‎‎RAJOURI, MAY 30: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma Saturday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the quality and impact of activities being organized under the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan across the district.

‎‎During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the range of awareness, sports, educational and community-based activities being conducted under the campaign and emphasized the need to ensure meaningful public participation and tangible outcomes.

He directed all concerned officers to further intensify the campaign by organizing more awareness and outreach events across all 312 Panchayats and municipal areas of the district.

‎‎The Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of involving representatives of various associations, community groups, educational institutions and civil society organizations to broaden the reach and effectiveness of the campaign. He also directed the officers to submit information regarding any government official, Lambardar or Chowkidar found involved in drug-related activities so that appropriate action could be initiated.

‎‎Reviewing the functioning of de-addiction centres in the district, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for greater awareness regarding the treatment and rehabilitation facilities available for addicts, particularly in remote and far-flung areas. He called upon all stakeholders to disseminate information about de-addiction services so that affected individuals and their families can seek timely assistance.

‎‎The Deputy Commissioner further stressed that recovered patients should be connected with livelihood and self-employment opportunities under MISSION YUVA to facilitate their reintegration into society and ensure sustainable rehabilitation.

‎‎To strengthen community vigilance, he emphasized the engagement of school and college-going students as anti-drug vigilantes and directed the concerned departments to facilitate registration of youth clubs on the My Bharat Portal. He also called for the activation of Mahila Nigrani Samitis at the grassroots level to enhance community monitoring and awareness efforts.

‎‎The Deputy Commissioner directed the officers to plan and organize mega awareness and sports events, especially in border villages, to engage youth positively and reinforce the message of a drug-free society.

Reviews progress of HADP, JKCIP

SAMBA, MAY 30: Deputy Commissioner Ayushi Sudan Saturday chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee (DLC) at the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex to review the implementation and progress of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP).

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner held detailed deliberations on the status of major projects being implemented under HADP and JKCIP across the district. The Committee reviewed applications received through the online HADP and JKCIP portals and finalized the selection of eligible beneficiaries under various Agriculture and Allied Departments.

A total of 293 beneficiaries were approved under different projects of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), while 57 beneficiaries were approved under JKCIP, taking the total number of approved beneficiaries to 350.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need to scale up the coverage of Vibrant Villages and directed all stakeholder departments to identify villages where fewer applications have been submitted under HADP. She stressed the importance of output tracking through digital monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability and real-time assessment of outcomes.

The stakeholder departments were instructed to expedite the completion of Daksh Kissan training and certification programmes. She also underscored the need for timely establishment and effective tracking of units under the Kisan Samriddhi Outreach and Transformation (KSOT) initiative to ensure efficient on-ground implementation of projects.

Further, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the enrolment of farmers under the Kisan Khidmat Ghar (KKG) initiative to maximize the benefits of HADP and JKCIP across the district. She also urged banks to prioritize the sponsorship and sanctioning of eligible loan cases and provide proper handholding support to beneficiaries for successful project implementation.

‘Stakeholders key to pilgrimage, tourism success’

ANANTNAG, MAY 30: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, Saturday visited Pahalgam and chaired a review meeting at Pahalgam Club to assess the preparedness and arrangements being put in place for the smooth, safe and successful conduct of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag (Yatra Officer Pahalgam Axis), Dr. Bilal Mohuddin Bhat, Chief Engineer, KPDCL, CEO PDA, ADC, SP, CPO, SEs Hydraulics, PWD and KPDCL, ACD, SDM Pahalgam, CMO, CAHO, DFO, ALC, AD FCS&CA, CEO MCA, EO MC Pahalgam, officers from Beacon, F&ES, Traffic Police, SDRF, representatives of telecom service providers and other concerned officials.

During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner undertook a comprehensive review of arrangements being put in place along the Pahalgam axis and other locations connected with the Yatra. Detailed discussions were held regarding augmentation of infrastructure, strengthening of essential services and ensuring seamless coordination among all stakeholder departments.

Garg reviewed the preparedness of the Jal Shakti Department and KPDCL.

The BRO authorities were directed to expedite road maintenance and repair works and ensure that all roads connected with the pilgrimage remain motorable and safe for pilgrims and service vehicles. They were further instructed to explore the possibility of early installation of two way bridge at Sarbal besides expediting the work on construction of rain shelter sheds at all identified locations along the track towards the Holy Cave.

Reviewing healthcare arrangements, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Health Department to ensure adequate deployment of medical personnel, availability of medicines, emergency response systems including ambulances and fully functional healthcare facilities at designated locations.

Further, CEO PDA, SDM and EO MC, Pahalgam were asked to devise a proper strategy for full sanitation and cleanliness of main town Pahalgam as well as the adjoining areas.

The Divisional Commissioner emphasized the need for close inter-departmental coordination and directed all departments to complete their assigned works within stipulated timelines so that all arrangements are put in place well ahead of the commencement of the Yatra. He further asked the departments to ensure the respective service providers are issued the RFID Cards well in advance for facilitating their mobilisation on the Yatra track.

