Srinagar: Below is the timeline of the weeklong public events and engagements of top public dignitaries witnessed within and outside J&K This week:-
1. Chillai-Kalan Begins With Record Cold In Srinagar: Srinagar has recorded the coldest night of December in over two decades as the harsh winter period, Chillai-Kalan, commenced. The city hit minus 8.5°C, marking the third lowest December temperature in the last 133 years, a record not seen since 1990.
2. LG Sinha Congratulates Jammu University For A++ NAAC Grade: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated Jammu University for achieving the prestigious A++ grade with a CGPA of 3.72 on a seven-point scale by NAAC. In a post on X, LG Sinha praised the university’s faculty, staff, students, and scholars for making Jammu and Kashmir proud with this outstanding accomplishment.
3. Omar Abdullah Attends Pre-Budget Discussions: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah participated in pre-budget discussions in Jaisalmer with state leaders and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss fiscal matters ahead of the 2025-26 national budget. The meeting included Chief Ministers, Finance Ministers, and senior officials from various states and UTs.
4. J&K Government Assures Protection For Handicraft Sector:
The Jammu & Kashmir Government has assured the protection of Kashmir’s handicraft and handloom sector. In response to concerns about potential GST tax revisions, the UT Government has requested the Union Ministry for Commerce & Industry to lower the GST rate from 12% to 5%, aiming to reduce the tax burden on this artisan-driven industry.
5. Reasi-Katra Rail Link Set For Inauguration: The much-awaited 17-kilometer Reasi-Katra rail link, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, is set for inauguration. The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) will inspect the segment on January 5, 2024, with officials confirming the inspection carriage’s movement.
6. Srinagar’s Eco-Friendly Smart Buses Transform Transport:
Srinagar’s eco-friendly smart city buses have revolutionized the city’s transportation system, generating ?11.50 crore in revenue since their launch in November 2023. The fleet, consisting of 100 electric buses, has served over 61 lakh passengers, becoming an essential mode of transport for residents across 16 routes.
7. LG Sinha Emphasizes History’s Role In Shaping Future: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stressed the importance of understanding history for better decision-making and future vision. While unveiling the silver jubilee issue of Raghvendra Panchang, LG Sinha praised the efforts of the Raghvendra Jyotish Sansthan Trust in preserving the cultural and historical legacy of the Panchang.
8. Tangmarg Prepares for Snow Clearance At Gulmarg: The Mechanical & Hospital Engineering Department Subdivision Tangmarg is prepared for snow clearance operations to keep the popular tourist destination of Gulmarg accessible throughout the winter. The action plan includes clearing roads from Narbal to Gulmarg and surrounding areas, ensuring smooth travel for visitors.
9. J&K to Develop Four New Tourism Destinations: Jammu and Kashmir is expanding its tourism reach by developing four new destinations—Kokernag, Baradari, Bhadarwah, and Doodhpathri—with financial and technical support from the World Bank. This initiative aims to relieve pressure on well-known tourist spots while offering fresh experiences to travellers.
