Ganderbal, Nov 07: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting district Ganderbal’s infrastructure.
“I have come here not with empty hands, but with a commitment to uplift Ganderbal,” he said after laying the foundation stone for the Paribal-Takanwari Bridge over Nallah Sindh, which marked a significant step in enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in the district.
This 50-metre, single-span steel-trussed girder bridge, with a 7.5-metre-wide carriageway, is part of the NABARD RIDF-XXIX initiative and will connect Paribal to Takanwari. Once completed, the bridge will reduce the travel distance between Shallabugh and Batamaloo to 15 kilometres from the current 35-kilometre route through Duderhama-Beebhama-Ganderbal.
The bridge project, with a budget of Rs 1509.95 lakh, includes a 1.7-kilometre approach road and is expected to be completed within three years. This new route will not only improve mobility but is expected to boost economic growth and open development opportunities in the area.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony saw the attendance of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, DDC Chairperson Nuzhat Ishfaq, Vice Chairperson Bilal Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner Shyambir, Chief Engineer of R&B, and other district officials, underscoring the project’s significance for Ganderbal.
Addressing a large gathering at Paribal Sherpathri, CM Omar, who also serves as a Member of Legislative Assembly for the Ganderbal Constituency, said the bridge aligns with the promises outlined in the party’s manifesto, fulfilling a long-standing demand of Ganderbal’s residents.
He assured constituents that public meetings would be held regularly in Ganderbal so that local issues could be addressed without the need to visit the Secretariat in Srinagar. Instead, he committed to meeting the residents at Dak Bungalow Fatehpora frequently.
“The Paribal-Takanwari Bridge is more than just a structure; it represents the start of a new development phase for Ganderbal,” CM Abdullah said, highlighting the government’s dedication to advancing infrastructure projects that directly benefit the people of Ganderbal and improve their quality of life. Local leaders and dignitaries, including the DDC Chairperson and district representatives, expressed their gratitude for the Chief Minister’s commitment at the ceremony.
The district president of the National Conference highlighted local issues, such as the need for a CT scan facility at the District Hospital, the completion of the Gunzham Bridge, and road-widening projects from Nagbal to Wayil.
The CM’s Advisor congratulated the people of Ganderbal and assured them that the administration would promptly address their grievances and infrastructure needs. He also stressed the government’s dedication to addressing youth employment and other social issues in the district.
The Chief Minister outlined recent reforms, including a new examination schedule for students up to the 9th standard, aimed at enhancing education and supporting the future of students. He also discussed a recent Assembly resolution advocating the restoration of statehood, constitutional guarantees for Jammu & Kashmir and the importance of dialogue with the central government.
Omar affirmed his unwavering commitment to Ganderbal, expressing gratitude to the public and pledging to resolve local challenges. “The people of Kashmir have placed their trust in us, and we are here to honour that trust,” he said.
