Srinagar, Feb 19: The Jammu & Kashmir Government has revealed that its prized properties in New Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh are not in its hands-but under occupation. The revelation has raised questions over how assets of such huge financial value slipped out of the stateâs control. In a written reply to cut motion of Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Gani Lone, Minister in-charge Hospitality & Protocol Department said that 96 kanals of J&K are currently occupied by the Military Engineering Service under administrative control of Ministry of Defence. âThe Jammu and Kashmir Government owns a property known as âKashmir Houseâ spanning 114 Kanals and 11.2 Marlas at Rajaji Marg. Of this, 96 Kanals are currently occupied by the Military Engineering Wing under the Ministry of Defence (Engineerâinâchief) and have persistently been taken up with Estates department as well as Ministry of Defence,â the Ministerâs reply reads. The Minister said that one Kanal and 11. 2 Marlas of land were successfully retrieved on June 5, 2023. âOut of the remaining land, 1 Kanal and 11. 2 Marlas was under the unauthorized occupation and successfully retrieved on 05.06.2023. Resultantly, 18 Kanals of land is under possession of the Jammu & Kashmir Government at present and has staff quarters over it,â the minister said. The Minister also disclosed that eight Kanals and five Marals of land are under illegal occupation at Damai Ganj, Amritsar. âThe Government owns land measuring approximately 32 Kanals and 9 Marlas at Daimganj, Tapai Road, Amritsar, which has been subject to unauthorized occupation," it reads. The minister said that through sustained legal action and orders passed by the Honâble District Court, Amritsar, the Government has successfully retrieved approximately 14 Kanals and 11 Marlas from Raminder Singh Buloria and 9 Kanals and 13 Marlas from Balbir Sharma, thereby recovering substantial portions of the land. The Minister said the remaining land measuring two Kanals and 15 Marlas under occupation of Kuldip and approximately five Kanals and 10 Marlas under occupation of Raminder Pal Singh. These two cases are presently under litigation before competent civil courts. âExecution proceedings are ongoing, and the remaining land measuring approximately 8 Kanals and 5 Marlas is expected to be retrieved upon final adjudication, with assistance from the Revenue Department and local authorities,â the Ministerâs reply reads. The Minister said the J&K Government has initiated legal proceedings to recover 1251 Kanals of land leased out in 1960 at Haryana. âThe Government of Jammu & Kashmir owns land measuring approximately 1251 Kanals and 4 Marlas at Mangla area, District Sirsa, Haryana, which was leased out in the late 1960s to Bajwa Brothers," the reply reads. It reads that due to violation of lease conditions, particularly non-payment of lease rent, the Government initiated legal proceedings before the Hon'ble Punjab and Haryana High Court to enforce its ownership rights and secure recovery of possession. "The matter is at the final argument stage,â reads the reply.
Jammu, Feb 18: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that some of the road stretches in Old Srinagar were old alignments developed several decades ago with limited Right of Way (ROW). He said this while replying to a question raised by MLA Tanvir Sadiq. Sadiq raised a query that despite passage of several decades many of the main arterial roads in the downtown areas of Srinagar continue to remain structurally outdated, un-widened and poorly maintained, resulting in chronic traffic congestion. The deputy chief minister who is the minister in-charge for Roads and Buildings Department said that traffic congestion was experienced particularly during peak hours due to the substantial increase in traffic volume, urbanization and commercial activity. The minister said the routine maintenance and necessary repairs were being carried out periodically to ensure traffic ability and road safety. "Preliminary assessments for improvement and widening of select stretches have been undertaken. Comprehensive widening in most cases entails substantial land acquisition, shifting of utilities and removal of encroachments, requiring inter-departmental coordination," the minister said. The House was informed that the land acquisition process has also been affected in certain stretches due to court litigation's, thereby impacting progress. The government said structures near Nalbal Bridge stand acquired for widening of Nowshera to Sour (KZP Road). "Acquisition of remaining structures shall be taken up after settlement/negotiation in the High Level Committee (HLC) and finalization of pending court cases," he said. About Saida Kadal to Ashaibagh (SMS Road), the government said that the survey for widening was presently underway for a length of approximately 1.75 km. "The proposal envisages widening of the carriageway from 7.50 meters to 21.00 meters. The Detailed Project Report (DPP) shall be submitted after completion of survey and feasibility formalities," the minister said. He informed the House that the preliminary project report for widening and upgradation of Devi Angan-Hawal Road has been prepared by Chief Engineer, R&B Central Kashmir under CRIF scheme for an estimated cost of Rs. 31.25 Crores for a length of 1.40 km. "This includes land acquisition and utility shifting cost of Rs.30.00 Crore and development cost of Rs. 1.25 Crore. The project shall be taken up upon approval under the scheme and subject to the availability of funds," he said. He said that the Alamgiri Bazar Chowk project stands approved under UT Sector 2025-26 for an amount of Rs. 335.00 lakh, which includes acquisition