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  • The Heatwave: A Geographer’s Insight into Kashmir’s Rising Thermal Extremes

    The Heatwave: A Geographer’s Insight into Kashmir’s Rising Thermal Extremes

    By: Dr. Masoon A. Beig

    The Kashmir Valley, which has historically experienced mild summers and snowy winters, is presently seeing an unexpected shift in its climate, with heat waves returning and getting stronger. With meteorological data indicating a worrying rise in the greatest temperatures from important locations in the area, such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Qazigund and Kokernag, this has been increasingly noticeable since 2020.

    Breaking all time record Temperature in valley hit new heights on 22 May, setting new records and taking the region to its limits of heat. Srinagar saw a sizzling 34.4°C, a new high, while Qazigund recorded 33.4°C, Kokernag 33.2°C, and even the cooler Pahalgam reaching 27.8°C. These were record highs for some of these places during the month of May. The scorching temperature forced individuals to stay indoors, particularly in cities where concrete infrastructure made the heat more unbearable by trapping it. Outdoor events were significantly curtailed as the suffocating conditions lasted. In turn, the administration made official announcements of heat wave warnings and public health alerts, calling on citizens to drink plenty of fluids, stay away from direct sunlight, and keep a special eye on vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. In the interest of health and students’ safety, the Directorate of School Education changed school hours for both government and private schools. The classes would start earlier in the morning to escape the hottest part of the day. Hospitals are gearing up to handle patient flow with cases of increase in dehydration, heat stress, and sunstroke, especially among children and elderly.

    This is not the first time but the frequency of heatwaves   have been observed in valley from past few years when in  August 2020, Srinagar had 35.7°C, the highest August temperature in almost four decades. This was again followed by an abnormal peak in July 2021 when Srinagar reached 35.0°C, which was the highest July temperature in eight years. This further intensified in June 2023, when the same city reached 35.0°C, tying for the highest June temperature in the last ten years. In September 2023, Srinagar reported an abnormal high of 34.2°C, the second highest-ever temperature for September since 1891, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Early 2024 saw January’s unprecedented average maximum of 11.7°C tie the highest January ever in 1902 and 2001.The situation took a turn for the worse in May 2024, when several records were broken across the valley. On May 23, Srinagar reported 32.2°C, the highest May temperature in more than a decade. Qazigund recorded an all-time high of 34.0°C on May 27, breaking the previous record of 33.6°C set in 1981. Pahalgam, a popular hill resort, recorded 28.6°C in the same month, its second-highest in 23 years, after 30.8°C recorded in 2000. Kokernag reported 31.6°C in May 2024, the second-highest in 22 years. Once again in July 2024, Srinagar reached 36.2°C, the highest July day in the past 25 years.

    This dramatic upward trend in summer temperatures is typical of a larger pattern associated with regional climate change. A number of scientific studies blame this trend for being caused by global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions. The Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that Himalayan places such as Kashmir are heating up at almost twice the global average. This is exacerbated by domestic factors like widespread deforestation, hasty urbanization, and growing infrastructure. The construction of highways, railways, transmission lines, housing colonies, and industry units has decreased natural cover and enhanced land heat absorption.

    Glacier and snowpack melting in the higher Himalayas has added to this warming via decreased albedo—less snow results in more solar radiation being absorbed instead of reflected. Satellite imagery from ISRO and studies by the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) indicate that key glaciers feeding the Jhelum and Lidder rivers have shrunk by over 15% in the last two decades. This not only contributes to local warming but also reduces water availability during peak summer months.

    Land use changes are playing a significant role as well. Wider urban habitations and lesser forest cover have formed urban heat islands, particularly in lower-altitude towns such as Anantnag, Pulwama Baramulla, and Budgam. Heatwaves are no longer limited to Srinagar; rural and hill districts, earlier regarded as cool belts, are witnessing excessive heat. Statistics provided by the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) indicate that the number of heat stress calls and hospitalizations for heat exhaustion grew more than 200% between 2020 and 2025.

    Another underappreciated culprit is the build-up of black carbon—fine aerosol particles from fossil fuel combustion, biomass burning, and diesel emissions. Research by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) indicates that black carbon loading on snowfields has sped up glacier melting and caused local warming in Kashmir. This contributes to warming’s feedback loop: increased melt results in increased heat absorption, which results in additional melting.

