‘Expectations have risen after elections’
Excelsior Correspondent
GANDERBAL, Nov 9: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Mini Secretariat here today to assess the status of various development activities, projects, and schemes in district Ganderbal.
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During the meeting, he emphasized the need for a proactive approach among officers to ensure swift and effective resolution of public concerns. “Our contact with the public must increase. Following the elections, people’s expectations have risen, and more will be visiting Government offices. We need to change our approach, reach out to people and address their concerns,” the Chief Minister stated.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, other Cabinet Ministers including Sakeena Masood Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, and Satish Sharma; Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and Member of Legislative Assembly Kangan Mehar Ali.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, other Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, senior police and civil officials, Heads of Departments, and other concerned district officers were also present during the meeting.
As the representative of Ganderbal constituency in the Legislative Assembly, Omar reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the district’s development efforts. “Ganderbal, as my constituency, will experience more pressure-coming not just from me, but from the voters and residents here. Being elected from this segment naturally adds responsibility. I assure you of my full support and assistance in carrying out these duties,” he said.
Highlighting the year-round tourism potential of Sonamarg following the opening of the Z Morh Tunnel, the Chief Minister directed Tourism Department to come up with a plan for skiing at this tourist destination.
He remarked, “Until now, Sonamarg was known as a summer destination. However, with the Z Morh Tunnel, Sonamarg now becomes accessible year-round. Previously, Gulmarg was our primary ski destination, but I believe Sonamarg holds immense potential for winter tourism. We should consider Sonamarg from a winter tourism perspective and develop a comprehensive plan. This will allow us to mark areas for skiing and install ski lifts. Given Sonamarg’s excellent snowbound conditions, it deserves our attention.”
The Chief Minister also cautioned about delays in execution of works under CAPEX and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, underscoring the need to expedite execution of works in all districts, including Ganderbal.
“We haven’t had a particularly productive year in terms of projects’ execution due to successive elections and Model Code of Conduct being in force. To make up for lost time, we must accelerate our pace. We are behind last year’s progress, and funds are at risk of lapsing if not utilized in time. I earnestly urge the Deputy Commissioner and his team to expedite works on the ground. This dry spell, though discomforting in so many ways, however, provides an opportunity to complete ongoing projects before the wet season sets in. By the end of the financial year, let us aim to minimize the gap between approved and executed projects”.
Chief Minister added, “timely submission of utilization certificates is essential for funds’ release, so let’s ensure allocated funds are spent effectively”.
Recognizing the potential of Manasbal Lake for water sports, the CM said, “Manasbal has tremendous potential for water sports, with its water quality, depth, and unique conditions. We need to explore the possibility of establishing infrastructure to develop water sports at Manasbal.”
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal presented a detailed overview of the district’s infrastructure, achievements, and ongoing initiatives across sectors. Updates were provided on key projects, including the Srinagar-Leh Highway, Z-Morh Tunnel, Zojila Tunnel, and the progress on these works. Discussions covered various Centrally Sponsored Schemes such as PMAY, PM KISAN, and solid waste management, along with specific targets in social, agricultural, employment sectors and ongoing nasha-mukt campaign.
Winter preparedness, district capex, and additional schemes of the departments were also reviewed.
The Chief Minister was apprised of development scenario of the district through a detailed presentation and district officials were instructed to achieve targets in respect of water supply schemes, PMAY housing units for poor, social sector schemes.
Omar gave directions for expediting the process for grant of forest clearances which are necessary for completion of the road projects.
The district administration was asked to identify land for Eklavya Model School, achieve targets with regard to educational assistance and to ensure completion of works in new industrial estates and make allotment to eligible applicants to start their industrial units.
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