Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh receiving equitable attention: Omar

Hitting out at those allegedly trying to mislead the people of Jammu by saying that the region would not prosper until it had its own CM, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said he had ensured equitable and inclusive development for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
"A deliberate attempt is being made to mislead the people of Jammu and Ladakh by saying that Jammu will have no development and prosperity until it has its own chief minister.
"(But) I had thought that if I got a chance to sit in the chair of chief minister, I will not resort to mere slogans or talk, but will do good work to ensure that Jammu does not need a CM for itself," Omar said at an event to lay the foundation stone for a ropeway project between Peerkhoo-Mahamaya-Shahbad near Bahu Fort here.

"Since we (NC-Congress alliance) came to power in 2009, equitable and inclusive development of the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions has remained a benchmark of our functioning," he said.
"Those who are talking about regionalism are actually attempting to divide the people and hide facts," he said.
He pointed at the establishment of the central university, launch of a fourth bridge over Tawi river, construction of an artificial lake, completion of Jammu Golf Course and start of work on upgrading of Jammu Airport, etc. As the significant projects undertaken by the coalition government.

Talking about the ropeway project, Omar said that it would fulfil the desire of the people of Jammu for a gondola like the one at Gulmarg.

It took the state government quite some time to get clearances from Supreme Court, the Forest Advisory Committee, Wildlife Board and other environment protection agencies for the project, he said.
The foundation stone for the project was laid by Omar in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand and Minister for Tourism, GA Mir.
Omar, meanwhile, said that the upcoming artificial lake on the Tawi and the restoration of the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex would provide a boost to tourism in Jammu.
Mir said that the Jammu ropeway would consist of two sections. Section-I, with a length of 1,137-m between Peerkhoo and Mahamaya and the 453-m long Section-II from Mahamaya Park to Shahbad.

The ropeway will consist of mono-cable detachable six- seater gondola system with imported grips, rope, cabins and other critical components.
The project, which is likely to cost over Rs 40 crore, is slated to be completed in 30 months.