    The consequences of increasing heatwaves are threatening. Agriculture, the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, is under serious threat. Apple orchards in Sopore and Shopian, saffron fields in Pampore, and rice paddies in Anantnag are suffering from heat stress. Premature ripening, flower drop, and decreased yields have been observed by field experts at SKUAST-Kashmir. Water supplies are being stressed by premature snowmelt, which disturbs the magnitude and timing of river flow. This has impacts on irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and domestic supply.

    Public health effects are increasing too. Heat illnesses like dehydration, sunstroke, and heat-induced cardiovascular disease have increased, particularly in May and July, as per a 2025 report by the Directorate of Health Services. The susceptible group—elderly, children, and outdoor workers—are disproportionately affected.

    Tourism, a vital source of income for the region, is not spared. The reputation of Kashmir as a cool summer destination remains shaken when heatwaves overlap with tourist peak season.  Even upper-altitude spots like Pahalgam and Gulmarg witnessed temperature hikes-putting impact on tourism sector.

    The increasing heat wave trend in Kashmir Valley is an environmental crisis that is a combination of global climate disturbance as well as local mismanagement of natural resources. The combined effect of global warming, glacial melting, land-use alteration, and pollution has altered the climatic character of the valley. If left unabated, the valley could see irreparable ecological, economic, and public health impacts over the next few decades. Urgent policy action, sustainable development planning, and community-based climate adaptation are essential to safeguard Kashmir’s environmental heritage and human well-being.

    The Author is Environmental Geographer and teaches Geography at Altaf Memorial Government Degree College Kelam Kulgam

    Email [email protected]

  • Teaching Children to Ask the Right Questions in the Age of AI

    Teaching Children to Ask the Right Questions in the Age of AI

    By: Dr. Reyaz Ahmad                                                            

    In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, the role of education is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Traditionally, students have been encouraged to memorize facts and find answers. However, with AI-powered search engines and virtual assistants capable of providing instant responses, the real challenge for the next generation is not merely finding answers but learning how to ask the right questions. This shift necessitates a fundamental rethinking of our education system, with a stronger emphasis on inquiry-based learning and critical thinking.

    The Changing Role of Knowledge in the AI Era

    Gone are the days when education primarily revolved around rote memorization. With tools like ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, and other AI-driven platforms, information is more accessible than ever. The real value no longer lies in recalling facts but in the ability to think critically, evaluate sources, and ask meaningful questions that lead to deeper understanding. Instead of teaching children what to think, educators must teach them how to think.

    Why Questioning Matters More Than Ever

    Asking the right questions is a skill that promotes problem-solving, creativity, and innovation. Great advancements in science, technology, and philosophy have emerged not from having all the answers but from asking groundbreaking questions. In a world where AI can respond within seconds, the ability to frame thoughtful, well-structured, and critical questions determines the depth and relevance of the answers received.

    Moreover, AI systems are only as effective as the queries they receive. If children are trained to formulate precise, open-ended, and thought-provoking questions, they can unlock AI’s full potential as a tool for learning rather than relying on it for passive consumption of information.

    Teaching the Art of Inquiry in Classrooms

    To cultivate strong questioning skills in children, teachers must incorporate inquiry-based learning strategies. Some effective methods include:

    1. Encouraging Curiosity – Teachers should foster a culture where students feel comfortable questioning everything, from everyday observations to complex societal issues. A curious mindset is the foundation of meaningful learning.
    2. Using Open-Ended Questions – Instead of focusing on yes/no questions or factual recall, educators should challenge students with open-ended prompts that require critical thinking. For example, rather than asking “What is climate change?” they can ask, “How might human activities influence climate patterns, and what can we do about it?”
    3. Socratic Method – Inspired by Socrates’ teaching style, this method involves continuous questioning to stimulate critical thinking and deeper analysis. Encouraging students to question their own assumptions enhances their reasoning skills.
    4. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) – Assigning real-world problems that require students to research, analyze, and formulate their own questions helps them develop problem-solving abilities and engage with learning more actively.
    5. Teaching Question Formulation Techniques – Educators can introduce frameworks such as Bloom’s Taxonomy to help students differentiate between basic recall questions and higher-order thinking questions.