On the occasion, the Div Com was also briefed about the plans devised for effective transport management, status of essential commodities stocking, on spot registration facilities and other vital aspects of the Yatra.

Earlier, the Divisional Commissioner chaired an interaction meeting with various stakeholders and service providers associated with the annual pilgrimage, including representatives of Pony Walas, Tent Associations, Taxi Operators, Hoteliers and other groups.

During the interaction, the stakeholders projected various issues, concerns and requirements related to the forthcoming Yatra and shared suggestions aimed at improving facilities and services for pilgrims. The Divisional Commissioner gave a patient hearing to all participants and assured them that their genuine concerns would be examined and addressed on priority.

Hailing the crucial role of service providers in successful conduct of previous Yatras, the Div Com observed that they are an integral component of the pilgrimage management and have always been in the forefront ensuring comfort, convenience and enriching experience to the devotees.

He urged all stakeholders to work in close coordination with the administration and expressed confidence that they would continue to uphold the tradition of hospitality and dedicated service during SANJY-2026. Besides supporting the pilgrimage, these stakeholders also play an important role in promoting tourism and boosting visitor experience in the region, he noted.

Later, the Div Com visited Chandanwari and reviewed the on-ground arrangements being made for the forthcoming pilgrimage. He inspected various facilities and assessed the progress of ongoing works at the site. During the visit, he directed the concerned officers and executing agencies to ensure timely completion of all pending works and maintain the highest standards in the provision of essential services and public utilities.

Anshul Garg also visited the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Pahalgam to review its functioning including management of sewage and waste treatment. He inspected the functioning of the plant and emphasized the importance of maintaining sanitation and environmental sustainability. He directed the concerned agencies to ensure optimum functioning of the facility so that the waste is managed in a scientific and eco-friendly manner.

Concluding the visit, the Div Com visited Base Camp Nunwan and took first hand stock of the facilities being installed at the location. He asked the concerned agencies that all necessary facilities be installed well before the commencement of the Yatra as a good number of pilgrims are accommodated at this important location.

Reiterating the administration’s commitment towards the successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, the Div Com called upon all departments, stakeholders and service providers to work in close coordination and ensure a safe, smooth and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience for the devotees.

SRINAGAR, MAY 30: A delegation led by Gh. Hussain Dar, District President, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Baramulla, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Saturday.

A public delegation headed by Zahoor Ahmed Sheikh, former BDC Chairman from Narbal called on Lieutenant Governor.

Subsequently, various delegations including Shri Ram Mandir Thakurdwara Management Committee, Shopian, led by its Chairman Hakikat Singh; a delegation from Kupwara led by Chowdhary Fareed Bajard, member J&K Wild Life Board; members of Jammu and Kashmir All Departments Clerical Staff Association and Sahil Muzaffar, Sports Coach and Social Worker from Achabal, Anantnag, also called on the Lieutenant Governor.

Takes stock of hailstorm damage across Kashmir

SRINAGAR, MAY 30: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, Saturday expressed deep concern over the extensive damage caused by a recent hailstorm that severely impacted orchards and agricultural lands across several areas of Kashmir division, including D.H. Pora in Kulgam district.

The Minister described the hailstorm as an unfortunate natural calamity that has dealt a significant setback to orchardists and farmers who depend heavily on the forthcoming harvest season for their livelihoods.

Taking prompt cognizance of the situation, Sakeena Itoo established direct communication with the district administrations and the Director Horticulture to obtain a detailed assessment of the damage caused by the hailstorm. She directed the Deputy Commissioners to undertake immediate ground-level assessments and ensure that affected orchardists and farmers receive timely assistance and compensation as per the established government norms.

The Minister emphasized that the district administration has been instructed to conduct a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of losses, facilitate expeditious relief measures, and extend all possible support to the affected farming community without delay.

She further directed the concerned departments, including Horticulture, Agriculture and Revenue, to work in close coordination to expedite the compensation process and provide necessary technical guidance and support to farmers for crop recovery wherever feasible.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment towards the welfare of farmers and orchardists, Sakeena Itoo said that the Government stands firmly with the affected families during this challenging period and will ensure that genuine losses are assessed fairly and compensated in accordance with the prescribed norms.

The Minister also instructed the Deputy Commissioners to maintain a strong field presence through officers and officials, ensure close coordination among all stakeholders, and address the concerns of affected farmers on priority so that no farmer is left unattended during this difficult time.

JAMMU, MAY 30: Transport Commissioner J&K, Vishesh Mahajan, attended a felicitation programme at a coaching institute in Jammu as the chief guest and honoured students for their performance in the CBSE Class 12 examinations.

The Transport Commissioner congratulated the students for their hard work and success. He encouraged them to remain focused, work with dedication and pursue their future goals. He interacted with the students and shared guidance on career opportunities, personal growth and facing challenges.

Vishesh Mahajan also appreciated the efforts of the institute for their contribution towards students’ academic development.

Those felicitated include Diya Rakesh, Ananya Slathia and Arham Jain.