of 05 structures and junction redesigning. "The DPR is under process for Accord of Administrative Approval/Technical Sanction and shall be considered subject to the availability of funds," he said. He said that redesigning of Mirza Kamil Sahib (MK Sahib) Chowk stands approved under UT Sector 2025-26 for an amount of Rs. 135.00 lakh. "The DPR is under process for Accord of Administrative Approval/Technical Sanction," he said. The minister said the government was cognizant of the traffic congestion issues in downtown Srinagar and the necessity of ensuring smooth movement of ambulances, fire services and other emergency vehicles. "Road up-gradation and improvement works are being undertaken in a phased junction and prioritized manner based on traffic density, public safety considerations, land availability and financial feasibility," he said. The minister said that the improvement works including resurfacing, strengthening, drainage correction and junction re-modelling are being executed under regular R&B grants and other infrastructure development schemes.
Karta, Feb 18: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the much-anticipated Sri Shankaracharya Temple. Perched on hillocks beside the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, this project takes root after decades, realizing a vision first envisioned in the 1960s. Total expenditure for the temple complex, amounting to Rs. 31.51 crore, will be fully borne by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The Lieutenant Governor announced that the Shrine Board will construct 50 commercial shops within the Temple complex, which will be allotted to the landowners who donated it for sacred cause. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and the concerned landowners was executed in 2025, wherein the landowners have consented to donate 41 Kanals for sacred cause. âIn the years ahead, the Sri Shankaracharya Temple will serve as a spiritual anchor for millions of devotees. It will be a living emblem of India's eternal culture, collective faith, resilience, and profound spiritual-cultural consciousness," LG said. He said that devotee visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi for darshan will also come to Sri Shankaracharya Temple, generating significant economic momentum across the region. "This influx will create employment opportunities, strengthen local enterprises, and inject fresh energy into overall regional development,â the Lieutenant Governor said. During his visit to the holy town of Katra, the Lieutenant Governor presided over the âSamridh Nari, Samridh Bharatâ program at the Spiritual Growth Centre, where he interacted with the women entrepreneurs of Self-Help Groups of Reasi and adjoining areas. The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the commitment of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board towards keeping spiritual hubs vibrant while prioritizing every devotee's comfort, safety, and dignity.  He said when sacred sites thrive with vitality, they spark renewed faith and unlock paths to progress. âShri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has consistently prioritized welfare of local communities. It has not only generated large-scale local employment and supported extensive business activity, but has also contributed significantly to shaping a renewed social and cultural identity in the Union Territory,â the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in a recent meeting had approved key decisions to transform the Shrine and surrounding area into India's premier vibrant spiritual hub. He announced that the Shrine Board is enhancing the annual procurement of Puja Samagri and Prasad from SHGs from current procurement value of Rs.5 Crore to Rs. 12 Crore significantly strengthening livelihood generation in the region. âA standout measure was to prioritize purchases from local self-help groups, women, and young entrepreneurs to boost the regional economy. This initiative will onboard 20 additional self-help groups into the supply chain, providing livelihood support to around 1,500 women from villages in Reasi, Udhampur, and Jammu. Total annual purchases from these groups will be scaled to Rs. 50 crore in coming years,â the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor stated that the soul of J&K UT is deeply rooted in Indiaâs rich civilizational heritage, so we have decided to channel Vedic education's vast wisdom to the youth to nurture this legacy. He said, through the Gurukul initiative, SMVDSB will nurture youth who will uphold sacred traditions and perform religious practices with authenticity and understanding. The Lieutenant Governor also shared his vision for the future of the holy town. "I envision Katra carving a unique global identity in the coming years- drawing investments, superior infrastructure with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board support, booming business activity, and boundless opportunities for the youth,â he said. The Lieutenant Governor further highlighted that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board envisions building a world-class cultural and spiritual centerâone that provides society with a foundation of lasting stability. Suresh Kumar Sharma and Gunjan Rana Members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Prof. Pragati Kumar Vice-Chancellor SMVDU, Ramesh Kumar Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Mohammadd Aijaz Asad Secretary Rural Development & PR, Sarah Rizvi DIG Udhampur and Reasi Range, Sachin Kumar Vaishya CEO SMVDSB, Nidhi Malik Deputy Commissioner Reasi, senior officers of Police and Civil Administration, members of women self-help groups from Reasi and adjoining districts attended the function.
