The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Chief Engineer PHE, Superintending Engineers PHE, and senior officers from the Railways.

During the meeting, Railway authorities apprised the chair that water being lifted from the nearby source does not meet potable standards and requested a clean drinking water supply for staff usage and for filling trains.

Taking cognizance of the issue, the Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned PHE officers to tap water from an alternative source identified by field officers, located 2.5 km upstream.

He directed the Superintending Engineer, PHE Circle Budgam, to work out the capital expenditure for laying the new supply pipeline and to float tenders within ten days, in consultation with Railway authorities. Regarding water supply to Nowgam Railway Station, the Divisional Commissioner directed SE PHE Budgam to expedite the completion of the lift water supply scheme.

On a separate issue regarding macadamization of the access road to Parrypora Colony near the Railway line, the Divisional Commissioner instructed ADC Budgam to conduct a joint site visit along with Revenue officials, Railway officers and representatives of the colony to ascertain land ownership of the road stretch and take appropriate action for providing road access to the residents.

The programme was launched at Amar Singh College, Srinagar, in presence of Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary Education who attended as the guest of honour and Dr.Devansh Yadav, Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, J&K.

The initiative has been launched by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, with support from Swaaha Resource Management Private Limited.

The programme will engage the students in practical activities related to source segregation, recycling, composting, resource recovery, sanitation and community participation. The students will also be encouraged to undertake awareness activities in their schools and neighbourhoods and promote responsible waste-management practices among their families and communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Mandeep Kaur said that cleanliness could not be left to municipal agencies alone and that people, particularly young students, have to be made active partners in the effort.

“Cleanliness cannot remain the responsibility of municipal agencies alone. It has to become a shared civic responsibility and schools have an important role in shaping that culture among the next generation,” she said.

She emphasised the need to go beyond awareness programmes and focus on bringing about sustained behavioural change in the way people handle waste and maintain cleanliness in their surroundings.

The programme will also provide students with opportunities to develop their communication, leadership and public-speaking skills while undertaking the activities related to waste management and cleanliness. The students will serve as Swachhata Ambassadors, carrying the message from their schools to their homes and local communities.

Fazlul Haseeb Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation; senior officers of SMC, Heads of Institutions; teachers; students from participating schools and other stakeholders attended the launch programme.

A Waste-to-Art Exhibition was also organised on the occasion, showcasing sculptures and other artworks made from discarded materials by participants from different parts of the Valley. The exhibition highlighted the possibilities of reusing waste materials and transforming discarded items into useful and creative products. It also promoted the message of reuse, recycling and resource recovery among students and visitors.

The initiative is part of the ongoing efforts under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 to increase citizen participation in scientific solid waste management and make Swachhata a regular part of everyday life.

By involving the students directly, the programme aims to encourage them to practise cleanliness themselves and inspire others to do the same, thereby taking the message of Swachhata from schools to homes and communities across Kashmir.

Srinagar : Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, AkshayLabroo, who is also the Chairman of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Monday chaired a meeting here at Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex to reviews progress of ongoing and proposed disaster mitigation projects and measures aimed at strengthening the district’s emergency response mechanism.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Aadil Fareed, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Superintending Engineer R&B, Tatheer Manzoor, Superintending Engineer, R&B, Shabir Ahmad, Superintending Engineer PHE Hydraulic, Er. Ambreen Anjum, SDM West, Irfan Bahadur, SDM West, Zuber Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Umar Gulzar, Executive Engineer I&FC, Shuja Ahmad, Executive Engineer, LCMA, all Tehsildars and other concerned.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner conducted a detailed review of key interventions proposed under the Disaster Mitigation Plan, including installation of Automatic Water Level Recorders (AWLRs) at identified locations, strengthening of vulnerable stretches along Dachigam Nallah, Tailbal Nallah and River Jhelum, equalization of bunds and slopes along the Jhelum, earthquake assessment of critical infrastructure and responsive mitigation measures for flash floods, landslides and earthquakes in vulnerable higher reaches of Srinagar district.

On the occasion, the DC directed the concerned departments to identify and incorporate all measures requiring immediate intervention and strengthen preparedness to effectively tackle any eventuality arising from landslides, cloudbursts and flood-like situations. He emphasized the need for a prompt, coordinated and effective response mechanism across the district involving all concerned Departments.

