City News – The Kashmir Horizon

Div Com reviews removal of bottlenecks for Srinagar Ring Road Phase-II, II-A

K H News Service — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 06:13:34 +0000

Srinagar | Sept. 12: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, Saturday chaired a meeting to review the clearance of impediments for Srinagar Ring Road (SRR) Phase-II and II-A to expedite the completion of the project.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, SSP Traffic Rural, Project Director NHAI, and officers from R&B, PHE and KPDCL.
On the occasion, officers of NHAI gave a detailed presentation on the project, highlighting the impediments faced by the executing agency, including land acquisition status, compensation disbursed, demolition of Government and private structures, shifting / alteration of establishment structures, utility shifting, court cases and tree felling.
During the meeting, the Div Com directed the Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal to depute a joint team comprising ADC Ganderbal, Tehsildar, NHAI and the contractor to hand over possession of acquired land to the executing agency by Tuesday. He further directed NHAI to take possession of the greenfield land parcels as there is no issues faced by the agency.
He also directed documentation of private structures and demolition of all such structures by Saturday to remove black spots and bottlenecks.
The Div Com further directed phased felling of Chinar and Walnut trees falling within the road alignment, as per due procedure.
He also impressed upon the NHAI officers to undertake immediate maintenance of existing roads in Ganderbal damaged due to movement of their project vehicles.

Chief Justice inaugurates 3rd National Lok Adalat at District Court Complex Srinagar

K H News Service — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 06:13:14 +0000

Says “Lok Adalats promotes amicable dispute resolution, access to Justice for all”

Srinagar| Sept. 12:In a significant stride towards delivering timely and amicable justice, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar, successfully organized the 3rd National Lok Adalat of the year 2026 at the District Court Complex Mominabad, Srinagar and Court of the Additional Special Mobile Magistrate/JMIC Pantha chowk.
The National Lok Adalat was inaugurated by Dr.Pushpendra Singh Bhati Chief Justice of High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority) in presence of Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by M.K Sharma Registrar General High Court of J&K and Ladakh, ShaziaTabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority and. Haq Nawaz Zargar, Principal District & Sessions Judge/ Chairman, DLSA Srinagar, along with Secretary, DLSA Srinagar and other Judicial Officers of District Court Complex Srinagar.
Moreover, ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented by the Jammu & Kashmir Police, marking a dignified and respectful beginning to the proceedings. Following the guard of honour, a Chinar sapling and a yellow maple sapling was planted by the Chief Guest and Executive Chairman J&K Legal Services Authority, within the court premises, as a gesture towards environmental protection and promotion of a greener and cleaner environment.
The dignitaries visited and observed the functioning of various benches at the District Court Srinagar, offering encouragement to litigants and reinforcing the ethos of participatory justice.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Justice emphasized the transformative role of Lok Adalats in the justice delivery system, stated “Lok Adalat is not just a mechanism for resolving disputes, it is a platform that creates a win-win situation for all parties involved. It saves time, reduces litigation costs, and fosters goodwill. I encourage the public to actively participate in this initiative for peaceful, timely, and amicable settlements. Justice through Lok Adalats strengthens the very foundation of participatory and compassionate justice.”
The Lok Adalat received an enthusiastic response from litigants, a testament to the growing public trust in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. A wide range of cases, including civil matters, matrimonial disputes, criminal compoundable offences, bank recoveries and pre-litigation issues were taken up, with a significant number being resolved on the spot.
To facilitate the amicable settlement of cases, 11 benches were constituted in the district. The Bench where MACT claims were settled was presided over by Mr. Farooq Ahmad Bhat (Add. District & Sessions Judge Sgr) and Mr. Dinesh Gupta 3rd Add. District & Sessions Judge Sgr) in which 85 cases were taken, out of which, 33 cases were amicably settled and Rs 6,72,35,000 were awarded as settlement amount and cheques amounting Rs 3,42,45,000 were on-spot distributed among the claimants by the Chief Justice in presence of Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority), Haq Nawaz Zargar Principal District & Sessions Judge Srinagar, Ms. ShaziaTabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority and other Ld. Judicial Officers of District Court Srinagar.
The Bench No 05 was presided over by Fida Hussain Nayak (Municipal Magistrate Srinagar) and comprised of Junaid Imtiyaz Mir (Sub-Judge, Srinagar). Out of the 63 cases 19 cases were settled with an amount of Rs. 1,01,24,17,752.
By the concerted efforts of all presiding officers of all the courts, cooperation rendered by the learned advocates and officers of various government departments, insurance companies and banking institutions, a total number of 9,888 cases were taken up by 11 benches in the district, out of which, 9,394 cases were settled in the said Lok-Adalat.
An amount of Rs, 1,11,14,88,832/ (Hunderd-Eleven Crores Fourteen Lakh Eighty-Eight Thousand Eight-Hundred Thirty Two Only ) was awarded as settlement amount in all the cases including award of Rs. 6,72,35,000 in 33 MACT Cases.
The 3rd National Lok Adalat of 2026 witnessed a huge participation of officers and officials from different departments besides litigants. The success of the event reflects the judiciary’s commitment to resolve the disputes through mutual understanding and compromise. Such initiatives not only lessen the backlog of cases in the courts but also strengthen the public’s faith in the legal system.

