CM Omar Abdullah Inaugurates, Lays Foundation of ₹42.38 Crore Development Projects in Ganderbal
Ganderbal, May 10 (PTK): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects worth ₹42.38 crore across Ganderbal aimed at strengthening healthcare, road connectivity, tourism, heritage conservation, youth facilities and public infrastructure.
The Chief Minister began his visit at Beehama, where he laid the foundation stone for a Library and Reading Room to be developed by the Culture Department at an estimated cost of ₹4.83 crore. The project is expected to serve as a modern learning and knowledge centre for students and youth of the district.
He also e-launched several 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, development of Sindh Riverfront Phase-I and widening and upgradation of roads from Dursuma Market to Misbagh Baba Mohallah and Checkpora Arhama, involving a cumulative cost of ₹15.36 crore.
The Chief Minister further e-inaugurated the new Divisional Office building of Sindh Forest Division at Beehama constructed at a cost of ₹1.11 crore to improve administrative functioning and public service delivery.
In the heritage sector, Omar Abdullah laid the foundation stone for restoration, conservation and development of historic Masjid Hamam and allied works at Malshahi Masjid, Malshahi Bagh, at an estimated cost of ₹5.01 crore. Officials said the project aims to preserve the region’s architectural and cultural heritage while promoting heritage tourism.
At District Hospital Ganderbal, the Chief Minister inaugurated Bone Dexa Scan and Fibro Scan machines procured under CSR support from HDFC Bank at a cost of ₹1.16 crore. The advanced diagnostic equipment is expected to improve healthcare services and facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Later, at Gadoora, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for construction of a Youth Hostel at 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 inspected an exhibition of modern sports science and training equipment including gait analysis systems, force plates, body stat analysis tools, life support demonstration units, skiing equipment and coaching analysis software. He appreciated the college administration for promoting scientific approaches in sports education.
The Chief Minister also visited the site of the long-pending Guzhama Bridge project and reviewed its progress. Officials informed him that the technical evaluation process has been completed and the bridge design is under preparation.
Directing concerned departments to ensure timely execution while maintaining quality standards, Omar Abdullah said the government is committed to completing the project within the approved cost and stipulated timeframe.
Local residents expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for reviving the bridge project, which had remained stalled for more than a decade. Interacting with the locals, Omar Abdullah assured them that the government is fully aware of the hardships faced due to the absence of the bridge and reiterated his commitment towards its early completion.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, Forest Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, Youth Services and Sports Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq along with senior officers of the administration.(PTK)
