RAMBAN, Nov 29: Reaffirming his commitment to accelerating infrastructure growth across the Banihal–Gool constituency, National Conference leader and MLA Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen, today inaugurated three crucial Jal Shakti protection works at an estimated combined cost of Rs 104 lakh, giving a major boost to the region’s water management and flood protection infrastructure.
The first project, sanctioned at a cost of Rs 50 lakh, aims to construct a vital protection wall around the Vegetable and Fruit Market in Banihal town, where nearly 250 vendors depend on daily trade for their livelihood. The initiative will safeguard the market land from erosion and seasonal floods, opening the way for establishing a full-fledged, modern Mandi in the near future.
Shaheen laid the foundation stones for two more protection works along the Bishlari River, sanctioned at a combined cost of Rs 55 lakhs at Malikpora near old Toll Post and ward No 5 at Ganaipora. These works will secure two densely populated localities that remain vulnerable to recurring flood damage.
While addressing the public, Shaheen said the newly launched projects demonstrate the government’s resolve, under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, to upgrade essential infrastructure and secure public assets in remote and flood-prone pockets of the constituency.
He further emphasized that several major projects across Education, Health, Roads, Jal Shakti, Sports, and Irrigation have already been cleared by the present government and will enter the execution stage soon. “These initiatives will bring long-lasting benefits, strengthen public service delivery, and push Banihal–Gool toward sustainable development,” he added.
The MLA was accompanied by the Assistant Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, EO MC Banihal, officers from the Flood Control Department, and senior National Conference functionaries.
