Author: KI News

SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir Raj Bhawan today hosted the cultural evening commemorating West Bengal Foundation Day, which was celebrated on June 20.

Officials, Security Personnel and the people of West Bengal currently living in J&K UT were the special invitees.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha conveyed his greetings and best wishes to the people of West Bengal on the occasion.

The Lieutenant Governor, in his address through virtual mode, paid tributes to the freedom fighters, great revolutionaries and luminaries from West Bengal and recalled their valuable contributions to nation’s growth and building of a modern India.

“For centuries, West Bengal has stood as a beacon of cultural and social awakening. This blessed land of Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Khudiram Bose, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, has shaped India’s intellectual, political and spiritual landscape. Building upon the legacy of these great personalities who fuelled the nation’s rising aspirations and instilled new self-confidence, the new generation now has the important task of contributing to the journey of Viksit Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon the youth to work collectively for building a progressive and united society. “Unity in diversity is our greatest strength and I believe this spirit will empower us to fulfil the dream of our forefathers,” he said.

“West Bengal has kept the ancient traditions alive while sustaining a vibrant societal energy. Its influence across diverse fields, including the economy, social reform, the freedom movement, literature, music, arts, drama, and cinema is remarkably extensive. May the state scale new heights of progress in the years to come. I pray for the good health and well-being of all,” the Lieutenant Governor further said.

SRINAGAR: A pivotal meeting of the Multi-Disciplinary Committee on Traffic Management Systems for Jammu & Srinagar was convened today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo.

The committee undertook a comprehensive review of the existing traffic challenges and proposed advanced strategies to enhance urban mobility, streamline logistics and improve road safety in both cities.

The members of the Committee who attended the meeting included Principal Secretary, Home; Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD; Commissioner Secretary, Tourism; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir/Jammu; DIG Traffic, Jammu/Kashmir; SSP Traffic (City), Srinagar/Jammu; Commissioner, JMC/SMC along with other concerned officers.

The Chief Secretary directed for a proper implementation plan with a defined role for every stakeholder involved. He highlighted the importance of such a plan for making the travel experience less cumbersome for both travellers and commuters.

The Chief Secretary asked the Divisional Commissioners to work out such modalities in their respective areas, and subsequently, these are going to be consolidated to frame a well-thought-out strategy for both Jammu and Srinagar. He also advised for looking into creating a web portal defining the actionable points pertaining to different departments so that the role played and progress could be easily tracked in subsequent meetings.

The key discussions held in the meeting revolved around the need for development of detailed traffic management plans for Srinagar and Jammu by the Traffic Department. The focus was laid on utilizing the scientific studies and data analysis to identify alternate routes after incorporating feedback from local authorities, citizens and stakeholders.

A commitment was made to operationalize an efficient traffic management system, including the installation, management and maintenance of traffic signals at key junctions, rotaries and T-points.

Strategies for de-congestion will be implemented in high-footfall and vehicular traffic areas, especially in tourist and pilgrimage zones together by the Traffic and Tourism Departments. Actions to regulate the commercial activities impacting traffic flow will be identified, with the Transport Commissioner, JMC/SMC and potentially LCMA, being involved in this process.

Moreover, the key locations requiring road expansion or upgrading to accommodate the growing traffic volumes will be identified, focusing on increasing the carrying capacity of critical roads. The committee also underscored the need for speedy completion of ongoing developmental projects to alleviate traffic congestion at key locations.

In addition, the strategies for addressing encroachments, particularly by street hawkers and their relocation and rehabilitation without disrupting the traffic flow will be recommended by the Tourism and municipal bodies in consultation with each other.

The plan also delineates identification of traffic-heavy routes where one-way movement or no-traffic zones can be implemented, with clear signage installed there. Routes for introducing e-bus services with increased frequency to reduce personal vehicle usage was also debated to be a step towards decongesting city roads from heavy traffic during peak hours.

Targeted strategies to reduce the accidents and fatalities through better road design, awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of safety norms were proposed. The holistic approach integrating the traffic management with urban planning and developmentby showing synergy among key stakeholders like Traffic Police, PWD (R&B), NHAI, and local authorities will be ensured for effective traffic resolution through minimal engineering interventions.

Besides, development of infrastructure like bus lay-byes, designation of more spaces for on-street and off-street parking avenues in both the cities were unanimously stressed upon for the ever increasing vehicles plying on roads here.

The Committee also discussed the requirement of multi-modal solutions like Mass Rapid Transit system, city bus system, Inland Water Transport (IWT), Ring Roads, enhanced parking and creation of Unified Transport Authority as other reliable solutions to ease traffic woes in our cities here.

SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today conducted an extensive visit to Shia-dominated areas in Srinagar to review the arrangements being put in place for peaceful and smooth conduct of Muharram processions.

Accompanied by MLA Zadibal, Tanveer Sadiq and senior officers from various departments, Rana visited several Imambaras including Bagwanpora Nawa Bagh, Gulshan Bagh and Saida Kadal.

The Minister emphasized the importance of close coordination among the departments to ensure that all arrangements are made well in advance. He stressed the need for uninterrupted electricity and potable water supply, sanitation, medical facilities and effective traffic management.

The Minister also interacted with the caretakers, organizers and devotees, listening to their concerns and suggestions as well.

Rana directed the officials to address the public grievances on priority to ensure a peaceful and comfortable experience for the devotees. He assured that the Omar Abdullah led government is committed towards facilitating peaceful and smooth conduct of religious events in the region.

“Our government is dedicated towards ensuring a smooth and dignified observance of Muharram,” maintained the Minister.

Locals at the Imambaras raised various issues, including lack of potable water, drainage problems and road maintenance.

MLA Zadibal appreciated the efforts being made by the government authorities to facilitate the smooth conduct of Muharram processions.