Jammu, 20 August (H.S.): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today undertook an extensive early-morning tour of Srinagar city, covering all eight Assembly constituencies, to take stock of ongoing development works, inspect key infrastructure projects and assess the delivery of public facilities and civic amenities on the ground.

Beginning the tour at around 6:30 am, the Chief Minister visited a number of important project sites covering road and traffic infrastructure, healthcare, heritage conservation, sports facilities and other urban development works. He reviewed the physical progress of the projects with officers and executing agencies and sought timely completion of works so that their intended benefits reach the people at the earliest.

At Barbar Shah in Habba Kadal, the Chief Minister inspected the site for the proposed multi-span bridge over Choont Khul, a project aimed at improving connectivity to Shehar-e-Khaasand easing traffic congestion in the area.

The Chief Minister was briefed that the bridge is expected to facilitate smoother movement of commuters heading towards Shehar-e-Khaas, streamline traffic flow, improve road safety and strengthen urban mobility in the historic core of the city.

The Chief Minister also inspected the newly constructed building of the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC), Maharaj Gunj. The upgraded facility, located in the historic heart of Shehar-e-Khaas, is intended to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and improve patient care through enhanced infrastructure.

At Mirza Kamil Sahib Chowk, Hawal, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the beautification, upgradation and junction improvement project, aimed at improving traffic management, pedestrian movement and the overall appearance of the important urban junction.

At Sub District Hospital (SDH) Habak, Hazratbal, the Chief Minister inspected the ongoing construction of the new hospital building and reviewed the progress of the long-pending project.

The project had remained stalled for a considerable period and was revived after the present Council of Ministers granted the required norm relaxations, paving the way for its resumption and eventual strengthening of medical services in the area.

The Chief Minister inspected the ongoing upgradation of SDH Habak, Hazratbal, which has a revised project cost of Rs 54.49 crore and envisages a two-phase facility comprising two basements, four storeys and a 50-bed hospital. He directed the concerned authorities to maintain momentum and ensure that the upgraded facility is completed within the stipulated timelines.

The Chief Minister next inspected the ongoing conservation and restoration of the historic Aali Masjid at Eidgah, being undertaken by the Department of Culture.

Reaffirming the immense historical, architectural and spiritual importance of the centuries-old monument, he directed the authorities to ensure meticulous conservation and timely completion of the project while maintaining the character and heritage value of the structure.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar