo (through virtual mode), Javed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmad Khan, MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat, MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib, senior officers; Heads of Departments; and district officers.
Noting Bandipora's progress in the last financial year, Chief Minister Abdullah urged all departments to maintain their developmental momentum. He emphasised that the government has cleared administrative and financial approvals well in advance this year. This proactive step ensures that departments in Bandipora can utilise the working season fully and execute projects timely, rather than rushing at the end of the financial year. The Chief Minister added that this step is vital for the district due to challenging geographical and climatological conditions.
Highlighting Bandipora's rich natural wealth, the Chief Minister called for the scientific cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. He directed that the possibility of setting up a specialised industrial estate for medicinal herbs be explored. This initiative is expected to enhance local entrepreneurship, create fresh jobs for the youth and add significant value to the district’s natural resources.
Local lawmakers also raised constituency-specific demands regarding developmental aspects which the Chief Minister promised would be swiftly reviewed and resolved.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister distributed vehicles to beneficiaries under the UMEED initiative and inspected stalls set up by local self-help groups. He also met with the public. delegations from Gurez, Tulail, and Sonawari, assuring them of timely and equitable redressal of their developmental concerns.
A special highlight of the visit was an open interaction between the Chief Minister and the students of Government Degree College, Bandipora. The session was hosted by a female student, followed by a lively interaction session where students asked candid questions about governance, jobs, and public policy. Praising the confidence of the students, the Chief Minister encouraged the young generation to actively participate in democracy and nation-building—(KNO)