Justice Rajnesh Oswal inaugurates 3rd National Lok Adalat-2026 at District Court Complex Jammu

K H News Service — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 06:08:07 +0000

Jammu| Sept. 12:The 3rd National Lok Adalat for the year 2026 was conducted Saturday in District Court Complex, Jammu, under the guidance of Chairman DLSA/Principal District & Sessions Judge, Jammu Tahir Khurshid Raina and overall supervision of Civil Judge Senior Division & Secretary DLSA Maleeka Sharma.
The event was graced by the presence of Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Administrative Judge, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Justice Rajnesh Oswal along with DLSA Chairman Tahir Khurshid Raina inaugurated the National Lok Adalat at District Court Complex Janipur.
Justice Oswal highlighted the importance of Lok Adalat in resolving long-pending disputes through mutually acceptable settlements. His Lordship emphasized the benefits of Lok Adalat including speedy justice, reduced litigation costs and preservation of relationships, making it an attractive option for litigants seeking efficient dispute resolution.
Later, Justice Oswal along with the Principal District & Sessions Judge inspected the Courts where the Lok Adalat benches were constituted. They also distributed cheques of the MACT settled compensation amounts to the concerned parties/claimants during the Lok Adalat proceedings.
An amount of Rs. 1,15,00,000/- was awarded in favour of Ajay Misri (claimant) after settlement. The amount was paid as compensation by ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd. An amount of Rs. 82,00,000/- was awarded in favour of Koushalya Devi (claimant) after settlement. The amount was paid as compensation through J&K Bank. An amount of Rs. 57,00,000/- was awarded in favour of Neeta Kanth (claimant) after settlement. The amount was paid as compensation through J&K Bank. An amount of Rs. 43,00,000/- was awarded in favour of SatpalSharma (claimant) after settlement. The amount was paid as compensation by IFFCO TOKIO General Insurance Company. An amount of Rs. 1,00,00,000/- was awarded in favour of Darshan Lal (claimant) after settlement. The amount was paid as compensation by Liberty General Insurance. An amount of Rs. 85,00,000/- was awarded in favour of Mehnaz Akhter &Ors (claimant) after settlement. The amount was paid as compensation by IFFCO TOKIO General Insurance Company. An amount of Rs. 25,00,000/- was awarded in favour of ShiwaniTahotra (claimant) after settlement. The amount was paid as compensation through J&K Bank. An amount of Rs. 20,00,000/- was awarded in favour of Chinta Devi (claimant) after settlement. The amount was paid as compensation through J&K Bank. An amount of Rs. 19,50000/- was awarded in favour of ShakeelaBanoo (claimant) after settlement. The amount was paid as compensation through J&K Bank.
Many litigants participated in the Lok Adalat to avail the opportunity for amicable settlement of their disputes. A wide range of cases including Civil disputes, Bank Recovery cases, cases U/s 138 N.I. Act, Compoundable Criminal cases, MACT claims, Matrimonial disputes, Labour matters, Revenue cases and other compoundable cases were taken up.
Twenty Six benches comprising Judicial Officers along with Panel Lawyers/LADCs of DLSA Jammu were constituted at District Court Complex.
In all, 904 cases pertaining to different nature were taken up, out of which 409 cases were settled. The total Amount recovered stood at Rs. 22,16,27,013/-.
Similar National Lok Adalat sittings were held at Tehsil Legal Services Committee Bishnah, RS Pura and Akhnoor.

