The project is aimed at providing modern residential accommodation for PM Package employees. The infrastructure comprises 12 residential blocks with a total of 192 flats, along with one community hall and one dormitory, besides other essential amenities.

During his visit , the DC was accompanied by the Joint Director Planning, Budgam, Superintending Engineer, R&B and Hydraulic Circle Budgam, Executive Engineers of the Roads & Buildings (R&B), Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Power Development Department (PDD), representatives from the Relief Department, and other concerned officers.

During the inspection, the officers briefed the DC about the physical progress of the project and informed him that construction work is progressing at an accelerated pace.

On-site the DC inspected various components of the project and reviewed the quality and pace of execution.

The DC was also briefed that project also includes a range of allied works such as land levelling, security infrastructure, internal roads, approach roads, drainage network and protection works. The fencing wall of transit accommodation has been completed.

During the visit, the DC also reviewed the progress of the water supply infrastructure for the entire transit accommodation complex and directed the Superintending Engineer, Hydraulic Circle Budgam, to complete all pending water supply requirements within the shortest possible time to facilitate timely commissioning of the project.

The DC further directed the Mechanical Engineering Department to commence work on the proposed Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at the earliest so that the required sanitation infrastructure is established well before the completion of the project.

The DC instructed all executing agencies to strictly adhere to the prescribed timelines while maintaining the highest standards of quality.  He stressed the need for close coordination among all departments to remove bottlenecks and ensure seamless execution of the project.

The DC also said that all major infrastructure projects across various sectors are being closely monitored to ensure their timely completion and dedication to public use.

The Authority observed that despite an earlier notice, some establishments continue to violate waste management norms by littering, dumping waste in open spaces and using banned single-use plastic items. All commercial establishments have been instructed to ensure proper segregation, storage and disposal of solid waste through authorised agencies, maintain cleanliness in and around their premises and cooperate with inspection teams.

The Authority has also directed all commercial establishments to obtain Police Verification (Character Certificate) and produce valid registration/trade licences within 15 days for verification. Establishments have been asked to submit details of their waste management mechanism, including installation of separate bins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, daily collection and safe storage of waste, and disposal only through authorised agencies.

WMDA has warned that failure to comply within the stipulated time will invite strict legal action, including environmental compensation, sealing or closure of establishments, cancellation of permissions/registrations and prosecution under the relevant provisions of law.

The Authority urged all stakeholders to treat the matter as urgent in the interest of environmental protection, preservation of Manasbal Lake and promotion of sustainable tourism.

pregnant women and lactating mothers under the flagship maternity benefit scheme.

The drive witnessed active participation from officials of SANKALP-HEW Srinagar, healthcare professionals, and beneficiaries visiting the hospital. Dedicated registration counters and awareness desks were established to assist eligible women with on-the-spot registration, verification of documents, and dissemination of information regarding the benefits and eligibility criteria of PMMVY.

During the programme, beneficiaries were sensitised about the importance of early registration of pregnancy, regular antenatal care, institutional delivery, child immunisation, and timely availing of maternity benefits under the scheme. The officials also guided beneficiaries on the application process and addressed their queries to ensure hassle-free enrolment.

Speaking on the occasion, the officials of SANKALP-HEW Srinagar emphasised that the PMMVY aims to provide financial assistance to eligible pregnant women and lactating mothers, thereby promoting improved maternal and child health, encouraging positive health-seeking behaviour, and supporting nutritional needs during pregnancy and after child birth.

The Department reiterated its commitment to extending the benefits of welfare schemes to every eligible beneficiary through sustained awareness campaigns and outreach programmes across the district.

Similar registration and awareness drives will continue to be organised at healthcare institutions and community centres to ensure maximum coverage under PMMVY.

The Department expressed gratitude to the administration and staff of SKIMS Medical College & Hospital, Bemina, for their support and cooperation in the successful conduct of the drive.

The meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer Uttam Singh and officers of the concerned line departments.

At the outset, DDM, NABARD, Dr. Sidharth delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation highlighting the progress of ongoing RIDF projects across different sectors in the district.

