Ganderbal district received a major developmental impetus Tuesday as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah approved and initiated Rs 80 crore worth of projects spanning healthcare, water management, sanitation, and roads. The CM, fondly referring to Ganderbal as his personal backyard, seized the opportunity during his visit to propel these long-awaited schemes forward.
Explaining the delay, Abdullah noted, “Legislative duties and Jammu trips held me back, but today we’ve launched or foundationed Rs 80 crore in critical projects.”
Highlights feature a new CT scan unit at the local hospital for advanced diagnostics; rollout of various water supply initiatives to quench chronic shortages; a full-scale drainage scheme to mitigate waterlogging; and a comprehensive bypass road enhancing district-wide mobility.
“All these are indispensable for Ganderbal, with construction ramping up shortly,” he committed.
Addressing harassment reports against Kashmiri students in Punjab University, Abdullah outlined a resolution path. “A conversation with Punjab CM is on the cards. Their pro-J&K stance assures action; we’ll liaise with the university to safeguard our youth.”
Praising the Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, he acknowledged environmental challenges: “It’s the premier spot, no doubt, but weather volatility necessitates forward-thinking adaptations.”
On Rahul Gandhi’s BJP barbs, Abdullah backed him unequivocally: “He’s the BJP’s fiercest critic nationwide – fulfilling opposition duties to the hilt. What more could one demand?”
Abdullah’s engagements herald a brighter future for Ganderbal, merging infrastructure revival with resolute student support and political commentary.