During the meeting, the ADDC conducted a detailed review of the status of ongoing works in all blocks of the district under various components, including PRI Grants, BDC Grants, DDC Grants, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Health Sector, Aspirational Block Development (ABD), SSY and UT Capex.

The meeting focused on assessing the physical and financial progress of works, reviewing the status of ongoing projects and identifying issues, if any, affecting their timely execution. The officers concerned apprised the ADDC of the progress achieved under different schemes and the status of works being executed in their respective jurisdictions.

While reviewing the progress, the ADDC emphasized the need for expediting the execution of all ongoing works and ensuring their completion within the stipulated timeframe. He directed the concerned officers to adopt a coordinated and result-oriented approach, maintain close monitoring of works on the ground and ensure that all projects are executed efficiently in accordance with the prescribed guidelines and quality standards.

The ADDC stressed that timely implementation of the Capex Plan is essential for strengthening rural infrastructure and ensuring the effective delivery of public services. He called upon the officers to work with dedication, zeal and a strong sense of responsibility to achieve the desired targets and ensure that the intended benefits of developmental works reach the people at the grassroots level.

The ADDC further underscored the importance of inter-departmental coordination, regular progress reviews and prompt resolution of bottlenecks to prevent delays in the execution of projects. The officers were directed to maintain close liaison with field functionaries and ensure that the progress of ongoing works is monitored regularly.

All officers were instructed to ensure the achievement of the desired physical and financial progress by 5th November 2026. It was emphasised that the progress of concerned officers/officials, particularly those with less than 75% physical and financial achievement by the end of October 2026, would be reviewed, and appropriate action may be considered wherever necessary.

The ADDC reiterated that all concerned departments and executing agencies must work in a coordinated manner to ensure the timely and quality completion of developmental works, with particular focus on improving basic amenities and strengthening rural infrastructure across Kupwara district.

The meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer (CPO), Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), Kupwara, Assistant Commissioner Panchayats, Executive Engineer, Rural Engineering Wing (REW), Block Development Officers (BDOs), Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs), Assistant Engineers (AEs), Junior Engineers (JEs) and other concerned officials.

Tangdhar : The Rouble Nagi Art Foundation on Tuesday organised blanket distribution drives at Lontha and Jabdi villages in Tangdhar and Karnah areas of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district to support vulnerable families ahead of the winter season.

The distribution programmes were held at Public Park, Lontha, Tangdhar, and Government Upper Primary School, Jabdi, near the Line of Control (LoC), with elderly residents and widows among those who received assistance.

The initiative was aimed at providing relief to residents preparing for the harsh winter conditions in the border areas, where snowfall and difficult terrain can disrupt normal life and restrict access to essential services.

Residents of Jabdi, a border village that reportedly remains cut off from the main town for more than four months during winter following heavy snowfall, expressed gratitude for the assistance.

The blanket distribution was led by Rouble Nagi, founder of the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation (RNAF), as part of the organisation’s efforts to reach underserved communities in remote areas.

The initiative focused on meeting immediate winter needs among families who face additional difficulties because of their geographical location and limited connectivity during the colder months.

Border villages in the Karnah and Tangdhar areas experience challenging winters, with heavy snowfall affecting movement and access to essential supplies. For elderly residents, widows and economically vulnerable households, such conditions can increase the difficulty of managing basic needs.

The foundation said its efforts were directed at extending timely humanitarian assistance while promoting dignity and community welfare.

The organisation has been working in underserved regions through initiatives related to education, women’s empowerment, skill development, healthcare, sanitation, art and community development.

The blanket distribution drives form part of its broader efforts to provide support to communities facing social and economic challenges.

The foundation said meaningful community initiatives could help address immediate needs and strengthen support for vulnerable sections of society.

With winter approaching, the distribution programme sought to provide residents of the remote border villages with essential assistance before snowfall and difficult weather conditions further restrict access to these areas.

Poonch : Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma, accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik, Wednesday  visited the waste remediation site in Poonch to review the progress of ongoing solid waste management initiatives.

During the visit, Chief Executive Officer Municipal Council Khalil A. Banday briefed the Deputy Commissioner on the progress achieved at the site, informing him that more than 12,000 metric tonnes (MT) of legacy waste have been remediated as part of the ongoing efforts to improve sanitation and environmental conditions in the town.

The CEO also apprised the officers of the measures being undertaken to strengthen solid waste management practices, with special emphasis on household-level waste segregation to ensure the proper separation of wet and dry waste at the source.

The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the ongoing remediation work and stressed the importance of public participation in maintaining cleanliness and promoting sustainable waste management practices. He appealed to the people of Poonch to extend their full cooperation to the Municipal Council by segregating wet and dry waste at the household level, avoiding littering and ensuring proper disposal of waste.

He emphasized that effective waste management is a shared responsibility and that the active involvement of every household is essential for achieving a cleaner and healthier environment.

Household-level segregation also facilitates better waste processing, recycling and scientific disposal, thereby reducing the burden on waste management facilities.

The Municipal Council Poonch reiterated its commitment to improving sanitation services, promoting source segregation and ensuring the scientific management of solid waste. The general public was urged to actively support these initiatives and adopt responsible waste disposal practices.

The initiative reflects the continued efforts of the District Administration and Municipal Council Poonch towards building a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Poonch through effective waste management and community participation.

Enforcement teams have been conducting inspections across districts to check violations relating to short delivery, underweight commodities, use of unverified weights and measures and non-compliance with prescribed declarations on packaged commodities. The drive aims to ensure that consumers receive the correct quantity of goods, pay the legally permissible price and remain protected against misleading trade practices during the festive shopping period.

As part of the ongoing enforcement drive, 60 Improvement Notices have been served and 71 challans have been booked in the month of October 2026 so far. The Department is implementing the Improvement Notice mechanism under the Jan Vishwas framework, wherever applicable, to provide an opportunity for rectification of identified violations within the prescribed period. Failure to comply with such notices within the stipulated time has resulted in further legal action, including the imposition of penalties in appropriate cases.

Alongside enforcement, the Department is regularly conducting consumer awareness camps and trader awareness programmes across the Union Territory to familiarise consumers and traders with the provisions of the applicable Legal Metrology legislation, the new enforcement framework and the Jan Vishwas Act. These initiatives aim to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities while guiding traders and commercial establishments on statutory requirements, compliance procedures and the Improvement Notice mechanism. The objective is to encourage voluntary compliance, prevent inadvertent violations and promote a culture of transparency and accountability in commercial transactions.

Amid the ongoing festival season, the Department has also taken action in several cases involving short delivery of fuel, underweight commodities and failure to comply with Improvement Notices within the prescribed period. Penalties amounting to ₹3.50 lakh have been imposed in the cases highlighted so far across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Consumers have also been advised to remain vigilant while making purchases during the festival season. The department has urged consumers to carefully check the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), net quantity and other mandatory declarations on packaged commodities, verify promotional offers and discounts, insist on proper bills and ensure that the quantity delivered matches the quantity paid for. Any suspected violation may be reported to the nearest Legal Metrology office for appropriate action.

The programme was held under the national theme “Hamari Anganwadi, HamariZimmedari” and was conducted in Convergence Mode as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Women & Child Development, wherein Anganwadi Workers of Block Hajin, including PHC Hajin, have been deputed in batches of 50 workers every Tuesday starting from 29th September 2026.

On the occasion, resource persons from SKIMS, Medical Officers of CHC Sumbal / PHC Hajin and CDPO Sumbal/Hajin jointly sensitized the AWWs on key deliverables including Growth monitoring, Poshan Tracker and community-based management of malnourished children, Maternal nutrition, breastfeeding and complementary feeding and Anaemia prevention and health-hygiene practices.

The participants were urged to work in close coordination with ASHAs and ANMs at the village level to ensure follow-up of high-risk mothers and SAM/MAM children and to strengthen referral linkage between Anganwadi Centres and Primary Health Centre Hajin.

During the event, the BMO and CDPO appreciated the initiative of SKIMS for extending technical support to grassroots workers. They said convergence between Health and ICDS is vital for achieving the goal of Kuposhan Mukt Bharat.

