MLA Pulwama Waheed Para challenges CM Omar Abdullah's claim on satellite townships

Srinagar, Jan 02: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader and MLA Pulwama Waheed-ur-Rehman Para today slammed chief minister Omar Abdullah for his remarks about establishment of satellite townships in valley, saying the statement is “contrary” as the concerned department working under CM’s supervision is actively identifying the land.

He said that chief minister should throw some light on the matter.

Taking to micro-blogging site X (formerly Twitter) Para said: “Contrary to CM @OmarAbdullah's claim that no proposal for satellite townships is under consideration, his own Housing Department is actively identifying land. In fact, Tehsildar Budgam held a meeting on 30 Nov 2024 regarding the same. CM Sahab may throw some light on this?”.

Para who shared a letter of Jammu & Kashmir Housing Board to Tehsildar Budgam/Chadoora dated 09.10.2024 stated that the Board has been entrusted to develop an integrated satellite township across the Ring Road at Srinagar with 500 meters depth on each side of Ring Road of area falling in Srinagar and Budgam districts.

“The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has been requested to issue necessary directions to the concerned revenue authorities for furnishing of title of the land, khasra number, area etc, or the land across ring road falling in Srinagar and Budgam districts with 500 meters dept on each side of the ring road, for assessment of feasibility of the proposed township project at ring road Srinagar,” the letter reads.

“Sheikh Javeiria, Naib Tehsildar Housing Board shall coordinate with your office for preparation of requisite information in a time bound manner,” the letter which is signed by Collector J&K Housing Board, Mushtaq Ahmad (JKAS) reads.

Earlier chief minister Omar Abdullah while addressing a press conference at SKICC Srinagar dismissed oppositions’ allegation of a satellite colony proposal, stating there was no such proposal on the table so far.

He highlighted plans to build townships to decongest Srinagar, saying, “It is for those people who want to move to the suburbs. There are four to five families living in one house in downtown.”