Category: LOCAL

SHOPIAN: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today visited several areas in Shopian district and listened to people’s grievances.

MLA Zainapora, Showket Hussain Ganie along with officers accompanied the Minister during his visit to places like Burihalan, Hirpora.

The people raised several issues while seeking the Minister’s intervention in the speedy redress of the same.The MLA, on the occasion, projected several grievances and demands pertaining to the welfare and development of the people of his constituency. He raised the issue of macadamisation of roads, upgradation of rural health infrastructure, better sanitation facilities and increasing supply time of water among other things

A delegation of people demanded implementation of the Forest Rights Act guaranteed under the constitution and demanded fair review and scrutiny of their rejected claims to forest rights.

Another delegation from Hirpora complained about the shortage of portable water in their area and sought the intervention of the Minister to address their concern immediately.

Likewise, another delegation raised the issue of better drainage facilities and complained that the roads get choked in the rainy season, giving a tough time to the commuters.

The Minister assured the delegations that the government is abreast with the problems faced by people and has taken a slew of measures to address those on priority.

The Minister also took stock of the grievances pertaining to the departments under his control. He assured that the government would ensure outcome-based disposal of the issues raised by the people. He also assured that the issues pertaining to other departments will be forwarded to the concerned for timely action.

ANANTNAG: As part of ongoing preparations for the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025, Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, today visited the Pahalgam axis of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.

The Secretary reviewed preparedness of the healthcare facilities at Nunwan Base camp, Sub District Hospital Pahalgam and the 100 bedded Base Hospital at Chandanwari.

Dr. Abid Rasheed was accompanied by Director Health Services Kashmir Dr Jehangir Bakshi, Director Family Welfare Dr Mushtaq Rather, Officer Incharge of Yatra from the Department, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Anantnag, Medical Director Yatra (Pahalgam axis) and other Nodal officers of the Health Department.

The visit included a comprehensive inspection of the medical infrastructure and facilities being put in place for the annual pilgrimage.

During the inspection, Dr. Abid Rasheed reviewed key components of healthcare preparedness, including availability of essential medicines, deployment of medical and paramedical staff, readiness of medical emergency response systems and overall adequacy of healthcare infrastructure for Yatra duties.

The Secretary was informed that medical stations enroute the Holy Cave are functional with deployment of advance medical teams. Further, the deployment of staff including doctors, paramedics and other staff shall be carried out in three phases for effective service delivery during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.

Emphasizing the need for uninterrupted healthcare services, Dr. Abid Rasheed directed the officials to ensure 24/7 medical facilities, especially at high-altitude camps and other critical points along the Yatra route.

He also stressed the importance of a robust referral system for timely shifting of critical cases to higher-level healthcare institutions. He instructed the medical teams to maintain adequate stocks of drugs and other equipment.

SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, commended the remarkable achievement of Engineers of Jal Shakti Department for prompt restoration of a major breach in the Awantipora Canal at Village Waghama, bringing relief to the distressed farmers.

The breach, measuring around 40 meters in length and 20 meters deep, had occurred on the night of June 16-17, 2025, disrupting irrigation supplies to nearly 2,000 hectares of paddy land in Anantnag and Pulwama districts.

Following a visit from MLA Bijbehara, who assessed the situation and called for urgent action, the Jal Shakti Department sprang into action. A high-level meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, was convened to discuss restoration options.

The experts worked tirelessly to explore solutions, and the department mobilised resources, deploying heavy earth-moving machinery to create a 130-meter canal detour and undertake temporary restoration works. The restoration work was completed within a record four days, ensuring resumption of irrigation supplies to the affected areas.

The Minister lauded the Additional Chief Secretary who supervised and led Department’s Engineers who worked day and night to restore the canal, reiterating the department’s dedication towards supporting the farming community.

The farmers and public representatives have hailed this achievement, acknowledging the department’s commitment towards ensuring adequate and assured irrigation supplies.

The restoration has brought relief to hundreds of farmers, enabling them to continue agricultural activities without major disruptions during the critical paddy transplantation season.

KUPWARA: Mission Director, Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) Dr Shubhra Sharma today visited Ramahal, Batergam, Trehgam and Dragmula blocks of district Kupwara and conducted a comprehensive review of works executed by JKRLM.

During the visit, the MD also interacted with the Cadre and Self Help Groups (SHGs) of JKRLM and gathered first hand appraisal from them about the implementation of various schemes of JKRLM. She also examined several initiatives set up in the district, evaluating their effectiveness and identifying opportunities for further enhancement.

She toured the agriculture-based livelihood and dairy units at Batergam and Deedikoot (block Kupwara), engaging with women farmers and entrepreneurs. She also visited the Hallow brick unit, inaugurated a restaurant set up by Self-Help Group members associated with the Mission at Ramhall, and explored the Tarathpora Hitech poly house, AMC and Boutique in the same block.

The MD also inaugurated Integrated Farming Cluster (IFC) Nutnussa project in Drugmulla, marking another milestone and symbolizing the district’s focus on agro-based industries and sustainable development.

Expressing her appreciation, the MD stated, “Kupwara is the best example of women empowerment, where local women are leading initiatives and transforming their communities. We are committed to supporting these efforts and fostering further growth.”

