SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 14: In pursuance to directions of Chief Secretary J&K, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir,  Anshul Garg, today chaired a meeting to address the potable water supply issues at Budgam and Nowgam Railway Stations.

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 District Youth Services and Sports Officer presented the proposal identifying various stadiums and sports grounds for development under the programme across different blocks and constituencies of the district. The meeting also reviewed the availability and status of land for the proposed projects, with emphasis on proper verification of land and assessment of requisite facilities before commencement of works.

The District Development Commissioner directed the concerned officers to undertake proper mapping and assessment of existing sports infrastructure and prioritise projects in accordance with the prescribed Khelo India guidelines. He stressed coordinated efforts to strengthen sports facilities and create better opportunities for youth to participate in sports and pursue sporting activities.

The concerned officers were directed to furnish the requisite details and complete all necessary formalities for further processing of the proposals.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, Chief Planning Officer Narinder Kumar, Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Mahore, Dharmari and Katra, Assistant Commissioner Development, District Youth Services and Sports Officer attended the meeting.

CM directs Health Department to address gaps in manpower, equipment and healthcare infrastructure

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a meeting to review the health sector reforms and the roadmap for further strengthening healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta and Commissioner Secretary, Health & Medical Education, M. Raju.

Director SKIMS; Principals of all Government Medical Colleges of J&K; Principal SKIMS Medical College & Hospital, Mission Director National Health Mission J&K; Managing Director J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited; Commissioner Food & Drug Administration and other concerned officers also attended the meeting. Officers stationed outside Srinagar participated through video conferencing.

Detailed presentations were made by the respective heads of the Advisory Committee on various aspects of the health sector, including healthcare infrastructure, medical education, specialized healthcare services, digital health, public health and human resource requirements.

The meeting reviewed the progress made in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services across J&K and took stock of the requirements and priorities for further improvement in the sector.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister appreciated the Health Department for the steps taken over the last nearly two years to address man power shortages as well as infrastructure and equipment deficiencies.

“I appreciate all the steps that the Health Department has taken over the last almost two years, both in terms of addressinginfrastructure and equipment deficiencies,” he said.

Chief Minister advised the department to focus on filling up critical gaps in the system as per the expected budgetary allocations and the report of the Advisory Committee would serve as the road map in this direction. CM said that the elaborate and extensive reforms plan would require huge funding and the report on the reforms to be undertaken suggest what should our healthcare system look like in an ideal situation but the financial resources required may not be available in one go. CM underlined the need to prioritize and plan which components need more immediate attention besides improving the basic facilities of primary & secondary health-care system.

The Chief Minister, who is also holding the Finance portfolio, assured the Health Department of continued support for further strengthening the sector.

“As I am currently looking after the Finance Department as well, I reassure the department and particularly the Minister concerned that whatever we can do from the Finance Department to continue this improvement in the Health Department, we will do,” he said.

The meeting also reviewed the functioning and requirements of Government Medical Colleges, SKIMS and other tertiary and district-level healthcare institutions, with particular focus on improving patient care, infrastructure, equipment, medical education and specialized services.

The discussions covered a wide range of areas, including cancer care, medical education and seat capacity, digital health services, oral healthcare, food safety, mental health and drug de-addiction, liver transplant services, nutritional support and geriatric care.

Officials told GNS that on receipt of reliable information regarding transportation and possession of narcotic substance at Gangbugh, Srinagar, a case FIR No. 14/2026 under Sections 8/21 and 29 of the NDPS Act was registered at Police Station ANTF Kashmir.

Subsequently, a team of ANTF Kashmir headed by the Investigating Officer was dispatched to the spot under the supervision of Dy. SP ANTF Kashmir for necessary legal action.

During the operation, the team apprehended two persons identified as Vicky Kumar and Rajesh, both sons of Mithu Ram, residents of Matta Ward, Ferozepur, Punjab.

On their search conducted in presence of a Magistrate and other police and civil witnesses, 110 grams of heroin was recovered from their possession, they said.

Both accused have been arrested and further investigation has been set into motion to ascertain the source and intended destination of the recovered contraband and to establish forward and backward linkages of the drug-trafficking network.

ANTF Kashmir reiterated that it remains committed to dismantling networks involved in illicit trafficking and distribution of narcotic drugs.(GNS)

The exercise was designed to assess the effectiveness of the immediate response mechanism, including cordoning and access control, tactical intervention, search and sanitisation, casualty management, evacuation and restoration of normalcy. Special emphasis was laid on inter-agency coordination, communication and the ability of participating teams to respond promptly and efficiently.

The mock drill witnessed active participation of SOG Pattan, Column SDPO, OCAPS Pattan, Police Station Pattan, Police Post Palhallan, SSB 2nd Battalion, 29 Rashtriya Rifles, RPF/GRP/RPSF, Fire & Emergency Services Pattan, Medical Team Pattan and AST, BDS, PSK9 teams of DPL Baramulla. All participating units responded as per their assigned roles and responsibilities.

The exercise provided an opportunity to assess the operational preparedness, response time, coordination and communication among various agencies. The drill was successfully completed, with the performance of participating units assessed for further strengthening the overall contingency response mechanism.

