Sopore, May 14 (KNO): Asia’s second-largest Fruit Mandi to be transformed into a more robust and well-equipped hub for horticultural trade under over Rs 30 crore projects, Minister Javid Dar on Wednesday said.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Sopore, the Minister, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that an initial tranche of Rs 10 crore has been allocated for the current financial year, while an additional Rs 20 crore is in the pipeline and will be sanctioned in the coming months.
“The initiative is aimed at bridging critical infrastructural gaps in the Mandi and giving it a complete facelift,” the Minister said.
Responding to a query on the stalled Sopore railway stopover at the Bypass, Minister Dar acknowledged the public concern. “The stopover was unfortunately damaged during agitations and was halted by railway authorities. However, the government is actively reviewing the matter, and we are hopeful that the stopover will be restored soon,” he assured.
He also noted the demand for healthcare facilities within the Mandi premises and said that the government is working on providing basic healthcare infrastructure for the convenience of workers, traders, and visitors.
In response to whether Sopore will host an event similar to Srinagar’s Kisan Mela, the minister confirmed that the Sopore Fruit Mandi will indeed organize a mega Kissan Mela, showcasing agricultural products and engaging farmers in interactive sessions with experts.
It is noteworthy that the minister, who was accompanied by MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar, inaugurated the newly macadamized area within the Mandi, marking the start of the Mandi’s transformation.
The minister said that the development will be carried out in multiple phases. In the first phase, a project worth Rs 1.2 crore will see macadamization of 10,000 square feet area of the Mandi. This will be followed by a second phase involving Rs 2.05 crore to cover the remaining areas, which is expected to begin within a month.
“The Fruit Mandi of Sopore holds significant economic and cultural value. Requirements are there and development doesn’t stop—so the government is continuously working to meet these needs,” Minister Dar stated, reiterating his commitment to elevating the Mandi’s infrastructure and services—(KNO)