Furthermore, the MD directed officials to strengthen the upcoming marketing platform to facilitate better sales and visibility for local products and entrepreneurs, ensuring sustained economic progress. She further asked them to strengthen the digital transactions among the SHG members.

MD impressed upon the officials to prioritise group enterprises and CLF based enterprises in convergence with other line departments which will be run as business entities for the benefit of the women SHG members.

She impressed upon the officials that the NRLM programme can be successful only when it converges with other departments and directed the field staff to conduct awareness on convergence with other line departments.

Addressing the SHG members associated with JKRLM, the MD stressed upon the SHG members to avail the benefits envisaged under the Mission and strive for economic upliftment.

The Mission Director was accompanied by State Project Managers, District Program Manager (DPM) Block Program Managers (BPMs) and the Management Information System team (MIS) besides other officials.

Srinagar: In a vibrant display of inclusive education and community engagement, Islamia College of Science and Commerce kick-started a series of events under the banner “Community Day Celebrations”, held on June 5, 2025.

The initiative is a vital step towards fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose among educational stakeholders.

The event, themed “Explore, Learn and Play,” was designed to promote creativity, innovation, and collaborative learning. It brought together students and staff from neighboring schools, offering a unique opportunity to interact with the college community, explore state-of-the-art facilities, and participate in diverse educational and recreational activities.

The celebrations were graced by the Hon’ble Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the constituency, Jenab Tanvir Sadiq, who attended as the Chief Guest. Marking his first official visit to the college in this capacity, Mr. Sadiq inaugurated the event by enthusiastically participating in a friendly tug-of-war match, symbolizing unity and collaboration.

During his visit, Sadiq toured student-run exhibitions and interacted with participants who showcased their innovative projects in fields such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, data analytics, and coding. He also explored displays highlighting entrepreneurial management skills, artistic expression, literary talent, culinary creativity, and a dedicated e-gaming zone. The MLA commended the students for their creativity, confidence, and the quality of their work.

The event served as a bridge between school and higher education, enabling school students to gain hands-on experience with advanced laboratories, digital libraries, innovation hubs, and museums. This exposure was aimed at helping young learners envision Islamia College as a future academic home, breaking down institutional barriers and fostering aspiration.

“Community Day is more than a celebration; it’s an investment in inclusive, holistic education that prepares our students to be socially aware, emotionally intelligent, and academically inspired,” a college spokesperson said.

By opening its doors to the wider educational community, Islamia College set a precedent for how institutions can play a pivotal role in nurturing future-ready learners. The college administration confirmed its intent to carry this initiative forward, establishing it as a regular feature in its academic calendar.

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.

JAMMU: Jammu & Kashmir celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga with grand fervor and overwhelming participation, marking a joyous convergence of wellness and spiritual unity.

Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Transport, Satish Sharma, participated in the mega event held at Gulshan Ground as chief guest.

Speaking on the significance of the day, the Minister said, ” under one sky and with one spirit, thousands of yoga lovers from Jammu & Kashmir have come together to spread the message of harmony, wellness and unity.” He highlighted the significance of this year’s theme titled “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, underscoring yoga’s vital role in promoting not just physical fitness, but holistic well-being and environmental harmony.

“India, the birthplace of Yoga, has given the world a priceless legacy, an age-old science that unites the body, mind and the soul,” he said.

Satish Sharma noted that more than 170 countries now observe International Yoga Day, following India’s proposal to the United Nations. He emphasized how Yoga has become a universal movement for health and inner peace.

“In today’s stressful world, students frequently face emotional and academic pressures. Yoga is one of the best tools to overcome these challenges. It helps control stress, calms the mind and reduces anxiety. I urge our youth and masses to incorporate Yoga into their daily routine. It will not only enhance their mental and emotional strength but also build confidence and focus,” maintained the Minister maintained.

Acknowledging the efforts of the J&K government in mainstreaming Yoga across all sectors, the Minister said that from integrating Yoga in school curriculums to establishing AYUSH Wellness Centres and launching community outreach programmes, the government is ensuring access to natural, preventive and holistic healthcare for every citizen.

The Minister complimented the Health & Medical Education Department and the Directorate of Ayush J&K for organizing the grand celebration. He also appreciated the contribution of distinguished guests, Yoga practitioners and other participants in the success of this mega event.

The event witnessed the participation of Chairman, District Development Council Jammu, Bharat Bhushan; Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar; IGP Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti; DIG, Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma; Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya; Senior Superintendent of Police Jammu, Joginder Singh, large number of district officers, citizens and students.

SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today lead the massive 11th International Yoga Day celebrations at SKICC here.

Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; various Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, senior officers of health department, locals and large number of students were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Sakeena emphasized on the significance of yoga as a tool for physical, mental and emotional well-being. “I believe that if every day a person performs yoga for even half an hour, nothing is more than this for health,” the Minister said. She added that Yoga has become far more important because of rising lifestyle-related problems.

While reflecting on this years theme of International Yoga Day; ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, Minister Sakeena said that Yoga is not merely a form of exercise but it is a bridge to inner peace and collective harmony.

She further said that the menace of drug abuse can also be tackled through Yoga. “Even if today you see our youth are involved in drugs and if we have to bring them back, we need to get them used to yoga and their health will get better,” Minister Sakeena stated.

On the occasion, the Minister also lauded the health, education and Ayush departments for organising various programmes across Jammu and Kashmir to mark International Yoga Day celebrations.