Srinagar, Feb 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday informed the House that out of 877 ventilators installed across hospitals in the Union Territory, 219 remain non-functional, highlighting gaps in critical care infrastructure. Replying to a question of MLA Shamim Firdous, minister in-charge for Health and Medical Education Department informed the House that 658 ventilators are functional while 219 are non-functional. While giving institution-wise details, she said that in GMC Jammu and its associated hospital there are 320 ventilators, among which 209 are functional and 111 are non-functional. âIn SMHS Srinagar, 08 ventilators are non-functional and in GMC Srinagar associated hospitals excluding SMHS, 44 are non-functional,â the government said. As per the figures, in GMC Anantnag only 10 out of 36 ventilators are functional while GMC Baramulla has 2 non-functional ventilators and GMC Doda 10, GMC Kathua 2 and GMC Rajouri 3 are non-functional as well. Also, in GMC Udhampur and GMC Handwara, all 39 and 6 ventilators respectively are functional. The government further said, in SKIMS and its associated hospitals, out of 53 ventilators, 40 are functioning while 13 are non-functional.
Srinagar, Feb 19: The Jammu & Kashmir Government has revealed that its prized properties in New Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh are not in its hands-but under occupation. The revelation has raised questions over how assets of such huge financial value slipped out of the stateâs control. In a written reply to cut motion of Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Gani Lone, Minister in-charge Hospitality & Protocol Department said that 96 kanals of J&K are currently occupied by the Military Engineering Service under administrative control of Ministry of Defence. âThe Jammu and Kashmir Government owns a property known as âKashmir Houseâ spanning 114 Kanals and 11.2 Marlas at Rajaji Marg. Of this, 96 Kanals are currently occupied by the Military Engineering Wing under the Ministry of Defence (Engineerâinâchief) and have persistently been taken up with Estates department as well as Ministry of Defence,â the Ministerâs reply reads. The Minister said that one Kanal and 11. 2 Marlas of land were successfully retrieved on June 5, 2023. âOut of the remaining land, 1 Kanal and 11. 2 Marlas was under the unauthorized occupation and successfully retrieved on 05.06.2023. Resultantly, 18 Kanals of land is under possession of the Jammu & Kashmir Government at present and has staff quarters over it,â the minister said. The Minister also disclosed that eight Kanals and five Marals of land are under illegal occupation at Damai Ganj, Amritsar. âThe Government owns land measuring approximately 32 Kanals and 9 Marlas at Daimganj, Tapai Road, Amritsar, which has been subject to unauthorized occupation," it reads. The minister said that through sustained legal action and orders passed by the Honâble District Court, Amritsar, the Government has successfully retrieved approximately 14 Kanals and 11 Marlas from Raminder Singh Buloria and 9 Kanals and 13 Marlas from Balbir Sharma, thereby recovering substantial portions of the land. The Minister said the remaining land measuring two Kanals and 15 Marlas under occupation of Kuldip and approximately five Kanals and 10 Marlas under occupation of Raminder Pal Singh. These two cases are presently under litigation before competent civil courts. âExecution proceedings are ongoing, and the remaining land measuring approximately 8 Kanals and 5 Marlas is expected to be retrieved upon final adjudication, with assistance from the Revenue Department and local authorities,â the Ministerâs reply reads. The Minister said the J&K Government has initiated legal proceedings to recover 1251 Kanals of land leased out in 1960 at Haryana. âThe Government of Jammu & Kashmir owns land measuring approximately 1251 Kanals and 4 Marlas at Mangla area, District Sirsa, Haryana, which was leased out in the late 1960s to Bajwa Brothers," the reply reads. It reads that due to violation of lease conditions, particularly non-payment of lease rent, the Government initiated legal proceedings before the Hon'ble Punjab and Haryana High Court to enforce its ownership rights and secure recovery of possession. "The matter is at the final argument stage,â reads the reply.
