Ganderbal, Feb 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the government is committed to accelerating infrastructure growth and addressing administrative gaps across Jammu and Kashmir. He inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth around ₹80 crore in Ganderbal district,
Speaking to reporters during his visit, the Chief Minister said he could not visit the area earlier due to the Assembly session in Jammu, but emphasised that Ganderbal remains close to him. “The area is my own. I couldn’t come for a few days due to the Assembly session and official engagements in Jammu,” he said.
The projects inaugurated or launched include the installation of a CT scan facility at Ganderbal hospital, multiple water supply schemes, a comprehensive drainage project for the town, and a bypass road aimed at easing congestion at Beehama Chowk.
Abdullah said these were long-pending requirements of the district and assured that work on approved projects would commence soon. “Many important projects which Ganderbal needed have been approved, and their execution will begin shortly,” he said.
He also distributed mission letters to several beneficiaries to help them start their own businesses, adding that the administration continues to engage with public delegations to address grievances.
On road widening demands, the CM said the foundation stone has already been laid, and the project timeline has been tightened. “They were asking for a year, but we have directed that the pace be increased and the project be completed within this year,” he said.
Responding to concerns over staff shortages in revenue, health, and education departments, Abdullah acknowledged the problem but clarified that it is not limited to Ganderbal. “If this were only an issue of Ganderbal, I would have said I failed here. But this problem exists across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, adding that the government is working to fill vacancies in a phased manner.
He admitted that in some areas officials are holding additional charges due to staff shortages, but assured that the issue would be gradually resolved.
Addressing allegations of harassment in connection with Ring Road works, Omar said no such incidents were reported on the day but promised to investigate any claims of injustice. “If there is any wrongdoing, I will look into it,” he said.
On reports of harassment of Kashmiri students in Punjab, the Chief Minister said he would speak to his counterpart in Punjab. He expressed confidence that the Punjab government has always supported Jammu and Kashmir and would not allow discrimination against students. “If Kashmiri students are facing difficulties anywhere, we will ensure the matter is addressed,” he said, adding that universities concerned would also be approached.
Synthetic track access for youth
Responding to concerns that local youth are not being allowed to use the synthetic athletic track built in Gadoora at a cost of ₹11 crore, Abdullah clarified that the facility was constructed for the Physical Education College.
However, he assured that local youth could be granted access after proper registration. “If young people want to use the track, I will speak to the college authorities. They should identify and register themselves, and permission will be facilitated,” he said.
The Chief Minister urged students and workers from Jammu and Kashmir currently in Iran to follow the advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
“Airports are open and commercial flights are operating. My request is that they should not ignore the Government of India’s advisory. If the situation worsens, it may become difficult to evacuate them later,” he said.
Omar advised them to return for now and consider going back if conditions remain stable. “The advisory has not been issued without reason. It should be taken seriously,” he added.
