Minamarg (Kargil): Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday witnessed the historic breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel, marking a major milestone in one of India’s most ambitious mountain infrastructure projects and bringing all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh significantly closer to reality.
The breakthrough of the main tunnel at the eastern portal near Minamarg in Kargil district marks the successful meeting of tunnel excavation works advancing from opposite ends, a critical stage in tunnel construction. The project is expected to provide uninterrupted connectivity between Sonamarg in Kashmir and Minamarg in Ladakh, a route that remains cut off for nearly six months every year due to heavy snowfall and extreme winter conditions.
Addressing the gathering after the breakthrough, Gadkari described the project as a lifeline for Ladakh and a landmark achievement in India’s infrastructure development journey.
“This tunnel is situated at almost 3,000 metres above sea level. Workers, engineers, contractors and the NHIDCL team have worked in temperatures touching minus four degrees Celsius and below. Nearly 80 per cent of the workforce belongs to this region. It has been built with world-class safety standards,” Gadkari said.
“For almost six months every year, connectivity remains disrupted. With this tunnel, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil and Ladakh will receive a major connectivity boost,” he added.
Constructed on the Sonamarg-Kargil section of National Highway-1, the nearly 14-km-long bi-directional tunnel is being developed by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at an estimated cost of around ₹6,800 crore.
The tunnel forms part of a larger 33-km project that also includes approach roads linking the Z-Morh Tunnel with the Zojila Tunnel. Built at altitudes ranging between 2,900 metres and 3,310 metres above sea level, the project is considered among the most challenging road infrastructure works undertaken in the country.
Officials said the tunnel is targeted for completion by February 2028.
Once operational, it will reduce travel time on the 38-km Sonamarg-Minamarg stretch from nearly 90 minutes to about 45 minutes while ensuring safe and reliable travel throughout the year. It will also substantially reduce disruptions caused by avalanches, landslides and heavy snowfall.
The project has progressed despite harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain and complex geological challenges. Engineers and workers continued excavation through severe winters, making the breakthrough one of the most significant achievements in Himalayan infrastructure construction.
The tunnel will be equipped with modern safety features including advanced ventilation systems, automatic fire detection mechanisms, CCTV surveillance, emergency communication facilities and pedestrian cross-passages. Avalanche protection structures, snow galleries, catch dams, bridges, culverts and extensive approach roads are also part of the project.
Gadkari said the tunnel would play a transformative role in improving tourism, trade and economic activity across the region while strengthening strategic connectivity to border areas.
From a defence perspective, year-round road connectivity is expected to facilitate faster movement of troops, equipment and essential supplies to Ladakh, which remains strategically important because of its proximity to sensitive border regions.
Highlighting the Centre’s broader infrastructure push, Gadkari said highway projects worth nearly ₹1.35 lakh crore — including completed, ongoing and proposed works — are currently underway across Jammu and Kashmir.
He said four major highway corridors are under development, including the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar corridor, Jammu-Chenani-Anantnag corridor, Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri corridor and Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch corridor.
The Minister also highlighted strategic projects such as the Katra-Srinagar High-Speed Corridor, the Rafiabad-Kupwara-Chowkibal-Tangdhar road project and the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri corridor.
Several tunnel projects are either under construction or in advanced planning stages, including the Digdol-Khooni Nala Tunnel, Sungal Tunnel and Bhimber Gali Tunnel. Proposed projects include the Singhpora-Vailoo (Sinthan Pass) Tunnel, Sudhmahadev Tunnel, Sadhna Pass Tunnel and Peer Ki Gali Tunnel.
According to officials, tunnel infrastructure has emerged as a key component of India’s strategy to ensure all-weather connectivity in mountainous regions. Between Jammu and Srinagar alone, 25 road tunnels have been approved, of which 20 have already been completed.
Across the country, 54 tunnels worth around ₹20,000 crore have been completed during the last 11 years, while work is underway on 128 tunnels involving investments exceeding ₹1.12 lakh crore.
For Ladakh, however, Tuesday’s breakthrough represents more than an engineering achievement. It marks a decisive step towards ending decades of winter isolation and creating a reliable, year-round road link through one of the most challenging mountain corridors in the Himalayas.

