Sajjad Shaheen lays foundation stone of panchayat ghar, launches key irrigation works in Banihal

Srinagar, Dec 4: In a significant push toward strengthening grassroots governance and enhancing agricultural infrastructure, National Conference leader and MLA Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen inaugurated a series of developmental works in the Banihal–Gool constituency. Shaheen formally laid the foundation stone for the Panchayat Ghar at Tantrey Pora, a long-pending demand of the local population. The facility, sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 35 lakh and to be executed by the Rural Development Department, will serve as a vital centre for public administration, grievance redressal, community meetings, and Panchayat-level governance. Speaking on the occasion,  Shaheen said that the establishment of this Panchayat Ghar would greatly improve the efficiency and accessibility of rural governance, ensuring timely delivery of public services.

The MLA also launched two crucial irrigation ‘kool’ projects, sanctioned at a combined cost of Rs 35 lakh, under the Jal Shakti Department.

These traditional irrigation channels, once upgraded, will benefit a wide network of farmlands across multiple villages. The initiative is expected to support irrigation for nearly 20,000 kanals of cultivable land, providing a dependable water supply and significantly boosting agricultural productivity.

Shaheen noted that improved irrigation infrastructure is fundamental to the economic upliftment of farming communities. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising agriculture through sustained investments in water management and rural development. He further stated that the present administration remains focused on accelerating developmental works across sectors including roads, drinking water, irrigation, health, education, power, and rural infrastructure. He assured the public that several additional proposals have already been approved and will be taken up shortly to address long-pending demands of the constituency. He emphasised that ongoing projects are being monitored to ensure transparency, quality execution, and timely completion.

The event was attended by BDO Banihal, Executive Engineer R&B, senior party functionaries including Ilyas Wani, Ab. Rashid Sheikh, Mohd Sultan Mughal, Abdul Rashid Malik, engineers from the concerned departments, and a large gathering of locals. Residents expressed gratitude for the MLA’s efforts and appreciated the timely initiation of projects that address both administrative needs and agricultural development in the area.