CM Omar inaugurates vital Rohmoo Bridge over Romeshi rivulet in Pulwama
Shadow Correspondent
PULWAMA, APR 15:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday inaugurated the 50 meter-long vital Rohmoo Bridge in Pulwama district, connecting the three districts of Shopian, Kulgam, and Pulwama with the capital city Srinagar.
The bridge, constructed at a cost of Rs 25.97 crore by the Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department under the World Bank-funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP), connects over 80,000 residents of several villages including Rahmoo, Mitrigam, Pakherpora, Zagigam, Putrigam, Tujan, Mirgund, Thokerpora, Tilsar, Char-e-Sharief, Yusmarg, Kamrazipora and adjoining areas of Pulwama district.
Addressing a large public gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister stated that with the commissioning of the Rohmoo Bridge, a long-pending demand of a large population in South Kashmir has been fulfilled.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the bridge will significantly boost connectivity from South Kashmir to Srinagar, particularly to Charar-i-Sharief, Pakharpora and other areas of Budgam District.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment, the Chief Minister said, “We will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the promises and commitments made to the people during elections.”
Underscoring the importance of Statehood, the Chief Minister said, “Statehood is not our destination but a prerequisite to start the process of reclaiming what the people have lost in the last six to seven years,” adding that the people’s mandate was for restoring their dignity and protecting their identity.
He also highlighted various initiatives and welfare measures undertaken during the last six months of his government.
The Chief Minister further added that the Rohmoo Bridge holds significant importance as it connects several villages in Pulwama with key historical sites in Budgam district, such as Pakherpora and Charar-i-Sharief, which attract numerous devotees from across Kashmir.
The bridge was severely damaged during the devastating floods of September 2014.
He expressed hope that the Rohmoo Bridge would serve as a vital link, promoting development and bringing much-needed relief to the local population.
Local public representatives and residents expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for addressing their long-standing demand, which will now provide greater convenience and accessibility.
The Deputy Chief Minister, in his speech, highlighted the various significant initiatives and public welfare measures of the present dispensation led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Jammu and Kashmir.
Advisor to the Chief Minister and local public representatives also addressed the gathering.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Rajpora Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir, DDC Chairman Pulwama Syed Baari Andrabi, MLA Pampore Hasnain Masoodi, DDC members, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said he was hopeful that statehood will be restored to Jammu and Kashmir very soon and the “appropriate time has come”.
He was speaking to reporters after inaugurating a bridge in Pulwama district.
“We think the appropriate time has come, six months have passed after since the assembly elections. (Union Home Minister Amit) Shah came here, I had a separate meeting with him, a good one … I am still hopeful that JK will soon get its statehood back,” Abdullah said.
On the opposition’s charge that the ruling party scuttled the discussion on Waqf Amendment Act, he said the adjournment motion could not have been admitted as the bill was passed by Parliament.
“The Speaker made everything clear on the last day. Perhaps, the mistake by the members was that they brought an adjournment motion. An adjournment motion is only brought to discuss the works of the JK government because the government has to respond.
“Tell me had that adjournment motion been accepted, how would we have responded as the Waqf Bill was not brought by us. It was passed by the Centre in the Parliament,” he said.
Abdullah said a resolution under different rules in the assembly might have been admitted.
“However, that has passed now. Many parties including National Conference have moved to the Supreme Court and put forth their views before the apex court. Now, we will see what the SC says,” he added.
Commenting on the inauguration of the bridge, Abdullah said it was unfortunate that the bridge connecting Chrar-e-Sharief to south Kashmir tool 11 years to rebuild after being washed away in 2014 floods.
“It is unfortunate that this took a long time to rebuild. This bridge was washed away in 2104 floods and it has taken 11 years to rebuild it. I think this bridge was destined to be thrown open by us only. This bridge plays an important role in connecting south Kashmir with Chrar-e-Sharief,” he said.