While reviewing the physical and financial progress of the projects, the Deputy Commissioner directed the executing agencies to ensure the timely completion of all works within the timelines prescribed by NABARD. He emphasized the need to expedite the execution of slow-moving projects and remove bottlenecks to achieve the desired targets.

DC further instructed the executing agencies to maintain close coordination with the concerned line departments, keep them regularly updated on the status of the projects and ensure effective monitoring for their smooth and quality execution.

Jammu :Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary Monday conducted surprise inspection of several engineering offices in Jammu to assess their functioning and review progress of developmental works.

The Deputy Chief Minister visited the office of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) at Bikram Chowk, Jammu, where he reviewed the overall functioning of the department and assessed the status of ongoing road projects.

He directed the officers to ensure timely execution of works while strictly adhering to prescribed quality standards.

The Deputy Chief Minister stressed that improved road connectivity is vital for the socio-economic development of the region. He called upon the officials to work with dedication and accountability.

During the inspection, the Deputy Chief Minister also interacted with the officers and staff, emphasizing the importance of maintaining transparency, efficiency and responsiveness in departmental functioning.

During the inspection, the Deputy Chief Minister said that every project should be completed within the stipulated timelines without compromising on quality.

Later, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected the offices of the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) and the Design Inspection and Quality Control (DIQC) and JKPCC office at Panama Chowk in Jammu. He reviewed the operational efficiency of both the departments and took stock of the progress of various ongoing works.

Expressing the need for strengthening institutional accountability, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the officers to maintain discipline in offices, ensure regular monitoring of projects and uphold the highest standards of quality in execution. He said that effective supervision and timely completion of projects are essential to delivering better public services and meeting the expectations of the people.

He further stressed on ensuring greater efficiency, transparency and accountability in public service delivery.

Reviewing the progress of the 75,000 Gallons OHT at BunporaHajin, the Deputy Commissioner held detailed deliberations on the testing and commissioning of the facility.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Division Sopore to take all necessary steps, in coordination with the concerned stakeholders, to facilitate the early testing and commissioning of the OHT so that the water supply scheme is made functional at the earliest for the benefit of the public.

The meeting was attended by the Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Division Sopore, along with officers of the department, besides other concerned officials.

The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the progress of the AMRUT Scheme at Sumbal Town, particularly the laying of the AMRUT pipeline and restoration of the PMGSY road.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the PMGSY Division, Bandipora and Jal Shakti (PHE) Division Sopore to work in close coordination to ensure laying of the pipeline on the pending road stretch without further delay.

On the occasion, the DC further directed that a joint inspection be conducted by the officers of the PMGSY Division Bandipora and Jal Shakti (PHE) Division Sopore under the supervision of the Chief Planning Officer, Bandipora after completion of this PMGSY Strech to assess the extent of road restoration required.

The Deputy Commissioner also directed the concerned departments to complete the road restoration estimates promptly and explore the use of suitable machinery, including a JCB fitted with a narrow bucket, to minimize damage to the existing road surface during trench excavation.

Emphasizing timely completion of both projects, the Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned officers to maintain close coordination, expedite the pending works, and ensure that all procedural formalities are completed at the earliest so that the projects are completed without unnecessary delay and the intended public benefits are delivered promptly.

The meeting was attended by the Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Division Sopore; Executive Engineer, PMGSY Division Bandipora, along with officers of the concerned departments.

Additional Registrar Cooperative Societies Jammu Bal Krishan graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta was the guest of honour.

Other dignitaries present included Joint Registrar Cooperative Societies and Nodal Officer for Cooperative Week in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir; Preeti Sharma, Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies Jammu Bhawani Atri; Chairman, Jammu & Kashmir Dairy Cooperative Federation (JKDCF) Vikrant Dogra and Managing Director Jammu & Kashmir Milk Producers’ Cooperative Limited (JKMPCL) Mushtaq Ahmed.

Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Preeti Sharma highlighted the significance of the National Cooperative Mahotsav as the culmination of the week-long celebrations. She emphasized that cooperatives have emerged as a powerful instrument for empowering farmers, women and rural communities through collective action, capacity building and sustainable development.

