Jammu, Nov 14 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday inaugurated a newly constructed block of residential flats at Muthi, marking a major step towards strengthening the Government’s housing infrastructure for its employees.
The Chief Minister formally opened the facility by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Director General Estates Tariq Hussain Ganai, Deputy Director Estates Jammu Dr. Vikas Sharma, and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
The new block at Muthi comprises 28 one-room residential flats built as a Ground + 6 floors structure. Each compact unit includes a bedroom, lobby/living area, kitchen, and washroom—designed to efficiently meet the residential needs of employees while ensuring cost-effectiveness and optimal space utilization.
The Chief Minister inspected various flats, appreciated their aesthetics, and expressed satisfaction over the space management evident in the construction. He hoped that the project would help in addressing the accommodation requirements of government employees.
During the briefing, DG Estates Tariq Hussain Ganai informed the Chief Minister that the project has been executed with a strong focus on functional design, structural safety, and affordability. He added that the department is undertaking a comprehensive plan to modernize old residential colonies in a phased manner.
DD Estates Jammu Dr. Vikas Sharma briefed the Chief Minister on the layout, amenities, and ongoing supervision mechanisms put in place to ensure quality control and timely completion of upcoming housing units.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening residential infrastructure and ensuring access to safe, secure, and well-planned housing for employees.
“Our aim is to bridge the gap in government accommodation by creating modern, sleek and employee-friendly residential spaces across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The Chief Minister later inspected the ongoing construction of 56 two-room residential flats—28 each at Ahata Amar Singh and Sarwal. These Ground + 6 floor structures include two bedrooms, a lobby/living area, kitchen, and two washrooms, designed to meet the needs of employees with families. The projects are scheduled for completion in December 2025.
He directed the officers to ensure optimal use of available land, maintain high aesthetic standards quality in construction and phase out old and unsafe quarters to make way for new and improved residential facilities.
The Chief Minister observed that the combined 84 residential units coming up at Muthi, Ahata Amar Singh, and Sarwal will substantially reduce the shortage of government accommodation. He emphasized that these initiatives aim to close the existing housing gap, provide employees with modern and better living environment, and promote fair and equitable allocation of residential facilities across different employee categories.
He appreciated the Estates Department for expediting construction across multiple locations and underscored the need to continue upgrading public infrastructure for the welfare of government employees—(KNO)