The Secretary conducted an extensive field visit along the Yatra route, covering key locations including Baltal, Domail, Rail Pathri, Brari Marg, Kali Mata Track, Sangam Top, Sangam Down, the Holy Cave Shrine and Panjtarni.

Commencing his tour from Baltal Base Camp, the Secretary reviewed the sanitation infrastructure and facilities established along the entire Baltal axis up to the Holy Cave. He was accompanied by Director General, Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra, sanitation officers (BDOs) deployed at various locations and other departmental officials.

At the Holy Cave Shrine area, the Secretary took a first-hand appraisal of the sanitation arrangements and later visited Panjtarni to assess the infrastructure and public amenities put in place for the annual pilgrimage.

During the visit, Aijaz Asad reviewed sanitation facilities, health camps, solid waste management systems and other essential amenities established for the convenience of pilgri He assessed the overall preparedness and stressed the need to ensure that all facilities remain fully functional and operational well before the commencement of the Yatra.

The Secretary also visited health camps and reviewed the waste management mechanisms put in place across camps and designated locations. He was informed that a four-stream waste segregation system has been introduced for effective and scientific management of waste generated during the pilgrimage.

Emphasising environmental sustainability, he directed officers to ensure strict adherence to waste segregation protocols and maintain cleanliness along the entire route. He reviewed the functioning of toilets, washrooms, dustbins, grey water drainage systems, wet waste segregation sites and plastic waste management units. He also examined the placement of dustbins at strategic locations to facilitate waste disposal at source and promote cleanliness among pilgri

While reviewing arrangements at the Holy Cave Shrine area, the Secretary directed officials to ensure regular cleaning, proper maintenance and periodic upkeep of the installed toilets and bathing facilities so that hygienic and dignified amenities are available to pilgrims throughout the Yatra.

Taking stock of the sanitation workforce deployed along the Baltal axis, he instructed officers to ensure adequate manpower at all locations and maintain the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness throughout the Yatra period. He underscored that all tracks leading to the Holy Cave must remain clean, hygienic and pilgrim-friendly at all times.

The Secretary further directed that dedicated toilet facilities for women pilgrims be earmarked at all major locations with proper and clearly visible signage to ensure convenience, accessibility and dignity for female devotees.

Reviewing the overall sanitation and support arrangements, he instructed all executing agencies to accord top priority to ensuring seamless operation of facilities, strengthening solid waste management systems and undertaking all necessary measures for the smooth conduct of the Yatra.

Advocating sustainable waste management practices, Aijaz Asad called for the adoption of a zero-landfill approach along the entire pilgrimage route to minimise environmental impact and ensure scientific disposal of waste.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment to providing safe, clean and efficient facilities to pilgrims, the Secretary stressed the need for close coordination among all stakeholder departments and agencies to ensure seamless arrangements for the successful conduct of Amarnath Yatra.

Srinagar :In a significant initiative aimed at strengthening water supply infrastructure and enhancing civic service delivery, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC),  FazLul Haseeb, Saturday flagged off four newly inducted high-capacity water tankers for the Water Works Division at the SMC Headquarters, Karan Nagar.

The newly added tankers, each with a carrying capacity of 10,000 litres, have been procured to augment the Corporation’s water distribution network and improve its capacity to respond effectively to water supply requirements across the city. The induction of these tankers marks a major step towards ensuring reliable access to potable water, particularly in areas facing supply constraints and during periods of heightened demand.

Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner said that the provision of safe and adequate drinking water remains one of the core responsibilities of the Corporation. He noted that the addition of the new tankers would significantly enhance the operational efficiency of the Water Works Division, enabling quicker response to public needs and ensuring timely water supply to residents across Srinagar.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, FazLul Haseeb stated that the strengthened fleet assumes special significance in view of the ongoing Muharram observances and the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra -2026. He said that these major religious occasions witness large congregations and increased demand for civic amenities, particularly drinking water. The newly inducted tankers will play a crucial role in ensuring uninterrupted water supply along procession routes, congregation venues, transit camps, and other important locations associated with these events.

The Commissioner further emphasized that the initiative reflects SMC’s proactive and citizen-centric approach towards improving urban infrastructure, strengthening emergency preparedness, and delivering efficient public services. He reiterated the Corporation’s commitment to ensuring that all necessary arrangements are put in place to facilitate smooth conduct of major religious events while maintaining uninterrupted civic services for the general public.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior officers of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, officials of the Water Works Division, and other concerned functionaries, who reaffirmed their commitment to providing efficient, responsive, and uninterrupted civic services to the people of Srinagar.

