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Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said discussions are being held with the Centre on the resumption of development projects in the Union territory that were halted due to the Indus Waters Treaty.

With the treaty in abeyance in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Abdullah said there are two projects — one in Kashmir and the other in Jammu — on which work can begin soon.

“After the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, we have two projects on which work can start soon, one is in Kashmir and the other is in Jammu. Now, talks are going on with the central government regarding both the projects,” Abdullah said here when asked whether the government will take advantage of the IWT being in abeyance.

The chief minister was talking to reporters after a meeting with Union Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar at the SKICC here.

Last month, Abdullah batted for the revival of the Tulbul navigation project on Wular Lake in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

Taking to X, the chief minister wondered if work would be resumed now that India has put the IWT in abeyance.

Abdullah’s post, however, got mired in a controversy after his rival and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti accused him of making “irresponsible” and “dangerously provocative” statements.

The work on the Tulbul Navigation Barrage was started in the early 1980s, but had to be abandoned under pressure from Pakistan, citing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

At the review meeting, Abdullah said it was related to centrally sponsored projects and schemes under the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs — both departments that he handles.

“Overall, progress in both areas has been fairly satisfactory. We also discussed areas where we have expectations from the Centre. In some places, there were minor shortcomings, and we have received suggestions on how to correct them. We will implement those,” he said.

To a question on the Power Department facing losses, the chief minister said it is still in debt because there is a difference in the price at which the government purchases and supplies power.

“We are supplying power to everyone on a concession basis. Be it a domestic consumer or commercial consumer or industrial consumer, everyone takes power at concession rates. But it will get better gradually,” he said.

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a series of departmental review meetings to take stock of the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) plans for the year 2025–26 of the Estates, Revenue, Tourism and Culture departments.

According to an official press release, the high-level discussions were attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Estates Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D Vaidya, Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, Commissioner Secretary Tourism Yasha Mudgal, Secretary Revenue Kumar Rajiv Ranjan and other senior officials and heads of concerned departments.

During the review, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring immediate approval of plans, authorization of funds and execution of development projects thereby strengthening the institutional capacity, and creating impactful outcomes.

He underscored the need for close monitoring, effective coordination, and optimum use of resources to deliver public services efficiently and meet people’s aspirations.

Estates Department

At the outset, ACS Estates informed the meeting that the Department reported a 94.93% expenditure (Rs 2452.34 lacs) for CAPEX 2024-25 against funds released (Rs 2583.19 lacs). Out of 217 total works, 182 have been completed.

For 2025-26, the department has a CAPEX budget ceiling of Rs 10000 lacs. This budget includes Rs 3304.69 lacs for ongoing works, Rs 863.00 lacs for water/electricity for Sempora flats, Rs 2541.00 lacs for shifting REVEX to CAPEX, and Rs 3291.31 lacs for new works and budget announcements.

Major ongoing projects like the 400 Flats at Pampore and flats in Sarwal, Ahata Amar Singh, and Lower Muthi in Jammu are progressing, with some expected to be completed by October 2025.

The meeting was informed about key budget announcements for 2025-26 which include construction of 300 new 2-BHK/3-BHK units, twin towers at Canal Road, Jammu and additional blocks at Civil Secretariats in Jammu and Srinagar. Other new works proposed for 2025-26 include road macadamization, new flats in Jawahar Nagar, CCTV installation, and power supply upgrades in various government complexes.

Revenue Department

Secretary Revenue Kumar Rajiv Ranjan gave a detailed presentation outlining the department’s CAPEX progress and plans for 2025–26. Out of the approved Rs 79 crore, Rs 69 crore has already been uploaded on the BEAMS portal. The department has proposed 133 new projects, including 18 SDM offices with an outlay of Rs 4.5 crore, 21 Tehsil offices with Rs 6.3 crore outlay, 50 Niabats with Rs 3 crore, and 40 additional rooms with lavatories worth Rs 2 crore. The department continues to push forward in its landmark digitization efforts, having completed 100% scanning of revenue records.