Srinagar, Feb 9: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the JK Legislative Assembly that Gurez was witnessing a steady rise in tourist arrivals over the past few years. The government further informed the House that several measures taken to strengthen sanitation and waste management in the ecologically sensitive region. The details were shared by the Minister in-charge, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj in response to a question raised by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan. As per the government figures, tourist footfall in Gurez has increased consistently, with 40,105 visitors in 2022, 48,797 in 2023, and 1,11,613 in 2024. In 2025 so far, the destination has already recorded 54,675 arrivals. About the concerns over sanitation, the government informed the House that it has undertaken considerable and sustained efforts to improve waste management infrastructure. "These include construction of community compost pits, soakage pits and waste segregation sheds, alongside regular door-to-door solid waste collection," the minister informed the House. A Plastic Waste Management Unit is under construction, while twin-pit dustbins have been installed at key locations - including along the banks of the River Kishenganga - to ensure scientific disposal and discourage littering. The government said that dumping of garbage into the Kishenganga was strictly prohibited, and no such practice is allowed by residents, hotels or commercial establishments. The department said it remains committed to safeguarding the fragile ecology of Gurez through strengthened waste collection and segregation systems, expanded sanitation interventions in and around Dawar town, installation of dustbins at high-footfall points, and creation of durable community assets. "Regular awareness and sensitization programmes are also being conducted for residents, shopkeepers and tourists to promote responsible waste disposal and maintain environmental cleanliness in the region," the reply reads.
Udhampur, Jan 10: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Saturday conducted an extensive tour of far-flung areas of Tehsil Panchari of District Udhampur and felicitated the winners of 6th ISKOI India Karate Championshipâ2025 during an impressive medal ceremony held at Government Higher Secondary School, Panchari here. Mission Director POSHAN Sajad Ahmad Ganai, Director Social Welfare Jammu Ranjeet Singh, Director Health Services Jammu, Director Colleges, PO Poshan, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Joint Director School Education Udhampur -Reasi, DDC Member Panchari, other district officers, parents of medal winners and large number of locals were also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Minister congratulated the girl achievers, their parents and the local populace on the remarkable accomplishment of young girls. She lauded their dedication, discipline and fighting spirit and expressed pride in the fact that many of these medal winners hailed from far-flung and remote areas, overcoming limited resources and challenging circumstances, to bring laurels to Jammu and Kashmir. Minister Sakeena said that the achievements of these young girl sportspersons reflect their hard work and their parents as well as the growing sports culture in the region. âYour success proves that talent knows no geographical barriers. With determination and proper guidance, our youth can excel on any national and international platform,â she stated. Highlighting the importance of sports, the Minister said that sporting activities provide a common platform for budding sportspersons to showcase their talent and prepare them to face challenges in life. She urged the participants to actively engage in sports for physical fitness, mental well-being and overall personality development. She assured continued government support for promoting sports activities, especially in rural and far-flung areas, to ensure equal opportunities for talented players. She also lauded the efforts of the International Shito-Ryu Karate Organisation of India for promoting sports culture among youth, especially in rural areas. During the ceremony, the Minister interacted with the players, coaches and parents, appreciating the role of coaches and families in nurturing young talent. She encouraged the medal winners to continue their training and aim for greater achievements at national and international competitions. During the ceremony, as many as 47 medal winners of the 6th ISKOI India Karate championshipâ2025 were felicitated by the Minister and presented trophies and prizes to them. On the sidelines of the event, Sakeena Itoo Later distributed school bags and umbrellas under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme. Later, the Minister also interacted with DDC Member Panchari, former PRI members and locals who projected several issues and demands pertaining to health, education, road and other sector before the Minister. While interacting with them, the Minister said that the Director Health Services Jammu has been given strict instructions to prepare a holistic plan for upgradation of medical care facilities at the PHC Panchari as well as addressing shortage of staff, owing to the remoteness of area from district head quarters. She further added that the maintenance of road and allied works will be taken up with concerned quarters for immediate redressal. She reaffirmed that the Government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is committed to strengthen road connectivity, health infrastructure and other essential facilities to ensure every basic service is available at the doorsteps of common people. She also said that the Tourism potential of the Panchari area will be tapped to its full extent by the Government, which will eventually lead to overall development of the area and add to its economic efficiency.
