CM stresses modern facilities reflecting J&K’s heritage; projects planned in Dwarka, Navi Mumbai and other cities.
BuzzBytes
New Delhi : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed plans to establish new JK Houses in Dwarka in the national capital and Navi Mumbai while also assessing proposals to revamp existing government properties across several states and Union Territories.
The review meeting was attended by Resident Commissioner J&K Ramesh Kumar along with senior officers of the Resident Commission and concerned departments.
Officials briefed the Chief Minister on the status of ongoing infrastructure projects, budgetary requirements and future development plans aimed at strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s institutional presence outside the Union Territory.
While reviewing the progress of multiple projects being handled by the Resident Commission, the Chief Minister stressed that all new and renovated JK House properties must reflect the rich cultural heritage and unique identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Ensure that the new constructions and restructuring of existing properties carry a local touch of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural legacy so that these government assets reflect a unique blend of heritage and modern functionality,” Abdullah said.
The meeting reviewed the status of government properties in Dwarka and 5, Prithviraj Road in New Delhi, as well as facilities in Chandigarh, Amritsar and Mumbai. Proposals for expansion and modernisation of infrastructure meant for officials, students, patients and visitors from Jammu and Kashmir were also discussed.
Officials informed the meeting that the government has initiated steps to establish a new JK House in Dwarka, New Delhi, to augment accommodation and administrative infrastructure for J&K officials and visitors. Similarly, the government is pursuing the development of a JK House at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai to enhance J&K’s presence in the country’s financial capital.
Emphasising the importance of these projects, the Chief Minister said the government properties should serve as symbols of pride for Jammu and Kashmir and reflect its cultural richness and architectural identity.
“These institutions must make J&K proud of its properties and should stand as dignified representations in different regions of the country,” he said, directing officers to ensure quality infrastructure and timely completion of the projects.
While reviewing the proposed JK House in Amritsar, Abdullah asked the authorities to take up the issue of land consolidation with the Government of Punjab, noting that the presently available land parcels are scattered and unsuitable for developing a functional facility.
He directed officials to request a single consolidated plot from the Punjab government so that a properly planned JK House can be constructed in Amritsar.
Regarding the Navi Mumbai project, officers informed the meeting that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth about ₹29.56 crore has been submitted to the administrative department along with a capital expenditure proposal of around ₹30 crore for the construction of the facility.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of entrusting project execution to government agencies such as National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to ensure smooth implementation.
The Chief Minister also advised officers to study similar guest houses and institutional facilities developed by other states and Union Territories so that best practices in architecture, infrastructure development and service delivery could be incorporated.
“Benchmark these projects with the best state guest houses and institutional facilities across the country so that Jammu and Kashmir develops world-class infrastructure for its residents visiting these cities,” he said.
Earlier, Resident Commissioner Ramesh Kumar made a detailed presentation on the condition and status of various government properties managed by the Resident Commission, including offices, staff quarters, guest houses and VIP accommodation facilities.
He highlighted several development proposals including the upgradation of VIP rooms into suites at the Chanakyapuri JK House Complex, redevelopment of the Rajaji Marg property in New Delhi and expansion of guest house facilities at 5, Prithviraj Road.
The meeting also reviewed the status of other properties managed by the Resident Commission in cities including Chandigarh, Amritsar, Malabar Hill in Mumbai and Sirsa in Haryana.