The DC further stressed the need to reinforce disaster mitigation measures along Dachigam Nallah, Gandbal, Doodganga Nallah and other vulnerable locations across the District. He directed the concerned Departments to undertake priority based assessments of these areas and implement necessary mitigation projects to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience against natural disasters.

The meeting also reviewed the preparedness and action plans of various Departments for responding to natural disasters and emergencies, with emphasis on minimizing response time, ensuring effective inter-departmental coordination and safeguarding lives and property.

Srinagar : Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, AkshayLabroo, Monday visited Ganpatyar Temple in the Habbakadal area of the City and participated in the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, which were marked by deep devotion, spiritual fervour and enthusiasm.

During his visit, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the arrangements put in place for devotees and the smooth conduct of the celebrations. He interacted with the devotees and extended his warm greetings and best wishes to them on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

The DC paid obeisance at the revered temple and extended his warm greetings to devotees on the religious occasion. He interacted with members of the temple Management Committee, devotees and Officers and reviewed the arrangements made for the smooth conduct of the celebrations.

The event was organized in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere with the active participation of devotees, volunteers and members of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

The DC appreciated the coordinated efforts of all Departments, Police and organisers for ensuring the successful conduct of the celebrations. The members of organising committee also expressed its sincere appreciation to the District Administration Srinagar for making comprehensive arrangements for the occasion.

At the outset, the Lead District Manager, Ganderbal, presented a comprehensive review of the bank-wise performance, covering deposits, advances and Credit Deposit Ratio (CDR). It was informed that the overall CDR of banks in the district stood at 94.29 percent.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed upon the banks to further enhance credit flow to the agriculture sector and ensure adequate financial support to farmers and other beneficiaries. He directed the banking institutions to improve their credit dispensation mechanism and facilitate timely disposal of cases.

The DC also directed banks and line departments to expedite disposal of pending cases under various Government schemes, including KCC, PMFME, PM Surya Ghar and Mission YUVA, besides other flagship schemes, so that eligible beneficiaries are able to avail the intended benefits without delay.

Emphasising the importance of outreach and awareness, the Deputy Commissioner directed that information regarding various Government schemes and credit linked programmes be integrated into regular departmental activities, with active participation of concerned officers to ensure wider coverage and effective implementation.

The performance under various Social Security Schemes (SSS), including Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY), was also reviewed. The DC directed banks and line departments to work in close coordination to ensure 100 percent coverage of all eligible beneficiaries under these welfare schemes.

The Deputy Commissioner further instructed officers of all concerned line departments to personally monitor the progress of flagship schemes, identify bottlenecks and make dedicated efforts for resolution of pending cases to ensure their timely disposal.

The DC called for sustained coordination between banks and line departments to improve credit delivery, financial inclusion and implementation of Government sponsored schemes in the district. He emphasised that coordinated efforts should be made to ensure that the benefits of various schemes reach the intended beneficiaries in a timely and transparent manner.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Ganderbal, General Manager DIC Ganderbal, Chief Planning Officer, Ganderbal, Lead District Officer RBI, Chief Agriculture Officer Ganderbal, Chief Horticulture Officer Ganderbal, District Sheep Husbandry Officer Ganderbal, Assistant Director Employment Ganderbal, Assistant Director Fisheries Ganderbal, Assistant Director Handicraft/Handloom Ganderbal, Area Marketing Officer Horticulture (P&M) Ganderbal, Deputy Registrar Cooperative Ganderbal, District Officer KVIB Ganderbal, Cluster Head J&K Bank Ganderbal, Director JKRBT Ganderbal, Lead District Manager Ganderbal, and representatives/Branch Heads of SBI, JKSCB, HDFC Bank, J&K Grameen Bank, Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, Axis Bank and ICICI Bank, besides other concerned officers.

Principal ITI was the Chief Guest. While addressing the gathering, he stressed upon maximum awareness about NAPS and called for maximum registrations of youth and establishments under the NAPS portal within stipulated time to bridge the gap between industry and education.

An awareness session was conducted by Vocational Instructor Romesh Singh. He gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation, explaining the salient features, objectives, financial benefits and registration process of NAPS. He highlighted how the scheme provides stipend support, practical training and enhanced employability to youth.

A major highlight of the mela was the on-spot registration of these candidates and establishments alongside the processing of new contracts on the NAPS portal. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks. Principal ITI Samba assured to conduct more such job-oriented and skill development programmes in future.

