SRINAGAR, MAY 10: Omar Abdullah on Saturday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects worth ₹42.38 crore across Ganderbal district aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure, road connectivity, tourism, heritage conservation, youth facilities and public amenities.
The Chief Minister began his visit at Beehama, Ganderbal, where he laid the foundation stone for a Library and Reading Room to be established by the Culture Department at an estimated cost of ₹4.83 crore. The facility is envisioned as a modern learning and knowledge hub for students and youth of the district.
He also e-launched several major infrastructure projects, including upgradation of inner links of Ahan Zazna, Waskura and Khojbagh Kondbal; construction and upgradation of link roads from Gutlibagh to Baba Wayil under NABARD-RIDF; construction of Sindh Riverfront Phase-I at Ganderbal; and widening and upgradation of the road from Dursuma Market to Misbagh Baba Mohallah, Checkpora Arhama, involving a cumulative cost of ₹15.36 crore.
The Chief Minister further e-inaugurated the new Divisional Office building of the Sindh Forest Division at Beehama, constructed at a cost of ₹1.11 crore to improve administrative functioning and public service delivery in the forest sector.
In the heritage sector, Omar Abdullah laid the foundation stone for restoration, conservation and development works at the historic Masjid Hamam and allied works at Malshahi Masjid, with an estimated cost of ₹5.01 crore. The project aims to preserve the region’s cultural and architectural legacy while promoting heritage tourism.
At District Hospital Ganderbal, the Chief Minister inaugurated Bone Dexa Scan and Fibro Scan machines procured under the CSR initiative of HDFC Bank at a cost of ₹1.16 crore. The advanced diagnostic facilities are expected to enhance healthcare services and support early diagnosis and treatment.
Later, at Gadoora, Ganderbal, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a Youth Hostel at the Government College of Physical Education Ganderbal to be executed by the Public Works Department at a cost of ₹15.26 crore.
During his visit to the college, Omar Abdullah also inspected an exhibition displaying modern sports science and training equipment, including magnetic gait analysis systems, force plates, body stat analysis tools, skiing equipment, bowling machines and coaching analysis software. He appreciated the institution for promoting scientific approaches in sports education.
The Chief Minister also visited the Guzhama Bridge project site and reviewed the progress of the long-pending project. Officials informed him that the technical evaluation process had been completed and the bridge design was under progress. Omar Abdullah directed the concerned departments to ensure timely execution while maintaining quality standards.
Interacting with local residents, the Chief Minister assured them that the government was committed to completing the bridge project within the approved timeframe, acknowledging the hardships faced by people due to the project remaining stalled for over a decade.
During the visit, the Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Minister for Forests Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq along with senior officers of various departments.
