Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of major development projects worth ₹84.41 crore in the Ganderbal constituency, marking a significant push to strengthen infrastructure, healthcare, water supply, sanitation, education and road connectivity across Ganderbal district.
The projects, spanning multiple departments, were inaugurated and e-launched at different locations, reflecting the government’s focus on balanced and inclusive development.
Urban Beautification and Road Infrastructure
At Beehama, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the ₹770 lakh Beautification and Development Project of Ganderbal Town under the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UD–ULB), to be executed by PWD. The project includes construction of a grand entry gate, a municipal guest house, upgradation of the MC Terminal building into a Smart Library, development of playing areas and club facilities, and improvement of streets and pathways through cobble stone and tiling works.
The plan also provides for installation of street lights and garbage bins, façade improvements, murals and colour-coding of markets to enhance the town’s aesthetic appeal.
He also laid the foundation stone for a ₹750.78 lakh road project connecting the Bus Adda to District Hospital, including widening of Mirani Chowk to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity.
Additionally, e-foundation stones were laid for various road works in the constituency costing ₹1,288.40 lakh under PWD, upgradation of inner link roads of Treesa Safapora, including link roads at Check Yangaroo in Lar, at ₹302.11 lakh, and improvement and upgradation of Kohistan Colony Canal Roads along with allied works amounting to ₹379.62 lakh.
Healthcare and Sanitation Boost
At District Hospital Ganderbal, the Chief Minister inaugurated a CT Scan Machine installed at a cost of ₹840 lakh under the Health & Medical Education Department through DHSK, significantly enhancing diagnostic facilities for patients in the district.
At Rakhi Harran, he laid the foundation stone for a 4.5 MLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant under the Used Water Management Project of Municipal Council Ganderbal (SBM 2.0), costing ₹1,999.20 lakh under H&UD (UEED). The facility is expected to substantially improve sanitation standards and environmental sustainability in the town.
Drinking Water and Education Infrastructure
From Dak Bungalow Ganderbal, the Chief Minister e-inaugurated several key water supply schemes executed by the Rural Water Supply Division under the Jal Shakti Department and Jal Jeevan Mission. These include:
- Water Supply Scheme (WSS) Urpash Naderbagh – ₹679.14 lakh
- WSS Buderkund – ₹399 lakh
- WSS Manasbal – ₹130 lakh
He also laid e-foundation stones for improvement of school infrastructure across the district at a cost of ₹902.69 lakh under the School Education Department.
Focus on Tangible Outcomes
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized that development must translate into real improvements in people’s daily lives.
“From healthcare and sanitation to roads, schools and drinking water, these projects reflect our resolve to ensure comprehensive development of Ganderbal. Our focus is not merely on announcements but on timely execution and quality outcomes,” he said.
He added that investments in urban beautification, clean water supply, modern healthcare infrastructure and road connectivity would create economic opportunities and improve the overall quality of life.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also distributed Mission Yuva disbursal letters worth ₹55 lakh among beneficiaries.
Public Interaction
Later, he held a public interaction at Dak Bungalow Ganderbal, where delegations from Phekh, Safapora, Manigam, Batwina, Nunar, Wakura, Lar, Sherpathri, Yangoora, Traders Federation Ganderbal and Health Employees Confederation Ganderbal highlighted issues related to drinking water supply, lift irrigation, sports infrastructure, establishment of a fire service station and school upgradation.
Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, Director Urban Local Bodies Kashmir Qazi Sarwar and SSP Ganderbal Khalil Poswal accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit. Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana joined the foundation laying ceremony virtually.
