JAMMU:- Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today felicitated Rajat Singh Chib, Bronze medalist in Judo event at the 38th National Games held recently in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
While interacting with the sportsperson, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the government has undertaken a comprehensive mechanism for giving a fillip to the sports related activities and the requisite infrastructure as well. He said that sports activities are imperative for overall development of person with intellectual capabilities and calibre.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that several sports persons have brought laurels to Jammu and Kashmir by winning at National and International level competitions. “It is a matter of pride for Jammu and Kashmir that our young sportspersons are creating a niche for themselves and we would ensure that they are provided with all requisite assistance and help”, he added.
Pertinently, Rajat Singh Chib, a resident of Hunjana Nowshera in Rajouri district, has won the Bronze medal in the event after a long gap of 35 years in the Men’s category.
Attends 29th Foundation Day of Chandi Mata Mandir, Pacca Danga
JAMMU: While highlighting the need for undertaking philanthropic activities, Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today said that it is necessary to serve the mankind and provide equal opportunities in life to all.
The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at a function organized to commemorate the 29th Foundation Day of Chandi Mata Mandir at Pacca Danga organized by Shri Chandi Mata Trust, Jammu.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the real devotion to God is to serve humanity and we should collectively work for undertaking activities which would be beneficial to the people at large. ”Our endeavor should be to work for upliftment of downtrodden and weaker sections of society. We should also channelize our activities for providing ample opportunities of education, housing and related things to marginalized sections of the society, which would be the real offering to the Almighty.”, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized.
While speaking about the challenges being faced by the society, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the present society is marred by various social evils and the need of the hour is to collectively work for their eradication. He said that the people should rise to the occasion and work for creating a civilized and a well-meaning social order.
Appealing to the youth to contribute their bit in creating a social order free of social evils, the Deputy Chief Minister said that they should not fall prey to substance abuse. He exhorted upon the young generation to follow the teachings of Saints and Seers for spiritual and intellectual upliftment.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the government has launched a comprehensive campaign for making Jammu and Kashmir a drug free region. He said that the issue of drug abuse has already been taken up with the law enforcing agencies for its eradication from society. Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated a free medical camp organized by Amar Shaheed Captain Gandharv Manhas Memorial Trust at Parade.
Deputy CM warns of severe legal consequences against unauthorized mining
JAMMU: In a decisive move aimed at tackling the menace of illegal mining in the Union Territory, the Jammu and Kashmir government has attached Joint Director, Geology and Mining, Jammu, H L Langeh, with the Administrative Department, ceasing all powers vested in him with immediate effect.
The order, issued by the Mining Department under Government Order No. 13-JK(MNG) of 2025, comes in the wake of directives received from the office of the Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, reinforcing the administration’s commitment towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the mining sector.
The government has taken this step in response to rising concerns over unauthorized mining activities that have been causing severe environmental degradation and revenue loss to the state exchequer. In light of this, the Director of Geology and Mining, J&K, has been directed to submit a comprehensive report addressing complaints related to illegal mining and the issuance of disposal permits, allowing authorities to initiate further scrutiny and take necessary corrective measures. The officials have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with mining regulations to prevent any further unlawful extraction of mineral resources.
Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, while addressing the matter, underscored the government’s firm stance against illegal mining, stating that the administration would not tolerate any misconduct or negligence in the execution of duties. He affirmed that illegal mining not only endangers the environment but also deprives the government of rightful revenue, impacting developmental initiatives.
Stressing the need for stringent enforcement mechanisms, the Deputy Chief Minister assured that those found complicit in unauthorized mining activities, irrespective of their position, would face strict legal consequences. He also urged the public to actively participate in reporting any illegal mining operations, emphasizing that community vigilance plays a crucial role in safeguarding the region’s natural resources.
Illegal mining has been a longstanding issue in Jammu and Kashmir, with unregulated extraction causing extensive damage to riverbeds, groundwater levels and local ecosystems. The government has reiterated its commitment to sustainable and legal mining practices, ensuring that all mineral extraction activities are conducted within the ambit of law and environmental norms. Efforts are being intensified to introduce advanced monitoring technologies, including satellite surveillance and digital tracking to curb unlawful mining operations.
The action against the Joint Director of Geology and Mining serves as a strong message that the government will not hesitate to take stringent action against any official found to be negligent or complicit in illegal activities.
The government has urged all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies and local communities to work in unison to eliminate illegal mining. With a clear emphasis on accountability and legal enforcement, this move signals a renewed effort to protect Jammu and Kashmir’s natural wealth while fostering responsible economic growth. The citizens are encouraged to report any instances of illegal mining through designated helplines and online grievance portals, reinforcing the administration’s objective of public participation in governance and environmental conservation.
Directs DCs to set up district control rooms to promptly address grievances
Srinagar,: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements made for the holy month of Ramadan, which commences tomorrow.
The Chief Minister emphasized that people rightfully expect their elected government to take all necessary measures to ensure they do not face any inconvenience during this sacred month.
