CM stresses timely project completion, efficient fund utilisation in south Kashmir

Kulgam, Oct 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday reviewed the progress of developmental projects, fund utilisation, and winter preparedness in the twin south Kashmir districts of Anantnag and Kulgam and called for the timely completion of projects, efficient fund utilisation, and ensuring uninterrupted power and water supply during the upcoming winter months.

Chairing a review meeting of Kulgam district to assess the progress of developmental works under the District CAPEX Budget 2025-26 and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), the CM appreciated the district administration’s effective response during the recent floods and reviewed ongoing measures for infrastructure restoration and public service delivery.

He directed officers to ensure uninterrupted power and water supply during the upcoming winter months, to expedite permanent restoration of damaged infrastructure, to intensify field inspections, and to strengthen inter-departmental coordination.

The CM instructed the officers to prioritise the completion of all ongoing projects within set timelines to ensure visible outcomes on the ground.

Reviewing winter preparedness, he underscored the importance of equipping districts, particularly in snow-prone areas, with sufficient 4x4 ambulances to ensure uninterrupted emergency services.

“We are working with the concerned departments to make sure that every district has an adequate number of 4x4 ambulances so that people do not face difficulties during heavy snowfall,” CM Omar said, directing officials to ensure that the ongoing arrangements include appropriate mobility and safety measures.

On the developmental front, he said that while the number of new works had increased compared to the previous year, the value and scale of ongoing projects had also grown significantly.

“Our achievement levels need to improve further as the working season is short. I urge the district administration to utilise the remaining two months effectively to maximize expenditure and progress,” the CM said.

Highlighting the importance of timely fund utilisation under CSS, he directed officers to ensure that the first installments are fully utilised by December to avoid delays in the release of subsequent funds.

“Frequent reviews are essential to track the progress and utilisation under schemes like SASCI to prevent work disruption and withholding of funds on account of low percentage of expenditure by December end,” CM Omar said.

On the occasion, he e-inaugurated several key urban infrastructure projects in Kulgam, including the solid waste management and material recovery facility at Lirrow, the municipal shopping complex, and a modern abattoir, aimed at strengthening commerce and civic amenities in the district.

Earlier, the CM inspected departmental stalls showcasing various government schemes, welfare initiatives, and achievements under flagship programmes.

He interacted with officials and beneficiaries, appreciating their efforts in ensuring citizen-centric governance and effective public service delivery.

CM Omar assured that all genuine demands would be considered with priority to accelerate Kulgam’s overall growth and development.

Continuing his extensive tour of Anantnag district, he chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the developmental scenario, ongoing projects, and implementation of government schemes in Anantnag.

In Anantnag, the CM took a detailed stock of the progress under District CAPEX 2025-26, CSS, and other flagship programmes.

Emphasising interdepartmental coordination and rigorous project monitoring, he directed officers to ensure the time-bound completion of all ongoing works and the effective delivery of public services.

CM Omar called upon the district administration to expedite implementation under the CAPEX budget, noting that current expenditure levels were low.

He instructed DC Anantnag to conduct fortnightly reviews to ensure full utilisation of allocations by December, ensuring the timely execution of works under SACSI and cautioning against any lapsing of funds.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to development, the CM assured that all significant and priority works would be taken up for implementation.

He urged legislators to make optimum use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for local projects, citing the construction of marriage halls as one such viable initiative.

Speaking on the SASCI scheme, CM Omar said, “There is a big responsibility on us under SASCI. We must ensure full expenditure of the funds received by December to secure the next instalment. I urge the Deputy Commissioner to monitor progress weekly, address slippages promptly, and keep my office informed of any issues. I do not want a single SASCI project to suffer due to implementation delays.”

He directed that utilisation of available funds be prioritised and assured that all legitimate public demands raised during the meeting would receive due consideration.

“As we have done in the past year, we will continue to take up and execute as many developmental works as possible in the coming year,” the CM said, complimenting the district team for their efforts so far.

He also e-inaugurated the tehsil office building at Shangus and dedicated it for public use.

During the review, CM Omar underscored the need to accelerate development works with regular fortnightly monitoring, ensuring timely utilisation of funds, and preventing lapsing of funds.

He directed that all core infrastructure – healthcare, education, tourism, and horticulture initiatives be strengthened to enhance livelihood opportunities and economic growth.

The meeting in Kulgam was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana, Javid Dar, and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, DDC Chairperson Kulgam, MLAs Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami and Pirzada Feroz Ahmad, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary R&B, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Athar Amir-ul-Shafi Khan, heads of departments, and all district officers.

During the meeting, the DDC Chairperson and local legislators raised several development-related issues concerning their respective areas.

Earlier, the DC Kulgam gave a presentation outlining the district’s developmental progress, achievements, and challenges for 2024-2026.

He highlighted key focus areas like post-flood infrastructure restoration, healthcare, agriculture, education, and rural-urban development.

Significant progress was reported under CAPEX investments, with major achievements in irrigation, education, health, and urban sectors, besides ongoing works on bridges, roads, and water supply schemes.

Schemes like MGNREGA and PMAY have generated substantial employment and housing support. Upgradation of health facilities, improved school retention rates, and expansion in horticulture, livestock, and fisheries sectors were also noted.

The DC underlined proactive winter preparedness, while identifying challenges such as transformer shortages, staff vacancies, and delays in road restoration and industrial land allotment.

He said the district’s integrated departmental coordination continues to drive resilient and inclusive growth.

The meeting in Anantnag was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana, Javid Dar, Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, District Development Council Chairperson Anantnag, Members of the Legislative Assembly Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed (Anantnag), G A Mir (Dooru), Altaf Ahmad Wani (Pahalgam), Abdul Majeed Bhat (Anantnag West), Zaffar Ali Khatana (Kokernag), Bashir Ahmad Veeri (Srigufwara–Bijbehara) and Reyaz A Khan (Shangus–Anantnag East).

Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, DC Anantnag Fakhruddin, heads of departments, district officers, and other concerned officials also attended the meeting.

DC Anantnag Fakhruddin gave a detailed presentation highlighting the status of development works, ongoing projects, and performance of various departments in the district.

Earlier, the public representatives presented various constituency-specific issues and developmental demands for redressal.