JAMMU: Director General Rural Sanitation Jammu & Kashmir Anoo Malhotra conducted a field visit to inspect the progress and functionality of key assets created under the Swachh Bharat Mission- Gramin (SBM-G). The visit was supported by officials from the Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Block Development Officers (BDOs), the Swahaa team, and the Project Management Unit (PMU).

The visit began with a review of sanitation initiatives, on-ground implementation and impact of the SBM-G. Later she inspected the GOBARdhan Plant and the Plastic Waste Management Unit at Phallian Mandal and Suchetgarh.  Malhotra underscored several crucial aspects for ensuring the effectiveness of these programs. She directed that a designated person be assigned for the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of both the GOBARdhan plant and the Plastic Waste Management Unit. She further stressed the need for greater community involvement in the GOBARdhan initiative to ensure its long-term success and sustainability.

In addition, Malhotra placed significant emphasis on enhancing the overall waste management systems in rural areas. She urged the implementation of door-to-door waste collection, the proper use of segregation sheds, and the establishment of community soakage and compost pits to facilitate better waste processing. Moreover, she highlighted the importance of Community Sanitary Complexes to provide rural populations with accessible sanitation facilities.

Regarding the Plastic Waste Management Unit, Malhotra expressed her concerns about its current status and directed officials to ensure its functionality at the earliest. She also emphasized the need to generate revenue from the unit to ensure its operational sustainability and contribute to the local economy.

Speaking on the occasion, Malhotra said, “The Swachh Bharat Mission- Gramin is a cornerstone of our efforts to improve rural sanitation. To achieve long-lasting change, it is essential that we focus on both effective waste management and community participation. We need to ensure that these projects are well-maintained, functional, and beneficial for the communities they serve.”

The visit highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring the success and sustainability of the Swachh Bharat Mission- Gramin in Jammu & Kashmir, with a focus on community-driven solutions and improved waste management practices.

JAMMU: The Directorate of Ayush J&K successfully organized an Awareness Program cum Interactive Session on Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945 here today, focusing on misleading advertisements and false clai related to Ayush medicines.

The session, held in the Meeting Hall of the Directorate of Ayush, Indra Chowk, was chaired by Director Ayush Dr. Nuzhat Bashir Shah.

The program aimed to sensitize stakeholders about the legal provisions governing Ayush drug advertisements, ensuring compliance with regulation nor to prevent misleading claims that may misguide the public and impact the credibility of the Ayush sector.

Dr Nuzhat Bashir Shah advised the nominated Ayush Medical Officers to act as per Rule 170 and work in close coordination with the Assistant Drug Controllers of their respective districts to enhance regulatory oversight and compliance.

 State Drug Controller Lotika Khajuria provided in-depth insights into Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, elaborating on the legal framework and enforcement mechanics to curb false claim in Ayush drug promotion. She emphasized the need for strict adherence to the Act and urged stakeholders to ensure that advertisements align with the prescribed regulations.

Assistant Director Directorate Ayush Dr Rakesh Kumar Raina provided insights about the role of nominated Ayush Medical Officers under Sub Rule 14 of Rule 170 of Drugs and Cosmetic Rules.

The event was attended by Dr Suresh Sharma Deputy Director Ayush, Jammu, District Ayush Officers, Nominated Ayush Medical Officers representatives from Ayush drug manufacturing units, and other stakeholders, both in person and virtually. The interactive session provided clarity on compliance requirements and best practices for responsible drug promotion in the Ayush sector.

The Directorate of Ayush, J&K, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the credibility and authenticity of Ayush medicines by strengthening the regulatory framework and fostering greater awareness among stakeholders.

JAMMU: In a simple yet impressive function, the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority (J&K LSA) today organized a plantation drive at the official residence of Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh. The initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and encouraging the plantation of fruit-bearing trees.

During the event, Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority) alongwith Shahzad Azeem, Registrar General, M. K. Sharma, Principal Secretary to CJ, Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority and Mayank Gupta, Joint Registrar (Judicial/Protocol), Jammuplanted fruit-bearing saplings at the Chief Justice’s Banglov, Jammu.

The saplings were provided by Dr. K. C. Sharma, a renowned surgeon and philanthropist, who has been instrumental in developing the Summer Zone Apple variety. This unique variety, which can thrive in high temperatures of up to 48°C, has been successfully cultivated across multiple states, including J&K, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. It has the potential to revolutionize fruit cultivation by ensuring fruit production within just 13 months of plantation, even in warmer regions.