He informed that over 94.36% of cadastral maps have been digitized (quality checks are ongoing), and 89.97% of villages have been geo-referenced. Additionally, 99.9% of Record of Rights (RoR) have been digitized with spatial and non-spatial data integrated under the Land Records Information System (LRIS).

The Chief Minister was apprised of key digital initiatives, including the “Aapki Zameen Aapki Nigrani” platform launched in October 2021, which has enabled real-time access to land records while saving Rs 19.83 crore through in-house digitization.

The meeting was informed that the second phase of the LRIS involves transliteration of Urdu land records into 22 Indian languages. Digitized land passbooks are now available in Urdu, Hindi, and English. Other major initiatives include the J&K Revenue Court Case Monitoring System (JKRCCMS), issuance of SVAMITVA property cards, computerized registrations, creation of dynamic RoRs, digitized crop surveys, and establishment of modern record rooms. He informed that the department aims to implement real-time RoR updates, integrate Jamabandis with the NGDRS and mutation systems, and introduce map-based dynamic RoRs to enhance transparency and accountability in land governance.

Tourism Department

Similarly, Commissioner Secretary Tourism Yasha Mudgal presented a comprehensive overview of the department’s CAPEX implementation and future plans. The department is coordinating its initiatives across various agencies which include directorates of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, JKTDC, SKICC, JKCCC, 21 tourism development authorities, and several golf courses. As part of its 2024–25 CAPEX Plan, Rs 388.20 crore was approved, with Rs 247.66 crore (66.08%) already spent. Out of 1,551 total works, 871 have been completed so far, marking a 56% completion rate.

For 2025–26, the department has planned 1,071 total works with a financial outlay of Rs 191.87 crore, including funds for Shri Amarnathji Yatra.

The meeting was also informed that a total of 312 new projects worth Rs 75.5 crore have been reviewed, while another 109 projects valued at Rs 18.07 crore are pending finalization. The Chief Minister was informed that an amount of Rs 10 crore has been reserved for high-priority or technically viable works proposed by elected representatives. Action has already been initiated on several budget announcements, including Rs 10 crore for the preparation of tourism master plans, Rs 27 crore earmarked for sewerage and solid waste management projects in Gulmarg, Rs 6 crore for developing water sports infrastructure at major lakes, Rs 15 crore for winter sports facilities, and Rs 20 crore for exploring new tourism destinations.

She informed that plans are also underway to revive idle tourism assets, improve wayside amenities, and monetize under-utilized properties. Targets for 2025–26 include the preparation of master plans for key destinations, strengthening of tourism infrastructure, enhanced destination development, and aggressive promotional campaigns to attract visitors.

Culture Department

Likewise, Secretary Culture presented an elaborate plan aimed at heritage restoration, infrastructure modernization, digitization, and promotion of regional arts and languages. The department has completed 16 out of 106 heritage restoration projects, with another 46 targeted for completion by March 2026. A major focus is on the revival of the historic Mubarak Mandi Complex in Jammu, with Rs 30.02 crore allocated for the purpose. Under Phase III of the Heritage Revival Scheme, an additional 123 projects have been identified across various districts.

The department is finalizing its draft Cultural Policy, which will soon be put in public domain for consultation. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to modernize the SPS Museum; while repairs and improvements are already completed, a revised DPR worth Rs 19.80 crore has been submitted for making the museum fully functional. Revival of the Tehzeeb Mahal project in Srinagar is also being actively pursued at its original site. On the digitization front, the department is upgrading its web portal to facilitate AI-assisted archiving of manuscripts and vital records.

