SRINAGAR: The headcount phase of Census 2027 will begin in Jammu and Kashmir’s snow-bound non-synchronous areas from September 1, with 1,115 villages and three municipalities identified for early enumeration ahead of the winter season.
According to details accessed by the Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the special census exercise will be conducted from September 1 to September 30, followed by a revisional round from October 1 to October 5, 2026.
The highest number of villages identified for the exercise are in Doda (305), followed by Kishtwar (158), Baramulla (93), Ramban (88), Udhampur (79), Kulgam (66), Anantnag (55), Kupwara (49), Reasi (49), Kathua (48), Pulwama (32), Shopian (32), Bandipora (28), Poonch (24), Ganderbal (7) and Budgam (5).
The three municipalities included in the early enumeration are Uri, Gulmarg and Kishtwar.
The special exercise is being conducted in these areas as heavy snowfall during winter makes them inaccessible, necessitating an advance headcount to ensure complete coverage.
The second and final phase of Census 2027 for the rest of Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to be carried out in February 2027.
The first phase of the Census, the Houselisting Operation (HLO), was conducted across Jammu and Kashmir in June 2026, the report said.