The Jammu and Kashmir government has granted administrative sanction for the construction of a Library-cum-Reading Room in Ganderbal, with the project estimated to cost ₹4.86 crore. The announcement has drawn a positive response from residents and students across the district, who see the initiative as a significant boost to education and intellectual growth. Local residents expressed optimism that work on the project would begin soon, allowing students and the wider public to benefit from the new facility at the earliest. Executive Engineer, R&B Division Ganderbal, Er. Mohammad Arif Iqbal, said the facility will include separate reading areas for children, senior citizens, and the general public. Additional features such as a store room, parking facility, and other modern amenities will also be provided. According to him, the project is being closely supervised by the District Administration as well as the Chief Minister’s Office to ensure it is completed on time. Welcoming the development, local resident Bilal Bhat said the library would serve as an important resource for the youth of Ganderbal. “This initiative will help students focus on learning and broaden their knowledge. We hope the work starts without delay,” he said. A student, Munizah Rashid, also praised the decision, noting that books offer a richer learning experience than mobile phones. “The library will motivate students to cultivate reading habits and concentrate more on their studies,” she said.