To preserve and promote regional art forms, the department has been organizing structured cultural programs. It also aims to re-launch the publication of “Sheeraza” in Sheena and Bhaderwahi languages after re-advertising posts for editors and composers due to a poor initial response. Under the proposed Rs 132 crore budget for 2025–26, allocations have been made for the directorates of Archives, Archaeology & Museums, Libraries & Research, and the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages. New projects include setting up library-cum-reading rooms and restoration of temples, forts, and shrines. During the last fiscal year, Rs 131.50 crore was allocated and Rs 27.20 crore was spent, with 10 out of 156 projects completed by March 31, 2025. Several heritage revival projects under Phase-I were successfully completed during 2024–25.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while commending the detailed planning and progress in the departments, called for swift and effective execution to ensure that projects translate into measurable improvements on the ground.

The Chief Minister assured that his government remains committed to strengthening governance, modernizing public infrastructure, and accelerating inclusive development across all sectors.

Srinagar: Director General of Police, J&K, Nalin Prabhat, IPS, chaired a high-level review meeting regarding the administrative and logistical preparations for the incoming CAPF coys to be deployed for SANJY 2025.

The meeting, held at the Police Control Room in Kashmir was attended by senior officers from the Police, CRPF, ITBP, Telecommunication, SDRF, BSF, SSB, and other allied agencies.

The meeting was attended by Special DGP (Coordination) J&K S.J.M. Gillani, IPS; ADG CRPF J&K Rajesh Kumar, IPS; ADGP Headquarters J&K M.K. Sinha, IPS; ADGP Armed J&K Anand Jain, IPS; JD SIB J&K/L; IG BSF Frontier HQ Kashmir; IG CRPF KOS; IGP Kashmir Zone; IGP (POS) PHQ J&K; IGP Security J&K; IGP Traffic J&K; DIGs of CKR and SKR; DIG Personnel PHQ; DIG SSB Srinagar; DIG Armed Kashmir; DIG Traffic Kashmir; DIG ITBP Srinagar; DIG CRPF; SSP Srinagar; SSP PCR Kashmir; SSP Anantnag; SSP Ganderbal; SSP SDRF Kashmir; SSP APCR Kashmir; SP Telecom Kashmir; SP PC Srinagar; and virtually attended by IGP Jammu Zone; IG CRPF Jammu; IG BSF Jammu; DIG SSB Jammu; DIG CISF Jammu; and all Yatra district SSPs of Kashmir Zone.

At the outset, the Zonal IGPs briefed the DGP on the status of CAPF induction of both the zones. The officers also briefed the chair regarding the administrative & logistical arrangements made for the incoming CAPF coys. The coordinating officers of the CAPF shared their feedback on the administrative arrangements at various camping sites and transit locations. The senior officers of CAPF also expressed their satisfaction with the administrative and transportation arrangements for the inducted coys.

The DGP issued directives for the smooth induction of CAPF companies and emphasized that district heads should ensure proper arrangements for incoming units and their efficient ground deployment. He further stressed the need for a high level of coordination among all forces and instructed that an effective inter-agency coordination mechanism be established.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to ensure the safe and successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2025.

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said foolproof security arrangements have been made for the forthcoming annual Amarnath Yatra and urged pilgrims to visit the cave shrine in large numbers.

Sinha performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the cave shrine, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual yatra this year, an official press release informed.

“The Pratham Puja was concluded. I request the devotees to come in large numbers for the yatra which will start on July 3 and conclude on Raksha Bandhan on August 9,” Sinha said.

He said the Shrine Board and the administration have improved the facilities for the pilgrims this year.

“Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF, and other CAPFs have made foolproof security arrangements. So, I think there is no need for anyone to think about anything, they should come and take Baba’s blessings,” Sinha added.

“Har Har Mahadev! Paid my obeisance to Baba Barfani and performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. May Baba Amarnathji keep showering his divine blessings on all of us,” the LG said on ‘X’ later.

He said the J&K administration, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, Army, BRO, CAPFs, J&K Police and all stakeholders are working with complete devotion, dedication, collaboration and clear objectives for hassle-free and safe pilgrimage.

“Invaluable contributions of people of J&K, Civil Society and all service providers have always been truly exceptional. I have full faith that significant improvements to facilities and services will ensure this year’s pilgrimage is memorable and spiritually fulfilling for all devotees,” he said.

