Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress of telecom and digital communications infrastructure projects across Jammu and Kashmir, with a particular focus on extending services to remote villages, dark zones, and railway tunnels.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Information Technology Satish Sharma, Advisor to the CM NasirAslamWani, Chief Secretary AtalDulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, several Administrative Secretaries, and senior officials of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
Emphasising the transformative role of connectivity, the Chief Minister said robust mobile and internet services are essential for effective governance, quality education, accessible healthcare, vibrant tourism, and overall public welfare.
Officials from BSNL briefed the meeting on the status of the Amended BharatNet Project (ABP) Phase-III, which aims to deliver high-speed internet to Gram Panchayats and rural areas. The Chief Minister directed that strict timelines be adhered to and stressed the need to prioritize coverage of unserved and remote habitations.
Key challenges impeding project execution were flagged, including delays in land allotment for telecom infrastructure and the need for faster Right of Way (RoW) approvals from departments such as Roads & Buildings, PMGSY, BRO, and Forests for laying optical fibre cables.
The Chief Minister also called for ensuring uninterrupted digital services by providing electricity connections to all Gram Panchayats, implementing centralized billing and smart metering systems, and ensuring the availability and functionality of Panchayat or alternate government buildings for hosting digital infrastructure.
“Digital empowerment of our villages and towns is a cornerstone of inclusive growth,” said the Chief Minister. “We are committed to ensuring that no part of Jammu and Kashmir remains disconnected, whether it is a remote hamlet, a dark zone, or a railway tunnel.”
He directed BSNL and concerned departments to work in close coordination, resolve bottlenecks swiftly, and ensure timely completion of connectivity projects across the Union Territory.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to review the development of emerging tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism in the region.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasised the importance of site-specific tourism development, urging the Tourism Department to prepare Master Plans for each identified destination. He also called for robust solid and liquid waste management systems to ensure environmentally responsible tourism practices.
Highlighting the need for stronger institutional support, the Chief Minister directed the establishment of a dedicated Project Management Unit with adequate staffing. He further instructed the Tourism Department to expedite the submission of project proposals for cabinet approval.
Stressing on coordinated execution, the Chief Minister advocated for multi-tiered collaboration among tourism authorities, local governance bodies, line departments, and between the J&K Government and the Government of India to ensure timely completion of tourism projects.
A detailed presentation was made during the meeting, showcasing the tourism potential of emerging destinations and their capacity to generate significant employment opportunities for local youth.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainable development, urging all stakeholders to maintain a balance between Economy, Ecology, and Equity,the 3E principle,while planning and executing tourism projects.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the J&K Tourism App, a comprehensive digital platform aimed at helping tourists explore destinations across Jammu and Kashmir. The app provides information on attractions, available facilities, travel itineraries, and other essential services to enhance visitor experience.
