GANDERBAL: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated and laid foundation stone for more than a dozen development projects worth ₹36.50 crore during an extensive tour of Ganderbal district, reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure in sports, power sectors and improving road connectivity in the district.
At Beehama, the Chief Minister inaugurated six major sports infrastructure projects including the upgradation of Beehama Stadium, Madr-e-Meherban Stadium, and playfields at Gund Rehman, Manigam, Wakura, and Batwina. These projects mark a significant investment in nurturing local sports talent and promoting a healthy sporting ecosystem across the district.
Unveiling new sports equipment for youth, the Chief Minister also witnessed impressive performances in Judo, Thang-Ta, and Yoga, showcasing Ganderbal’s vibrant sporting spirit.
At Saloora, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated and dedicated a 33/11 KV, 1×6 MVA receiving station to the public.
Later, he inaugurated the Pre-Fab Indoor Badminton Hall at the Government College of Physical Education (GCOPE), Gadoora, and even participated in a friendly badminton match.
In the same complex, the Chief Minister inaugurated a 400-meter Synthetic Athletic Track and a Synthetic Football Turf, flagging off a 100-meter sprint of girls before himself taking part in a 100-meter sprint, amidst applause from the gathering.
The Chief Minister also laid foundation stone for four crucial road connectivity projects, including the upgradation of Shajinga Link Road and Khatijinag Road; construction and upgradation of the Dar Mohallah–Watalbagh–Dangerpora road; construction of the Pati Waskura–Kharbagh road; and construction of the Tehsil Bagh–Lar Bye Pass–Yanihama–Dangerpora road.
During his tour, Omar Abdullah was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Principal Secretary PDD Rajesh H Prasad, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, Director General YS&S Anuradha Gupta, Managing Director KPDCL, Chief Engineers of PDD and PW(R&B), Secretary J&K Sports Council, and other senior officers.
Addressing a large gathering at Government College of Physical Education, Omar Abdullah described the day’s inaugurations and laying of foundation stone of multiple works “the beginning of a new era of development in Ganderbal.” He said that these projects were not a favour to the people but an expression of gratitude for their trust and support.
The Chief Minister announced that every block in Ganderbal will be equipped with a modern cricket and football ground, as well as a library and reading room with internet facilities, so that both sports enthusiasts and students preparing for competitive exams are equally supported. He asked Youth Services & Sports Department to allow local residents access to the athletic track and football turf at GCOPE during non-academic hours, ensuring wider community participation.
Highlighting the newly inaugurated Saloora Grid Station, Omar Abdullah, who represents Ganderbal constituency, said it would significantly strengthen the power distribution system in the district. He further assured that funds had been allocated for upgrading facilities at the Ganderbal District Hospital, along with recruitment of additional doctors to address manpower shortages.
Omar Abdullah also reflected on the political and administrative challenges following the 2019 changes, but asserted that his government is determined to deliver despite all these limitations. “We will not make excuses, nor will we stop working. We will provide roads, jobs, education, health, electricity, drinking water, and playfields to our people,” he said, assuring that no part of Ganderbal district will be left behind.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister vowed to work “day and night” to ensure that Ganderbal continues on a steady path of growth and development, echoing the legacy of Baba-e-Qaum, Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah.