Bal Krishan congratulated the Department for the successful organization of the Cooperative Week and appreciated the enthusiastic participation of cooperative institutions and stakeholders throughout the week. He emphasized that cooperatives are vital for strengthening the rural economy and called upon all stakeholders to adopt innovation, transparency and professional management to build strong and self-reliant cooperative institutions.

Anil Gupta highlighted the close linkage between agriculture and the cooperative sector. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among government departments, PACS, FPOs and cooperative institutions to enhance farmers’ income, promote value addition and ensure sustainable agricultural development.

The programme featured technical sessions and interactive discussions on strengthening PACS, FPOs, dairy cooperatives and cooperative federations, with emphasis on capacity building, market linkages, value addition, digital transformation and good governance.

A major highlight of the event was the felicitation of outstanding cooperative societies and stakeholders for their exemplary contribution to the cooperative movement. Their achievements were acknowledged for inspiring others to strengthen the cooperative ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir.

Representatives of PACS, FPOs, Cooperative Federations, dairy cooperatives and various cooperative institutions actively participated in the programme and shared their experiences on leveraging the cooperative model for inclusive growth and rural prosperity. A representative of IFFCO emphasized reducing the use of conventional fertilizers and encouraged farmers to adopt innovative fertilizers for higher productivity and better soil health.

The National Cooperative Mahotsav marked the successful conclusion of the seven-day Cooperative Week Celebrations, during which a series of seminars, awareness programmes, exhibitions, plantation drives, health initiatives, training programmes and stakeholder interactions were organized across Jammu Division to promote cooperative values and strengthen grassroots institutions.

The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies Jammu expressing gratitude to the chief guest, guest of honour, distinguished dignitaries, participating departments, partner organizations, media representatives and all stakeholders for their valuable support in making the Cooperative Week celebrations a grand success.

The Department of Cooperative Societies reiterated its commitment to further strengthening the cooperative movement in Jammu & Kashmir through continuous capacity building, institutional reforms and collaborative initiatives for the socio-economic empowerment of farmers, women, youth and rural communities.

The Deputy Commissioner conducted a comprehensive review of the measures being undertaken by the concerned departments and emphasized the need for a coordinated and proactive approach to minimize road accidents and ensure safer roads for the public.

Detailed discussions were held on accident-prone locations, installation of road safety infrastructure, traffic management measures, enforcement of safety regulations and other interventions aimed at improving road safety across the district.

The Deputy Commissioner directed all stakeholder departments to ensure timely execution of road safety works, regular monitoring of vulnerable stretches and strict adherence to prescribed safety standards. She stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination, data-driven planning and sustained public awareness initiatives to strengthen road safety and promote responsible road user behaviour.

Among those present were ACR Samba Ajay Bharti, SDM Vijaypur, SDM Ghagwal and officers of the Motor Vehicles Department, Police, National Highways Authority, Public Works Department and other concerned departments.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama and Anantnag, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Director Airport Authority, senior officers of Indian Air Force, and representatives of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

A comprehensive review was conducted on a range of issues impacting airfield safety and operational preparedness, including the construction of an emergency access road, regulation of brick kilns in the vicinity of the airfield, scientific management of solid waste, removal of unlit obstructions affecting flight operations, and measures to curb the menace of stray dogs in and around the airport.

During the meeting, officials informed the chair that Air Force Station Srinagar has three designated emergency exit gates for launching search and rescue operations in the event of an aviation emergency. However, one of the emergency gates on the north-western side does not meet the operational requirements for the movement of Crash Fire Tenders.

Taking note of the issue, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner Budgam to convene a coordination meeting with all concerned departments to expedite the development of connectivity between the Ring Road and the airport. He also instructed that the feasibility and construction of an emergency access road be taken up on priority to strengthen emergency response capabilities.

Reviewing the issue of brick kilns operating within an eight-kilometre radius of AFS Srinagar, the Divisional Commissioner observed that a standard operating procedure is already in place under which brick kilns remain closed from November to March to maintain visibility and ensure safe aircraft operations during the winter season.