GoC 15 Corps, Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava; Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; SASB member, KN Rai; SASB CEO and Principal Secretary to LG, Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri; IGP Kashmir, VK Birdi and other senior officials were also present at the holy cave.

Sinha earlier conducted inspection of works for yatra at the Baltal axis of the pilgrimage.

He ascertained the progress of the works being carried out at the Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas Complex of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board at Baltal axis in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir, the official press release said.

Sinha directed the officials to timely complete the infrastructure projects being developed to enhance facilities for pilgrims of the yatra.

The 38-day yatra is scheduled to begin on July 3 from the twin axis of Baltal and Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor visited Baltal today and reviewed the arrangements in place for medical and healthcare at the Baltal Base Camp Hospital.

He interacted with the officials and directed them to ensure the availability of adequate numbers of doctors, paramedical staff and healthcare professionals, medical equipment, medicines, oxygen cylinders and round the clock healthcare service for the well-being of the pilgrims.

Srinagar: A shikara race was organised at the Dal Lake here on Wednesday to promote tourism in the Valley in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, officials said.

Education Minister Sakina Itoo flagged off the race, organised by a Chandigarh-based private group of colleges, they said.

The race was organised to promote Kashmir’s tourism sector, which suffered a setback following the April 22 terror attack in which 26 people died.

Speaking on the occasion, Itoo said the unique initiative will contribute towards the promotion of Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism potential on the national and International arenas.

“This race is not just an event, it is a celebration of peace, unity, and unmatched beauty of our J&K. Promoting such activities helps create new narratives around J&K, drawing positive attention and boosting tourism,” she said.

The minister appreciated the students and management of the institute, saying it has played a positive role after the terror attack.

The organisers said Kashmir is and will always be a heaven on earth, unaffected by negative incidents.

Alleged incident of corporal punishment in Srinagar private school will be investigated: Edu minister

Minister for Education, Sakina Itoo on Wednesday said the School Education Department will investigate the alleged incident of corporal punishment reported in a prominent private school in Srinagar.

Itoo said instructions have already been given to the Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) to investigate the matter.

“The issue has already come to my notice and I have directed an investigation,” she said.

On Tuesday, a parent alleged that his daughter – a class 3rd student in Presentation Convent School Srinagar, was hospitalised after being subjected to corporal punishment by a school teacher for not carrying her copy to the school.

The school management however, denied the charge about the student being beaten up by the teacher.

 

Srinagar: The cabinet sub-committee constituted by the Jammu and Kashmir government to examine the issue of reservations in the Union Territory (UT) has drafted its report and will submit it in the next meeting of the cabinet.

“The Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to examine the issue of reservations has drafted its report within the stipulated time frame of 6 months. The report will be placed before the Cabinet when it meets,” Minister for Education Sakina Ittoo posted on her X handle.

The committee was constituted in response to widespread concerns following a March 2024 amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, under the administration of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The amendment increased reservation in government jobs from 43% to 70%, largely due to the inclusion of the Pahari community under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.

The policy sparked protests and opposition from several quarters, prompting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to set up the Cabinet Sub-Committee to reassess the implications of the move. The panel was given six months to complete its review.

The cabinet sub-committee was formed in December last year after protests by students outside the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here against the existing reservation policy.

The protest was led by National Conference (NC) leader and Lok Sabha member from Srinagar Aga Ruhullah Mehdi.

With the Centre granting reservation to Pahari-speaking people in the UT, the open merit category has been reduced to just 30 percent while 70 percent are reserved for various communities.

Students, especially those undergoing training in medicine and surgery, were protesting against this policy, saying it promotes mediocrity where merit should reign supreme.

Meanwhile, reacting to the news, MLA Handwara and Peoples Conference President, referring to his post on X on 28 May, 2025, posted on X: “My guess on reservations sub Committee report was not wrong. So if there is a report it is to be submitted to the cabinet

“I hope I am wrong in the context of the reservations and all pervasive sense of foreboding prevails.”