GMC Jammu, DH Reasi Sign MoU for Care Strengthening Specialised Services and Facilities

K H News Service — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 03:03:44 +0000

Reasi : A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was today signed between Government Medical College Jammu and District Hospital Reasi to establish a collaborative framework for strengthening healthcare delivery, improve referral mechanism, facilitate professional skill development and optimise clinical resources for enhanced patient care.

The MoU was signed by Principal and Dean, Government Medical College Jammu, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta and Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Reasi Dr. Karamvir Singh. Under the agreement, the Government Medical College Jammu will facilitate monthly super-speciality outreach services at District Hospital and Reasi in cardiology, neurology, nephrology, urology, endocrinology, oncology, gastroenterology and neurosurgery, subject to availability of resources.

The collaboration also provides for technical support and capacity building in palliative and geriatric care, addiction treatment, radiology, blood bank management and dialysis services. It envisages regular cataract surgeries under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment, strengthening of High Dependency Unit, Intensive Care Unit and Tele-ICU services, besides support for day-care chemotherapy and oncology services.

The MoU further provides for super-specialist tele-consultation through the e-Sanjeevani platform, strengthening of laboratory services and capacity building of doctors, technicians and paramedical staff. Government Medical College, Jammu will also facilitate the supply of blood and blood components to District Hospital, Reasi, subject to statutory provisions and availability. The agreement also envisages assistance for Diplomate of National Board residency programmes, Joint Continuing Medical Education programmes, clinical workshops and academic sessions, besides opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate clinical postings, internship training and a rotational district residency programme at Reasi. District Hospital, Reasi will also serve as an “Associated Hospital” and internship grid under the academic supervision of Government Medical College, Jammu.

The District Development Commissioner, Reasi appreciated the initiative and commended the Government’s efforts towards strengthening institutional coordination, expanding access to specialised healthcare and referral services, and enhancing clinical capacity in the district. He also encouraged the staff of District Hospital, Reasi to continue their efforts towards providing quality healthcare to the people of the district.

SKUAST-K Students Win One Health Day Global Award in Lisbon

K H News Service — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:27:53 +0000

Srinagar | Sept, 9:Students of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have earned international recognition for their One Health initiative, receiving the prestigious One Health Day 2025 Student Competition Award at the World One Health Congress (WOHC 2026) in Lisbon, Portugal.
The award was presented during the closing ceremony of the international congress, which brought together leading experts, researchers, academicians, policymakers, students and professionals from across the world to advance the One Health approach. Organised by the One Health Commission, the One Health Day Student Competition recognises outstanding student-led initiatives that promote interdisciplinary collaboration across human, animal and environmental health.
Representing SKUAST-K, Dr AyemanQamri, MVSc Scholar, Veterinary Medicine, and Dr Shivam Srivastava, MVSc Scholar, Veterinary Gynaecology & Obstetrics, received the award online on behalf of the SKUAST-K One Health student team (SKUAOHUN). Video messages from the student representatives were also showcased during the formal award ceremony, highlighting the team’s work and contribution to advancing the One Health agenda.
The recognition follows SKUAOHUN’s success in the One Health Day 2025 International Student Competition, where the team secured the top honour for organising a month-long hybrid initiative, ‘One Health Program-2025’.
Competing with teams from 94 countries across all continents, the SKUAST-K team was recognised for taking the One Health message beyond classrooms through community engagement, awareness, education and interdisciplinary activities.
As part of the competition recognition, the team received an International Certificate of Excellence and a cash award of USD 1,000. The achievement underscores the global relevance of the students’ work and reflects the University’s growing engagement with transdisciplinary One Health research, education and outreach.
SKUAST-K has been working to institutionalise the One Health approach in Jammu and Kashmir. The University initiated a structured One Health roadmap in 2023, including the establishment of a dedicated School of One Health, while also developing collaborations with leading medical and veterinary institutions to advance research, education, innovation and policy engagement in the field.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai congratulated Dr AyemanQamri, Dr Shivam Srivastava and the entire SKUAOHUN team, along with the scientists and Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, on the international achievement.
Prof. Ganai said the recognition demonstrates the growing global impact of SKUAST-K’s transdisciplinary approach and reflects the University’s commitment to addressing emerging societal and scientific challenges through One Health. He described the achievement as an important milestone in the University’s transition from national to global engagement and reiterated SKUAST-K’s aspiration to emerge as India’s first global agricultural university by 2030.

Director NIT Srinagar releases brochures for 11th Int’l Nanotechnology Conference

K H News Service — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:22:55 +0000

Event will be held in association with IIT Ropar from September 7-11, 2027

Srinagar | Sept, 9: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has announced the 11th edition of the International Conference on Nanotechnology for Better Living (NBL-2027), scheduled for September 7 to 11, 2027, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar and various esteemed institutions.
The conference aims to serve as a significant platform for researchers, scientists, academicians, and industry professionals to exchange knowledge and foster scientific collaborations in the field of nanotechnology. Prof. Anurag Misra, Director of NIT Srinagar, emphasized the conference’s role in promoting interdisciplinary research and translating scientific ideas into practical technological applications. The event coincides with the birth anniversary of John Dalton, a pivotal figure in atomic theory, underscoring its scientific significance. General Chair Prof. M. A. Shah highlighted the conference’s focus on bridging scientific research, engineering, and industry, while Programme Chair Prof. Kowsar Majid noted the importance of encouraging young researchers and students through various interactive sessions. The organizing committee comprises 11 scientists from different institutions, with key roles assigned to various members to ensure effective coordination. NBL-2027 is expected to attract a diverse group of participants, including distinguished scientists and researchers from around the world, and will feature a range of activities such as plenary lectures, keynote talks, and tutorials aimed at students. The conference is poised to enhance collaboration and innovation in nanotechnology, addressing practical challenges and exploring applications with societal relevance.

Div Com Jammu reviews Forest Lands demarcation, sets two months’ deadline

K H News Service — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:20:46 +0000

Jammu | Sept, 9: Ramesh Kumar, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, convened a meeting with senior officials to assess the progress of forest land demarcation in the Jammu Division and address related challenges. Among others Chief Conservator of Forests, Deputy Commissioners, and various forest officials attended the top meeting, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Conservator said that out of 1,555 forest areas, approximately 215 are classified as difficult, necessitating joint surveys with the Revenue Department. He noted the need for around 24,000 boundary pillars, with 25,000 already installed in the past three months. The Divisional Commissioner emphasized the urgency of joint demarcation efforts and the proper installation of boundary pillars, instructing the Revenue and Forest authorities to prioritize this task. He mandated the creation of a district-wise schedule within a week, detailing the areas to be surveyed, responsible personnel, and timelines for the fieldwork. A two-month deadline was set for completing the demarcation exercise, with strict adherence expected from all Deputy Commissioners and Divisional Forest Officers. Additionally, the Commissioner highlighted the need for local-level decisions regarding field team compositions based on the complexity of the areas involved. He urged the acceleration of cases related to infrastructure projects and the timely processing of applications on the PARIVESH Portal, ensuring that minor issues are resolved through effective coordination. The completion of boundary pillar installations is prioritized for the end of the year, with a strong emphasis on collaboration between the Revenue and Forest Departments to meet the established timelines. Regular monitoring will be essential to ensure the successful completion of the demarcation exercise within the specified period.

NIT Srinagar organises hands-on training on COMSOL Multiphysics

KH Web Desk — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 13:01:00 +0000

Srinagar, Aug 29: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar organised a hands-on training programme on COMSOL Multiphysics, focusing on the use of simulation and computational tools to address engineering challenges across multiple disciplines.

In his message, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Anurag Misra, said such industry-oriented training programmes are essential for strengthening the institute’s research and academic ecosystem.

He emphasised the need to provide students with practical exposure to advanced simulation platforms and emerging technologies to enhance their technical capabilities and prepare them for real-world engineering challenges.

Registrar, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Atikur Rehman, who was the Chief Guest, highlighted the growing importance of simulation-based approaches in engineering education, research and problem-solving.