    The Future of Education: Preparing Question-Driven Thinkers

    In the AI-driven future, those who ask better questions will be the ones shaping innovation, policy, and human progress. AI can provide information, but human insight is necessary to direct its use effectively. Schools must transition from knowledge transmission to knowledge exploration, empowering students to be inquisitive thinkers rather than passive recipients of information.

    By shifting the focus from finding answers to asking the right questions, we equip children with the cognitive tools necessary for lifelong learning and adaptability in a world where knowledge is dynamic. As we redefine education in the age of AI, our goal should be to nurture the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers—armed not just with facts but with the power of curiosity-driven inquiry.

    Teaching Children to Ask the Right Questions in the Age of AI

    In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, the role of education is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Traditionally, students have been encouraged to memorize facts and find answers. However, with AI-powered search engines and virtual assistants capable of providing instant responses, the real challenge for the next generation is not merely finding answers but learning how to ask the right questions. This shift necessitates a fundamental rethinking of our education system, with a stronger emphasis on inquiry-based learning and critical thinking.

    The Changing Role of Knowledge in the AI Era

    Gone are the days when education primarily revolved around rote memorization. With tools like ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, and other AI-driven platforms, information is more accessible than ever. The real value no longer lies in recalling facts but in the ability to think critically, evaluate sources, and ask meaningful questions that lead to deeper understanding. Instead of teaching children what to think, educators must focus on teaching them how to think.

    Why Questioning Matters More Than Ever

    Asking the right questions is a skill that promotes problem-solving, creativity, and innovation. Great advancements in science, technology, and philosophy have emerged not from having all the answers but from asking groundbreaking questions. For instance, Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity began with the simple question, “What would happen if I could travel at the speed of light?” Similarly, the development of the internet stemmed from inquiries into how computers could be interconnected to share information efficiently.

    Moreover, AI systems are only as effective as the queries they receive. If children are trained to formulate precise, open-ended, and thought-provoking questions, they can unlock AI’s full potential as a tool for learning rather than relying on it for passive consumption of information.

    Teaching the Art of Inquiry in Classrooms

    To cultivate strong questioning skills in children, teachers must incorporate inquiry-based learning strategies. Some effective methods include:

    1. Encouraging Curiosity – Teachers should foster a culture where students feel comfortable questioning everything, from everyday observations to complex societal issues. A curious mindset is the foundation of meaningful learning. For example, a history teacher might ask, “How would history have changed if Napoleon had won the Battle of Waterloo?”
    2. Using Open-Ended Questions – Instead of focusing on yes/no questions or factual recall, educators should challenge students with open-ended prompts that require critical thinking. For example, rather than asking “What is climate change?” they can ask, “How might human activities influence climate patterns, and what can we do about it?”
    3. Socratic Method – Inspired by Socrates’ teaching style, this method involves continuous questioning to stimulate critical thinking and deeper analysis. Encouraging students to question their own assumptions enhances their reasoning skills. For example, in a literature class, a teacher might ask, “What do you think the author intended with this passage? How could it be interpreted differently?”
    4. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) – Assigning real-world problems that require students to research, analyze, and formulate their own questions helps them develop problem-solving abilities and engage with learning more actively. For example, students could investigate, “How can we reduce plastic waste in our community?” and explore potential solutions.
    5. **Teaching Question Formulation Techniques—**Educators can introduce frameworks such as Bloom’s Taxonomy to help students differentiate between basic recall questions and higher-order thinking questions. For instance, instead of simply asking, “What is photosynthesis?” a deeper inquiry would be, “How does photosynthesis impact the global carbon cycle?”

    The Future of Education: Preparing Question-Driven Thinkers

    In the AI-driven future, those who ask better questions will be the ones shaping innovation, policy, and human progress. AI can provide information, but human insight is necessary to direct its use effectively. Schools must transition from knowledge transmission to knowledge exploration, empowering students to be inquisitive thinkers rather than passive recipients of information.

    By shifting the focus from finding answers to asking the right questions, we equip children with the cognitive tools necessary for lifelong learning and adaptability in a world where knowledge is dynamic. As we redefine education in the age of AI, our goal should be to nurture the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers—armed not just with facts but with the power of curiosity-driven inquiry.