Baramulla, Jan 25: The Indian Army on Sunday organised Know Your Army event at District Police Line (DPL) Baramulla. From Artillery guns to Fly past by Drones in action and from new generation vehicles and latest equipment on display, the Dagger Division of Indian Army put on display its weapons to instill national pride among locals in Baramulla. The event was organised to commemorate 77th Republic Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. The event was organised by Dagger Division of Chinar Corps to showcase the operational capabilities of the Indian army and to inspire local youth to pursue careers in the Armed Forces, reinforcing National pride and unity. GOC, Dagger Division was the Chief Guest at the occasion while other and senior army officers and officials from civil administration were also present at the occasion. The event was declared open by the by GoC Dagger Division for the public. "Weather did not dampen the spirit of the enthusiastic locals and children who thronged the event in large numbers to witnessed the display," an official handout reads. Major highlights of the celebrations were an impressive capability display of Swarm of Drones, martial arts by Army and children of Chinar Yuva. "Children witnessing the event were enthralled by the mesmerising show of the Canine companions of soldiers," the handout reads. The people present at the occasion were entertained by vibrant, energetic and melodious Kashmiri renditions of famous songs sung by the local band, Strings of Baramulla of Chinar YUVA Center.  A captivating display of state of the art weapons and military equipment found favour with the youth. The event witnessed by approximately 1500 spectators, including Army and government officials besids the students from schools and colleges. The event received widespread appreciations from students and the local community, who expressed admiration for the discipline, dedication and combat readiness of the Indian Army. "Event successfully strengthened public confidence in the armed forces and fostered a renewed sense of patriotism among the youth of Baramulla," the handout reads.
Bengaluru, Jan 9: BGS Bloomfield School celebrated its Annual Day 2026 with a grand cultural evening showcasing creativity, talent, and holistic learning. The event, held on the school campus, featured vibrant performances by students from Nursery to Grade 10, reflecting the institutionâs commitment to academic excellence, character-building, and co-curricular development. Member of Parliament from Bangalore Central Parliamentary Constituency, P C Mohan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while renowned Kannada stand-up comedian Gangavathi Pranesh was the Guest of Honour. Their presence added inspiration and enthusiasm to the celebrations, encouraging students to pursue their aspirations with confidence and dedication. The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a series of captivating cultural performances, including classical dance, theatre, musical ensembles, and thematic presentations centred on unity, gratitude, and nation-building. Each performance reflected months of preparation and the dedicated guidance of the schoolâs faculty. Addressing the gathering, Chairman Dr B Gurappa Naidu expressed pride in the studentsâ achievements. âAnnual Day is a reflection of our studentsâ creativity, discipline, and teamwork. At BGS Bloomfield, we strive to nurture every childâs potential by offering a balanced environment that promotes academic excellence alongside cultural enrichment,â he said. He added that the performances stood as a testament to the collective efforts of students, teachers, and parents. Chief Guest P C Mohan lauded the schoolâs holistic approach to education, saying it was inspiring to see young students display confidence, discipline, and creativity on stage. âInstitutions like BGS Bloomfield play a vital role in shaping responsible and empowered citizens of the future,â he said. He congratulating the management, faculty, and students for the impressive celebration. Guest of Honour Gangavathi Pranesh brought a touch of humour to the occasion while appreciating the studentsâ heartfelt performances and the schoolâs emphasis on value-based education. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of teachers, parents, and partners in making the celebration memorable. "The Annual Day reinforced BGS Bloomfieldâs vision of nurturing confident, compassionate, and future-ready learners," the handout reads.
