Omar Abdullah Greenlights Major Water Management and Heritage Revival Projects in Jammu & Kashmir

In a landmark move for sustainable development and cultural preservation, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has approved two key initiatives aimed at reshaping the region’s environmental and educational future.

The first initiative—a Used Water Management Project—includes the establishment of a Rs 19.99 crore Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Ganderbal, central Kashmir. The project is designed to ensure the proper treatment of used water, protect river ecosystems, and enhance public health and sanitation across the region. “This will ensure proper treatment of used water, keep our rivers clean and improve public health and sanitation,” the Office of the Chief Minister, J&K, shared on X (formerly Twitter).

In a parallel stride towards cultural and vocational empowerment, the J&K government has also sanctioned the Chief Minister’s Heritage Course Scheme under the Skill Development Department. This initiative seeks to revive seven traditional crafts by introducing specialized heritage courses across 25 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics. With an intake capacity of 500 students, the scheme provides stipends for trainees and honorariums for instructors, ensuring both sustainability and skill development.

Officials describe this dual-initiative as a “step towards preserving heritage and promoting skill-based livelihoods in J&K.”

These projects not only signify a strong commitment to ecological restoration and cultural revival, but also reflect the government’s focus on creating opportunities for youth through sustainable and meaningful education. It’s about building a future where tradition meets progress, where clean rivers flow beside thriving artisan communities — a vision deeply rooted in the soil and spirit of Jammu & Kashmir.