“As the holy month of Ramadan begins tomorrow, the people rightfully expect the government to take all necessary measures to ensure they do not face any difficulties during this sacred month” the Chief Minister said.
He stressed that key departments under pressure must deliver service—particularly the power supply— which must be prioritized. “People want, and we must strive, to ensure that there are no power outages during Sehri and Iftar time. Any necessary shutdowns should be well-planned and curtailment could be made during the day time as per a proper schedule. The maintenance works, wherever required, be also taken up during the day time.” CM instructed.
He directed officials to immediately address system issues or faulty distribution transformers (DTs) to avoid disruptions.
On water supply, CM said that the recent spell of snow and rainfall had helped improve the situation but stressed the need for supply of adequate potable water to house holds.
“By the grace of Allah, the recent rainfall over the past few days has been beneficial in this regard,” he said.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to focus on cleanliness, particularly around mosques, shrines, traffic management, and making security arrangements.
He noted that both IG Jammu and IG Kashmir have addressed the security concerns. To enhance public service delivery, he directed all Deputy Commissioners to set up a fully staffed and operational district control rooms to promptly address grievances.
“Our collective effort should be to ensure a smooth and hassle-free Ramadan for the people. It is our responsibility to put all necessary arrangements in place,” he stated.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Education Shantamanu, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, all Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, Inspector General of Police Kashmir and Jammu, Deputy Commissioners, Commissioner JMC, MDs of KPDCL/JPDCL, and heads of key departments and Joint Director SMC.
The meeting was conducted both in person and through virtual mode. Earlier, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Bidhuri, presented a detailed report on the arrangements in place for the holy month.
The meeting was informed about the electricity demand during peak hours, particularly at Sehri and Iftari, water supply, sanitation around religious and significant public places, ration distribution for March, traffic deployment plans, police security arrangements, food safety and joint market inspections.
Welfare of artisan community and folk-artists is one of my prime objectives: LG Sinha
I also wish to see that every child is connected to the roots and every youth carrying the rich legacy of artisan community is empowered to contribute in J&K’s economic growth: LG
Preservation and promotion of heritage is crucial for sustainable development of the cities and to improve urban quality of life: LG
I believe culture is a way of life and we must involve young generations, inheritors of our rich legacy, to protect cultural and natural heritage: LG Sinha
Srinagar Heritage Festival commemorates the achievements and contribution of our great artisans, folk artists, writers and honours our unique and diverse cultural heritage which will inspire the future growth: LG Sinha
SRINAGAR : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the Srinagar Heritage Festival ‘Soan Meeraas’ at Kashmir Haat, today.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his felicitations to all the participating artisans & artists, and appreciated the collaborated initiative by the District Administration Srinagar and Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre J&K. He said, the Srinagar Heritage Festival commemorates the achievements and contribution of our great artisans, folk artists, writers and honours our unique and diverse cultural heritage which will inspire the future growth.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated his resolve to revive the cultural and artistic heritage of Jammu Kashmir and drive positive changes in the lives of the citizens, especially those associated with the world of art, crafts and culture.
“Welfare of artisan community and folk-artists is one of my prime objectives. I also wish to see that every child is connected to the roots and every youth carrying the rich legacy of artisan community is empowered to contribute in J&K’s economic growth,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that, in the last four and a half years, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, well-planned policies and their time-bound implementation has ensured that our craftspeople, artisans and artists are provided with better resources and opportunity to prosper and flourish.
The Lieutenant Governor also spoke on the emergence of Srinagar city as the cultural nerve centre of Jammu Kashmir. He shared the dedicated measures taken by the government to transform the cities of the Union Territory into the confluence of ancient traditions and modern facilities.
He further emphasised the important role of youth, artists community and enlightened citizens in preserving the cultural heritage, and also spreading awareness on environmental protection.
“Preservation and promotion of heritage is crucial for sustainable development of the cities and to improve urban quality of life. I believe culture is a way of life and we must involve young generations, inheritors of our rich legacy, to protect cultural and natural heritage,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor released a book titled “Iconic Women of J&K”. He also felicitated the students and artists participating in Srinagar Heritage Festival.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor visited the Traditional village, Art Gallery and witnessed exhibitions, live demonstrations of sports and various traditional cultural activities.
During the Srinagar Heritage Festival, a number of events were organised at Jhelum Riverfront, Dal Lake and Kashmir Haat providing a memorable experience for participants and visitors, besides building a strong sense of identity, fostering community cohesion.
Sh Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh Rajiv Omprakash, DIG CKR; Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Ms Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA; senior officials of Security forces, Police and Civil Administration, artisans, artists, youth and people from all walks of life were present.
MENDHAR : Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today conducted a mega public outreach camp at Mendhar, where a large number of delegations and individuals apprised him of their issues and concerns.
During the camp, aimed at assessing the development scenario of the area, the Minister listened to the concerns raised by the locals regarding water supply, healthcare services, implementation of Forest Rights Act, PMAY-G and Tribal welfare among others.
Additionally, the delegations highlighted demands for improved road connectivity and Eklavya Model Residential Schools as well as other developmental needs.