On May 28^th Lone had posted that the issue of reservations is all set to come up for discussion again.

“I will be honest. I don’t have a lot of hope. The committee formed by the present government is a typical run of the mill, time buying, excuse-making bureaucratic gibberish. It will end up with either seeking another date or come up with a statement mired in ambiguity, or a decision to make one more committee.”

He had posted that government neither has the brain nor the brawn.

“You really do need brains to understand the complexities of reservation in J & K. And you need a lot of brawn to take a principled stand on it.”

“I refuse to trivialise the concept of reservations by relegating it to snatching employment from person A and giving it to person B. That is a part of the problem. The damage is much more.

“Reservations have to be at an optimal level. They cannot be excessive. Excess of reservations crowds out talent, disincentivises intellect, and sets in motion a process which subjugates meritocracy for all times to come.

Nations are built by outstanding young men and women who excel in their chosen subjects. The whole concept of schools, universities, examinations, academic specialisations is to have system in place which identifies these outstanding intellectuals in different fields. Nations are built by these rarest of rare supremely superior intellectuals, identified in a rigorously competitive system of selection,” he had posted.

“Out here in J & K, reservations is not a stand alone social tool in totality. It is unfortunately also a political tool; it is regrettably also a retributive tool. The planners and perpetrators are in search of a new normal in the society and reservations is their magical reset button.

“The problem of reservations is simply not about numbers. It is much more. And It is a post dated cheque for disaster. Societal resets have not worked anywhere in the world and will not work here,” his post read.

 CSC report must reflect what students have articulated: NC MP Aga Ruhullah

Says meeting students, reservation rights activists on Jun 11 to discuss issue in detail

While the Cabinet Sub-Committee formed to examine grievances related to the Union Territory’s revised reservation policy, has completed its report and is set to present it before the Cabinet in its upcoming meeting, Member of Parliament from Srinagar and National Conference leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has asserted that the recommendations must reflect the concerns raised by the students.

As per the news agency KNO, Ruhullah, who has been at the forefront of the demand to roll back the revised reservation policy, said he is scheduled to meet with students on June 11 to discuss the issues leading up to the sub-committee’s report.

“I expect what the students expect—that their demands, concerns, and grievances are addressed with fairness and transparency. There is a clear call for rationalization of the reservation regime and it must be carried out in line with what the students have articulated,” Ruhullah said.

He added that a delegation of student leaders and reservation rights activists is scheduled to meet him on June 11 at 10:30 AM to discuss the issue in detail.

Earlier on Tuesday, Minister Sakina Itoo, who chaired the sub-committee, provided an update on the progress. “The Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to examine the issue of reservations has drafted its report within the stipulated time frame of six months. The report will be placed before the Cabinet when it meets,” Itoo said in a post on X.

The committee was constituted in response to widespread concerns following a March 2024 amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, under the administration of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The amendment increased reservations in government jobs from 43 percent to 70 percent, largely due to the inclusion of the Pahari community under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.

The policy sparked protests and opposition from several quarters, prompting then-Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to establish the Cabinet Sub-Committee to reassess the implications of the move. The panel was given six months to complete its review.

PDP’s Parra calls for making Cabinet committee report on reservations public

PDP leader Waheed Para on Tuesday said the Omar Abdullah government should make public the report of the Cabinet sub-committee on reservations in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the intentions of the government were under question.

“Students are demanding answers, not delays. Why hold back the Cabinet committee report on merit? After your govt’s adverse stand on merit in court, intentions not actions are under question.

“After six years of an unelected government, the least people deserve from it is transparency. Make the report public,” Para posted on X.

The PDP leader was reacting to Education minister Sakina Ittoo’s post, in which she said the Cabinet sub-committee has completed its report and will submit it when the council of ministers meets next.