The programme concluded with an interaction session where AWWs from PHC Hajin shared field-level challenges.

Kathau | Oct 20:The ongoing Basohli Utsav 2026 witnessed a vibrant blend of cultural performances, traditional activities, health awareness and adventure sports on Tuesday, showcasing the rich heritage and tourism potential of the historic town.

A major highlight was the presentation of *Geet Govind* at the park behind the Old Fort, Basohli. The programme was attended by Director, IGNCA, Shruti Awasthi, along with eminent scholars, academicians and other distinguished guests, while several experts joined online. A cartoon workshop camp was also organised near the Old Fort, providing a creative platform for participants to showcase their artistic talent.

The traditional Dam Chokdi programme at Mandi Mohalla, celebrated Basohli’s cultural legacy and community spirit, drawing a large gathering of locals and prominent citizens. Dr. Vikas Padha, Orthopaedic Specialist, also shared insights on preventive healthcare and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Water sports activities at the Water Sports Centre added an element of adventure to the festivities. Ajit Singh, DC GST State Tax Appeals, attended as Chief Guest in presence of ADC Basohli Pankaj Bhagotra, CEO BBDA B.R. Tandon and Chairman, Vishvasthali, Jagdish Brahmi. The activities highlighted the scope for promoting water-based recreation and adventure tourism in Basohli.

Students of Cluster University Jammu presented the play Jasama at Rani Talab, earning appreciation from the audience, while Purushini Aarti at Atal Setu added a spiritual dimension to the celebrations.

The day’s diverse programmes underscored Basohli’s vibrant cultural identity, community participation and growing potential as a tourism destination, further enriching the celebrations of Basohli Utsav 2026.

She was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer, SurinsarMansar Development Authority (SMDA), VevaikPuri, Additional Secretary, Tourism, Vikas Bhagati and officers from PWD and Wildlife Department.

At Surinsar, she inspected the key projects including “Upgradation and Renovation of Dak Bungalow” costing Rs 194 lakh and “Restructuring of Fun Park and allied infrastructure” estimated at Rs 79.23 lakh, aimed at improving the visitor experience.

The Secretary interacted with the local residents and stakeholders over the sinking zone of Surinsar Lake, listened to their grievances and issued on-the-spot directions to the concerned departments for time-bound redressal.

Senior officers of Wildlife and PWD Departments also participated to ensure inter-departmental coordination for sustainable tourism growth.

At Mansar, the Secretary was apprised of infrastructure upgrades including new buildings, shoreline beautification and upkeep of boat jetties to promote eco-tourism.

Later, she inspected the JKTDC Dak Bungalow, reviewed its operational status and maintenance issues. She directed the officials to expedite repairs and maintain high standards of hospitality and cleanliness.

Earlier, Chief Executive Officer, SurinsarMansar Development Authority briefed the Secretary on major Capex 2026-27 works including “Development of Mansar Lakefront Tourist Reception Centre and Water/Nature Park” costing Rs 403 lakh and “Construction of new Wooden Jetty in place of damaged jetty at Mansar Boating Point” with a revised cost of Rs 111.94 lakh.

The meeting was attended by Legislators Javid Hassan Baig, Mushtaq Guroo, Irshad Rasool Kar, Sajad Shaheen and Mian Mehar Ali. Secretary Assembly Manoj Kumar Pandit and officials of the Assembly Secretariat were also present on the occassion.

The officers of Power Development Department gave a detailed presentation on physical and financial progress under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), PMDP and other flagship schemes, including budget utilization, grid augmentation and power procurement.

The Chairman said that smart metering will streamline the billing, improve collection efficiency and provide relief to the consumers. He also reviewed renewable energy initiatives under PM-KUSUM, rooftop solar and electrification of unconnected border hamlets. He sought a clear timeline for achieving 100 per cent grid connectivity and ensuring stable off-grid supply where grid extension is not feasible.

Meanwhile, the Members raised public concerns over high AT&C losses, slow progress on smart metering, unscheduled power cuts, billing disputes and slow replacement of bare conductors with Aerial Bunched Cables.