Dr. Sharma’s research has led to the successful plantation of these apples in various prestigious locations, including Vaishno Devi University, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Raj Bhavan, UT of J&K and military establishments. His contributions to Indian horticulture have been widely recognized, and his efforts have played a crucial role in making India self-reliant in apple production beyond traditional cold-climate regions.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Justice appreciated the efforts of J&K Legal Services Authority in promoting eco-friendly initiatives and emphasized the importance of afforestation and sustainable agricultural practices. He also lauded Dr. K. C. Sharma for his dedication to horticultural research and his commitment to environmental conservation.

On this occasion, Dr. Sharma also presented books authored by him, one of which depicts the problems and solutions of the Ladakh region. His literary contributions reflect his deep understanding of environmental and agricultural challenges, further reinforcing the need for innovative solutions to ensure sustainable development.

In addition, many saplings were also planted at the High Court Guest House at VIP-1, Ved Mandir Enclave, Jammu, further extending the green initiative.

J&K Legal Services Authority remains committed to furthering its environmental initiatives and will continue to organize similar plantation drives across the Union Territory.

Jammu: 9 Organic Clusters for promotion of organic farming, alternate agricultural cultivation

Minister for Agriculture, Javed Ahmad Dar, today said that under National Mission on Saffron, 19989.03 Marla (50 Ha) area has been rejuvenated in Kishtwar district.

The Minister, while replying to a question raised by Sunil Kumar Sharma in the Legislative Assembly, said that the financial and technical assistance has been given to farmers under various component.

The Minister said that for rejuvenation of 19989.03 Marla (50 Ha) area, 5465 beneficiaries were given financial assistance for Saffron corms and Rs 1265 per marla involving the total subsidy of Rs 252.86 lakh was given to farmers.

He said that Rs 30 lakh subsidy was given to 100 beneficiaries for  vermi compost units, while as Rs 24 lakh subsidy was provided to 48 beneficiaries for Power Tillers/Weeders.

The Minister said that as many as ten   Farmer Training Camps were organized under National Mission on Saffron and about 250 farmers have been trained for two day with an expenditure of Rs 750/- per head.

The Minister informed the house that 03 FPOs have been formulated and are working in saffron processing, packaging and marketing through various e-Marketing Platform as well as through various buyer-seller meets in different parts of the country.

He said that for promotion of the Organic Farming, total 09 Organic Clusters have been established been under Parampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Alternate Agriculture.

The Minister said that the clusters included Organic Cluster Pochhal B2, Organic Cluster Galhar, Organic Cluster Garh, Organic Cluster Ligri, Organic Cluster Hamindrawn, Organic Cluster Tiyari, Organic Cluster Ishtiyari, Organic Cluster Karthaie and Organic Cluster Ladder.

He said that each organic cluster comprising 50 Farmers with 20 Hectare area and under these clusters, 450 farmers have been registered on Participatory Guarantee Scheme (PGS) Portal and have been provided Organic Inputs in an area of 180 Ha. He said that awareness camps have also been conducted in these clusters for the promotion of organic farming.

Jammu: An amount Rs. 9.82 crore has been incurred, so far, on construction of the Mini Secretariat at Batamaloo.

This information was given by Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo, while replying on behalf of the Chief Minister in response to a question raised by Member Tariq Hameed Karra.

She further informed the House that the decision to execute the project was taken during a District Development Board meeting held on October 4, 2017, under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister of J&K (Chairman, District Development Board).

The project namely ‘Construction of Mini Secretariat at Batamaloo’, commenced in 2018 with a technically vetted cost of Rs. 48.23 crore. “An amount of Rs. 1 crore was released for the project, against which Rs. 82 lakh stands incurred,” the Minister stated.

She further informed that during the current financial year, additional Rs. 9 crore have been incurred, bringing the total expenditure on the project to Rs. 9.82 crore so far. “It is pertinent to mention that the pile foundation work of the project has been completed,” she added.

The Minister also stated that the executing agency has now submitted a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) amounting Rs. 80.26 crore, which is currently under consideration of the department.

Cancer treatment, healthcare infra being upgraded: Health Minister

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today informed the House that the Health infrastructure for cancer detection and treatment is being upgraded in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister was replying to a question by Tanvir Sadiq in the Legislative Assembly.

She said that as per Population Based Cancer Registry, 50551 cases in Kashmir Division and 13912 cases in Jammu Division were registered between 2018-2024. She said that 2 percent to 3 percent case increase is also being witnessed annually.

The Minister informed that the cancer patients in J&K are given the specialized treatment at SKIMS Srinagar and GMC, Jammu with availability of different facilities including radiation oncology, Critical Care ICU, Nuero ICU, CVTS ICU, Pulmonary ICU and Paediatric ICU at SKIMS.

She said that the Government Medical College, Jammu is presently providing OPD Services, Chemotherapy, PET CT Scan. Brachytherapy, Radiology Tests, Digital Radiography and Colposcopy to the cancer patients.