The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz; PO, ICDS, Bureeda Majeed; Joint Commissioner SMC, Nuzhat Khurshid; IAS Probationer, Alfred Thomas; Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar; Superintending Engineer R&B, Shabir Ahmad; SDM East, Zubair Ahmad; CEO, Ghulam Mohi Din; BMO Hazratbal, Dr Ab Majeed; Executive Engineers R&B, Farid Khan; Executive Engineer R&B, ArifHazari; Executive Engineer, KPDCK, Abrar Ahmad; Secretary LCMA, Mohammad Altaf Bhat; Executive Engineer PHE, Muzamil Ahmad; DSWO, Mohammad Yousuf and senior Officers from the Departments of Health, Fire & Emergency Services, Forest and other line departments.

During the visit, the DC held a series of meetings with local representatives and community members at Mir Behri Dal, Nandpora, Moti Mohalla, Zaldar Mohalla and Khushipora HMT. In the presence of Officers from all concerned departments, the DC reviewed the preparations made for Muharram and inspected facilities related to sanitation, electricity, drinking water supply, healthcare and other essential services.

On the occasion, the DC emphasized elaborate arrangements with sustained efforts facilitating the observance of important proceedings and Muharram processions. He directed the Officers to ensure seamless inter departmental coordination for proper sanitation, lighting, electricity and water supply and other essential services around the Imambaras and the procession routes.

Interacting with community representatives, the DC assured them that the District Administration has put in place all necessary measures to facilitate mourners during the Muharram period. He issued several on-the-spot directions to concerned Departments and stressed the need for sustained efforts to ensure the smooth conduct of religious proceedings and processions.

The DC also listened to public issues and developmental demands raised by the residents of the areas. He assured them that genuine concerns, particularly those related to the upgradation of water supply systems, drainage infrastructure, healthcare and education facilities as well as dredging of interior portions of the Dal, would be addressed on a priority basis.

Srinagar :: The Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority under the guidance of National Legal Services Authority Saturday organised a mega awareness programme on “Empowering Women and Strengthening Institutional Legal Support” at SKICC, Srinagar.

Among others present on the occasion were Justice Vikram Nath, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman, National Legal Services Authority; Justice S. V. N. Bhatti, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Supervising Judge for J&K Legal Services Authority; Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Chief Justice (Acting), High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority; Justice Sanjay Dhar, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Chairperson, High Legal Services Committee besides other  Judges of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.

The programme was conceived as a common institutional platform to strengthen awareness of the legal rights of women and girl children and to improve coordination among the Legal Services Institutions, Police, Health, Education, Social Welfare, One Stop Centres, Child Welfare Committees and other authorities responsible for protection, legal assistance, compensation, rehabilitation and follow-up support.

In his presidential address, Justice Vikram Nath, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman, NALSA, emphasized that the effectiveness of Legal Services Institutions must be judged by whether a person in distress is able to approach the system without fear, be heard with dignity and receive competent assistance without avoidable delay. He called upon all the stakeholders to strengthen the legal literacy, institutional coordination and grassroots outreach so that constitutional and statutory safeguards become a practical reality for women and girl children.

Justice Vikram Nath further stressed that the proceedings and key deliberations of this conference should be translated into vernacular languages and circulated among all concerned stakeholders, so that the knowledge and guidance emanating from the conference are easily understood and effectively acted upon at grassroots level.

Justice S. V. N. Bhatti, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Supervising Judge for the J&K Legal Services Authority, during his special address, highlighted the need for functional grievance mechanisms, trained stakeholders and victim-sensitive procedures. He observed that women and children should not be compelled to navigate a fragmented institutional system or repeatedly recount traumatic experiences before different authorities. Clear referral pathways, confidentiality and accountability, he stated, are necessary for meaningful legal empowerment.

While delivering the inaugural address, Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Chief Justice (Acting), High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority, underscored that access to justice cannot be measured merely by the availability of laws and institutions.

Justice Sanjeev Kumar called for stronger grassroots outreach and effective functioning of Front Offices, Legal Aid Clinics, Panel Lawyers and Para-Legal Volunteers so that persons in need are guided to appropriate remedies without procedural hardships. He also stressed the importance of convergence among all stakeholder institutions dealing with women in distress.

