CM Omar Abdullah Lays Foundation Stone for Key Infrastructure Projects in Udhampur, Says Opposition is a Vital for Democracy

UDHAMPUR, Aug 7 — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today laid the foundation stone for the ₹124.39-crore Augmentation of Water Supply Scheme in Udhampur under the AMRUT 2.0 program. Designed to address long-standing drinking water requirements and support expected urban expansion over the next 10 to 15 years, the project is scheduled for completion within 18 to 20 months.

Alongside Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, Udhampur West MLA Pawan Gupta, Reasi MLA Kuldeep Raj Dubey, and Commissioner Secretary Mandeep Kaur, the Chief Minister also virtually laid the foundation stone for a ₹16.33-crore Used Water Management Project in Reasi, which features a 3.0 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant aimed at enhancing regional public health and quality of life.

Addressing the gathering, Omar Abdullah highlighted growing concerns over frequent disruptions along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway between Udhampur and the Nashri Tunnel.

He explained that erratic weather patterns and heavy rainfall linked to broader climate change have made this section increasingly vulnerable compared to past years. Emphasizing that changing environmental conditions require both government measures and proactive public participation in water conservation and disaster mitigation, he noted that official responsibility must go hand in hand with community awareness.

Speaking on democratic principles, the Chief Minister underscored that while political competition remains natural during elections, post-election governance must remain unbiased and focused entirely on public welfare. He assured that development initiatives will benefit all citizens regardless of voting preferences, affirming that legitimate local demands and developmental proposals brought forward by regional representatives will receive proper consideration as funding allows.