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The team, comprised of Project Officer Soil and Water Management Ram Gopal Sharma and ASCO Sarore Dr Aadil Rashid, visited different installations in Himachal Pradesh and Talwara in Punjab to study innovative and efficient irrigation systems and explore their replication in the Command Areas of Jammu province

During the visit to Himachal Pradesh, the team visited Nadaun Medium irrigation projects of HP’s Jal Shakti Department, wherein water is lifted from the Beas River and conveyed to otherwise dry areas for irrigation. The project has facilitated irrigation over approximately 3,000 hectares through a Pressurized Pipe Irrigation Conveyance (PPIC) system, providing assured irrigation to agricultural fields that were earlier dependent on limited and uncertain water sources. The project demonstrated the potential of lifting water from perennial river sources and efficiently conveying it to dry command areas.

The team also visited the HP Shiva project, executed by the Horticulture department where micro-irrigation systems with SCADA/IoT have been created for efficient utilization of available water. The system demonstrates the benefits of controlled and efficient application of irrigation water at the field level, with potential for improving water-use efficiency and agricultural productivity. The   Project focuses on high-value subtropical fruit crops instead of traditional low-value crops. The Project is providing higher income to farmers by shifting to profitability through high value fruit production, utilizing barren lands, assured irrigation and seed to market support.

At Talwara in Punjab, the team visited Kandi Community Micro irrigation project where Solar PV energy is being used for pumping water from the canal through a pressurized pipe irrigation conveyance (PPIC) system to irrigate area under command with micro irrigation both by sprinkler and drip. The project provided useful insights into the integration of conventional canal water sources with modern pressurized conveyance and field-level irrigation systems.

The exposure visit provided the officers with an opportunity to study the planning, design, water-lifting arrangements, conveyance systems, pressurized irrigation infrastructure and community centric water management being adopted under these projects to enable the Command Area Development Department to examine the feasibility  and adapting these successful irrigation models in Jammu province, particularly in areas where conventional irrigation facilities are inadequate or where suitable water sources can be harnessed through lifting and pressurized conveyance systems.

Such interventions shall bring additional agricultural land under assured irrigation, introduction of the micro- irrigation system with SCADA/IoT at cluster level for improving water-use efficiency, reducing conveyance losses and community ownership and management of these assets ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity and farmers’ income.

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Kishwar| Sept, 14:The District administration Kistwar is working out a cleanliness, maintenance and preservation plan for the historical Chowgan Ground.

In this regard, Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma chaired a meeting with officers of stakeholder departments and representatives from Save Chowgan Association, a local NGO, Beopar Mandal, Cricket Association and other stakeholders.

At the outset, a detailed PowerPoint presentation was given by President of the Save Chowgan Association Dr. Rajesh Shan, highlighting the present condition of the Ground and the challenges related to cleanliness, waste management, regulation of vending activities, restoration of damaged   infrastructure and restricting littering, garbage throwing and other uncivil activities affecting the sanctity and upkeep of the historic green space.

The meeting laid emphasis on developing Chowgan as a clean, green and well-managed public space, while also fostering a strong civic sense and greater community participation in its upkeep.

The Deputy Commissioner directed that a No-Plastic Zone would be enforced in Chowgan Ground and its adjoining areas.

The DC directed the Municipal Council to coordinate with the Police, Pollution Control Board and concerned authorities to undertake measures for seizure of banned polythene. “Establishments found violating the prohibition will be dealt with as per rules, while individuals carrying banned polythene will also face strict fines,” he said adding that before enforcement, a time period of one week will be given to promote the initiative and generate awareness among the public.

The meeting also discussed strengthening waste disposal and cleanliness arrangements, including deployment of permanent staff, creation of a regular source of funding and exploration of CSR support for mechanised cleaning equipment, including automatic cleaning/sweeping machines.

To improve monitoring, “Municipal officials will be deployed to regularly patrol the Chowgan, initially focusing on awareness and subsequently enforcing fines for littering and other violations,” the meeting decided. Appropriate signage and banners regarding the No-Plastic Zone and cleanliness norms will also be installed by the Municipal Council Kishtwar and Kishtwar Development Authority.

The meeting decided to restrict entry of vehicles inside Chowgan Ground and regulate or seal the existing gates wherever required. CCTV cameras will also be installed for effective surveillance and monitoring.