Recalling the distinguished tradition of humanitarian and justice-oriented intervention by the J&K Legal Services Authority, Justice Sanjeev Kumar highlighted its exemplary response in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of 2005. The J&K Legal Services Authority undertook proactive measures to reach out to the affected population and facilitated timely settlement of their clai In a significant departure from conventional court-based proceedings, Judicial Officers stepped beyond the confined traditional courtrooms and conducted Lok Adalats in the open, closer to the affected communities, enabling victims to receive compensation and have their claims settled on the spot.

Senior functionaries, including the General Managers of the concerned insurance companies, were brought together on a common platform so that insurance claims could be examined and settled expeditiously, thereby demonstrating how responsive, innovative and compassionate justice-delivery mechanisms can provide meaningful relief during times of crisis.

Justice Sanjay Dhar, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Chairperson, High Court Legal Services Committee, in his address, observed that recognition of a right in law is only the beginning and that the real test of justice lies in whether the right can be understood, approached and effectively enforced.

Justice Sanjay Dhar emphasized that the constitutional character of the justice system is reflected in the manner in which a woman is received by the first institution she approaches. Prompt assistance, confidentiality, sensitivity and institutional follow-up, he said, are essential to prevent secondary victimisation and restore confidence in the justice system.

On the occasion, “ENDEAVOUR-2025”, the Annual Newsletter-cum-Compendium reflecting the legal services activities and initiatives undertaken across the Union Territory during the year 2025, was released by the  dignitaries.

The awareness programme was also graced by the presence of Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Mohd. Akram Chowdhary, Justice Rahul Bharti, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Justice Rajesh Sekhri, Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani, Justice Sanjay Parihar and Justice Shahzad Azeem.

The programme was also attended by a Former Chief Justice and other former Judges of the  High Court of J&K and Ladakh; officers of NALSA and the Registry of  High Court of J&K and Ladakh; Judicial Officers; representatives of the Civil and Police Administration; academicians and representatives of various Government departments and institutions.

The dignitaries also flagged off Multi-Utility Vehicles for the District Legal Services Authorities of Kashmir Province. These vehicles will strengthen the mobile legal services and enable DLSAs to extend legal awareness and legal aid services to remote, far-flung and underserved areas.

The programme thereafter unfolded through two technical sessions. The first technical session, on the theme “Women’s Rights, Legal Empowerment and Access to Justice: Role of Legal Services Institutions”, was chaired by Justice Vikram Nath and co-chaired by Justice S. V. N. Bhatti. The session focused on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.

The deliberations in the first session covered safe and dignified workplaces, constitution and effective functioning of Internal and Local Committees, child-friendly procedures under the POCSO Act, protection of identity and privacy, reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, confidentiality and timely access to lawful medical care. The role of Legal Services Authorities in creating awareness, facilitating early legal intervention and coordinating with first-response institutions was also discussed. The session concluded with remarks by Justice S. V. N. Bhatti, who stressed that statutory compliance must be substantive and not merely formal or paper-based.

The second technical session, on the theme “Institutional Support, Victim Assistance and Convergence Mechanisms for Women in Distress”, was chaired by Justice Sindhu Sharma, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Executive Chairman, Ladakh Legal Services Authority and co-chaired by Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh.

While chairing the session, Justice Sindhu Sharma emphasized the need for a coordinated and compassionate institutional response that places the dignity, safety and rehabilitation of the survivor at the centre of every intervention.

Justice Sindhu Sharma stressed that effective convergence among Legal Services Institutions, police, medical authorities, welfare departments and other stakeholders is essential to ensure timely and comprehensive assistance to women in distress.

The technical resource persons emphasized that justice for a survivor cannot end with registration of a case or conclusion of trial and that medical care, counselling, legal representation, shelter, protection, compensation and rehabilitation may be required simultaneously.

The session also discussed cyberstalking, impersonation, misuse of images, online blackmail and technology-enabled abuse, with emphasis on prompt reporting, preservation of digital evidence, privacy and victim-sensitive handling of complaints.

In her concluding remarks, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi underlined that convergence becomes meaningful only when responsibilities are clearly assigned, timelines are known and the victim is supported through a continuum of assistance.

