Shadow Correspondent
Srinagar, NOv 1:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today laid the foundation stone for the Widening and Four Laning of Boulevard Road from Nehru Park to Kral Sangri (RD 2000 Mtrs to RD 7000 Mtrs), marking a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Srinagar’s scenic and tourism infrastructure.
The prestigious project, being executed by the Public Works (R&B) Department at an estimated cost of Rs. 19.94 crore, aims to improve road connectivity along the Kashmir’s most iconic lakefront stretch.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Khanyar Ali Mohammad Sagar, MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, MLA Zadibal Tanveer Sadiq, MLA Chanapora Mushtaq Guroo, Chief Engineer R&B, and other senior officers and officials were present on the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the widening of the Boulevard
‘Development of Srinagar
stretch will not only decongest traffic but also enhance the aesthetic and tourism value of the Dal Lake precincts. “Travelling on Boulevard Road has become tortuous—it takes hours to reach one’s destination,” the Chief Minister said, adding that his government is planning a series of projects to decongest Srinagar’s road network and provide much-needed relief to residents and tourists alike.
The Chief Minister said that for over a decade, Srinagar has not been given due attention, but that “all wrongs will now be corrected and undone under our government.”
He emphasized that this was not limited to Srinagar alone, adding:
“Even Jammu city has not its due. The neglect faced by both cities in the past ten years will be set right by my government. We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, or region.”
He cited the restoration of the Darbar Move tradition, originally introduced by the Dogra rulers of Jammu, as evidence of his government’s commitment to unity and equality across regions.
Touching upon urban housing challenges, the Chief Minister said his government is seriously planning for decongestion and vertical housing solutions in Srinagar.
“Land in Srinagar is shrinking, and we must now go vertical. Sustainable housing and city planning are top priorities for us,” he stated.
Referring to the footbridge near Silk Factory Rajbagh, Omar Abdullah said that the bridge was originally conceived as a motorable structure during his earlier tenure, but was later downgraded to a pedestrian bridge “for reasons best known to the successive regimes.”
“We now plan to make it motorable again — a two-storey bridge with one level for pedestrians and another for vehicular movement,” he announced.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said the project will significantly improve road safety and accessibility, benefiting both locals and visitors. Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani remarked that the initiative reflects the government’s focus on infrastructure-driven growth, while MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar lauded the government’s sustained developmental push in Srinagar city.
Once completed, the project will ease traffic congestion along the picturesque lakefront corridor, offering a smoother, safer and more scenic route for commuters and tourists, further enhancing Srinagar’s standing as one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today questioned the alleged irregularities in the funds that were provided to the Jammu & Kashmir Government after the devastating 2014 floods.
Speaking at a public function, Omar expressed concern over the city’s recurring flood vulnerability and demanded that the government open all records related to post-2014 flood rehabilitation projects.
The Chief Minister said that for over a decade, Srinagar has not been given due attention, “Don’t we have any right to save the city of Srinagar from floods? Tell us what steps were taken after 2014 to safeguard the city. What projects were made, and where is the money that came from the World Bank?” he asked.
Referring to the dredging of the Jhelum and the flood spill channel, Omar alleged large-scale mismanagement during the PDP-BJP government.
“The money that was spent on the project of dredging Jhelum—who ate that money? Did that dredging really happen? Who was the minister in charge at that time? Whose responsibility was it? Open the files and tell us where the flood relief money went,” the Chief Minister said.
He said Srinagar witnessed flood like situation following just two days of rainfall in August this year.
“In 2014, it took six days of continuous rain for embankments to breach; this time, it happened on the third day. What did you do for the city of Srinagar in the last few years? Why was this city ignored?” Omar said, adding that only divine intervention prevented a major disaster this year.
Omar hit back at the BJP over its allegations of corruption against Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary, urging the authorities to “open all files” — not just of the present government but also of previous regimes — to bring the truth before the people.
“Today you raise your finger against my deputy CM. He clearly said, open the files, open the books, and see what happened. I say, open the files of the government of that time ( PDP- BJP government ) along with ours,” Omar said.
Omar emphasized that neglect was not limited to Srinagar alone but Jammu also
“Even Jammu city has not its due. The neglect faced by both cities in the past ten years will be set right by my government. We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, or region.”
Omar also hit out at BJP for ending the biannual shifting of the civil secretariat between Srinagar and Jammu, which was restored by the elected government this year.
“What did they do to the city of Jammu? What was the compulsion that the Darbar Move was closed? This Darbar Move was not the legacy of Sher-e-Kashmir (Sheikh Abdullah), not of Farooq Abdullah, and not mine either. This practice existed even before 1947,” Omar said.
The Chief Minister said that despite not having political representation from Jammu city, his government worked to uphold fairness and restore administrative justice to the region.
“If we had decided on the basis of religion or elections, I didn’t get a single MLA from Jammu city, and I would never open offices. But seeing that injustice was done to Jammu, we restored the Darbar Move there and removed that injustice,” he said.
Omar asserted that his government remains committed to ensuring balanced governance.
“There will be obstacles in our path, but God willing, we will continue to stand against injustice,” he added.
Earlier, the Chief Minister today laid the foundation stone for the Widening and Four Laning of Boulevard Road from Nehru Park to Kral Sangri marking a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Srinagar’s scenic and tourism infrastructure.
The prestigious project, being executed by the Public Works (R&B) Department at an estimated cost of Rs. 19.94 crore, aims to improve road connectivity along Kashmir’s most iconic lakefront stretch.