Minimarg (Ladakh)| June, 09: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday hailed the breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel as a historic milestone that would transform connectivity, boost economic growth and improve the lives of people in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Joining Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari at the breakthrough ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor described the occasion as a historic day for the two Union Territories and said the project would usher in a new era of development and prosperity.
“Today is undoubtedly a historic day. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh,” Sinha said.
Calling the tunnel an engineering marvel, the Lieutenant Governor said Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel was scripting a new future of year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
“This engineering marvel will significantly reduce travel time, ensure safer travel and provide substantial fuel savings,” he said.
Sinha credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for making the project a reality and said the tunnel would have far-reaching economic and strategic benefits.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the relentless efforts of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the Zojila Tunnel will emerge as a lifeline for the region, strengthening supply chains, boosting tourism and providing vital strategic support to our Armed Forces,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said connectivity remained the foundation of development and economic progress. Referring to infrastructure expansion in recent years, he said unprecedented work had been carried out across the country, leading to major improvements in road, rail and air connectivity.
“Connectivity drives development and brings economic prosperity,” he said, expressing confidence that the ongoing infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh would boost trade, tourism and strengthen national security, particularly in border areas.
Sinha also expressed hope that the project would be completed at the earliest and dedicated to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Highlighting another dimension of the tunnel’s importance, the Lieutenant Governor said the project would also provide immense convenience to devotees visiting the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
As Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, he congratulated all stakeholders associated with the project and described the breakthrough as a significant achievement for the region.
The Lieutenant Governor also paid tribute to the engineers, technical experts and workers who made the breakthrough possible.
“I express my deepest appreciation and commendation to all the engineers, personnel and workforce who have worked day and night under extremely challenging weather conditions at such a high altitude,” he said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also described the breakthrough as a transformative moment and emphasized its potential impact on the lives of ordinary people.
Addressing the gathering, Omar said the tunnel would bring lasting benefits to residents by improving access to essential services and opportunities.
He said the project would ease access to education, healthcare and markets while giving a major boost to tourism and trade across the region.
The Chief Minister noted that the full impact of the project might not be immediately visible but would become evident over time as improved connectivity changed the economic and social landscape of the region.
Describing the tunnel as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration, Omar said the people of the region had waited for years to see such a project take shape.
He stressed the need for completing the remaining works at the earliest so that the benefits of the tunnel could reach the people without delay.
While welcoming the breakthrough, Omar also highlighted the need for enhanced air connectivity to Kargil. He said efforts had been made in this regard but more support was required to fulfil the aspirations of the people.
Referring to air connectivity as an unfinished aspiration, the Chief Minister urged the Union Government to support regular flight operations for Kargil and expressed hope that the demand would soon become a reality.
Congratulating the people of Drass, Kargil, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, Omar appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders involved in the execution of the project and termed the breakthrough a major step towards improving connectivity and development in the Himalayan region.

Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of the championship in Ahmedabad, Dr. Jaydeep Arya, General Secretary of World Yogasana and Yogasana Bharat, said the discipline had evolved into a competitive sport distinct from traditional yoga, with an emphasis on athletic performance, endurance, flexibility and fitness.

“Yoga is a journey towards self-realisation and spiritual growth, while yogasana is a competitive sport. Fitness, endurance and flexibility form the foundation of yogasana. Athletes compete on technical parameters, much like in any other sport,” Arya said.

The remarks come amid growing efforts by Indian organisations to establish yogasana as a globally recognised sporting discipline.

Arya said the first World Yogasana Championship had helped clarify the distinction between yoga as a holistic practice and yogasana as a competitive event, a differentiation that organisers believe is essential for securing international sporting recognition.

“yogasana has already gained traction within the Commonwealth Games movement and is steadily progressing towards broader acceptance by international sporting bodies”, he said.

Arya said that they have entered the Commonwealth Games ecosystem and are actively pursuing our Olympic journey. It is a matter of pride that an indigenous Indian discipline is moving towards global sporting recognition,” he said.

The championship, which brought together nearly 500 participants from different countries, was held against the backdrop of significant logistical challenges. Arya said geopolitical tensions in parts of the Middle East, airport closures, rising airfares and health concerns in some African nations had affected travel plans for several delegations.

“Travel costs increased two to three times in some regions because of disruptions, but athletes remained committed and travelled to Ahmedabad. Their dedication has made this championship successful,” he said.

Arya also highlighted the support extended by Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, whose presence at the championship, he said, reflected growing acceptance of yogasana as a competitive discipline alongside its traditional roots.

