CM Omar Dedicates ₹76-Crore Development Package to Shopian

SHOPIAN, JULY 2: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday dedicated a ₹76.45-crore development package to Shopian, inaugurated and laid the foundation of 13 infrastructure projects, and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to balanced and equitable development across the district.
Chairing a comprehensive district review meeting, the Chief Minister assessed the progress of developmental works, implementation of key government schemes and delivery of public services.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Shabir Ahmad Kullay and Showkat Hussain Ganai, along with senior civil and district officials, attended the meeting.
Reviewing the district’s developmental profile, Omar Abdullah described Shopian as a geographically small but strategically important district whose economy is closely linked to its apple industry, scenic beauty and the historic Mughal Road.
He acknowledged the financial constraints facing Jammu and Kashmir but assured that they would not hamper the district’s development.
“There will be no injustice with Shopian or with any Assembly constituency of the district despite our financial limitations,” he said, directing officials to address developmental demands in a time-bound manner and personally monitor projects sanctioned under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme.
The Chief Minister appreciated the district administration for the progress achieved and commended legislators for their constructive suggestions during the review.
Earlier, Omar Abdullah inaugurated and laid the foundation of projects covering roads, bridges, drinking water supply, urban development, rural infrastructure and horticulture.
The inaugurated works included the upgradation of the Shirmal–Wathoo–Matipora Road, water supply schemes at Shadab Karewa, Domwani, Adijen Gadipora and Rebon Khojpora, residential accommodation for Panchayati Raj Institution members at Gagren, the Trenz–Sheikhpora Bridge, and the upgradation of the Safanagri–Lamine Darbagh Wachi Road.
He also laid the e-foundation for the Doompora multi-cell causeway, beautification of Shopian town, a mechanical windrow composting unit at the Mega Fruit and Vegetable Mandi, Aglar, and a pasteurised compost-making unit at Allowpora.
At Aglar, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for an auction platform at the Mega Fruit and Vegetable Mandi to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure and improve marketing facilities for growers.
Interacting with representatives of the Fruit Mandi Association, farmer groups and horticulturists, Omar Abdullah assured that the government would address issues related to controlled atmosphere (CA) storage, marketing infrastructure and availability of shops on priority.
He also promised concrete measures to tackle the menace of spurious pesticides and work towards introducing weather-based crop insurance, hailstorm protection nets and other risk mitigation measures to safeguard farmers and fruit growers.
Later, the Chief Minister met several public delegations from different parts of Shopian and assured them that their genuine grievances would be examined and addressed on priority.
He also visited exhibition stalls set up by government departments and local entrepreneurs, where he appreciated locally produced agricultural, horticultural and value-added products, highlighting the importance of promoting local enterprise and rural livelihoods.