The Minister assured the delegations that all their issues would be addressed in a time bound manner, emphasising the government’s focus on delivering services at the people’s doorsteps.
“We are deeply dedicated to deliver effective governance while ensuring that public grievances are addressed on priority,” asserted the Minister.
Rana highlighted several key initiatives being taken by the government, including measures to provide safe drinking water to every household, implementation of Forest Rights Act, resolving issues of tribals, improved healthcare and better road connectivity among others. He also underscored the importance of engaging with the grassroots to identify and resolve problems effectively.
During the outreach program, the Minister issued specific directions to the line departments for swift action on critical issues, including timely preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for enhanced execution of works. He also asked the Irrigation, Flood Control and Forest Departments to prioritise water and soil conservation, emphasising the importance of rainwater harvesting through construction of check dams.
POONCH,: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, today reaffirmed government’s commitment of providing safe drinking water to every household of the Union Territory.
The Minister was addressing the gathering after inaugurating two Water Supply Schemes (WSSs) at Kasab and Malikpur, Mendhar during his extensive visit to the district. These WSSs have been completed with a cost of Rs 3.25 crore and Rs 5.45 crore respectively, as part of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
Rana said that the government is committed to ensure that every individual has access to safe drinking water and today’s inauguration of WSSs is a step towards that direction. “Water security ensures a strong future and concrete measures are being taken to improve water supply and better management of water resources in uncovered areas, which is crucial to address water supply issues,” maintained the Minister.
The Minister said that the WSS Kasab will benefit a population of 1,560, with installation of 205 new connections while the WSS Malikpur will serve a population of 2,075, souls with installation of 150 new connections.
He asked the locals to remember that our rights to this infrastructure come with our collective responsibility as the community to protect and preserve it so that it can serve us better and for longer.
The locals expressed gratitude to the Minister for making the schemes operational thereby fulfilling their long pending demand.
JAMMU: Principal Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R), Chandraker Bharti, today chaired a review meeting regarding ‘Disaster preparedness-cum-coordination’ at civil secretariat here.
Representatives of various Administrative Departments, Divisional and District Disaster Management Authorities, SDRF, Army, PSUs, Civil Defence, Fire & Emergency Services and other concerned agencies were present in the meeting. The outstation officers participated virtually.
The Principal Secretary said that the UT Government is striving hard to mitigate the damage and destruction caused by natural and manmade disasters through collective efforts of all government agencies, Non Government Organisations and the people.
He had a comprehensive review of measures being implemented by various departments and agencies on this account. He asked all the emergency support functionaries, line departments, Divisional & District Disaster Management Authorities, SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services and other agencies to adopt proactive approach to deal with any disaster like situation or eventuality.
The Principal Secretary asked the concerned to focus on developing disaster management plans in every department, capacity building trainings besides ensuring regular mock drills in Schools, Colleges, Hospitals, Panchayats and disaster prone areas. He also emphasised the need for training of frontline workers of all the departments on regular basis. He asked for involvement of youths and Aapda Mitras in all the disaster management programs at Ward, Village, Panchayat, Block, Tehsil and community level.
The Principal Secretary asked all the departments and DDMAs to regularly update details regarding human resources besides machinery and equipments on IDRN portal. He stressed upon the departments to ensure regular use of ‘SACHET App’.
Pertinently, the general public can report through ERSS (Dial-112) regarding disaster incidents. The system will also reflect the nearby emergency support functionaries, following which prompt action can be taken accordingly by the concerned.
JAMMU: Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ansuya Jamwal, chaired a review meeting to ensure that all necessary arrangements for the upcoming holy month of Ramzan are in place.
The administration has already taken proactive measures to guarantee seamless observance of the holy month, focusing on sanitation, power supply, market regulation and traffic management.
To maintain cleanliness, the Jammu Municipal Corporation has been directed to complete drain repairs and sanitation work, particularly around mosques and congregation areas. Sewage and sanitation issues have been largely addressed, ensuring a hygienic environment for worshippers.
On the power supply front, the Power Development Department has been instructed to ensure uninterrupted electricity, particularly during Seheri. Preventive measures have been implemented to minimise outages and necessary repairs to loose and hanging wires have been carried out.
Traffic management arrangements are in place, with departments coordinating to prevent congestion near prayer venues and busy market areas.
Market regulation has also been strengthened. Regular inspections are underway to curb overpricing and prevent the sale of adulterated food products. The Legal Metrology Department officials have been directed to take strict action against violators to protect consumer interests.
To ensure proper oversight of preparations, SDM Jammu North Athar Amin and SDM Jammu South Rafiq Ahmad have been directed to personally visit all the mosques within their respective areas and assess on-ground arrangements.
For public grievance redressal, the JMC helpline (18001807207) will remain active during working hours to address any civic issues promptly.
The ADC stressed interdepartmental coordination to ensure smooth execution of all directives.
The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner General Vikas Dhar Bagati, SP Headquarters Irshad Hussain Rather besides other district officers and representatives from religious organisations.
