15/09/2026
*Rana Lays Foundation Stone for Rs. 335.40 Lakh Helipad & Waiting Lounge at Qasab, Mendhar*
Mendhar, September 15:
Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today laid the foundation stone for the construction of a Helipad and Waiting Lounge at Qasab in Mendhar, Poonch district.
The project, approved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and taken up under the UT CAPEX, entails an estimated cost of Rs. 335.40 lakh and is aimed at strengthening connectivity and emergency response infrastructure in the remote border area.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister described the project as a long-pending demand of the people of Mendhar, now fulfilled by the Chief Minister, and emphasized its importance for a geographically remote and strategically significant area.
He said the initiative reflects the Omar Abdullah-led Government’s focus on development of backward, border and remote rural pockets.
He said the proposed facility would provide a vital alternative mode of connectivity and prove particularly beneficial during medical emergencies, natural calamities and other situations requiring rapid movement of people and essential services.
The Minister said that development of modern infrastructure in border and remote areas remains a priority of the Omar Abdullah Government.
He emphasized that improved connectivity is essential not only for facilitating access to healthcare and emergency services but also for promoting economic activity, tourism and the overall socio-economic development of the region.
Rana said the Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, is committed to ensuring balanced and inclusive development across Jammu and Kashmir, with special focus on border and underserved areas.
He added that sustained investment in infrastructure would help bridge developmental gaps and create better opportunities for the people living in these regions.
Highlighting the immense tourism potential of the area, the Minister further announced the development of a State-of-the-Art Tribal Tourism Village at Bhera Qasab at an estimated cost of Rs. 13.57 crore.
He said the proposed tourism village, to be developed near the helipad site, would serve as an important platform for showcasing the rich tribal heritage, culture, traditions, handicrafts, cuisine and lifestyle of the region.
The project is also envisaged to promote tourism and create sustainable livelihood and employment opportunities for the local population.
The Minister said the integrated development of the helipad and Tribal Tourism Village would create a new tourism and economic hub in the area, combining improved connectivity with the region’s rich cultural and natural assets.
He expressed hope that the initiative would provide a significant boost to tourism and local economic activity and help position Bhera Qasab and adjoining areas as an emerging destination for visitors interested in tribal culture, heritage and the natural beauty of the Pir Panjal region.
Rana said the proposed Tribal Tourism Village would also provide local communities with greater opportunities to participate in and benefit from the tourism economy, while preserving and promoting the unique cultural identity of the tribal population.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by thousands of local residents, besides senior officers of the district administration and the Public Works (Roads & Buildings) Department.
The gathering expressed appreciation for the commencement of the long-awaited project and welcomed the announcement of the proposed Tribal Tourism Village, hoping that timely implementation of both initiatives would bring tangible benefits to the people of Mendhar and adjoining areas.