    The writer is s Faculty of Mathematics, Department of General Education SUC, Sharjah, UAE. Email: [email protected]

  • CS chairs State Level Sanctioning Committee meet

    CS chairs State Level Sanctioning Committee meet

    SRINAGAR: The State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) for the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) 2.0, which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, gave nod to Annual Action Plan worth Rs 75.80 crore for Watershed Development under PMKSY.

    The meeting was convened to review the implementation of the scheme, besides assessing the Annual Action Plan for the year 2025-26.

    Present in the meeting were the Principal Secretary, Finance; the Secretary, RDD; representatives from JSD, PWD, Revenue and other concerned officers.

    The Chief Secretary exhorted upon the concerned to make the best use of this scheme for the creation of durable assets in the water-stressed areas. He called for community participation in such initiatives so that these could prove to be the most beneficial for them.

    He assessed the progress registered in different districts being covered under this flagship scheme and stressed on prioritising works which are most suitable for the particular areas. He directed the senior officers in the department to conduct frequent visits to the sites to take a first-hand appraisal of the works being executed under this scheme.

    Principal Secretary, Finance and APD Departments, Shailendra Kumar, while speaking in the meeting, stressed on include other minor irrigation works in the DPRs so that the water reaches the last fields in these areas. He also suggested measures to make the execution of works more transparent and beneficial for the public at large.

    The meeting reviewed the progress and approved the proposals under the centrally sponsored flagship programme aimed at enhancing water conservation, climate resilience and sustainable agriculture in the UT.

    While highlighting broad contours of the scheme, Secretary RD& PR Department, Aijaz Asad, informed that WDC-PMKSY is continuation of the earlier Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), which had been subsumed into PMKSY in 2015-16.

    He revealed that under WDC-PMKSY 2.0, several initiatives and infrastructure projects had been implemented to boost watershed-based development. Besides, physical and financial progress has been recorded across various districts, with special emphasis on construction of water harvesting structures, ponds and irrigation channels.

    Additionally, the rainwater harvesting tanks and bunds for soil and moisture conservation, beautification and rejuvenation of water bodies including springs and streams also constitutes the actions being taken under this programme.

    A significant highlight of the year has been the Watershed Yatra Campaign 2025, launched on 5th February in Kathua district by the Union Cabinet Minister for Agriculture and the UT Minister for Rural Development. The campaign underscored the integrated watershed governance and community participation for which J&K secured the 2nd rank nationally for strategic planning and participatory implementation of WDC-PMKSY 2.0.

    In alignment with the theme of public engagement, the Janbhagidhari Watershed Cup is set to recognise 2–3 districts demonstrating exceptional community involvement in project execution, the meeting was informed.

    Moreover, it was divulged that as part of a new initiative under WDC-PMKSY 2.0, 300 springs have been allocated to J&K for rejuvenation as pilot projects. Further, under the national initiative to rejuvenate 50,000 springs, 3,100 more have been tentatively assigned to the UT for which the final project guidelines are awaited from DoLR.

    The SLSC also reviewed and approved the Annual Action Plan (AAP) for 2025–26 with a proposed budget of Rs 75.80 crore, focusing primarily on Natural Resource Management (Rs 42.70 crore), Production Systems (Rs 15.03 crore), Consolidation & Withdrawal Phase (Rs 2.15 Cr), Work done claims from AAP 2024-25 (Rs 8.14 crore) and Administrative Expenses of Rs 4.15 crore to be utilised over the ensuing financial year.

    The committee also approved the revision of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to include the newly allocated 300 springs and asked for creation of DPR in consultation with the Jal Shakti Department.

    The approved initiatives, as concluded in the meeting, are expected to accelerate the sustainable agricultural growth and foster inclusive rural development across the region.

  • Digitizing the Foundation: Jammu & Kashmir’s Push for Land Record Modernization

    Digitizing the Foundation: Jammu & Kashmir’s Push for Land Record Modernization

    By: Mohd Amin Mir

    In a determined stride toward land governance reform, Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has once again demonstrated the power of administrative leadership. By steering a high-level review meeting on the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), he signaled both urgency and long-term commitment to overhauling one of the region’s most arcane but foundational systems: the land record regime.