The meeting also assessed the progress of the solid waste management project at the Achan-Soura dumping site, a key initiative aimed at reducing bird activity that poses a significant hazard to aircraft.

The Commissioner, SMC, informed the meeting that work on the project is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed by June 2028.

Emphasising the need for a coordinated approach to waste management, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner Budgam to strengthen solid waste collection and disposal mechanisms in villages surrounding the airfield, noting that indiscriminate garbage dumping attracts birds and adversely impacts aviation safety.

The committee further reviewed the issue of unlit obstructions that pose risks to safe flying operations. It was decided that telecom service providers would be directed to ensure proper illumination of communication towers, while a detailed survey would be undertaken to identify and rectify other unlit structures in the aircraft operational area.

Addressing the growing menace of stray dogs within and around the airport, the Divisional Commissioner described the issue as a serious threat to both air operations and public safety. He instructed the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, to get the issue addressed at the earliest.

The order is issued by Commissioner FDA, J&K, who is also designated as Commissioner of Food Safety, J&K, in the interest of public health and in exercise of powers under Section 30(2)(a) & (b) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, in accordance with Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, keeping in view directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, and advisories issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Government of India.

The prohibition covers Gutkha, Pan Masala containing tobacco/nicotine, and all chewable or flavoured food products containing tobacco and/or nicotine, whether sold as a single product or in separate packages intended to be mixed and consumed together. The  order will remain in force across the entire Union Territory for a period of one year starting June 2026.

The measure aims to safeguard public health, particularly protecting children, adolescents, youth and other vulnerable groups from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine consumption.

The Commissioner has directed all Designated Officers, Food Safety Officers and enforcement teams across the Union Territory to intensify market surveillance, inspections and enforcement drives. Special focus has been laid on educational institutions, public places, transport hubs, wholesale markets and areas frequented by young consumers.

The Food & Drugs Administration has appealed to general public, educational institutions, civil society organizations, traders’ associations and other stakeholders, to support the initiative and report any instances of manufacture, storage, transportation or sale of prohibited products to the concerned authorities through the Toll-Free Number 104, by email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in , or through the FSSAI consumer grievance portal, https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/consumergrievance.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director Agriculture (Extension) Sanjay Anand, Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms) Aman Jyoti Sharma, Deputy Director Planning, Agronomist (Vegetable Improvement Scheme), Regional Level Subject Matter Specialists, Potato Development Officer, Mushroom Development Officer, Spawn Production Officer, Assistant Entomologist (Apiculture Development Scheme), Divisional Seed Certification Officer (DSCO), Agriculture Information Officer (Farm Training Centre), Farm Managers of Chinore and Chakroi, besides other concerned officers. Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs) of all districts participated in the meeting through virtual mode.

During the meeting, the Director undertook a detailed review of the physical and financial progress achieved under various HADP projects. The performance of each district was assessed with regard to expenditure, target achievement and implementation of field-level activities to ensure timely and effective execution of programme components.

The Director also reviewed the progress and operational status of infrastructure projects established under NABARD, CSS, CAPEX, HADP, JKCIP and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF). Stressing the importance of timely completion of works, he directed the concerned officers to expedite ongoing projects, ensure optimum utilisation of infrastructure assets and adhere strictly to prescribed timelines and quality standards.

Reviewing the implementation of beneficiary-oriented interventions under HADP, Anil Gupta directed all Chief Agriculture Officers to compile and submit the details of inactive applications pending on the Kisan Sathi Portal under different HADP projects within the stipulated timeframe. He emphasized that the exercise would facilitate the identification of genuine beneficiaries so that, upon reopening of the portal, eligible farmers could upload or reactivate their applications and avail themselves of the benefits under the programme without delay.

The Director further underscored the need for regular monitoring, effective financial management and close field-level supervision to achieve the objectives of HADP and other flagship agricultural programmes. He called upon all officers to work with dedication, accountability and coordinated efforts to ensure efficient implementation of schemes aimed at enhancing farmers’ income and strengthening the agricultural sector across Jammu Division.