The Minister said that the State Cancer Institute is functional at SKIMS Soura which was commissioned on December 05, 2020 and houses Day Care facility for Medical Oncology patients, Clinical Haematology and Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology for the in-patients.

She further said that the 3rd floor of State Cancer Institute, SKIMS is ready for shifting of bone marrow Transplant facility and recruitment of manpower in this regard is under progress. She said that the dedicated Operation theatre for Cancer Patients is being operationalized at SKIMS Soura, which would be ready soon.

She further said that the work on three Operation Theatres and 10 bedded ICU in State Cancer Institute, Jammu is near completion and likely to be completed by the end of March, 2025.

She maintained that efforts are on to decentralize the Cancer care which has been already accomplished to a great extent by way of having Chemotherapy at District Day Centers.

The Minister further said that the Government has already taken an initiative of decentralising the cancer treatment by establishing cancer care in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Govt to relocate GMC Handwara at alternate site

Existing site non-tenable due to high risk flooding; says committee report

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today said that the Government Medical College (GMC), Handwara will be constructed at an alternate site to address the healthcare needs of people of Kupwara district.

Replying to a question by Sajad Gani Lone, the Minister informed that unprecedented floods have been reported in the recent times on 29th March 2024, 16th and 28th April 2024 when the maximum flood level recorded was 0.6m, 3.8m and 4.0m respectively above Ground Level (GL) which is at the right bank of Nallah Pohru (the existing construction site for New GMC and Hostels for GMC Handwara), making it un-feasible for undertaking construction of such a prestigious facility.

She informed that a Committee was formed to check feasibility of the existing site after floods. “Committee headed by the Engineer-in-Chief, PW (R&B) Department reported that the present site is non-tenable due to the high risk of flooding, which would put students, faculty and infrastructure at risk”, she stated.

The Minister further said, “Engineer-in-Chief, PW Department (Chairman of Committee) in subsequent meetings reiterated that the present site is not in a position to take forward the project and the proposed flood protection measures would not mitigate the risk of flooding, making it impossible to proceed with construction at the current site”.

“Technical report of the Joint Committee headed by Engineer-in-Chief, PW Department has also reflected that the present site is not tenable”, she added.

The Minister also informed the house that the Government has constituted a committee under the Chairmanship of the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir to resolve the issue of land for relocation of Government Medical College, Handwara.

“Based on the recommendations of the committee, the matter has now been taken up with Agriculture Production Department for finalization of alternate sites for relocating GMC Handwara”, she stated.

The Minister also informed that the project for New GMC Handwara was sanctioned under the under Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Establishment of New Medical Colleges Attached with District /Referral Hospitals (Phase III)’.

She said the Ministry has extended the timelines for the project for one year upto March 2025 and now Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, has again been approached for extension of the timelines for completion of the Government Medical College, Handwara, (Phase III) for two years upto March 2027.

The Minister assured the house that the Government is committed to upgrade the healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. She added that the matter of new site has been taken up with the Agriculture Ministry and the land will be identified at such a location which will be accessible to all areas of Kupwara district.

Sheikh Khursheed raised supplementary questions on the issue.

JAMMU : Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary today said that Poonch-Tangmarg road project will be taken up with Union Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways ( MORTH) afresh.

The Deputy Chief Minister was replying to a question raised by Farooq Ahmad Shah and subsequent supplementaries raised by Aijaz Jan and Mohammad Akram Choudhary. 

He said that the Poonch-Tangmarg road via Loran has not been sanctioned by the Government of India.

Addressing the concerns raised by the legislators regarding change in alignment of road, the Deputy Chief Minister said that an inquiry will be conducted to resolve the road change issue. He also added that a committee will also be constituted to look into the matter which will be comprised of the concerned officers and authorities.

He further said that it is an important road to connect the Pir-Panjal to Kashmir valley and will boost tourism besides creating employment avenues for the youth. He also added that the road has cultural and societal significance for the people of both the regions.

Drive against encroachments on irrigation canals a regular exercise: Javed Rana

Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, today informed the House that the department undertakes coordinated action with the District Administration to remove encroachments from irrigation canals in Bijbehara.

The Minister was replying to a question raised by MLA, Basheer Ahmad Veeri.

The Minister stated that anti-encroachment drive is a continuous process and a total of 39 notices have been served to the general public during the year 2024-25. It further informed that 700 trees have been removed from the Nandi canal.

Regarding desilting and dredging, the Minister said that it is a routine process which is being conducted before onset of the irrigation season under the Convergence programme.

He further informed the House that the Irrigation network in the Srigufwara Bijbehara Constituency relies on the Nandi and Dubji Canals. These canals have leakages and embankment breaches, which are immediately acted upon and encroachments are removed as and when reported.