As organisers seek wider recognition, educational institutions have emerged as a key focus area. Arya said the National Education Policy (NEP) had created opportunities for integrating yoga and yogasana into schools and colleges across the country.

He pointed to Haryana’s decision to include yoga and yogasana in its education curriculum, describing it as a model that other states could follow. Several school boards, including CBSE and ICSE, have already introduced yoga-related subjects and skill-based courses, he added.

“We are creating an ecosystem where yoga and yogasana become part of students’ development, fitness and skill-building process,” Arya said.

The movement’s international outreach has also accelerated through digital platforms. According to Arya, World Yogasana and Yogasana Bharat are currently active in more than 700 districts across India and have been conducting training programmes in over 100 countries through online coaching and distance-learning initiatives.

The shift towards digital training gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since become a major tool for global expansion, he said.

“Online platforms have enabled us to train athletes across continents. Today, more than 100 countries are connected with yogasana training programmes,” Arya said.

Organisers now plan to expand their presence to at least 50 additional countries through collaborations with educational institutions, sports bodies and governments. Mauritius, which has already incorporated yogasana into its curriculum, is scheduled to host the next World Yogasana Championship in 2028.

To support this growth, World Yogasana has begun deploying coaches internationally and training athletes, technical officials, judges and administrators in areas ranging from competition management to digital scoring systems.

Gen Sec, Arya argued that yogasana’s value extends beyond competition, describing it as a complementary discipline that can improve performance in other sports by enhancing concentration, mental resilience and physical conditioning.

Several countries, including Bangladesh and Nepal, have already formally recognised yogasana as a sport, while India continues to drive its global expansion, he said.

India currently has more than 10 lakh yogasana athletes, over 2,000 trained coaches and thousands of academies and training centres, according to data shared by the organisation. Institutions such as sports universities, Patanjali University and the National Institute of Sports in Patiala are also contributing to the development of trained professionals in the discipline.

Looking ahead, Arya expressed confidence that yogasana would continue to attract young athletes and evolve into a viable sporting career.

“The enthusiasm among youth is growing rapidly. Yogasana is becoming a platform for fitness, discipline and professional opportunities. Today’s athletes will become tomorrow’s coaches, mentors and ambassadors of the sport,” he said.

Invoking the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Arya said the movement’s broader objective was not merely sporting success but promoting health and well-being through international cooperation.

“We are not competing against countries. We are working together to make the world healthier and better. Our guiding principle remains that the world is one family,” he said.

Ganderbal: Declaring that “narco-terrorists’ days are numbered”, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said authorities have intensified the crackdown on drug trafficking networks across Jammu and Kashmir, with over 1,100 smugglers arrested and more than 1,000 cases registered during the past 55 days.
Addressing a gathering during the Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign in Ganderbal, the Lieutenant Governor described the anti-drug drive as a people’s movement against narco-terrorism and warned that those involved in the drug trade would face severe consequences.
According to official figures shared by the Lieutenant Governor, 1,036 FIRs have been registered, 1,128 drug smugglers arrested, more than 100 properties attached, nearly 700 driving licences cancelled and recommendations made for cancellation of passports of 130 alleged drug traffickers since the launch of the campaign.
Sinha said the fight against drugs was no longer confined to law enforcement agencies and had evolved into a mass movement involving citizens across Jammu and Kashmir.
Linking drug trafficking with terrorism, the Lieutenant Governor said proceeds from narcotics smuggling were being used to purchase weapons and sustain terror activities. He termed narco-terrorism a direct threat to society and national security.
“This is not merely a law-and-order issue. Drug money is being used to fund terrorism and destroy the future of our youth. Those involved in narco-terror networks, whether operating from within Jammu and Kashmir or from across the border, are enemies of our people and our progress,” he said.
In one of his strongest warnings yet, Sinha said the administration would relentlessly pursue drug traffickers and dismantle their networks.
“I promise the people that narco-terrorists will no longer find refuge. We will hunt them down. Their networks will be dismantled one by one,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also said the administration would ensure strict punishment for those responsible for pushing young people towards addiction, asserting that those harming the future of society would be brought to justice.
While stressing enforcement measures, Sinha said the government would adopt a compassionate approach towards individuals battling addiction. He assured rehabilitation, counselling and employment support to help affected youth reintegrate into society.
Calling the campaign a “social revolution”, he urged women and young people to play a leading role in protecting communities from the drug menace and preventing the spread of narcotics in villages, towns and educational institutions.
During the programme, the Lieutenant Governor joined a padyatra organised under the Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign, launched the “Sindh Samvad” podcast series and felicitated winners of competitions held as part of the anti-drug awareness drive.
Earlier in the day, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated a newly constructed Yatri Bhawan at the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, aimed at improving facilities for pilgrims visiting one of Kashmir’s most revered shrines.
Built at a cost of Rs 3.85 crore by the Rural Engineering Wing of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, the facility comprises a G+II RCC structure with accommodation capacity for around 800 to 900 pilgrims through floor-bedding arrangements.
Sinha said the project would significantly enhance the shrine’s ability to host devotees arriving from across the country and abroad, particularly during the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela and Jyeshtha Ashtami celebrations. He recalled that the foundation stone for the facility was laid on Jyeshtha Ashtami in 2024 following demands raised by delegations of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Before inaugurating the facility, the Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance at the shrine and prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people.
During the programme, he also launched the “Sindh Samvad” podcast series and felicitated winners of competitions organised under the Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.