    The initiative, part of a nationwide campaign under the Ministry of Rural Development, seeks to digitize Jamabandis (village record-of-rights), vectorize and geo-reference cadastral maps, modernize archival record rooms, and eliminate the endemic backlog of pending land mutations. At the heart of this transformation lies a promise as radical as it is simple: land ownership should be transparent, accessible, and indisputable.

    But as any landowner or administrator in India’s Himalayan region knows, this is easier said than done.

    An Inherited Labyrinth

    Jammu and Kashmir’s land tenure system is a complex legacy of Dogra-era surveys, post-Partition resettlement patterns, and decades of quasi-formal mutations—some on paper, others entirely oral. Though the region has made strides in agrarian and tenancy reforms, the base map of land ownership remains riddled with inconsistencies: overlapping claims, outdated Jamabandis, lost Tatima Shajras (parcel sketches), and records that fail to reflect court decrees or family transfers.

     “This is not just about digitizing paper—it’s about digitizing ambiguity,” said a senior revenue official attending the review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Dulloo.

    And therein lies the crux of the challenge.

    A Leadership-Driven Model

    Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo’s intervention has been timely and pointed. Recognizing the ground-level complexities, he has demanded that the Revenue Department shift from an incremental to a mission-mode approach. “The records must be accurate from the outset,” he stressed in the meeting, “and once completed, there should be no citizen grievances.”

    By calling for capacity enhancement among newly deputed staff, and insisting on accuracy over speed, Dulloo has positioned the program not as a data-entry drive but as a systemic reinvention.

    Observers noted his insistence on inter-departmental coordination—a crucial directive, considering that cadastral maps must align with GIS overlays, court decrees, and field survey data. The Chief Secretary’s vision is for digital records to not only reflect the present but to continuously update in real time.

    Technology as an Enabler, Not a Crutch

    At the heart of the program is NIC-JK’s customized software suite for digital entry, mutation, and real-time Jamabandi updates. According to Secretary Revenue Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, this software is already functional and shows promise in eliminating manual errors and bottlenecks. But as any seasoned data manager will attest, technology is only as good as the data it ingests.

    Experts warn that a digitization project of this magnitude must follow what technologists call the “data hygiene chain”: data cleaning, verification, cross-validation, and real-time reconciliation with on-ground realities.

    That is where the government must now turn its attention.

    Error-Proofing the Digital Turn

    To ensure the integrity of digitized land records, the following measures are recommended:

    1. Third-Party Verification: Introduce independent audit teams—comprising retired patwaris, land law experts, and digital cartographers—to vet a sample of entries from each tehsil.
    2. Tatima Mapping as a Precursor: Many oral or decree-based land transactions lack matching sub-division maps (Tatimas). Before any data is frozen digitally, physical Tatima preparation must be institutionalized.
    3. Citizen Review Portals: Establish a public portal where citizens can preview digitized records related to their land and file objections online before finalization.
    4. Geo-Spatial Integrity Checks: Use satellite imagery and Google Earth overlays to detect encroachments, overlapping survey lines, and mismatched boundaries.
    5. Revenue Court Synchronization: Integrate the databases of Tehsildar courts so that any judicial verdict affecting land rights automatically updates the central land record.
    6. Village-Level Awareness Camps: To reduce post-digitization disputes, organize panchayat-level camps with live record displays, explanations by officials, and real-time correction windows.

    A Path to Equity and Growth

    Once completed, the digitization of land records can usher in nothing short of a revolution. From reducing land litigation and easing the burden on tehsil offices to enabling secure property transactions and credit access for farmers, this reform can reshape the developmental landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.

    It is not just about governance; it is about justice, equity, and dignity—especially for the rural poor, who often lack the paperwork to assert what is rightfully theirs.

    The introduction of paperless registration—as hinted by Financial Commissioner Revenue Shaleen Kabra—will also streamline the property market, curb corruption, and speed up approvals for industrial and housing projects.

    A Word of Appreciation

    Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo deserves commendation not just for his administrative oversight but for his visionary clarity. In an era when most bureaucrats are content with incrementalism, Dulloo is pushing for a transformative model that aligns with global best practices.

