Will ensure smooth, safe conduct of Amarnath Yatra, Mela Kheer Bhawani: CM Omar

G’bal: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the government is putting adequate measures to ensure safe and smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra and Mela Kheer Bhawani.
Talking to reporters in Ganderbal, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the administration is making adequate arrangements while security related measures are also being made to ensure smooth conduct of Mela Kheer Bhawani and Amarnath Yatra.
He said that tourism has been hit badly, but currently the situation is not such to revive the sector again. “Once the Amarnath Yatra concludes, the government will sit with stakeholders and take measures to revive tourism again,” he said.
He added that tour operators from outside also want tourism to flourish here again. “Some groups have started arriving again. The revival measures will be taken once the yatra concludes,” he said.
The Chief Minister visited his constituency in Ganderbal where he inaugurated an old age home at Pandach, and also laid the foundation stone for a veterinary hospital. He also visited Kheer Bhawani temple to review arrangements for the upcoming mela.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated several development projects, laid foundation stones for various upcoming works and interacted with people to know their grievances.
The Chief Minister, who represents the Ganderbal constituency in the J&K Legislative Assembly, said it reflected “our government’s commitment to improving basic amenities and the quality of life for all.” At Bakura, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Water Supply Scheme—a vital project that will ensure clean and dependable drinking water in the area. The scheme has been completed under the JKIDFC programme. The scheme, with a revised cost of Rs 329.04 lakh, is a groundwater-based project.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Old Age Home at Pandach, constructed at a cost of Rs 499 lakh. The two-storey facility includes medical rooms, dining halls, and accommodation for elderly residents. The Chief Minister inspected the facility and toured different rooms including male and female wards, kitchen, and cardio section. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his satisfaction over the facility, saying it is a significant step towards ensuring dignity and care for our senior citizens. Similarly, at Safapora, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of the Science Block at Government College of Engineering & Technology (GCET) Safapora—a key addition to strengthen technical education of the institution