Srinagar: In a significant operational boost ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Friday inducted 26 bullet-resistant vehicles to enhance mobility, protection, and rapid response capabilities of its units deployed across Jammu and Kashmir.
Director General SSB, Sanjay Singhalvisited 10 BN SSB Srinagar and formally flagged off the fleet of BR vehicles, marking a key upgrade in the force’s preparedness for the forthcoming Yatra-related security arrangements.
The DG was received by senior officers including DIG SHQ Srinagar Imtiaz Ismail Parray, SSP Srinagar Dr. G. V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, along with officers of J&K Police, Commandants, and Adhoc Commandants of SSB units deployed in the Valley.
Officials said the inducted fleet includes Marksman and MVBP vehicles allocated across 02 BN, 10 BN, 13 BN, 14 BN and SHQ units. The deployment is aimed at ensuring safer troop movement and improved operational efficiency, particularly in sensitive and high-footfall routes expected to witness heightened security requirements during the Yatra.
Addressing officers and personnel, the DG SSB highlighted that strengthening mobility assets is critical for ensuring seamless security management during large-scale pilgrim movement. He stressed that modern equipment significantly improves response capability and ground effectiveness in challenging terrain.
Reaffirming the organisation’s preparedness, he stated that SSB units remain fully geared to shoulder responsibilities in coordination with other security agencies during the pilgrimage period.
The DG’s visited Hazratbal, Srinagar, where he interacted with officers and Subordinate Officers deployed in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts for SANJY-2026 duty. He reviewed operational readiness and expressed confidence in the force’s ability to ensure safe and secure conduct of duties during the upcoming Yatra season.

Srinagar: Authorities have declared both the traditional Pahalgam route and the Baltal route of the annual Amarnath Yatra as no-fly zones from July 1 until the conclusion of the pilgrimage, effectively ruling out helicopter services for devotees for the second consecutive year.
The decision was notified through a government order issued by the Home Department on June 1, citing security considerations ahead of the 57-day pilgrimage scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
Officials said the restrictions cover the entire Yatra corridor and are aimed at preventing unauthorised aerial activities, including the operation of drones and other flying objects, during the pilgrimage.
As a result, helicopter services that were earlier available for pilgrims travelling to the holy cave shrine in south Kashmir’s Himalayas will remain suspended this year as well. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has advised pilgrims to plan their journey accordingly.
“Pilgrims can undertake the Yatra on foot or avail themselves of pony and palki services along both routes,” an official associated with the pilgrimage arrangements said.
Security officials said the no-fly zone is part of an enhanced security framework being put in place for the annual pilgrimage. Comprehensive aerial surveillance and monitoring systems are expected to be deployed to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Yatra.
The restrictions come in the backdrop of heightened security concerns following the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people, including 25 tourists and a local pony operator, were killed. Following the attack, authorities had similarly suspended helicopter operations and imposed airspace restrictions during last year’s pilgrimage.
Officials said a small but significant percentage of pilgrims previously relied on helicopter services, particularly elderly devotees and those with health issues. According to estimates, nearly eight per cent of pilgrims used helicopter facilities in earlier years.
The Amarnath Yatra, one of the country’s largest annual religious pilgrimages, attracts lakhs of devotees from across India. More than 4.14 lakh pilgrims visited the cave shrine last year despite heightened security arrangements.
Authorities have assured that elaborate security and logistical arrangements are being made along both routes to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and ensure the successful conduct of the Yatra.