Srinagar, Jan 15: After the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE) declared the result of the class 10th and 12th annual (regular) examinations, the whole focus shifted to the achievers, particularly the toppers. Amidst the appreciation and celebrations for the successful candidates, a stark reality has emerged in society that none of the stakeholders talk about those students who could not pass the examination. This emerging trend has become dangerous for the young students particularly the average performers or those who do not pass the exam in their first attempt. Amid this, a government school teacher has put forth a clear message for the parents of those children who could not qualify the JKBOSE exams. Aasima Jan, a government school teacher from Baramulla district said that expectations of the parents should not make the students victim of depression. She believes that the parents must stand by their children who could not qualify the JKBOSE exams or qualified it with average grades. After the announcement of the results, some students qualified the exams with good marks in class 10th and 12th exams while qualified with average grades while some could not qualify the exams. "Those parents whose children either took less marks or could not qualify for the exam, must be a little upset with their children. As a parent, it is natural to feel disappointed when your child does not come up to your expectations," Aasima Jan said. She however said that the high expectations of parents should not make the child a victim of depression. "Class 10th exam is just a first step in the educational journey of these children. This is not the end of life. Life will provide more opportunities, with more chances and more ways to excel," Aasima Jan said. She said the parents must support their child at this time deal with this setback. "If parents support their child at this time, their kids will bounce back more stronger in future. Parents must tell their children that failures are not opposite to success but are actually part of success," she said. She said there were many people who did not qualify normal exams but proved their worth in life after facing setbacks. "Parents must put in their efforts. Embrace their child, support them instead of letting them down," she said. As the JKBOSE declared the result of class 10th and 12th class examination, the stakeholders and society at large pour praise and attention on the top performers while there was a deafening silence surrounding those who do not pass the examination. The move raised a serious concern, particularly about the way children are being brought up. It raised big question that: âAre we preparing our students to be strong enough to cope with the failure?â
Jammu, Feb 18: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that some of the road stretches in Old Srinagar were old alignments developed several decades ago with limited Right of Way (ROW). He said this while replying to a question raised by MLA Tanvir Sadiq. Sadiq raised a query that despite passage of several decades many of the main arterial roads in the downtown areas of Srinagar continue to remain structurally outdated, un-widened and poorly maintained, resulting in chronic traffic congestion. The deputy chief minister who is the minister in-charge for Roads and Buildings Department said that traffic congestion was experienced particularly during peak hours due to the substantial increase in traffic volume, urbanization and commercial activity. The minister said the routine maintenance and necessary repairs were being carried out periodically to ensure traffic ability and road safety. "Preliminary assessments for improvement and widening of select stretches have been undertaken. Comprehensive widening in most cases entails substantial land acquisition, shifting of utilities and removal of encroachments, requiring inter-departmental coordination," the minister said. The House was informed that the land acquisition process has also been affected in certain stretches due to court litigation's, thereby impacting progress. The government said structures near Nalbal Bridge stand acquired for widening of Nowshera to Sour (KZP Road). "Acquisition of remaining structures shall be taken up after settlement/negotiation in the High Level Committee (HLC) and finalization of pending court cases," he said. About Saida Kadal to Ashaibagh (SMS Road), the government said that the survey for widening was presently underway for a length of approximately 1.75 km. "The proposal envisages widening of the carriageway from 7.50 meters to 21.00 meters. The Detailed Project Report (DPP) shall be submitted after completion of survey and feasibility formalities," the minister said. He informed the House that the preliminary project report for widening and upgradation of Devi Angan-Hawal Road has been prepared by Chief Engineer, R&B Central Kashmir under CRIF scheme for an estimated cost of Rs. 31.25 Crores for a length of 1.40 km. "This includes land acquisition and utility shifting cost of Rs.30.00 Crore and development cost of Rs. 1.25 Crore. The project shall be taken up upon approval under the scheme and subject to the availability of funds," he said. He said that the Alamgiri Bazar Chowk project stands approved under UT Sector 2025-26 for an amount of Rs. 335.00 lakh, which includes acquisition of 05 structures and junction redesigning. "The DPR is under process for Accord of Administrative Approval/Technical Sanction and shall be considered subject to the availability of funds," he said. He said that redesigning of Mirza Kamil Sahib (MK Sahib) Chowk stands approved under UT Sector 2025-26 for an amount of Rs. 135.00 lakh. "The DPR is under process for Accord of Administrative Approval/Technical Sanction," he said. The minister said the government was cognizant of the traffic congestion issues in downtown Srinagar and the necessity of ensuring smooth movement of ambulances, fire services and other emergency vehicles. "Road up-gradation and improvement works are being undertaken in a phased junction and prioritized manner based on traffic density, public safety considerations, land availability and financial feasibility," he said. The minister said that the improvement works including resurfacing, strengthening, drainage correction and junction re-modelling are being executed under regular R&B grants and other infrastructure development schemes.
