JK News Today
Banihal, 8 December: In a major step towards improving road connectivity in remote areas of the Banihal–Gool Assembly constituency, National Conference leader and MLA Banihal, Mr. Sajjad Shaheen today laid foundation stone of three major road projects—Meghdar–Moranch Road, Gamnog–Nakka via Jawari, and Gagarsula–Gundi Dharam Road—sanctioned under PMGSY-IV at a cumulative cost of ₹78.24 crore. He also laid foundation stone of Panchayat Ghar at Manjhal ,Harog being constructed at a cost of 29.24 lakhs besides inaugurated 3 Kms Ghamari road constructed at an estimated cost of 12 Crore.
These projects will provide long-awaited relief to residents of the far-flung habitations of Sumar, Jawari, Meghdar, Moranch, Gagarsula and Gundi Dharam, who have faced decades of difficulty due to lack of proper road access.
Speaking at a public function in Sumar, Mr. Shaheen said that the commissioning of these roads marks a critical milestone in addressing the hardships of local residents. He observed that the absence of motorable roads had created severe challenges—patients being carried on shoulders, students travelling unsafe routes to schools, and essential supplies reaching late.
He reiterated that providing road connectivity to the region was a key commitment he had made during his election campaign and that he was pleased to have delivered on that promise.
Mr. Shaheen stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Banihal–Gool constituency is witnessing rapid developmental progress across sectors. He informed that numerous projects in roads, bridges, drinking water, flood protection, irrigation, health, education, electricity, rural development, sports, agriculture and horticulture have been taken up, many of which are now under active execution.
He highlighted recent initiatives including Jal Shakti protection works, strengthening of water supply schemes, expansion of irrigation canals, improvement of health infrastructure, diagnostic upgrades, school infrastructure enhancement, development of sports facilities, augmentation of power infrastructure, horticulture cluster development, and large-scale MGNREGA works across panchayats.
“All these initiatives form part of a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring equitable and sustainable development for every village and every household,” he said, adding that several more long-pending projects have been approved and will soon be taken up on ground.
The event was attended by DDC Chairperson Dr. Shamshada Shan, District President Ramban Abid Magrey, , Former BDC and District Vice President Tosha Singh & M Rafi Salaria, Block president Mohd Sultan Mughal, Youth Block President Mohd Ashiq besides other senior party workers also addressed the gathering.
Residents of Sumar, Meghdar, Gagarsula and adjoining villages welcomed the inauguration of the road projects, terming them a long-awaited development that will greatly ease their daily hardships. They expressed appreciation for MLA Sajjad Shaheen’s consistent efforts and commitment towards the development of the region.