Srinagar: The ruling National Conference (NC) on Wednesday announced that its legislators, MPs and alliance partners will stage a protest in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session to press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and constitutional guarantees.
The decision was taken at a day-long meeting of NC legislators and supporting independents chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at an off-site location in the Dachigam area on the outskirts of Srinagar.
The gathering assumed political significance as it came amid assertions by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma that the NC-led government was facing internal dissent and could collapse at any time.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the party’s entire legislative wing, including MPs, MLAs and allies, would participate in the protest.
“The National Conference has decided that on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, our Legislative Party, including MPs, MLAs and allies, will go to Delhi to protest. Our primary demand will be the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir,” Sadiq said.
He said the party leadership believed the time had come to take the issue directly to the national capital.
“It is time for our leadership to go to Delhi, talk to the people there and take back what has been taken away from us,” he added.
The announcement comes at a time when the NC government has been facing increasing political pressure over the restoration of statehood, one of its principal electoral commitments. The issue has also regained momentum following the Centre’s engagement with groups in Ladakh seeking constitutional safeguards and protections for the Union Territory.
Earlier in the day, legislators invited to a meeting at the Chief Minister’s official residence found themselves boarding mini-buses that transported them to the Dachigam area, away from the media spotlight.
The unusual venue arrangement immediately triggered political speculation, particularly because it coincided with opposition claims that several NC legislators were unhappy with the government.
Sharing photographs of legislators travelling together in buses, CM Omar described the gathering as a review exercise aimed at assessing the government’s performance since assuming office.
“We are off for an off-site to spend the day taking stock of the last 19 months — the good, the not so good and everything in between,” Abdullah posted on social media platform X.
As speculation mounted over reports that the venue had been shifted at the last moment, the Chief Minister later clarified that the off-site meeting had been planned in advance.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you but it has NOT been shifted at the last moment. It was always my intention to conduct this meeting off-site and all arrangements had been made days in advance at the location originally chosen by me,” he said.
According to party leaders, the meeting brought together NC legislators, Members of Parliament from both Houses, CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami and four independent legislators supporting the government.
The meeting reviewed the government’s functioning over the past 19 months and discussed a range of issues, including development, public welfare, unemployment, drug abuse, the economy and governance challenges across Jammu, Kashmir, PirPanjal and Chenab Valley regions.
However, participants indicated that the restoration of statehood and constitutional safeguards dominated the discussions.
JKNC Spokesman Sadiq described the atmosphere at the meeting as positive and said legislators engaged in detailed deliberations on issues confronting the region.
“There was a review of the progress made by this government. But the most important discussion was on statehood and constitutional guarantees,” he said.
The gathering was also viewed as an attempt by the party leadership to consolidate its ranks amid sustained attacks from the opposition and growing public expectations regarding the fulfilment of promises related to Jammu and Kashmir’s political status.
Notably absent from the meeting was Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, who has publicly voiced differences with the party leadership over its approach to the restoration of special status and constitutional rights.
When questioned about opposition claims regarding internal dissension, Sadiq avoided a direct confrontation but asserted that the party remained united and focused on issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting also discussed governance priorities and future political strategy, although party leaders maintained that statehood would remain the central issue in the coming months.

Srinagar: Srinagar, June 2: Government Degree Colleges (GDCs) across Jammu and Kashmir have recorded a significant rise in student admissions for the academic session 2026-27, with the Higher Education Department attributing the increase to recent reforms, including the rollback of CUET-based admissions and the return to a merit-based selection process.
Official figures reveal that 49,155 students have secured admission in the first round of admissions, compared to 45,920 in the corresponding period last year, an increase of more than 7%.
Education Minister Sakina Itoo said the improved enrolment reflects the positive impact of government measures to simplify the admission process and make higher education more accessible to students across the Union Territory.
“This year, due to the decisions taken to ease and simplify the admission process in Government Degree Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir, we have witnessed a significant increase in student enrolment, reversing the declining trend in college admissions seen in recent years,” Itoo said in a social media post.
She said the government expects total admissions to cross 55,000 by the end of June, which would represent nearly a 20 percent increase over the previous year.
The rise in admissions comes months after concerns were raised over declining enrolment in several government colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. Official data had earlier revealed that many institutions were functioning with extremely low student strength, while some colleges had reported negligible or no active enrolment.
In a major policy decision earlier this year, the Higher Education Department discontinued the Common University Entrance Test (CUET)-based admission process for undergraduate courses in Government Degree Colleges and reverted to admissions based on Class 12 examination merit.
The move was taken after repeated concerns that the CUET system had adversely affected admissions, particularly in colleges located in rural and remote areas where student participation remained low.
Officials believe the return to the merit-based system has encouraged more students to seek admission in government colleges, leading to the increase witnessed during the first phase of admissions.
The Higher Education Department has maintained that making college admissions more transparent, accessible and student-friendly remains a key priority. The government has also expressed confidence that the ongoing admission process will further strengthen enrolment figures across colleges in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