The concern raised by the Save Chowgan representation on the presence of unauthorised stalls, rehri/vending activities and other commercial activities within the ground was also discussed. The DC   directed to remove all the rehris and unauthorised stalls. “The designated vending zone already notified at Kuleed Chowk will be proposed for regulated vending,” he added.

The meeting also took serious note of reports regarding illegal activities, consumption/sale of liquor and other activities detrimental to the environment and public character of the ground. The meeting also discussed ‘Necessary enforcement action including issuance of show-cause notices and registration of FIRs against violators wherever violations are established’.

The permission for organising cricket tournaments in future shall be granted only after depositing maintenance fee and obtaining NOCs from Police Department, Municipal Council and DYSS Department, the DC directed.

“The organisers will have to deploy adequate volunteers for cleanliness and crowd management, maintain prescribed sound levels and ensure that the premises are restored to proper condition after the event. Organisers will also be required to deposit 5–8 percent of the total maintenance fees which will be used for the maintenance and upkeep of Ground,” the meeting decided.

The DC directed the Municipal Council and Kishtwar Development Authority to ensure that broken boundary walls, grills and other damaged infrastructure are repaired immediately.

Measures were also discussed for preventing fires and other activities that could damage the Chowgan Ground.

The meeting decided to constitute a dedicated committee comprising representatives from Kishtwar Development Authority, Municipal Council, Social Forestry and other stakeholders to oversee cleanliness, maintenance, conservation and utilisation of funds which will be collected as fee or maintenance charges. Representatives from NGOs, sports bodies, senior citizens and the Beopar Mandal and other concerned stakeholders will also be associated with the committee.

The meeting also discussed the proposal to formally register the “Save Chowgan” initiative/council to facilitate sustained community participation in the conservation of the historic ground.

The BDO was directed to explore/propose procurement of two automatic cleaning machines through CSR, while institutional participation in the cleanliness programme was also emphasised.

The meeting was attended by ADC Pawan Kotwal, CEO KDA Kaiser Bhawani, ASP Ops Nisar Ahmed Khoja, ACD Manoj Kumar, EO MC Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal, BDO Ravi Kumar, DFO Mahesh Thakur, DYSSO Jaffer Haider Sheikh, besides other concerned officers/officials and representatives from Save Chowgan Association Kishtwar, Beopar Mandal, Cricket Association, NGOs and other stakeholders.

IGP Kashmir was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range, Dr Vinod Kumar-IPS.

During the first leg of his visit, IGP Kashmir visited District Baramulla, where he paid homage to the fallen heroes at the Martyrs’ Memorial, District Police Lines Baramulla, and remembered their supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.

Thereafter, IGP Kashmir chaired a comprehensive security and operational review meeting at Baramulla. SSP Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh-IPS briefed the IGP regarding the prevailing security scenario, ongoing counter-terrorism operations, intelligence inputs, area domination measures, security of vulnerable locations, law & order preparedness and crime situation in the district. All Gazetted Officers of District Police Baramulla attended the meeting and briefed IGP Kashmir regarding their respective areas of responsibility and operational assignments.

Sujit Kumar stressed upon strengthening intelligence generation at the grassroots level and conducting intelligence-based specific operations against terrorists and the terror ecosystem. He emphasised maintaining sustained operational pressure, adopting a proactive and coordinated approach, and underscored the importance of effective surveillance, fine-tuned naka/interception mechanisms, and close coordination among field formations.

As part of his visit to Baramulla, IGP Kashmir also inspected Police Station Baramulla to review its functioning. Shri Sujit Kumar impressed upon the officers and personnel to ensure professional and responsive policing, effective crime prevention and investigation, proper maintenance of records and prompt redressal of public grievances.

Later, IGP Kashmir visited Police District Sopore, where SSP Sopore Iftikhar Talib-JKPS, along with SDPOs and DySsP Operations, presented a detailed briefing on the prevailing security scenario and measures being undertaken across various fronts.

Concluding the visit, IGP Kashmir appreciated the efforts of the officers and personnel across both districts and exhorted them to continue working with professionalism, vigilance and commitment towards maintaining a peaceful and secure environment.

During his visit, he paid obeisance at the Shri Machail Mata Ji Temple and laid the foundation stone for construction of a PWD guest house near Shri Machail Mata Ji Bhawan. The guest house is estimated to be constructed at a cost of Rs 3.75 crore.

The facility is aimed at strengthening the accommodation infrastructure at Machail and supporting the requirements associated with the area.