| Kulgam: CM Omar reviews winter preparedness, fund utilization | | |  Early Times Report
KULGAM, Oct 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of District Kulgam to assess the progress of developmental works under the District CAPEX Budget 2025–26 and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). The Chief Minister 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 strengthen inter-departmental coordination. He further instructed the officers to prioritize the completion of all ongoing projects within set timelines to ensure visible outcomes on the ground.
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 M.Y. Tarigami and Pirzada Feroz Ahmed, 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 attended the meeting.
While reviewing winter preparedness, the Chief Minister 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,” he said, directing officials to ensure that the ongoing arrangements include appropriate mobility and safety measures.
On the developmental front, the Chief Minister noted 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 utilize the remaining two months effectively to maximize expenditure and progress,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of timely fund utilization under Centrally Sponsored Schemes, Omar Abdullah directed officers to ensure that the first instalments are fully utilized by December to avoid delays in the release of subsequent funds. “Frequent reviews are essential to track the progress and utilization under schemes like SASCI to prevent work disruption and withholding of funds on account to low percentage of expenditure by the end of December ,” he added.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister e-inaugurated several key urban infrastructure projects in Kulgam, including the Solid Waste Management & 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 Chief Minister 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.
During the meeting, the DDC Chairperson and local legislators raised several development related issues concerning their respective areas. The Chief Minister assured that all genuine demands would be considered on priority to accelerate Kulgam’s overall growth and development.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Amir Ul shafi Khan, gave a detailed 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.
Deputy Commissioner 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. |
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