Baramulla Police remains committed to maintaining a high level of preparedness and ensuring a coordinated and effective response to any emergency situation, with the cooperation of all stakeholders and the public.

*Baramulla | September 14, : Continuing its sustained efforts to curb drug trafficking and dismantle the financial and logistical networks supporting the illicit drug trade, Baramulla Police has initiated fresh proceedings under Section 68-F of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in respect of vehicle bearing Registration No. JK15B-7612, allegedly linked to an NDPS case registered at Police Station Pattan.

The vehicle, owned by Ruqia Jan W/o Shahnawaz Shada R/o Hilalabad, Nisbal Sumbal, had been seized from her husband Shahnawaz Shada, who was arrested along with three other accused in FIR No. 169/2025 under Sections 8/21-22/29 NDPS Act, 111 BNS and 207 MV Act. During the course of investigation, 30 bottles of Lyrex-T/Blurex-T and 02 grams of brown sugar were recovered from the accused persons. The case has subsequently been challaned before the Hon’ble Court.

The vehicle was initially frozen under Section 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act vide Freezing Order No. 1728/5-A/PSP/2026 dated 31-10-2025. However, the said freezing order was rejected by the Competent Authority on account of certain observations and deficiencies.

Subsequently, after addressing the observations and completing the requisite legal and procedural formalities, Baramulla Police freshly froze the vehicle under Section 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act vide Freezing Order No. 2199–2205/5-A/PSP/2026 dated 13-09-2026.
The fresh freezing order, along with all requisite supporting documents, has been submitted online to the Competent Authority today through e-Filing No. 2026010307041551, and the corresponding e-Filing receipt has been duly obtained.

Baramulla Police remains committed to taking firm legal action against persons involved in drug trafficking and to targeting the assets and resources associated with the illicit drug trade, in accordance with the provisions of law.

The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and directed the authorities to ensure the best possible medical care to those injured.

The accident occurred when a passenger minibus met with an accident on the Reasi-Bakal road near the Batalgala Tunnel on Monday.

in which two persons were killed and five others injured.

The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and directed the authorities to ensure the best possible medical care to those injured.

The accident occurred when a passenger minibus met with an accident on the Reasi-Bakal road near the Batalgala Tunnel on Monday.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Dr Andrabi highlighted the developmental transformation being witnessed across Waqf properties and shrines throughout Jammu & Kashmir. She said that the Waqf Board has adopted a comprehensive approach towards the development of its institutions, with special emphasis on modern infrastructure, better public amenities, cleanliness, preservation of spiritual heritage and improved facilities for devotees. “The Waqf Board is undergoing a historic transformation across Jammu & Kashmir. Our endeavour is to ensure that every shrine and Waqf institution reflects development, dignity, cleanliness and efficient public service. We are working to create modern facilities while preserving the rich spiritual and cultural heritage associated with these sacred places,” Dr Andrabi said. She said that the developmental initiatives of the Board are being undertaken across different regions of J&K in a planned and transparent manner.

The objective, she added, is to ensure that Waqf properties become centres of spirituality, community service and public welfare while retaining their historic character. Dr Andrabi also emphasised the need for collective efforts by Waqf officials, local communities and devotees to maintain the sanctity, cleanliness and dignity of shrines. She said that the Board would continue to undertake development projects aimed at benefiting devotees and strengthening the institutional infrastructure of Waqf.

In Shopian, police have arrested two drug peddlers in separate operations and recovered contraband substances from their possession. During routine naka checking at Kiloora Crossing, a police party from Police Station Imamsahib intercepted a suspicious person. During search, approximately 1.210 grams of heroin-like substance was recovered from his possession. He has been identified as Murshid Ahmad Malik son of Gh Mohd Malik resident of Krawoora Imamsahib. Similarly, a police party from Police Station Zainapora during routine naka checking at Babapora Zainapora crossing, apprehended a person. During search, 18 grams of charas-like substance was recovered from his possession. He has been identified as Muneeb Ahmad Thoker son of Late Shamem Ahmad Thoker resident of Beibagh Yaripora Kulgam.

In Anantnag, a police party from Police Station Anantnag, while conducting routine checking at Bypass Library Anantnag, intercepted a person identified as Jahangir Yaqoob son of Mohd. Yaqoob Bhat resident of Hanji Dantar, Anantnag, who was travelling on a motorcycle. During search, 4.30 grams of charas was recovered from his possession.

Similarly in Sopore, during naka checking at Amargarh Crossing, a vehicle (Truck) bearing Registration No. JK05H-4164, driven by Jahangir Ahmad Dar son of Nazir Ahmad Dar resident of Patoosa, Rafiabad, was intercepted and subjected to checking. During search, 240 capsules of Spasmo-Proxyvon Plus and a cash amount of ₹47,000/- was recovered from the accused and seized in accordance with due legal procedure. Subsequently, he was arrested and vehicle used in the commission of crime was also seized.

Accordingly, cases under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation have been taken up to ascertain the source and wider linkages involved.

Police remains firmly committed to its mission of creating a drug-free society and appeals to the general public to extend their cooperation by sharing any information related to drug peddling or substance abuse in their localities. Citizens can report such activities to the nearest police station.