    Digitizing land records is not a headline-making reform. It requires perseverance, patience, and political will. Yet, as Jammu and Kashmir demonstrates, it may be one of the most powerful ways to secure democratic ownership in post-conflict societies.

     

    Conclusion

    Jammu and Kashmir’s land digitization journey is a test of both governance and grit. With the Chief Secretary’s assertive guidance and a mission-oriented bureaucracy, the region now stands at the cusp of transforming its most contentious asset—land—into a secure and accessible foundation for growth.

    If implemented with precision and empathy, this program will not only digitize the land but also re-digitize the trust between state and citizen.

     

  • Rahul Gandhi, Javed Rana visit shelling-affected families in Poonch

    Rahul Gandhi, Javed Rana visit shelling-affected families in Poonch

    POONCH: Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today visited Poonch, where they met the residents affected by cross-border shelling recently.

    They conducted door-to-door visits to several homes damaged during the shelling, assessing the situation on the ground.

    They interacted with the victims of the shelling and expressed solidarity with them. They visited Gurdawara Singh Sabha, Jamia Zia Ul Uloom, Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Christ High School besides meeting with the affected families in their homes.

    The two leaders met with various sections of the society and inspected the extent of damage to homes and other infrastructural establishments.

    Poonch, among other border areas, has borne the brunt of the shelling, resulting in the loss of innocent civilian lives and significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

    Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, Rana said that the locals have suffered immense pain and loss, and we need to join hands and make a real difference in their lives.

    “Our government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is committed to reaching all those households that have suffered losses. We are duty-bound to provide relief to them to help them rebuild their lives,” he said.

    The government had announced an ex-gratia relief of ₹10 lakh for the families of those killed in the Pakistan shelling.

    The two leaders also assessed the extent of damage caused by the shelling and assured the people of prioritising restoration work.

    They emphasized the need for immediate action to address the humanitarian needs of those affected by the shelling.

    Javed Rana had, earlier, conducted an extensive tour of the border areas wherein he had instructed the officers to engage closely with the victim families and extend all possible support to them. He had directed that compensation to the affected people should be processed expeditiously, ensuring that they receive the necessary assistance to rebuild their lives.

  • Yousmarg to be developed as next Gulmarg: Speaker Legislative Assembly

    Yousmarg to be developed as next Gulmarg: Speaker Legislative Assembly

    BUDGAM: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, today said that special focus will be laid on developing the scenic tourist destination Yousmarg as the next Gulmarg.

    He made these remarks while inaugurating a newly constructed Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Nagbal, in Charar-i-Sharief Constituency, built at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.88 crore.

    Highlighting the government’s vision, the Speaker stated that Yousmarg will be equipped with all modern tourist facilities, including a gondola, all-weather connectivity, skiing and other recreational and basic amenities. He emphasised that this development of Yousmarg will significantly uplift the socio-economic conditions of the local population living in kandi area.

    Speaking on the importance of the health sector, the Speaker noted that the newly inaugurated PHC will provide essential medical services to the residents of Nagbal and adjoining Kandi areas. He said that the building, completed at a cost of Rs. 1.53 crore, will require an additional Rs. 35 lakh for construction of a boundary wall, landscaping and development of the approach road.

    The Speaker said that the PHC is equipped to offer ECG, dental care, gynaecology services, separate male and female wards and minor operation theatre facilities. He inspected various sections of the facility, including the general wards, minor OT, dental unit, immunisation area and took stock of the availability of medicine at the pharmacy section.

    He remarked that the establishment of this health centre will minimise the need for residents to travel long distances to avail medical services in Srinagar or Charar-i-Sharief.

    The Speaker also highlighted sanctioning of other PHC buildings across the constituency, including, Kanir, Tilsara, Nowpora, Hushroo, Nilnag, Bonen, Watkalu, as well as the Sub-District Hospitals at Charar-i-Sharief, Pakherpora and Nagam, all of which are functional and catering to local healthcare needs.

    “Work on PHC Challein Chhotnar and other health and educational projects will also be expedited and dedicated to the general public soon,” he said.

    The Speaker reiterated that, alongside overall infrastructure development, particular attention will be given to improving the health and education sectors in Charar-i-Sharief.

