MLA Sajjad Shaheen lays foundation stone for 2 major Jal Shakti Projects in Banihal, Khari

Banihal, Nov 19: In a significant step toward strengthening public infrastructure in the Banihal–Khari region, MLA Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen laid the foundation stones of two major Jal Shakti projects, marking an important milestone in the area’s development landscape.

The first project involves the construction of the Sub-Divisional Office (SDO) building of the Jal Shakti Department, sanctioned at a cost of Rs 49.65 lakh. Once completed, the new office will improve departmental functioning and ensure more efficient water supply services across the sub-division, said a press release.

The MLA also initiated work on a major protection project covering 120 kanals of State land at Padghampura, Kundan, and the premises of Government Higher Secondary School Khari. This vital intervention will protect the land from erosion and encroachment, paving the way for future government assets and public infrastructure to be developed in Khari.

Addressing the gathering, Shaheen said that these works reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening water infrastructure, safeguarding public land, and ensuring planned development in remote areas. He noted that the people of Banihal and Khari will see significant improvements once these projects are completed.

He further stated that a number of major developmental projects across the Education, Health, Roads, Jal Shakti, Sports, and Irrigation sectors have already been approved during the present government led by CM Omar Abdullah, and that work on these projects will begin shortly. He expressed confidence that these initiatives will transform public service delivery and accelerate the overall growth of the constituency.

The MLA was accompanied by the Execution Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, Tehsildar Khari, officers from the Flood Control Department, and senior party block functionaries.

Local residents expressed their appreciation for the timely initiation of these projects and welcomed the broader development agenda underway in the region.