SAMBA: District Development Commissioner Samba Rajesh Sharma on Saturday launched the Clean Samba Initiative on a pilot basis at Panchayat Bhaderi, promoting waste segregation at source and creation of wealth from waste. As part of the initiative, dustbins were distributed to help locals efficiently manage and recycle waste.
The launch event was attended by DDC Member Ramesh and ACP Nar Singh Dayal Verma, along with the District Social Welfare Officer, Block Development Officer, officials from the Municipal Committee and a large gathering of locals.
Speaking on the occasion, District Development Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, emphasized the need for scientific waste disposal and highlighted that this is a total green initiative, where battery-operated autos will be used for waste collection and organic waste will be converted into manure. He further stated that this is the first-of-its-kind effort in Samba, bringing together municipal bodies and panchayats under a convergence model for effective implementation.
The Clean Samba Initiative will soon expand to other areas of the district, aiming for 100% waste management coverage. The distribution drive will be followed by an awareness campaign, where a resource person will educate locals on proper waste segregation and disposal.
KUPWARA,: After recent snowfall across district Kupwara, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan today visited various receiving stations to inspect the restoration of the power supply by the concerned departments.
During the visit, the DC inspected Receiving Station (RS) Hirri-Trehgam, RS Kralpora and RS Vilgam. She took detailed stock of all the feeders of these Receiving Stations and directed the concerned officers and field staff to ensure seamless power supply to the people as per the curtailment schedule.
The DC also took stock of snow clearance efforts carried out by different departments in the district.
Ayushi said that Priority-I roads of the district have already been cleared by different departments including R&B, PMGSY, MED and BEACON and snow clearance efforts are apace on various link roads to ensure hassle free movement of the people especially medical emergencies.
Regarding border roads, the DC appealed the commuters to avoid travelling to border areas in view of risk of avalanches. She said that snow clearance operation is going on in full swing on the border roads which will be opened soon for the commuters as the weather conditions have improved.
She said that District Administration has tied up helicopter service to deal with any medical exigency rising in these snow bound border areas for carrying evacuation operation. She also said all the shelter homes are operational to facilitate the stranded passengers of snow bound border areas.
GANDERBAL: Justice Javed Iqbal Wani, Judge High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Administrative Judge for District Ganderbal, visited the District Court Complex Ganderbal today to assess the judicial infrastructure and review the functioning of the courts.
Upon arrival, Justice Wani was warmly welcomed by Abdul Nasir, Principal District & Session Judge Ganderbal; Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal and Judicial Officers of District Headquarter Ganderbal.
Upon his arrival, Justice Wani was accorded a guard of honor by the District Police Ganderbal.
During the visit, Justice Wani chaired a meeting with the District Bar Association Ganderbal. The meeting was attended by Principal District and Sessions Judge Ganderbal, Abdul Nasir, and Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore. The Bar Association representatives highlighted various issues affecting their work, particularly the lack of adequate space.
They requested the construction of prefabricated structures within the court premises for advocates, along with the provision of an ATM facility.
On this, Justice Wani directed the Deputy Commissioner for preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the prefabricated structures, including necessary furniture, on a priority basis.
He emphasized that addressing these infrastructural challenges is crucial for the smooth functioning of the judiciary and the convenience of both advocates and litigants.
He also inspected the judicial work of all courts at the District Headquarter in Ganderbal. He interacted with judicial officers, encouraging them to perform their duties independently, impartially, and without fear or favour and prioritizing old & targeted cases which are more than five years old for their disposal.
Justice Wani urged judicial officers to work with dedication, honesty, and zeal to uphold the rule of law. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of judicial administration and ensuring timely delivery of justice to the litigants.
BANDIPORA: The District Administration Bandipora has made all necessary arrangements for the families whose homes sustained structural damage following a road collapse in Sheikh Mohalla Hajin.
The affected families who were temporarily relocated to the Government Girls School Hajin are receiving essential support and assistance.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, stated that the District Administration acted swiftly to provide safe and secure shelter for those affected by the road collapse. He added that immediate steps have been taken to address the situation, with adequate provisions made to ensure the well-being of the affected families during their temporary relocation.
He further mentioned that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to control any further damage, and the restoration work has been initiated immediately. The DC reassured the public that every effort is being made to assist those affected by the incident and that the administration is fully committed to the safety and well-being of the affected families.
In addition to providing food and shelter, Qadri said that the District Administration has ensured that all necessary arrangements are in place, including heating, lighting, and other essentials to guarantee the safety of the affected families. He urged all those concerned to avoid the road collapse site and damaged structures until the restoration process is complete.
