In a continued effort to shape the upcoming budget, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conducted a series of pre-budget consultations at the Civil Secretariat today, engaging with public representatives from various districts of Kashmir. The meeting included Chairpersons of District Development Councils (DDCs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Bandipora, with some participating virtually.
The discussions were attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D. Vaidya, Director General Budget M.S. Malik, Director General Expenditure Sajad Hussain, and Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts.
- Srinagar’s Developmental Priorities
During the consultations, MLAs from Srinagar sought substantial funding for key developmental projects and public welfare initiatives. They highlighted the capital city’s unique needs and discussed several priority areas, including traffic decongestion, parking solutions in downtown Srinagar, and flyover construction. MLAs Ali Muhammad Sagar, Mubarak Gul, Shamim Firdous, Tanvir Sadiq, Ahsan Pardesi, and Salman Ali Sagar outlined their proposed projects, emphasizing community halls, restoration of water bodies, sports infrastructure, and improvements in drainage systems. - Key Infrastructure and Environmental Concerns
The MLAs also raised concerns about improving drinking water quality, upgrading sewage treatment plants, and ensuring efficient solid waste management, particularly focusing on the Achan landfill site. There were calls for introducing water ambulances in Dal Lake, dredging Dal’s canals, and enhancing fire victim relief efforts. They also requested widening of roads and creating employment avenues for Srinagar’s youth. - Bandipora and Ganderbal District Proposals
Elected representatives from Bandipora and Ganderbal also presented their developmental proposals. Chairman DDC Bandipora and MLAs from Bandipora, Gurez, Sumbal, and Kangan constituencies shared their focus on crucial infrastructure needs such as fire service stations, upgrading the Bandipora-Gurez road to National Highway status, and allowances for officials in far-flung areas. Additionally, the employment of locals in Hydro Electric Power (HEP) projects, providing critical medical equipment to Bandipora’s health institutions, and creating income-generation opportunities through tourism were also discussed. - Health, Education, and Infrastructure Improvements
The discussions also centered on the improvement of health and education facilities, along with the need for further development of roads, water supply systems, power distribution, and irrigation infrastructure. The MLAs stressed that improving these basic amenities would boost the quality of life and attract investment to these districts. - Tourism, Youth, and Sports Development
The meeting also emphasized boosting tourism and expanding youth services and sports facilities in the region. The MLAs highlighted the importance of local youth employment in development projects and discussed key public demands aimed at improving their constituencies. - District Profiles and Current Projects
The Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Bandipora provided comprehensive presentations on the district profiles, demographic data, and existing infrastructure. These reports outlined the current district-level projects, including those under the District Capex and Centrally Sponsored Schemes. These insights played a vital role in identifying the districts’ needs and planning future developments.
With these consultations, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underscored the importance of gathering input from all districts to ensure that the upcoming budget addresses the specific needs of Kashmir’s diverse regions and empowers local communities with the resources they require for sustainable development.