“Jammu and Kashmir is a conflict-ridden region burdened with decades of trauma, depression and the highest unemployment rate in India. Sixty-five per cent of its population is youth, who are struggling between hopelessness and dreams of a better future.

“As a border state with immense strategic importance, our youngsters are not just an opportunity but also a challenge if ignored,” Para said.

He added that amid fragile peace, terror threats and cross-border skirmishes, the youth of Kashmir have chosen the path of competing on merit.

“They want to be doctors, engineers, civil servants, and builders of a better tomorrow, which is perhaps the best thing that can happen to any nation.

“Yet, the biggest hurdle to their dreams is not violence but the systematic embargo on merit. The only region in the country where youth are punished for being meritorious is sadly J&K,” Para claimed.

The MLA from Pulwama also said that reservation was important to uplift the downtrodden, but it cannot, under any circumstances, come at the cost of merit.

“That’s precisely why we’ve been demanding pro-rata rationalisation of reservation,” Para added.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah may not have created “the monster of this flawed reservation policy but it was your party, your MLAs, and your parliamentarians who promised its correction”, he said.

“With an absolute mandate of 50 seats in a region where 70 percent depend on merit, what exactly are you waiting for? Which business rule, which statehood, which sub-committee is stopping you? It’s a shame that a party whose founder stood for autonomy cannot even stand for merit today,” Para said.

The PDP leader also said that if leaders cannot unite for the youth and the principle of fairness, “what future are we talking about? Let merit lead”.

 

Srinagar: J&K is the first among all States /UTs which got sanction under PMGSY-IV and the biggest ever package sanctioned for J&K under PMGSY will provide connectivity to 390 number of eligible habitations with population more than 250 souls.

Reacting to the development, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan for sanctioning 316 road projects worth over Rs 4,200 crore for the Union Territory (UT) under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY).

“Grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji & Hon’ble Union Minister of Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Ji for sanctioning 316 road projects at an estimated cost of Rs. 4224 Cr under Batch-I of PMGSY-IV for providing connectivity to 390 no. of eligible habitations,” Sinha posted on his X account.

The LG said J&K was the first state or UT to get sanction under the PMGSY-IV.

“J&K is first among all States/UTs which got sanction under PMGSY-IV. It is also the biggest-ever package sanctioned for J&K under PMGSY.

“The approved 1781 KMs road length will provide a major boost to rural road connectivity and usher in a new era of prosperity in far-flung areas,” he added.

The package sanctioned for J&K under PMGSY will provide connectivity to 390 eligible habitations with a population of more than 250 souls.

Jammu: The continued heatwave has been suffocating Jammuites and making Valleyites to sweat as Jammu and Kashmir is reeling under an intense heatwave, with temperatures remaining above normal, the Meteorological data revealed on Tuesday.

These conditions have disrupted daily life, prompting authorities to issue advisories for the residents to stay hydrated and avoid direct exposure to the sun.

As per officials, the record-breaking temperatures were recorded across Jammu region, with maximum temperatures in key areas of the region highlighting the severity of the heat wave.

Jammu recorded the hottest day of the season at 44.4°C, which is 5.6°C above normal, while Banihal recorded 33.6°C, which is 5.2°C above normal.

Similarly, Batote recorded 33.3°C, which is 5.5°C above normal. Bhaderwah’s maximum temperature settled at 33.4°C, which was 3.6°C above normal, and Katra recorded 40.6°C, which was 4.9°C above normal.

Moreover, Kashmir division also witnessed the above normal temperature on Tuesday with Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recording 33.5°C, which was over 5°C above normal.

Qazigund recorded 7.3°C above normal temperatures, while Pahalgam’s maximum temperature settled at 29.2°C.

In Kokernag, the mercury settled at 32.2°C, while in Kupwara and Gulmarg, a maximum temperature of 31.6°C and 23.0°C was recorded, respectively, on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the heat wave is expected to continue for the next four days.

Local authorities urged residents to take precautions, including staying indoors during peak heat hours in the afternoon, drinking plenty of water and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities.