The meeting was attended by the Chief Engineer PHE Jammu, Chief Engineer I&FC Jammu, besides Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers of Flood Control Divisions.

Minister Javed Rana reviewed the physical and financial progress of major water and flood management schemes across the Jammu division, including PMKSY-HKKP, UT CAPEX, NABARD, SASCI, and DA-JGUA. Emphasizing uninterrupted drinking water supply as a top government prerogative, he directed the Jal Shakti department to complete all ongoing schemes—especially those under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)—within their strict deadlines to prevent any lapses in public availability. He ordered efficient tanker deployment, regular preventive maintenance, daily monitoring of groundwater and source discharge rates, and weekly review meetings to maintain strict operational oversight.

To address flood preparedness, the Minister was briefed by the Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti (I&FC), on contingency plans, including the prepositioning of standby dewatering pumps, generators, and spare parts at strategic locations. Rana called for a mix of structural and non-structural mitigation measures, tech-driven early warning systems, and robust inter-agency coordination based on the newly circulated district anti-flood response plans. He specifically ordered the expedited execution of the SASCI Disaster Programme in flood-prone areas and directed that all future Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) be technically and financially comprehensive to avoid cost overruns.

Additionally, the Minister reviewed a ₹998.75 crore Extension, Renovation, and Modernisation (ERM) proposal for the Main Ranbir Canal, currently submitted to the Central Water Commission, which aims to improve tail-end water availability over a five-year period. He also assessed ongoing canal desilting efforts being executed in convergence with the Rural Development Department, warning officials to keep a strict vigil against equipment theft. Finally, Rana took stock of the Tawi Barrage project, noting that while gate installation and hydro-mechanical works are fully complete, restoration and reinforcement works are actively progressing to rectify past damages.

Jammu :Director Command Area Development Jammu Pankaj MagotraSaturday conducted an extensive tour of district Kathua to inspect the progress of various irrigation development works being executed under NABARD RIDF-XXXI.

He was accompanied by Project Officer Command Area Development Samba Roshan Lal Bhagat, Assistant Soil Conservation Officer Dayalachak Er. Brij Rana besides other officers and officials of the Command Area Development Department.

During the visit, the Director inspected the ongoing works of construction of Field Channels on Seswan Link Distributary of MRC Command Area Development Project, Remodeling of Field Channels on Hamirpur–Mangtian Canal Command Area Development Project and Remodeling/Reconstruction of Field Channels on the Distributaries of Drung Canal Command Area Development Project. He reviewed the physical progress and quality of works and directed the concerned officers to ensure timely completion of all projects while strictly adhering to the prescribed technical specifications and quality standards.

The Director also interacted with beneficiary farmers at various project sites to obtain firsthand feedback regarding the implementation and impact of the Command Area Development interventions. The farmers expressed satisfaction over the improved irrigation facilities and appreciated the department’s efforts in ensuring better water distribution and enhanced agricultural productivity.

While interacting with the officers and field functionaries, the Director stressed the importance of close supervision, timely execution and effective coordination with the farming community to maximize the benefits of the projects. He reiterated the department’s commitment to strengthening irrigation infrastructure and promoting efficient water management for sustainable agricultural development.

The Director lauded the efforts and dedication of the officers and field staff of the Command Area Development Department in implementing these important irrigation projects and urged them to maintain the same level of commitment to ensure that the benefits of the schemes reach every intended beneficiary in a timely and effective manner.

Rajouri : The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO, Rajouri conducted an enforcement drive on Darhal route to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and to promote road safety.

During the inspection, 8 challans were issued for various traffic and motor vehicle violations, with a cumulative penalty of ₹40,700. Additionally, one driving licence was recommended for suspension due to serious violation, while two vehicles were seized for non-compliance with the prescribed legal requirements.

The ARTO reiterated that such enforcement drives will continue across the district to curb traffic violations, ensure passenger safety and promote responsible road use. Vehicle owners and drivers were urged to carry valid documents, adhere to traffic regulations and cooperate with enforcement agencies to ensure safer roads for all.

During the inspection, various retail outlets, grocery stores, food establishments and other business units were checked for compliance with the prescribed consumer protection norms. Several violations, including non-display of rate lists and other irregularities were detected and a fine of ₹49,000 was imposed on the defaulting establishments.

The inspection team directed all traders and shopkeepers to prominently display rate lists at their business premises and ensure that all packaged commodities clearly bear the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), manufacturing date, expiry date, net quantity and other mandatory declarations so that consumers are not put to any inconvenience or unfair trade practices.

The Department reiterated its commitment to protect the interest of consumers and maintaining transparency in the marketplace. Traders were advised to strictly adhere to the prescribed norms, failing which appropriate action shall be initiated against the violators. The Department appealed to consumers to remain vigilant while making purchases and to report any irregularities to the Department.

The inspection was conducted by the Deputy Director, Food & Rationing Sham Abrol, Assistant Director, Mills, Assistant Director, Circle II, along with the concerned Tehsil Supply Officers (TSOs) and Area Inspectors.

During the meeting, Dr. Abdul Rehman Rather, Nodal Officer, AYUSH, Kulgam, presented a detailed presentation on the implementation, progress, and achievements of various schemes under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) in the district.

The Chair reviewed the progress of the schemes and emphasized timely implementation, effective inter-departmental coordination, and regular monitoring to ensure the successful execution of National AYUSH Mission activities and the strengthening of AYUSH healthcare services across the district.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Planning Officer (CPO), Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Executive Engineers, and other district officers.

The Director expressed concern that despite the availability of four to five different varieties and quality grades of bananas in the market, consumers were being charged almost identical prices. Such practices defeat the principles of fair trade and deprive consumers of their right to purchase commodities at prices commensurate with quality.

He instructed the Fruit Mandi Association Narwal to regulate wholesale prices grading-wise and ensure that every wholesaler prominently displays an updated rate list at their business premises. He further directed that all fruits be properly graded according to quality, size and variety, with prices fixed based on such grading to eliminate arbitrary and unfair pricing.

Representatives of the Fruit Mandi Association assured the Director of their full cooperation in implementing the directions.

The Director also directed all Assistant Directors of the department to convene monthly meetings with stakeholders dealing in consumer goods, monitor market practices, ensure strict compliance with fair trade norms and intensify market inspections to safeguard consumer interests. He advised them to conduct joint inspections with BIS, FSSAI and Legal Metrology and seek their assistance in the exercise.

Srinagar :The Settlement Committee of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Finance Corporation (JKLFC) met under the chairmanship of its Managing Director to consider settlement of seven Non-Performing Asset (NPA) loan accounts under the Settlement Scheme–2026 (SS-2026).

The Committee approved settlement proposals in respect of six NPA loan accounts involving a total settlement amount of approximately ₹84.43 lakh, subject to the borrowers depositing the approved settlement amounts within the stipulated period and fulfilling all the provisions of the Scheme.

The Board of Directors, in its 247th meeting held on 31st December 2025, had approved introduction of the Settlement Scheme–2026 (SS-2026), which was subsequently notified by the Corporation vide Order No. 155 dated 12th February 2026. The scheme came into force with immediate effect and shall remain in operation up to 30th September 2026.

The Scheme has been introduced as a One-Time Settlement (OTS) mechanism to facilitate recovery of long-pending Non-Performing Assets by providing eligible borrowers an opportunity to liquidate their outstanding loan liabilities on concessional terms, thereby improving recoveries and reducing the Corporation’s NPA portfolio.

The Managing Director emphasized that the scheme is an important initiative to recover long-pending dues, facilitate closure of stressed loan accounts and safeguard the financial interests of the Corporation. He directed all the Branch Heads and District Officers to expedite identification of eligible cases and ensure prompt processing and submission of settlement proposals.

The Corporation reiterated its commitment to strengthen its recovery mechanism and improve the quality of its loan portfolio through effective implementation of the Settlement Scheme–2026.

The eligible borrowers are advised to avail the benefits of the Scheme before its expiry on 30th September 2026.

The enforcement team, acting under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Control of Building Operations Act and the J&K Municipal Act, carried out the sealing operation in the presence of the Executive Magistrate 1st Class, Kishtwar, after it was found that the car washing unit was functioning without valid trade licence/permission from allied departments like PDD, Jal Shakti, Pollution Control, etc.

This marks the third such car washing establishment to be sealed in the town in recent weeks as part of the ongoing crackdown on unauthorized commercial units.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Municipal Council has already sealed two service stations, one namely Shahan Service Station located at Ward No. 12, Faisalabad, Kishtwar and the other Wheelzin Service Station located at Ward No. 10, Om Mehta Road Kishtwar.

The Municipal Council Kishtwar reiterated that stringent action will continue against establishments operating in violation of municipal norms and warned that any attempt to break the seal or reopen sealed premises will invite strict legal action, including FIR registration.

The training programme witnessed the participation of progressive farmers, Chief Agriculture Officer, District Agriculture Officer (Ext) and representatives from allied departments, including Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, KVK, Lead District Manager and representative of General Insurance Company Limited.

Experts from allied departments delivered lectures on the latest agricultural technologies, crop management practices, horticulture development, livestock management, crop insurance, financial assistance and other flagship government schemes. The interactive sessions provided farmers an opportunity to seek expert guidance on issues related to farming and allied sectors.

CAO JograjSlathia emphasized the importance of adopting scientific and sustainable farming practices to improve agricultural productivity and farmers’ income. He urged farmers to make full use of government schemes and extension services available through the Agriculture Department and allied agencies.

The programme concluded with an interactive session, during which farmers actively asked their questions to experts and clarified their queries. Participants appreciated the initiative and expressed their willingness to adopt the improved technologies and practices shared during the training.

During the inspection, the Commissioner reviewed the survival rate of plantations, maintenance of green spaces, progress of beautification works, and the overall condition of the area. He directed the concerned officers to adopt scientific plantation management practices, ensure timely irrigation, safeguard newly planted saplings, and optimize the use of available resources to maximize the survival and healthy growth of plantations.

Emphasizing the critical role of urban forests in improving air quality, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and strengthening the city’s ecological resilience, the Commissioner instructed the field functionaries to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, landscape management, and environmental stewardship. He further directed that all ongoing works be executed in a time-bound manner while ensuring quality, sustainability, and long-term maintenance of the developed green assets.

The Commissioner also underscored the need to intensify plantation drives and further strengthen Srinagar’s green infrastructure in line with the Corporation’s commitment to developing a cleaner, healthier, greener, and climate-resilient city.

During the visit, officers of the Urban Forestry Division briefed the Commissioner on the progress of various plantation programmes, maintenance schedules, survival monitoring mechanisms, and the operational challenges being encountered in the field.

Appreciating the dedication and sincere efforts of the field staff, the Commissioner urged them to continue working with renewed commitment towards transforming Srinagar into a model of sustainable urban forestry and environmental conservation.

The Commissioner was accompanied by Joint Commissioner (Works), Divisional Forest Officer, Urban Forestry Division, and other senior officers of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Urban Forestry Division during the inspection.