Omar Govt Fast Tracking development in Chenab region: Javed Rana

• Unveils a “ground-up governance push” powered by tourism, water security and tribal inclusion; Rattan Lal Gupta, Shaheen,  Arjun and Dr. Shamshad Shan pitch unity as the growth engine, flagging divisive narratives as development roadblocks

JAMMU: Senior leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and Hon’ble Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest & Tribal Affairs, Javed Rana, asserted that the Chenab region is witnessing a transformative infrastructural push under the Omar-led government. He emphasized that this development surge is strategically anchored in boosting tourism, strengthening potable water access, and advancing tribal welfare—signaling what he described as a “holistic and people-centric governance model” for the region.

He was addressing a massive meeting of General Public / Party funcationaries at Batote during the first leg of his five-day tour of the Chenab region. Rattan Lal Gupta Provincial President Jammu Start tour programme 1^st Day at Batote. The meeting was organized and chaired by Abid Magray District President Ramban. Among others, party legislators Sajjad Shaheen Hon’ble MLA Banihal  and Arjun Singh Raju Hon’ble MLA Ramban, along with senior leaders, Dr. Shamshad Shan former DDC Chairperson Ramban,  Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell and  Arif Mir Provincial Secretary Jammu were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Rana said the Omar-led government has brought a renewed and results-driven focus on the Chenab region, prioritizing the upgradation of tourism infrastructure and ensuring the delivery of essential civic amenities, particularly potable water. He noted that the administration has decisively moved beyond “symbolic tokenism” in tribal affairs to a framework of tangible development and meaningful outreach.

“Our government is working on a multi-pronged strategy to unlock the development and tourism potential of the Chenab region. Eco-parks are being conceptualized across key locations, while long-pending potable water schemes stalled during the previous regime have been revived—many are already functional and others nearing completion,” he said.

Highlighting tribal welfare, Rana added that communities in the region are once again at the center of policymaking. “The biggest achievement of the Omar government is restoring a sense of belonging among the people of Chenab. They feel heard, seen, and prioritized by an elected government that believes in delivery, not rhetoric,” he remarked.

He urged party workers to amplify the government’s achievements at the grassroots level and counter what he termed as “misleading narratives.” “The opposition is working overtime to distort facts because the pace and scale of our governance have unsettled them. Our workers must take the truth to every doorstep,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Rattan Lal Gupta underscored that good governance under Omar Abdullah has laid the foundation for inclusive growth in the Chenab region. “Development cannot take root without trust and transparency, and this government has ensured both while strengthening communal harmony, which remains the bedrock of progress in this region,” he said.

Legislator Sajjad Shaheen, in his address, emphasized the need for unity and vigilance against divisive narratives. “The Omar-led government stands for inclusive development and social cohesion. The people of Chenab have always upheld communal harmony, and any propaganda aimed at disrupting this fabric must be defeated collectively,” he said.

Legislator Arjun Singh Raju echoed similar sentiments, stating that the administration’s focus on equitable development has bridged long-standing gaps. “The Chenab region is a living example of how good governance and communal harmony go hand in hand. Attempts to divide people for political gains must be firmly rejected,” he cautioned.