Govt will ensure safe Amarnath Yatra, Kheer Bhawani Mela: CM
Tours Ganderbal constituency, promises better infrastructure, holds public darbar
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said all arrangements will be made to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the upcoming Kheer Bhawani Mela and the Amarnath Yatra.Jammu dining guide
Abdullah visited Ganderbal, a constituency that he represents in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, and paid his respects at the revered Kheer Bhawani temple in the district.
“We have started our preparations (for the yatra). As far as security is concerned, all arrangements will be put in place. It will be our endeavour to have a successful Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela first, and then an Amarnath Yatra via both routes of Sonamarg and Pahalgam. We want all yatries to return safely,” he told reporters.
Mela Kheer Bhawani, an important religious event for Kashmiri Pandits, is likely to be celebrated in the first week of June. Kashmiri Pandits from all parts of the country assemble at the temple of Ragnya Devi. The annual Amarnath Yatra will begin on July 3.
Asked about the effects of the Pahalgam attack on tourism, the chief minister said the government will wait for the situation to stabilise before working on the revival of the tourism sector.
“It has been hit, but as of now, we are not doing anything about it. Let the situation stabilise first, then we will sit with the stakeholders and take steps to revive tourism under a programme.
“The good thing is that the tour operators outside JK also want it to revive. Some groups have started coming. But let the yatra pass off peacefully, then we will focus on tourism,” he added.
The chief minister also inaugurated a slew of developmental projects in Ganderbal.
“Delighted to inaugurate the Water Supply Scheme at Bakura, Ganderbal — a vital project that will ensure clean and dependable drinking water for over 4,000 people. Joined by Hon’ble Ministers @sakinaitoo, @JavedRanaa, and Advisor @nasirsogami on this important step forward for the community. This reflects our government’s commitment to improving basic amenities and the quality of life for all,” Abdullah said on X.
The Chief Minister, who represents the Ganderbal constituency in the J&K Legislative Assembly, said it reflected “our government’s commitment to improving basic amenities and the quality of life for all.”
At Bakura, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Water Supply Scheme—a vital project that will ensure clean and dependable drinking water in the area. The scheme has been completed under the JKIDFC programme. The scheme, with a revised cost of Rs 329.04 lakh, is a groundwater-based project.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Old Age Home at Pandach, constructed at a cost of Rs 499 lakh. The two-storey facility includes medical rooms, dining halls, and accommodation for elderly residents. Chief Minister inspected the facility and toured different rooms including male and female wards, kitchen, and cardio section.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his satisfaction over the facility, saying it is a significant step towards ensuring dignity and care for our senior citizens.
Similarly, at Safapora, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of the Science Block at Government College of Engineering & Technology (GCET) Safapora—a key addition to strengthen technical education of the institution.
“Technology is the backbone of modern entrepreneurship—our youth must be equipped to lead the future,” CM Omar Abdullah said.
At Wahidpora, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the Central Veterinary Hospital. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 437.82 lakh, involves the construction of a two-storey structure to enhance veterinary infrastructure in the district.
“A significant step toward strengthening rural infrastructure and supporting our farmers and livestock owners. Ensuring quality animal healthcare is vital for a thriving agrarian economy,” the CM said.
Later, the Chief Minister visited Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple where he took stock of the facilities available for devotees for the forthcoming Mela Kheer Bhawani. He also interacted with the temple management and devotees, who brought several issues to his notice.
“Ensuring a smooth, safe, and welcoming environment for devotees remains our top priority,” he said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured them that all the issues flagged would be resolved on priority to smoothen the upcoming Mata Kheer Bhawani festival.
Also, the Chief Minister distributed scooties among specially-abled individuals in Ganderbal today, empowering them to go about their routine smoothly.
“My government is committed to create an inclusive society where everyone can thrive,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister, later in the day, held a public darbar where he met dozens of deputations and scores of individuals who flagged their demands, issues and grievances before him.
People from all corners and far-flung areas of the district came to the darbar and raised the issues of their respective areas. People from areas like Waskura, Manigam, Lar, Manasbal, Safapora, Kangan, Gund, Fatehpora, Dagpora, Wayil, Sherpathri, Shallabugh, Beehama, Nunner, and many other localities participated.
They raised issues such as potable water supply, establishment of a district library, model schools, upgradation of health centres and educational institutions, new industrial estates, road connectivity, municipal and sanitation concerns, old age and disability pensions, playing fields, construction of bridges and culverts, desilting of irrigation canals, and development of new irrigation canals for agricultural fields.
The Chief Minister listened patiently to all the grievances and assured that all genuine issues would be resolved on priority.
“The interaction with you helps us to reach out to you in a better way, and the trust you have in me, I deeply value. Grateful for the opportunity to serve and strengthen our collective progress,” CM Omar told the visiting delegations.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues—Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health & Medical Education Departments Sakeena Itoo, Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmad Rana, Minister for Agriculture Javed Ahmad Dar and Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani.
Additional Chief Secretary Education Shantmanu, Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Department Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Department Sanjeev Verma, Director Social Welfare Kashmir Mohammad Akbar Wani, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, SSP Ganderbal Khalil Poswal, Chief Engineer Public Works (R&B) Department Kashmir Sajjad Naqeeb and other concerned officers also accompanied the Chief Minister during his visit. (with inputs from PTI)
