Directs cultural imprint on all properties
NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday reviewed plans to establish new JK Houses in Dwarka in the national capital and Mumbai, and to revamp existing government properties across several states and Union Territories to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s presence nationwide.
The review meeting was attended by Resident Commissioner J&K Ramesh Kumar and senior officers of the Resident Commission, who presented updates on ongoing projects, budgetary requirements and future development plans.
While reviewing progress of multiple infrastructure projects handled by the J&K Resident Commission, the Chief Minister stressed that all upcoming and renovated JK House properties must showcase the rich cultural heritage and distinctive 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,” he said.
The meeting reviewed the status of J&K government properties in Dwarka, 5 Prithviraj Road in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Mumbai, and discussed proposals for expansion and modernisation of facilities for officials, students, patients and visitors from J&K.
The government has initiated steps to establish a new JK House in Dwarka and is pursuing development of a JK House at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai. A Detailed Project Report worth Rs 29.56 crore has been submitted for the Navi Mumbai facility along with a capital expenditure proposal of about Rs 30 crore.
For the proposed JK House in Amritsar, the Chief Minister asked authorities to take up land consolidation with the Punjab government, noting that scattered land parcels would not serve the intended purpose.
Omar directed officers to benchmark these projects with the best state guest houses across the country to ensure world-class infrastructure. He also advised studying best practices in architecture and service delivery from similar facilities established by other states.
The meeting deliberated on entrusting construction and renovation works to agencies such as NBCC and CPWD for efficient project execution.