Srinagar: Two persons lost their lives, flash floods triggered by cloudbursts disrupted parts of the Chenab Valley, and widespread hailstorms devastated orchards and standing crops across Kashmir on Tuesday as extreme weather conditions battered Jammu and Kashmir, prompting authorities to launch emergency response and restoration measures.
In south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, a man was killed and his wife critically injured after a tree uprooted by strong winds fell on them, while a woman died after being struck by lightning in Doda district.
The twin tragedies unfolded amid a day of severe weather disruptions that affected normal life and raised concerns over significant losses in the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
Officials identified the deceased in Anantnag as Mohammad Rafiq Kujwal, a resident of Utross. The incident occurred near the busy Janglat Mandi-Lal Chowk road when an ageing tree collapsed during strong winds and fell on the couple. Kujwal died on the spot, while his wife sustained critical injuries and was shifted to a hospital for treatment.
In Doda district, Pinki Devi, a resident of Khuddhar village, was killed after lightning struck the area during intense evening thunderstorms.
The adverse weather also triggered flash floods in parts of Doda and Kishtwar after cloudbursts struck vulnerable areas.
According to officials, a cloudburst occurred in Bandekhra Nalla near Thathri town in Doda district, sending torrents of water and debris into nearby areas, including parts of the local market. Although no casualties were reported, authorities rushed emergency teams to the area and began restoration work.
In Kishtwar district, two separate cloudbursts were reported from the Ghan and Machipal areas. Officials said there was no loss of life or property damage, but precautionary measures were immediately put in place as water levels rose in local streams and nullahs.
Amid the deteriorating weather situation, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the situation and held discussions with the Deputy Commissioners of Doda and Kishtwar.
The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed the district administrations to remain on high alert and ensure the swift restoration of roads, highways and water supply infrastructure affected by the heavy rainfall and flash floods.
He also instructed emergency response teams and medical personnel to maintain readiness for any eventuality.
Expressing grief over the death of Pinki Devi, the Lieutenant Governor conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and directed the Doda administration to provide immediate relief and assistance.
While authorities grappled with flood-related challenges in the Chenab Valley, farmers and fruit growers across Kashmir faced a different crisis as repeated hailstorms and heavy rainfall caused extensive damage to crops and orchards.
Several areas of Shopian, Pulwama, Ganderbal and Kupwara witnessed intense hailstorms accompanied by heavy showers. Among the worst-hit areas were Uthmullah, Rahmoo, Sindo Shirmal, Balpora, Memandar, Shamshipora and Ramnagri, where growers reported substantial damage to apple orchards, vegetables and standing crops.
Fresh hailstorms were reported from Aripal in Tral, Kakapora, Awantipora and parts of Ganderbal on Tuesday, adding to the losses caused by earlier weather disturbances over the past week.
Farmers said the repeated hailstorms had struck at a crucial stage of the agricultural season, damaging young fruit and affecting crop productivity. Many orchard owners expressed fears of severe economic losses if compensation and relief measures were not announced quickly.
The situation prompted renewed demands for a comprehensive damage assessment. Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat urged the government to immediately evaluate the losses and provide financial assistance to affected farmers and fruit growers.
He said villages such as Bonakoot in Bandipora had suffered substantial losses to crops and orchards, leaving farming families worried about their livelihoods.
The widespread precipitation followed one of the warmest days of the season in Kashmir. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 30.7 degrees Celsius, nearly four degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature touched 19.2 degrees Celsius, the highest night temperature of the season so far. Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 37.7 degrees Celsius before weather conditions changed dramatically.
The Meteorological Department has advised residents, particularly those living in vulnerable areas, to remain vigilant as further spells of rain, thunderstorms and localized flash floods remain possible over the coming days.