In view of the approaching winter, the Chairman stressed the need for robust winter preparedness, including adequate reserves of Distribution Transformers and deployment of quick response teams for snow-bound and far-flung areas to avoid prolonged outages.

The Committee directed the Department to submit within a fortnight circle-wise AT&C loss data, complaint resolution figures, outstanding liabilities to CPSUs/IPPs and updated status of hydro projects along with cost escalation and revised timelines.

Ashwani Kumar, ACS PDD, BabilaRakwal, Commissioner Secretary Science and Technology Department, Rahul Yadav, MD JKSPDC, G.P. Singh, MD JPDCL, Mahmood A Shah, MD KPDCL, M.S. Malik, DG Budget, and other senior officers of the JKPTCL, JKPCL, JAKEDA, NHPC, KPDCL and JPDCL were present in the meeting.

Among others present on the occasion included Deputy Director Agriculture (Central) Sanjeev Rai Gupta; Agronomist (VIS) Bhabishan Singh Jasrotia; Assistant Botanist Ajit Singh; SMS SDL Mohan Singh Slathia; Floriculture Development Assistant and In-charge, Centre of Excellence Surinder Radotra and other senior officers and staff of the Department.

Anil Gupta distributed hybrid vegetable seedlings among 20 farmers from the Marh and R.S. Pura Sub-Divisions. The Centre of Excellence is raising a range of Hybrid, high-quality, disease-free seedlings using scientific techniques to promote improved vegetable cultivation among farmers. The varieties available include Girja and Snow Pearl (C7008) cauliflower, Green Flash and Royal Ball (BC-51) cabbage, Red Jewel red cabbage, New Red Fire lettuce, Green Magic broccoli and Heemsohna and Abhilash tomato.

Interacting with the farmers, the Director Agriculture urged them to avail themselves of the facility and adopt scientific vegetable cultivation practices to enhance productivity, improve the produce quality and increase farm profitability. He also directed the field functionaries to assess farmers’ requirements for vegetable seedlings and ensure timely fulfillment of their demands.

Agronomist (VIS) Bhabishan Singh Jasrotia briefed the Director Agriculture on the activities being undertaken at the Centre. He informed that hybrid vegetable seedlings for the Rabi season are ready for distribution and are being made available to farmers at a highly subsidised rate of ₹2 per seedling. He urged farmers to visit the Centre and avail themselves of the facility as per their requirements.

The programme aimed to sensitise departmental personnel to alternative agricultural systems, organic and natural farming practices and sustainable approaches to soil health management and farm productivity.

As many as 30 officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments attended the programme.

At the outset, the Head of KVK welcomed the participants and acknowledged the efforts of the organisers and resource persons in facilitating the programme. Dr.Arvinder, Subject Matter Specialist (Agricultural Extension) and Nodal Officer for the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), introduced the resource persons from KVK Kishtwar and briefed the participants on the existing organic and natural farming clusters in District Doda.

Professor and Principal Investigator of the project, Dr. Balbir Dhotra, highlighted the significance of sustainable agricultural practices in improving soil health, enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. He encouraged the participants to adopt innovative and eco-friendly farming systems, emphasising the importance of organic inputs, resource conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.

Scientist from KVK Kishtwar Dr.Amitesh Sharma deliberated on the future prospects of natural farming and its integration with integrated farming syste He highlighted the potential of combining sustainable farming approaches to enhance resource-use efficiency, diversify farm-based livelihoods and improve overall farm productivity.

Chief Scientist from KVK Kishtwar Dr.BerjeshAjrawat underscored the importance of natural farming in promoting sustainable agricultural systems and highlighted its relevance under HADP Project No. 16.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates, followed by an interactive session between the resource persons and participants, providing an opportunity to exchange views and discuss the practical application of sustainable farming practices.

The programme was organised under the leadership of Prof. B. N. Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu and the guidance of Dr. S. K. Gupta, Director Research and Dr.AmrishVaid, Director Extension, SKUAST-Jammu.