CM pushes for faster execution, fund flow in key development projects

Srinagar, June 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a series of high-level review meetings to assess the 2025–26 Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) plans of the Estates, Revenue, Tourism, and Culture departments.

He emphasised prompt approval of plans, timely authorisation of funds, and effective execution of development projects to ensure results on the ground.

Accompanied by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, along with top officials from concerned departments, the Chief Minister reiterated the importance of coordinated implementation, strong institutional capacity, and outcome-driven governance.

During the Estates Department review, officials reported 94.93% expenditure of the 2024–25 CAPEX allocation, with 182 of 217 works completed. The Rs 100 crore outlay for 2025–26 includes major housing projects in Pampore and Jammu, new twin towers at Canal Road, flats in Jawahar Nagar, and infrastructure upgrades in civil secretariats.

The Revenue Department shared its strong performance in digital governance, including 100% digitisation of land records and significant progress in cadastral mapping. With 133 new projects proposed and over Rs 69 crore already uploaded to the BEAMS portal, the department outlined major reforms in service delivery, transparency, and real-time land record management under LRIS.

Tourism Secretary Yasha Mudgal presented an ambitious infrastructure push with 1,071 works planned under a Rs 191.87 crore outlay for 2025–26. The department aims to strengthen destination development, create new tourism assets, revive idle infrastructure, and implement key budget announcements, including master plans, winter sports upgrades, and waste management in major resorts.

In the Culture Department review, officials detailed efforts in heritage conservation, infrastructure modernisation, and digitisation. With a proposed budget of Rs 132 crore for 2025–26, the department plans to scale up restoration of historic structures, revive cultural publications, and enhance regional art promotion. Notably, Rs 30 crore has been earmarked for the Mubarak Mandi Complex, and revised plans are underway for the SPS Museum and Tehzeeb Mahal.

The Chief Minister commended the departments for their structured plans but called for acceleration in approvals and field execution to ensure the timely delivery of public services and infrastructure. He stressed that tangible outcomes, particularly in areas impacting citizens directly, must be the primary focus of government spending.

Omar Abdullah reiterated his government’s commitment to modernising governance, enhancing transparency, and achieving inclusive development across Jammu and Kashmir.