    “Under the Aspirational Plan for Surasyar and Pakherpora, additional funds shall be utilised on the improvement of health and education sectors,” the Speaker said.

    He further assured that all pending development projects including macadamization of all main and inner roads in Charar-i-Sharief will be completed on priority and dedicated to the public at the earliest.

    During the visit, several public delegations met the Speaker and presented their demands and grievances. He gave them a patient hearing and assured that all genuine concerns will be taken up with the concerned authorities for prompt redressal.

    Among others, ADC Budgam Mehraj-ud-Din Shah, CEO Yousmarg Development Authority Bilal Khurshid, SDM Chadoora Primrose Bashir, CMO Budgam, Dr. Gulzar, Assistant Director Health, Dr Sabha and other senior officers and officials were also present on the occasion.

  • BOPEE conducts Common Entrance Test for B-PHARMACY, D-PHARMACY courses

    SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (JK BOPEE) today conducted the Common Entrance Test (CET) for B-PHARMACY and D-PHARMACY courses-2025 for the academic session 2025-26 today at Jammu and Srinagar Centres.

    The test was conducted at S P College, Srinagar & Kashmir University in Kashmir Division and Gandhi Nagar College for Women and MAM College, in Jammu Division, where in 2022 candidates appeared in this examination.

    To ensure smooth conduct of the Entrance Test, arrangements had been established in collaboration with the respective university/college administrations and law enforcement agencies under the guidance of Professor Minu Mahajan, Chairperson, J&K BOPEE. The process was conducted under the diligent supervision of competent JKBOPEE staff members and the staff from the respective colleges.

    The members, Secretary, Controller of Examinations and other officials of BOPEE, actively monitored the conduct of the said Common Entrance Test at Srinagar and Jammu. They thanked the district administration, IGP Jammu/Kashmir, for deploying police personnel, members of the monitoring squad, the principal and staff members of the respective University/Colleges for their support during smooth conduct of the said Entrance Test.

  • Delegation of former Presidents of Coordination Committees of ULBs of Kashmir, others call on LG

    SRINAGAR: A delegation of former Presidents of Coordination Committees of Urban Local Bodies of Kashmir, led by Mohammed Iqbal Ahangar, today called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

    The members of the delegation put forth various issues pertaining to relief and rehabilitation of Pakistan shelling affected families, tourism sector, forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, and other public issues.

    Ajaz Kazmi, Trade Union President, J&K Apni Party; representatives of All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC Organisations Baramulla, and a public delegation headed by Shri Mohammad Faheem Reshi, Chairman, Greater Shahr-e-Khaas, a social organisation also called on the Lieutenant Governor.

    Meanwhile, Er. Aijaz Hussain, Member, District Development Council, Khonmoh and Member, Haj Committee of India called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and briefed him on the measures undertaken by the Haj Committee of India for the smooth conduct of Haj pilgrimage.

  • Pakistan running on the path of self-destruction: Ravinder Raina

    Jammu: Pakistan is running on the path of self-destruction, and if Pakistan does not change its policies, it will suffer badly, said Ravinder Raina.

    Raina also made a scathing attack on Congress, advising its leader, Rahul Gandhi, to join the nation in celebrating the success of Operation Sindoor in hitting the roots of terrorism, instead of indulging in petty politics and backstabbing the nation.

    He also accused the Congress, saying that terrorism and separatism are the outcome of its wrong policies.

    Ravinder Raina, BJP National Executive Member, accompanied by former Minister Choudhury Zulfiqar Ali, was addressing a Press Conference at J&K BJP headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. BJP Office Secretary Tilak Raj Gupta, Spokesperson Balbir Ram Rattan, and Library Incharge Kulbhushan Mohtra were also present on the occasion.

    Ravinder Raina praised the Indian armed forces and the Narendra Modi-led government for the success of Operation Sindoor, which he claimed forced Pakistan into submission. He condemned the April 22 terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, calling it a “dastardly act,” and highlighted that Indian forces responded with strength by dismantling terrorist infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). He added that the Indian military also thwarted a Pakistani Army attack on Indian civilian areas, showcasing India’s strength to the world.