He said exposure to advanced computational tools can help students and researchers bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

The programme was coordinated by Dr. Anshul Gupta, Convenor, and Dr. Vivek, Department of Civil Engineering, Co-Convenor, with support from the student club Dhaatu Mitra of the Department of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering (MME), NIT Srinagar.

Students and researchers from Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Physics participated in the training.

Expert sessions were conducted by Skanda N. Prasad, Technology Specialist, COMSOL India, and Srinivas Chakrapani Yamujala, Applications Engineer, COMSOL Multiphysics. The sessions provided participants with hands-on exposure to COMSOL-based applications in hydrogen fuel cells, heat and fluid flow, structural mechanics and metal casting processes.

The training focused on practical applications of multiphysics simulation and demonstrated how computational modelling can be used to analyse complex engineering systems and support research and development.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Convenor Dr. Anshul Gupta, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, expert speakers, participants, the organising team, and the Dhaatu Mitra Student Club for their contribution to the successful conduct of the programme.

SWD Srinagar Organizes Awareness Career Counselling Session Held

K H News Service — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 04:42:20 +0000

Srinagar | August, 29: Social Welfare Department (SWD), SANKALP-HEW Srinagar organised an Awareness-cum-Career Counselling Session at Government Boys Higher Secondary School (GBHSS), Tailbal, Srinagar.
The session was aimed at sensitizing students about various opportunities available for their educational and career development. The officials from SANKALP-HEW Srinagar interacted with the students and provided guidance on career planning, skill development, vocational education and different avenues available to them after completing their schooling.
The students actively participated in the interactive session and raised questions regarding career choices, educational opportunities and skill-based courses. The Officials from SANKALP-Hew Srinagar encouraged the students to identify their interests and abilities and make informed decisions while choosing their future career paths.
The Social Welfare Department emphasized the importance of such awareness and counselling programmes in empowering young students with relevant information and helping them make confident and informed career choices.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion, with students expressing their appreciation for the initiative and the guidance provided during the session.

GCW Parade organises awareness prog

K H News Service — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 04:40:41 +0000

Jammu | August, 29: Government College for Women (GCW), Parade Ground, Jammu in collaboration with the Institutional Innovation Council (IIC) and Career Counselling and Placement Cell, organised a one-day awareness programme on Udhayam Jagruti 5.0 College Hackathon under Mission Yuva.
The programme was organised with the objective of creating awareness among students about entrepreneurship, innovation, start-up opportunities and the Udhayam Jagruti 5.0 College Hackathon, encouraging young minds to transform innovative ideas into viable entrepreneurial ventures. The programme was conducted by the Directorate of Employment, Jammu & Kashmir. Navdeep Kour, Career Counselling Officer, District Employment and Counselling Centre, apprised the students about Mission Yuva and the opportunities available under the initiative. Neha Dogra, Business Help Desk Lead, Jammu and Sanjana Singh, BHD Coordinator, sensitised the students about the support mechanisms and facilitation available to aspiring entrepreneurs.
A special interactive session was conducted by Vishali Gupta, who shared her inspiring entrepreneurial journey with the students. She spoke about her experiences, challenges and learnings as an entrepreneur and encouraged students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, take calculated risks and pursue their ideas with confidence and perseverance.
Principal Dr Naveen Anand interacted with the participating students and encouraged them to actively engage with initiatives that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development. He emphasised the importance of developing an independent and creative approach towards career building and urged students to make the best use of the opportunities being provided through Mission Yuva and the Udhayam Jagruti initiative. Around 150 students from different disciplines participated in the awareness programme.
The interactive sessions provided students with insights into ideation, innovation, entrepreneurship and the various avenues available for converting ideas into sustainable ventures. The programme was coordinated by Dr Gurpreet Kour, Convener, Institutional Innovation Council along with the team of IIC and the Career Counselling and Placement Cell including Prof Sonia Bhau, Prof Pooja Devi, Dr Manjulla Gupta, Dr Deepti Salotra, Dr Kulwinder Kour and Prof. Shvaita Saroop were also present during the programme. The programme concluded with an encouragement to students to actively participate in Udhayam Jagruti 5.0 College Hackathon and utilise the opportunities offered under Mission Yuva to explore their entrepreneurial potential and contribute towards building an innovation-driven and self-reliant economy.