Jammu, Dec 11: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated newly constructed residential blocks at Ahata Amar Singh and Sarwal, marking a significant step in strengthening housing infrastructure for Government employees associated with the Darbar Move.
The Chief Minister formally opened the facilities by cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Estates Department Shaleen Kabra, Director Estates Ashwani Khajuria, Deputy Director Estates Jammu Dr. Vikas Sharma, and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
The two new blocks comprise 56 compact two-room residential flats built as Ground + 6 floor structures. Each unit includes two bedrooms, a lobby/living area, kitchen, two washrooms and a balcony—designed to efficiently meet the accommodation needs of employees while ensuring cost-effectiveness and optimal space utilisation.
The Chief Minister inspected the newly constructed flats, appreciated their aesthetics and quality, and expressed satisfaction over the space management and functional layout. He said the project would ease accommodation pressures and provide employees with improved living facilities.
During the briefing, Director Estates Ashwani Khajuria informed the Chief Minister that the project had been executed with a strong emphasis on functional design, structural safety and affordability. He added that the department is working on a comprehensive plan to modernise old residential colonies in a phased manner.
Deputy Director Estates Jammu Dr. Vikas Sharma briefed the Chief Minister on the layout, amenities and supervision mechanisms instituted to ensure strict quality control and timely completion of ongoing housing units.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring safe, secure and well-planned residential infrastructure for employees. He recalled that in November this year, following the restoration of the Darbar Move after four years, he had inspected these residential colonies and directed officers to ensure optimal use of land, maintain high aesthetic and construction standards, and replace old and unsafe quarters with modern facilities.
To address the growing accommodation requirements, the Chief Minister instructed the concerned department to explore the construction of high-rise residential towers and adopt vertical designs that maximise available land while expanding housing capacity. He stressed that such initiatives would help bridge the existing housing gap, offer employees a modern living environment, and promote fair and equitable allocation of quarters across employee categories.
The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of Estates Department in accelerating construction at various locations and emphasised the need to continue upgrading residential infrastructure for the welfare of Government employees.
