Omar Abdullah assures full support for growth of Kashmir’s cricket bat industry
Blazing Tales News Service
SANGAM (BIJBEHARA), July 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed the Jammu and Kashmir government’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting Kashmir’s globally recognised cricket bat industry, announcing a series of measures aimed at ensuring its long-term growth and sustainability.
During a visit to the Hallamulla Sangam Industrial Estate, the Chief Minister interacted with members of the Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association and assured them that the government would address key issues concerning the sector, including sustainable willow plantation, reliable power supply, infrastructure development and procedural reforms.
Omar Abdullah said protecting traditional industries was as important as attracting new investments, adding that the cricket bat industry represents one of Jammu and Kashmir’s unique strengths with its abundant local raw material, skilled workforce and established domestic and international markets.
He observed that the industry’s future depended on ensuring a sustainable supply of willow wood and acknowledged the manufacturers’ demand for scientific willow plantation. He said continuous harvesting without adequate replantation posed a serious challenge and assured that the government would promote systematic plantation of willow trees while exploring improved varieties to maintain a steady supply of quality raw material.
The Chief Minister also assured the manufacturers that effective measures would be taken to prevent the illegal movement of willow clefts by strengthening monitoring mechanisms and check-posts.
Responding to demands for improved infrastructure, Omar Abdullah said a proposal would be prepared to enhance electricity supply to the industrial estate and would be taken up with the Power Development Department for necessary approval.
He further assured that better medical facilities would be made available for workers in case of industrial accidents and said the demand for establishing a Fire and Emergency Services unit at the industrial estate would also be examined.
On the proposal for reviving a Common Treatment Facility Centre in the area, the Chief Minister directed the Industries Department and the local MLA to jointly assess the requirement and identify a suitable site for the project.
Emphasising the need to improve the ease of doing business, Omar Abdullah instructed the Industries Department to simplify procedures and remove unnecessary administrative bottlenecks affecting the functioning and expansion of cricket bat manufacturing units.
He reiterated that the government’s objective was to ensure the sustained growth of the industry and extend all possible support to manufacturers and workers associated with the sector.
Later, the Chief Minister visited a cricket bat manufacturing unit in the industrial estate, where he observed various stages of bat production, from processing willow clefts to the finishing of cricket bats. He interacted with workers and artisans, appreciating their craftsmanship and their contribution to preserving Kashmir’s internationally acclaimed cricket bat industry.
