Says “Record Tourism Expected Post-Snow,New De-addiction Plan Unveiled”
Srinagar : In a significant briefing marking the commencement of 2026, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Anshul Garg, outlined a comprehensive developmental roadmap for the Valley, emphasizing a transition from the challenges of the previous year towards a period of consolidated growth and sustainability.
Talking to a group of reporters at his office on Thursday, the Divisional Commissioner said that the early seasonal snowfall in premier destinations like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam serves as a promising precursor to a potential record-breaking tourist season, for which the administration has finalized extensive support measures for local stakeholders. This optimistic outlook for the tourism sector is being matched by a rapid acceleration in infrastructure, with the Divsisional Commissioner noting that the completion of the Noor Jahan Bridge and Sanat Nagar Flyover has already significantly improved urban connectivity. Furthermore, work on the Ring Road and the Srinagar–Baramulla–Uri highway is advancing according to schedule, with the anticipated completion of the Awantipora stretch later this year expected to provide substantial relief to commuters in South Kashmir.
The administration’s focus extends deeply into utility reforms and renewable energy integration, as evidenced by the successful implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. Garg said that large sectors of Srinagar are now benefiting from 24×7 power supply following the completion of widespread metering, while the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has begun to tangibly reduce household expenditures through solar energy adoption. Parallel to these physical developments, the government is launching a sophisticated two-year youth empowerment strategy under the direction of the Chief Secretary. This initiative features a centralized online portal designed to provide residents aged 16 to 30 with seamless access to sports, cultural, and entrepreneurial opportunities across all twenty districts. This social investment is paired with a rigorous public health campaign against drug addiction, which involves training primary healthcare counselors and appointing dedicated nodal teac
Public safety and environmental stewardship remain at the forefront of the 2026 agenda, with the Divisional Commissioner affirming a policy of zero tolerance regarding food safety and industrial non-compliance. Food safety officers have been mandated to conduct block-level inspections and enforce strict hygiene standards, such as the mandatory installation of glass shields in meat shops, to prevent contamination. On the environmental front, the administration is moving toward stricter enforcement of air and water quality standards, directing industries and brick kilns to install exhaust treatment systems while maintaining regular pollution checks for vehicles. Divisional Commissioner Garg reiterated that the vision of holistic growth—encompassing health, power, and infrastructure—rests on the principle of collective responsibility. He invited continued constructive feedback from both the public and the media, asserting that societal participation is the essential engine behind the successful refinement of th
