Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Chaudhary, today visited Sopore and inaugurated Water Supply Scheme at Sopore's Fruit Mandi, Asia’s second largest fruit marketplace. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister for Jal Shakti, Forests and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, Minister for Agricultural Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar and MLA Sopore Irshad Ahmad Kar.
Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, Chief Engineer, PHE Kashmir, Vivek Kholi, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Zahoor Ahmad, ADC Sopore, S.A.Raina and President of Fruit Mandi Sopore, Fayaz Ahmad Malik along with members from the civil society and other senior officers were also present during the inauguration.
This critical infrastructure constructed under PMDP at the cost of Rs. 6.37 crore will now ensure provision of clean and safe drinking water for thousands of traders, workers and visitors who frequently visit the mandi.In his address, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the importance of ensuring essential services like clean drinking water in such a large trading hub.
He emphasized that the Water Supply Scheme is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support economic growth by improving basic infrastructure.Surinder Chaudhary emphasised that this Water Supply Scheme will not only provide clean drinking water to the mandi but will also enhance the quality of life for thousands who work here every day.
He highlighted that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, making it more conducive to trade and economic growth. Javed Ahmad Rana, in his address, said that the Water Supply Scheme is a response to long-standing needs in the mandi and represents the Jal Shakti department's commitment to public welfare.
He further acknowledged the importance of access to clean water in preventing health risks and supporting productivity in the state’s agricultural hubs. Minister of Agricultural Production, Javid Ahmad Dar, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the water supply project is essential for the welfare of traders and labourers, who rely heavily on this hub for their livelihood.
By ensuring clean drinking water, the scheme contributes significantly to the well-being of the entire Mandi community, he added.Later, the Deputy CM and other Ministers engaged with the public in an interactive session, where President of Sopore Fruit Mandi raised the issues concerning macadamisation of inner links of the Sopore Fruit Mandi, truck yard, construction of the Mazbugh Bridge, widening of the Ladoora Sopore Fruit Mandi Road, the macadamisation of a private shopping complex, street lighting, and other development issues.
The Deputy CM attentively listened to the public’s demands and assured them that work on these projects is already underway at full throttle and will be completed at the earliest.