Reviews key urban projects, calls for effective town planning
‘Run for Unity’ flagged off by CM
SRINAGAR, OCT 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today led two significant events in Srinagar, underscoring his administration’s focus on sustainable urban development and the spirit of national unity.
The Chief minister chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) at the Civil Secretariat.
Joined by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, and Commissioner Secretary Mandeep Kaur, among other key officials, the Chief Minister examined the department’s progress and set priorities for ongoing urban development projects.
In his address, Abdullah emphasised the need to bolster town planning efforts to address the region’s rapid urbanization, remarking, “The effectiveness of our town planning will determine the future liveability of our cities.”
Discussions covered critical challenges, including central funding gaps, outdated master plans, and the alignment of various development authorities to streamline urban growth. The Chief Minister urged the department to prioritize the Smart City projects in Jammu and Srinagar, specifically calling for an increase in e-bus services under the FAME-II and PM e-bus Sewa schemes to connect key hospitals and high-demand areas. He stressed that efficient urban transport and sustainable development initiatives are vital for the evolving needs of residents.
Following the review meeting, Abdullah flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ from the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC) to commemorate National Unity Day, honouring the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The event saw participation from civil administration, police, CRPF, and local youth, who joined in celebrating the unity deeply cherished by the people of Kashmir.
Addressing the participants, Abdullah remarked, “The ‘Run for Unity’ embodies the spirit of unity, a value that binds us as a community.”
Before flagging off the run, the Chief Minister administered a unity pledge to the crowd, who then made their way to the Botanical Gardens at Cheshma Shahi.