Srinagar, Feb 9: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the JK Legislative Assembly that Gurez was witnessing a steady rise in tourist arrivals over the past few years. The government further informed the House that several measures taken to strengthen sanitation and waste management in the ecologically sensitive region. The details were shared by the Minister in-charge, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj in response to a question raised by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan. As per the government figures, tourist footfall in Gurez has increased consistently, with 40,105 visitors in 2022, 48,797 in 2023, and 1,11,613 in 2024. In 2025 so far, the destination has already recorded 54,675 arrivals. About the concerns over sanitation, the government informed the House that it has undertaken considerable and sustained efforts to improve waste management infrastructure. "These include construction of community compost pits, soakage pits and waste segregation sheds, alongside regular door-to-door solid waste collection," the minister informed the House. A Plastic Waste Management Unit is under construction, while twin-pit dustbins have been installed at key locations - including along the banks of the River Kishenganga - to ensure scientific disposal and discourage littering. The government said that dumping of garbage into the Kishenganga was strictly prohibited, and no such practice is allowed by residents, hotels or commercial establishments. The department said it remains committed to safeguarding the fragile ecology of Gurez through strengthened waste collection and segregation systems, expanded sanitation interventions in and around Dawar town, installation of dustbins at high-footfall points, and creation of durable community assets. "Regular awareness and sensitization programmes are also being conducted for residents, shopkeepers and tourists to promote responsible waste disposal and maintain environmental cleanliness in the region," the reply reads.
Srinagar, Feb 7: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Saturday welcomed the approval of a major horticulture project in Kupwara district, terming it a positive outcome of sustained political intervention and follow-up. In a statement, Inam Un Nabi said that the Development of Model OrchardâcumâNursery (Public Sector) at Watayan, Chogal, Kupwara has been approved at a cost of âč17.20 crore, with funding committed under the NABARD scheme. He said the project was initially taken up by Er Rashid, Member of Parliament from Baramulla, who consistently pushed for strengthening public-sector horticulture infrastructure in the region. He added that the project was later actively pursued at multiple levels by Sheikh Khursheed, MLA Langate, whose follow-up ensured that the proposal moved from approval to tendering. âThis project will play an important role in improving quality nursery production, supporting orchardists, and creating employment opportunities for local youth. It reflects what focused representation and continuous follow-up can deliver for people,â Inam Un Nabi said.
Srinagar, Feb 04:Â The Jammu and Kashmir government Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that as many as 20 government offices in Budgam district were functioning from rented premises. The government further informed the House that there was no proposal under consideration for constructing a unified government office complex at the sub-district level. In a written reply by minister in-charge Public Works (R&B) Department, the House was informed that as on date, 20 government offices of different departments in District Budgam are functioning from rented buildings. "There is no such proposal under consideration for construction of a unified Government Office Complex at sub-district level either with this Department or with the Revenue Department," the minister in-charge informed the House.
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmirâs Baramulla district is proving that dedication and ambition can propel one to global heights. Munaf-ul-Raquib who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, has gained international recognition for his research on black holes and cosmology. Munaf-ul-Raquib revealed that his paper on the thermodynamics of black holes was recently published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). âAbout a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,â he said. He said that since his research was published in the international journal, he has been receiving opportunities from various countries to participate in research dialogues. Raquib added that in the coming months he is scheduled to participate in international conferences in Paris on April 16 and later in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Sopore aerospace engineer noted that he is also participating in various conferences across different countries. Speaking about his research, Munaf-ul-Raquib addressed a fundamental paradox in astrophysics: how black holes can appear to violate thermodynamic laws, particularly concerning entropy.âIf we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,â he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeebâs research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. âIn this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,â he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. âIt is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,â he said. Raqeeb shared that Astrophysics was his childhood dream, and his grandfather encouraged me immensely. "After my grandfather passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, my parents continued to champion my aspirations. My parents left no stone unturned in helping me pursue my dreams,â he said. He said that his academic path included taking the JEE and later the AME CET entrance exams, through which he secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Nasik Research Centre. âMy parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,â he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. âJust as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.â âYoung people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,â he further added.