SRINAGAR,: Following the directions of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, the Food Safety team has intensified its market checking efforts across the City in wake of the holy month of Ramadan.
The team conducted a thorough inspection of Parimpora Fruit Mandi to ensure the quality of fruits and vegetables available in the market.
During the inspection, the team lifted samples of fruits for analytical purposes. The Food Safety team also directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to take necessary measures to protect every food item, including dates, from environmental hazards such as dust, dirt, and other contaminants.
The team warned that anyone found violating any provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act will be dealt with strictly under the law. The Food Safety Department will continue its inspections and sampling efforts across Srinagar city to ensure that all food products sold in the market are safe for consumption.
This intensified market checking drive is part of the Food Safety department’s efforts to ensure that citizens have access to safe and healthy food, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan when the demand for food products increases.
The Food Safety team’s efforts are aimed at preventing the sale of adulterated or contaminated food products, which can pose serious health risks to consumers. By taking proactive measures, the department hopes to safeguard public health and prevent food borne illnesses.
SHOPIAN: On the directions of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta, a team of Food Safety officials from the Drug and Food Control Organization, Revenue, Food Supply, Municipal Committee and Legal Metrology conducted an intensive inspection drive at town Shopian today.
The drive was focused on Restaurants, Dhabas, poultry Shops, meat shops, Kiryana shops and roadside eateries to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, particularly in terms of sanitary and hygienic conditions besides other provisions.
The team inspected various food stalls and vendors, and checked their adherence to proper food handling, storage and good manufacturing practices.
During the drive, some plastic utensils, Newspapers, non- food grade plastic utensils were destroyed on the spot and a fine of Rs. 8000 was recovered from erring shopkeepers. They were also warned against black-marketing and profiteering.
Restaurants, Dhabas, poultry and roadside vendors were educated on the importance of maintaining hygiene and sanitary standards. They were also instructed to take measures to protect prepared food from environmental hazards and rodents.
Furthermore, food business operators involved in the preparation of ready-to-eat food were directed to undergo pest control measures at their premises.
Emphasises massive awareness on rainwater harvesting techniques, preserving water resources
BALAKOTE: Continuing with its efforts of connecting with the people at grassroots level, Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmad Rana, today concluded his Rajouri-Poonch tour with an extensive public outreach camp held at Balakote where he met several delegations who raised their concerns and issues.
The camp was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Tahir Mustafa Malik besides SDM Mendhar and various district and sectoral officers from line departments and locals.
During the outreach camp, the Minister interacted with several deputations who highlighted pressing issues like establishment of Government Degree College and Girls High School for Balakote, upgradation of various educational institutions, enhancement of healthcare infrastructure, provision of fire and emergency vehicles for the area, improvement of road infrastructure, establishment of model residential full boarding school, improvement in Power infrastructure, welfare of tribal communities, timely completion of Khanetar Basooni WSS, upgradation of WSS Naloi and installation of water hand pumps in the areas and other developmental needs.
The Minister assured the delegations of government’s commitment towards resolving their concerns in a time bound manner.
Javed Rana was on a five day tour to Pir Panjal region during which he convened a series of public camps in Mankote, Mendhar to assess the developmental needs of the people so that the same are prioritised in the government policies.
Addressing the people at Balakote, Rana emphasised the government’s proactive approach towards addressing their development needs and prioritising their basic requirements to enhance overall quality of life.
The Minister also announced several development initiatives for the area which included a significant investment of 1 crore for construction of Tehsil Office Complex and doctors’ residential quarters in Balakote. Additionally, there is a plan to build two guest houses at Bhimber Gali which is a proactive step towards boosting tourism in the area.
The Minister further stated, “Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, has given clear directions to listen and address public issues at their doorstep and our government is committed to fulfil all the promises made with the people”.
Javed Rana said that outreach camp is part of the government’s initiatives to ensure that citizen voices are heard and concerns addressed. “Community engagement helps to improve the efficiency and transparency of our decision making. It enables the government to make more informed decisions and mapping out the needs of local communities on issues that matter to them,” he maintained.
Emphasising the need to provide all-weather connectivity to unconnected habitations in Balakote block and other areas, Rana called to conduct surveys for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to identify eligible habitations and routes. He also directed the concerned to make adequate provisions for drinking water in high school Balakote.
Rana also set targets for the Jal Shakti Department and Power Development Department in the Block and asked the officers to work in tandem so that all the works are completed in time.
