Bandipora infrastructure push: ₹100 crore development package launched to boost connectivity and education
BANDIPORA, June 17, 2026 :- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah provided a significant developmental boost to Bandipora district by inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for 18 major projects valued at approximately 100 crore. These multi-sectoral initiatives span higher education, road connectivity, bridges, clean drinking water, urban development, and agricultural infrastructure to directly address the essential needs of the local population.
Key infrastructure works include the construction of the Government Degree College at Ajas for 14 crore, a footbridge over the River Jhelum at Tundipora-Hakbara for 10.62 crore, and a female student hostel at Government Degree College Bandipora costing 10 crore.
During the visit, the Chief Minister chaired a high-level review meeting alongside Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and several cabinet ministers to evaluate regional public service delivery and scheme progress. Abdullah urged all administrative departments to maintain their execution momentum, noting that the government cleared financial and administrative approvals well in advance this year.
This proactive planning is intended to help local departments fully utilize the working season and complete projects on time, which is especially vital given the challenging geographical and climatological conditions of the district.Highlighting the natural wealth of the region, the Chief Minister called for the scientific cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants.
He directed officials to explore the possibility of establishing a specialized industrial estate for medicinal herbs, a move expected to enhance local entrepreneurship and create fresh job opportunities for youth. Local lawmakers raised constituency-specific demands during the session, which the Chief Minister promised would be swiftly reviewed and resolved.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister distributed vehicles to beneficiaries under the UMEED initiative, inspected stalls organized by local self-help groups, and met with public delegations from Gurez, Tulail, and Sonawari to assure them of equitable grievance redressal. The visit also featured an open interaction session between the Chief Minister and students of Government Degree College Bandipora.
Abdullah praised the confidence of the young participants who asked questions regarding governance, jobs, and public policy, encouraging them to participate actively in democracy and nation-building.