Manohar Lal and Omar Abdullah Lead Urban Push in Jammu and Kashmir
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar on June 12, 2025, to drive progress in urban infrastructure. The two leaders discussed ways to speed up project implementation and deliver inclusive urban growth across the Union Territory.
Senior officials from the Centre and UT joined the meeting to align efforts and streamline strategies.
Tracking Progress of Urban Missions
The review covered key schemes, including:
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AMRUT & AMRUT 2.0
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Smart Cities Mission
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Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban
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Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban
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National Urban Livelihoods Mission
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PM SVANidhi
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PM-eBus Sewa
These schemes aim to improve quality of life, upgrade infrastructure, and modernize cities across J&K.
Boosting Water and Smart Infrastructure
Manohar Lal urged faster execution of tap water and sewerage connections under AMRUT 2.0 in all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
He called for completion of all Smart City Mission projects. The Ministry also recommended quick upgrades to Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs). These centres manage traffic, safety, and public services in smart cities.
Leaders reviewed CITIIS 2.0, which takes a holistic approach to waste management. Officials advised the UT to set up a State Climate Centre for Cities to attract funding and push eco-friendly projects.
Expanding Housing and Sanitation Access
More than 19,000 families have applied for homes under PMAY-U 2.0. The Ministry approved 10,000 pucca houses. Officials urged the UT to verify applications and finish construction quickly.
Under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0, the Centre increased J&K’s funding by over ₹200 crore. The UT now plans to:
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Build more community and public toilets
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Improve solid waste treatment
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Create garbage-free cities
Helping Street Vendors and the Urban Poor
Under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission, the UT will soon launch a survey to identify urban homeless. Officials also asked them to form a Grievance Redressal Committee for street vendors.
For PM SVANidhi, the Ministry urged quicker loan approvals. The team encouraged the UT to promote women street vendors, build vendor profiles, and expand outreach.
Driving Clean Mobility
Manohar Lal pushed for progress under PM-eBus Sewa. The UT must finish PFMS mapping and join the Payment Security Mechanism (PSM). These steps will help launch e-buses across cities and reduce pollution.
Commitment to Urban Transformation
Minister Manohar Lal praised the cooperation between the Centre and J&K. He emphasized fast, transparent, and citizen-friendly implementation of urban missions. He called for more Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and strategic urban planning.
“Jammu and Kashmir plays a vital role in India’s development,” he said. “Its cities must reflect innovation, inclusivity, and resilience.“
This strong push from both governments sets a clear path for future-ready cities in the region.