    The world witnessed a new doctrine under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership that India will no longer tolerate any act of terrorism. Operation Sindoor not only delivered a crushing blow to terror infrastructure but also shattered Pakistan’s nuclear myth. Faced with India’s decisive action, Pakistan was left pleading to the international community for peace.

    PM Modi also made it clear that Operation Sindoor is not complete yet, and any act of terror will be taken as an act of war.

    India also salutes the bravery and the sacrifice of forces as well as the civilians who were affected or lost their lives.

    Raina also welcomed the Central Government’s decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, despite the agreement on a ceasefire. He stated that the Modi government has effectively cornered Pakistan, describing it as nothing less than a “surgical strike” on the neighbouring country. He further congratulated the nation on this diplomatic victory under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

    Raina criticised the Congress party, saying this is not the time for politics but a united fight against terrorism. He urged Congress to restrict political activities to election times and support the ongoing Tiranga Yatra, which he described as a movement driven by nationalism.

    Raina targeted Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of questioning the government at a sensitive time and holding Congress responsible for fostering terrorism and separatism in the past. He said the nation would never forgive Congress for its betrayal.

    India enjoys friendly ties with almost all countries across the globe, but Islamabad never supported the peace initiatives by India, and that is the reason Modi ji taught them what they understood well.

    Operation Sindoor is just a trailer by our forces, and Modi and we are capable of showing them the whole picture, he added.

    Ch. Zulfiqar Ali said that Modi government and Indian forces did what was actually needed. He said that to know the exact extent of damages and to connect with the affected people, the senior BJP leadership is visiting the shelling-affected people.

    Pakistan’s indiscriminate shelling on civilian areas makes it clear that it has no love for people and only wants the land of J&K, he said and also accused Pakistan of hitting the religious areas of all religions.

    Pakistan also adversely hit the livelihood of the innocent civilians by targeting the unsuspecting tourists, Ali said.

    Choudhary requested the Union government for more individual and community bunkers for the border residents and to declare the damage caused by Pakistani shelling as a national emergency to ensure proper rehabilitation of the victims of cross-border shelling.

  • J&K BJP delegation visits shelling-affected villages in Karnah-Tangdhar

    Kupwara: A senior delegation of J&K BJP visited several shelling-affected villages in the Karnah-Tangdhar area in Kupwara district to assess the on-ground situation and express solidarity with families affected by recent cross-border shelling from Pakistan.

    The delegation included J&K BJP President Sat Sharma, Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma, BJP National Secretary Dr. Narinder Singh (MLA), J&K BJP General Secretary Dr. D.K. Manyal (MLA), and BJP Spokesperson R.S. Pathania (MLA). They were accompanied by District President Kupwara Rafiq Shah, senior leader Anwar Khan, local BJP district team members, and other senior party functionaries.

    During the visit, the delegation toured various impacted areas, including Dhani, Trungi, Chowkibal, Tarboni, Batpora, and other nearby villages in the Tangdhar sub-division, which have faced the brunt of Pakistani shelling in recent days. The BJP leaders interacted extensively with local residents, especially those whose homes and properties have been damaged or whose lives have been disrupted by the constant threat of shelling.

    Sat Sharma assured the residents that all their grievances have been duly noted. He said, “The BJP stands shoulder to shoulder with the people living in border areas. We will prepare a comprehensive report to be submitted to the Government of India to ensure that relief, compensation, and long-term rehabilitation measures are implemented at the earliest.” He further stressed the need for improved infrastructure and emergency response systems in these vulnerable regions.

    Sunil Sharma, while interacting with locals, lauded their bravery and resilience, stating, “The people living on the borders of our nation are true patriots. Their courage and unbreakable spirit in the face of adversity is no less than that of a soldier defending the nation.”

    Dr. Narinder Singh emphasised the party’s commitment to the region, saying, “This visit is not symbolic. We are here to listen, record, and act. The BJP is dedicated to finding long-term solutions for the safety and development of border communities.”

    Dr. D.K. Manyal stated, “Immediate medical and psychological support is critical for families, especially children, exposed to trauma due to shelling. We will push for mobile health units and trauma counselling centres.”

    R.S. Pathania highlighted the policy framework required to support affected people. He stressed that the existing relief mechanism must be overhauled to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis.”