The welcome address was presented by ShaziaTabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority and the vote of thanks was delivered by Haq Nawaz Zargar, Principal District & Sessions Judge and Chairperson, District Legal Services Authority, Srinagar.

Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan apprised the Divisional Commissioner about preparations by the district administration and line departments to ensure the convenience, safety and welfare of pilgri

During the visit, the Divisional Commissioner inspected Yatra Camp Lamber and reviewed facilities for pilgrims, including accommodation, sanitation, drinking water, power supply, medical care and security. He took stock of the installation of toilet units, waste management systems, water supply, power infrastructure and bedding capacity, and directed departments concerned to ensure all facilities remain operational well before the Yatra.

The Divisional Commissioner directed the District Administration to put in place fire safety measures at lodging centres, langar sites and other locations witnessing pilgrim footfall, and to maintain readiness of fire tenders and emergency response teams throughout the Yatra period.

Among those present were SDM Banihal besides officers from departments associated with the Yatra management.

Anantnag : Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag (Yatra Officer Pahalgam Axis), Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat Saturdayvisited Nunwan Base Camp Pahalgam, to assess the preparedness of various departments for the ensuing Amarnath Yatra-2026.

The DC was accompanied by CEO PDA, ADC, SEs R&B, Jal Shakti and KPDCL, SDMs Bijbehara and Pahalgam, CMO, Tehsildar, Police Officers, Exens of various engineering wings, ULB and F&ES officials and other concerned officials.

During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner conducted an extensive inspection of facilities and logistical arrangements being established for the pilgri He reviewed accommodation, sanitation, drinking water supply, power availability, healthcare services, security arrangements, and other essential amenities at the base camp.

Emphasizing the significance of Amarnath Yatra as one of the country’s most important religious pilgrimages, Dr. Bilal directed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure that every facility is put in place well before the commencement of the Yatra. He stressed the need to maintain high standards of cleanliness, efficient service delivery, and robust emergency response mechanisms to facilitate a safe and comfortable pilgrimage experience.

During the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the progress of ongoing infrastructure and developmental works at the base camp and instructed the executing agencies to expedite pending works and adhere strictly to prescribed timelines.

Subsequently, the DC chaired a comprehensive review meeting at Pahalgam Club, where department-wise preparedness and the progress of arrangements were discussed in detail. He directed the officers to ensure flawless coordination for a smooth and successful conduct of Amarnath Yatra.

Later, the Deputy Commissioner interacted with representatives of Tent Associations, Trade Associations, Pony Associations, and other stakeholders associated with the Yatra. He patiently heard their suggestions and assured them that all genuine issues would be addressed on priority adding that keeping with the tradition they have a huge role during the forthcoming Yatra.

Retierating the administration’s commitment to ensuring successful conduct of the pilgrimage, the DC stressed on maintaining high standards of readiness by all stakeholders so the best possible facilities are provided to the visiting devotees.

The district administration is undertaking extensive measures to ensure that Amarnath Yatra is conducted in a safe, organized, and pilgrim-friendly manner.

Baramulla :Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr. S.F Hamid, Saturday chaired a comprehensive meeting with all the district and sectoral officers at Dak Bungalow Baramulla to review the progress of developmental works under various departments.

During the meeting, the Chief Planning Officer, Heads of Departments (HoDs), Superintending Engineers (SEs), and Executive Engineers (ExEns), through  a presentation, provided a comprehensive overview of the status and progress of projects being executed across various sectors for the financial year 2026–27.

The DC conducted a detailed review of both the physical and financial progress of the projects being implemented across various sectors, assessing the status of ongoing works and expenditure incurred against approved allocations.

Meanwhile, the DC also reviewed the implementation status of various centrally sponsored flagship schemes in the district including JJM, PM Surya GharMuft Bijli Yojana, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), PMDDKY, PM Vishwakarma, Self Employment Schemes, besides other financial inclusion and livelihood generation schemes.

Reviewing the progress of developmental works sector-wise, the DC directed all executing agencies to intensify efforts and ensure the timely completion of projects in accordance with the prescribed timelines.

The DC directed all officers to prioritize public grievances and ensure their prompt redressal, emphasizing that responsive grievance handling is essential for people-centric governance.

While reviewing the progress, the DC stressed the need to focus on self-employment schemes and directed the Assistant Director Employment to convene a meeting of all concerned departmental heads and orient them on the employment generation schemes being implemented under their respective departments.

