Srinagar,August 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday conducted an early-morning tour of Srinagar, taking stock of various ongoing and proposed development projects aimed at strengthening public services, easing traffic and improving urban mobility in the historic Shehar-e-Khaas.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, several MLAs and senior government officers.
During the visit, Omar Abdullah inspected the newly constructed building of the Urban Primary Health Centre at Maharaj Gunj and reviewed the facilities available there. He said the centre brings modern healthcare infrastructure while retaining the historical character of the area and would help improve healthcare delivery and patient care in Shehar-e-Khaas.
He also visited the proposed bridge site at Barbar Shah and reviewed the plans for the project. Omar said the bridge would help ease congestion for commuters heading towards Shehar-e-Khaas and provide smoother movement through the area once completed.
The Chief Minister later inspected the ongoing conservation and restoration work at the historic Aali Masjid in Eidgah, being carried out by the Department of Culture. Highlighting the mosque’s historical and spiritual significance, he directed the concerned authorities to complete the restoration work carefully and within the stipulated timeframe.
Omar Abdullah also reviewed the proposed Mominabad Vehicle Underpass (VUP), which is planned to reduce traffic congestion and improve vehicular movement along the National Highway.
During the tour, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the long-pending upgradation and beautification of Mirza Kamil Sahib Chowk in Zadibal.
Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq said the project, estimated at Rs 128.7 lakh, would help address congestion, improve traffic regulation and enhance the appearance of the important junction named after Mirza Kamil Sahib Astan.
Sadiq said the project would make the chowk cleaner, more organised and visually improved. He also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo and Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani for taking up the long-standing demand of local residents.
The MLA also thanked residents who turned up around 6 am to welcome the Chief Minister, describing their presence and support as heartwarming.
The early-morning visit formed part of Omar Abdullah’s review of key infrastructure and development works being undertaken and planned across Srinagar.
