Srinagar| Oct, 17: Kashmir Horizon weekly Snippets brings you a quick roundup of important developments from across Jammu and Kashmir, covering crime and justice, education, environmental policy, sustainable mountain development and the protection of Dal Lake.Here are five key developments.
1. LG Sinha calls for science-based planning to protect Himalayas: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has called for a science-based and people-centric approach to sustainable mountain development, stressing that economic growth must advance alongside environmental protection. In his message to the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit, organised by the Integrated Mountain Initiative and SKUAST-Kashmir, Sinha highlighted the growing challenges posed by climate change, environmental degradation and unplanned development. He outlined priorities including scientific carrying-capacity assessments, climate-resilient infrastructure, improved disaster preparedness and sustainable livelihoods.
2. High Court Bans Fuel-Powered Motorboats, Jet Skis On Dal Lake: The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has directed authorities to stop all fuel-powered motorboats, including motorised shikaras, and jet skis from operating on Dal Lake until further orders. A division bench of Chief Justice Dr Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajesh Sekhri exempted boats used for emergencies, law and order, disaster management and safety. The court asked the administration to frame a comprehensive policy after consulting experts and explore replacing conventional engines with electric or solar-powered alternatives. The matter will be heard again on October 30.
3. Three Get Life Imprisonment In 2022 Srinagar Murder Case: An Additional Sessions Court in Srinagar has sentenced three accused to life imprisonment in a murder case registered at Batamaloo Police Station in 2022. Mst. Hafeeza Begum, Parveez Ahmad Dar alias Bilal and Shahnawaz Ahmad Dar were convicted under Sections 302 and 120-B of the IPC in connection with FIR No. 109/2022. Srinagar Police said the verdict followed sustained investigation and trial proceedings.
4. Around 2.7 Lakh Students To Take JKBOSE Exams From October 19: Nearly 2.7 lakh students are expected to appear in the annual Class 10, 11 and 12 examinations conducted by JKBOSE across Kashmir and Jammu’s winter-zone areas. Class 10 exams begin on October 19, Class 12 on October 21 and Class 11 on October 29. The board has established 2,602 examination centres and constituted around 40 vigilance teams. Question papers will follow the competency-based approach outlined in the National Education Policy 2020, while a grievance cell has been set up for students, parents and teachers.
5. J&K Notifies Circular Economy Policy 2026: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has notified the Circular Economy Policy 2026, aimed at improving waste management, recycling and resource recovery. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described it as a step towards green growth and ecological sustainability. The policy envisages an indicative 10-year investment framework of ₹3,548.7 crore and targets more than 90 per cent urban material recovery. It covers municipal waste, horticulture biomass, tourism waste, construction debris, e-waste and wastewater, with a focus on decentralised processing and green livelihood opportunities.
