Govt to use non-productive land for infra development: CM

Srinagar, Jan 02: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday said that his government would focus on utilizing non-productive land for infrastructure development.
Addressing concerns about land allocation for the proposed National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar in Pulwama district, he assured that the government would explore alternative locations if the people of Pulwama collectively reject the plan.
CM said that development should align with local needs and sustainable practices. “We can collectively identify non-productive lands and shift the proposed NIT to a more suitable location,” he told reporters during his media interaction in Srinagar.
He also noted that other districts have expressed eagerness to host the NIT Srinagar project, with even an MLA from another party requesting its relocation to their area.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of cross-political and regional cooperation to ensure balanced development that considers the aspirations of different districts.
“While we understand people’s concerns, we cannot halt development. Development must go hand in hand with addressing those concerns. We will try our best to ensure that land for roads or railways is non-productive,” he added, responding to questions about land acquisition for various government projects.
He also mentioned that a delegation from Newa Pulwama had raised concerns about the establishment of the NIT in their area.
“If the people of Newa are opposed to the project, we will relocate it to a place where it is accepted wholeheartedly,” he assured.
Addressing allegations regarding the establishment of satellite townships, the Chief Minister Omar clarified that there was no such proposal currently on the table. He dismissed the claims and stated that people who are making the noise were the ones who spoke about the concept of greater Jammu and Srinagar.
However, Abdullah did confirm that townships would be developed to help decongest Srinagar city.
“These townships are for those who wish to move to the suburbs. There are four to five families living in a single house in downtown Srinagar,” he said.