The Minister also called for urgent action on rainwater harvesting techniques and said there is a need to raise awareness among the people to protect and preserve this vital resource. “Water scarcity combined with climate change has a huge impact on the lives of people. Water table is receding at a fast pace and water resources are also drying up. We need to act fast and collectively for our future generations,” he added.
He said that this proactive approach paves the way for sustainable resource management, ensuring that water scarcity issues are addressed and that agricultural productivity is maintained.
As part of the outreach initiative, the Minister also participated in a plantation and awareness drives organised by the J&K Forest Department under the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”.
SRINAGAR: National Health Mission, J&K, today released ranking of Public Health facilities on Hospital Management Information System (JK e Sahaj) for the month of January, 2025.
In the category of New GMCs of Associated Hospitals of Government Medical Colleges, the first rank has been clinched by Government Medical College, Kathua, followed by Government Medical College, Rajouri, Government Medical College, Udhampur, Government Medical College, Baramulla and Government Medical College Handwara.
In the category of District Hospitals, the first rank has been secured by DH Shopian followed by ASYM DH Budgam, DH Ganderbal, Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar, Jammu and DH Samba.
In the category of Community Health Centres (CHCs), CHC Mendhar, Poonch bagged the first place followed by CHC Thathri, Doda, CHC Pakhepora, Budgam, CHC Marh, Jammu and CHC Sumbal, Bandipora.
JK e-sahaj (Electronic System for Automation of Hospital Administration in J&K) initiative was formally launched on 4th November 2022 as part of Jashn-e-Sehat for different types of facilities i.e. Tertiary care, District Hospitals, Community Health Centres. JK E -Sahaj has been integrated with Rapid Assessment System (RAS), 104 Centralised Health Helpline for outbound calling and RCH portal of MoHFW, Government of India.
The ranking has been done on the basis of registration, conversion of EMR (Electronic Medical Record), registration of IPD patients and Patient feedback uploaded on the portal of JK e Sahaj for the month of January, 2025, on real time basis.
DC reviews establishment of support system to facilitate farmers
RAJOURI,: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, chaired a meeting to review the implementation of the Integrated Farming Cluster under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). The initiative aims to enhance rural livelihoods by promoting sustainable agricultural and allied activities.
During the meeting, the DC emphasized the need for establishing a Livelihood Services Centre (LSC) to facilitate and support farmers with necessary resources, skill training, and market linkages. He also highlighted the importance of identifying potential crops and terrain suitability for better productivity.
As part of the cluster development, four villages of Budhal block—Darsakri, Hubbi, Kewal, and Larkuti—have been selected to implement the program. The DC directed stakeholders to focus on the production of maize, walnuts, Rajma, and sheep wool, considering their high potential in the region.
To streamline the value chain, the DC stressed the need for setting up Rajma packaging units, walnut processing unit, shearing machines, and felt machines to facilitate easy selling, packaging, and branding of locally produced goods. Additionally, he instructed officials to establish a Seed Storage Bank/Germplasm Bank to preserve high-quality seeds for future use.
Highlighting the importance of convergence, the DC directed that departments such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Sheep Husbandry, and NRLM work together to maximize the impact of the initiative.
The meeting was attended by Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO), Chief Horticulture Officer (CHO), Chief Animal Husbandry Officer (CAHO), District Sheep Husbandry Officer (DSHO), Senior Scientist, and District Programme Manager NRLM, who shared insights on implementing the project effectively.
JAMMU,: As part of the ongoing 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign, the State TB Cell, Directorate of Health Services, Jammu, successfully organized a special Nikshay Shivir aimed at facilitating early detection and treatment of Tuberculosis (TB).
All the officers and officials of DHS actively participated in the camp and underwent X-ray and sputum tests for TB screening.
Director Dr. Rakesh Magotra emphasized that the primary objective of this initiative is to accelerate TB detection, enhance public awareness, and reinforce eradication efforts. “The initiative aligns with the broader goal of eliminating TB by ensuring timely intervention and improved healthcare accessibility,” he added.
The Directorate of Health Services, Jammu has urged the community to actively participate in such programs and contribute towards a healthier and TB-free future.
To maximize outreach, a substantial amount of Information, Education & Communication (IEC) material was displayed and distributed, educating the public on symptoms, prevention, and treatment of TB.
Dy. Director Schemes Dr. Poonam Sethi, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Harbaksh Singh, State TB Officer Dr. Jyoti Jolly and District TB Officer Dr. Anu Saloch were present at the Shivir.