Furthermore, Dr. S.F. Hameed directed the formulation of Tehsil-level Disaster Management Plans incorporating contact details of Tehsildars, concerned SHOs, Civil Defence volunteers, and other key stakeholders who will be first responders during any calamity, thereby minimizing loss of life and property.

Later, the DC reviewed the progress made under various indicators of the Aspirational District Programme, including health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion, and basic infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC)  Sopore, Shabir Ahmad Raina; Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Arshad Ahmad Khan; Chief Planning Officer, Nisar Ahmad; SDM Uri, Prince Kumar; SDM Pattan, Gulzar Ahmad, Superintending Engineers and other district and sectoral officers.

Kupwara :: MLA Lolab, QaysarJamshaid Lone, Saturday concluded his three-day extensive tour of the border area of Machil, covering several remote villages across the valley.

During the tour, the MLA visited far-flung areas to assess the status of developmental works, review the availability of essential services, and interact with local residents to understand their concerns and grievances.

On the occasion, MLA Lolab inspected roads, water supply schemes, healthcare facilities and other ongoing developmental projects in the area. He directed the concerned officers to expedite the execution of works and ensure quality implementation for the benefit of the people.

The MLA also held interactions with local residents, who brought various issues relating to wages, road connectivity, irrigation facilities, healthcare services and fuel accessibility to his notice. He issued on-the-spot directions to the concerned departments for timely redressal of the issues.

As part of welfare initiatives during the tour, Biomass Cook Stoves were distributed among beneficiaries at Katwara, Dappal and Misribaikh villages to promote clean, smokeless and cost-effective cooking solutions for households in the border belt.

Addressing the people, MLA Lolab said that Machil, being a frontier area, deserves priority in terms of development, connectivity and the provision of basic amenities. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the concerns and developmental aspirations of the people are addressed on priority.

The local residents appreciated the MLA’s three-day visit and his direct engagement with the people living in the remote villages of Machil valley.

Among those present were District Litigation Officer Doda Mohd Shaban Attu and Standing Counsels representing Doda, Bhaderwah and Gandoh/Thathri. The meeting focused on assessing the progress of ongoing litigation and devising measures for effective handling of revenue-related cases.

The Deputy Commissioner reviewed pending cases before various courts and called for timely filing of replies, objections, affidavits and other legal pleadings. He observed that delays in responding to court proceedings could result in adverse judgments against the Government and affect the interests of the Revenue Department and directed that complete and updated case records be maintained for effective representation before the courts.

The Deputy Commissioner directed all officers and Standing Counsels concerned to strengthen coordination and ensure prompt sharing of case-related documents and revenue records and instructed revenue officers to extend full support to legal representatives by providing necessary inputs and factual reports within stipulated timelines. Every case should be pursued diligently, with proper legal scrutiny and regular follow-up, to ensure favourable outcomes in matters concerning government land and revenue administration.

The Deputy Commissioner called for regular monitoring of all pending revenue cases and periodic review of their progress. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to safeguarding government interests and directed all stakeholders to adopt a proactive approach in addressing legal challenges.

A total of 15 companies participated in the job fair and collectively offered more than 300 vacancies across various sectors. The participating companies included Cadila Pharmaceutical Ltd, Zeiss Pharma Ltd, ITC Ltd, Jai Beverages Pvt Ltd, BD Security, RAXA Security, Jammu Motors Pvt Ltd and other recruiters, offering job opportunities in sectors such as industry, pharmaceutical, agriculture, security and sales.

The job fair saw participation from more than 400 job seekers, who attended to explore employment opportunities and interact with company representatives.

MLA Surjit Singh Salathia encouraged youth and job seekers present at the event to participate actively in the job fair and take advantage of the employment opportunities offered. He said such initiatives provide a platform for unemployed youth to interact directly with recruiters, showcase their skills and secure employment.

Assistant Director Employment Samba, Naresh Kumar advised youth to register on the Mission YUVA (www.missionyuva.jk.gov.in) portal to avail government schemes for the welfare of unemployed youth. He said registered candidates become eligible to apply for subsidised financial assistance schemes including Nano, MSME in Sunrise & Focus sectors and the Existing Enterprises scheme and can also apply for jobs online through the portal. Registered candidates can also avail short-duration free skill development courses organised by the Employment Department.

Job seekers expressed satisfaction with the initiative and thanked organisers for providing a platform connecting job seekers and employers.