By: Sajid Raina

Srinagar, May 21: Upper reaches of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, Drass and Zojila areas witnessed fresh snowfall on Thursday.

According to details, moderate to heavy rainfall lashed several parts of the Valley, disrupting normal life and causing damage to property.

A MeT official said that the snowfall in the remote Tulail Valley near the Line of Control followed a sharp overnight drop in temperatures, covering mountain slopes and residential areas. Similar conditions were reported in Drass and along the Zojila axis. Locals termed the snowfall unusual in the second half of May.

Meanwhile, heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms affected districts including Srinagar, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Baramulla and Kupwara. While the showers brought relief from rising temperatures, they also led to waterlogging and temporary disruptions.

In Bandipora, heavy rainfall created flood like situation near Darul Uloom Rahimiya along the Srinagar-Bandipora road, with water and mud entering residential areas and damaging houses.

Two houses belonging to Nazir Ahmad Dar and Reyaz Ahmad Dar of Nusoo village were partially damaged. Two persons, including a minor girl identified as Muskaan, sustained minor injuries. One was discharged after treatment, while the other was undergoing treatment at District Hospital Bandipora.

Residents claimed the flooding was caused by blocked drainage and leaking pipes. “Our repeated requests to authorities for clearance went unaddressed,” they said, adding, “A drain under construction had been reduced in size, leading to overflow during heavy rain.”

The affected families demanded compensation and urgent repairs, including restoration of the damaged road and strengthening of protection works.

Officials said restoration teams had been deployed, with Tehsildar Bandipora visiting the site to assess the situation.

Rainwater also accumulated in low-lying areas of Srinagar and other towns, briefly affecting vehicular movement. Authorities have advised residents in flood-prone and vulnerable areas to remain cautious.

The Meteorological Department has predicted light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across several parts over the next two days, while warning of possible lightning and hailstorm activity in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions.

According to the MeT department, the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy on May 22, with one or two spells of light rain, thundershower and gusty winds at many places.

The department said there is a possibility of thunder, lightning, hailstorm and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to more than 60 kmph, at a few places in the Kashmir and Jammu divisions during the period.

From May 23 to 25, the weather is likely to remain mainly dry during the forenoon, with brief showers expected at isolated to scattered places towards late afternoon hours, it said.

The MeT department has forecast generally hot and dry weather from May 26 to 28, while partly to generally cloudy conditions with light rain or thundershower at isolated places are expected between May 29 and 31.

Officials also warned of hot and humid conditions at a few places in the Jammu division on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, several places in Kashmir recorded rainfall during the past 24 hours. Pahalgam received 14.2 mm rainfall, Gulmarg 13.4 mm, Kupwara 11.4 mm, Qazigund 6.8 mm and Srinagar 5.4 mm, according to the MeT data.

Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 41.5 degrees Celsius, over three degrees above normal, while Srinagar settled at 23.9 degrees Celsius.

Anantnag, May 21: More than 60 livestock were killed after a lightning strike during late-night hours in the Lanedagen area of Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, officials and local sources said on Thursday.

The incident occurred amid heavy rainfall and intense thunderstorms that lashed the area overnight.

According to reports, the lightning struck a group of livestock in Lanedagen, resulting in large-scale deaths and causing substantial loss to the affected owners.

The animals died on the spot after being hit during the storm, local sources said.

The incident left livestock owners shocked as news of the losses spread across the area.

Pahalgam and adjoining highland areas witnessed heavy rain and thunder activity during the night, with adverse weather affecting normal movement and outdoor activity.

Officials visited the area and assessed the losses. No human casualty was reported. [KNT]

New Delhi, May 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning after concluding a high-profile five-nation diplomatic tour that covered the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.

The Prime Minister began his overseas visit on May 15 from the UAE and completed the final leg in Italy on May 20, marking a closely watched diplomatic outreach aimed at strengthening India’s global partnerships.

The tour was strategically focused on securing long-term energy supplies, expanding technology collaborations, and enhancing India’s economic and strategic engagement with European and West Asian partners.

In the UAE, India signed key agreements to ensure long-term LPG supply arrangements and strengthen strategic petroleum reserves. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) was also permitted to expand crude storage capacity in India to 30 million barrels. The UAE further committed investments worth USD 5 billion in India.

India and the Netherlands signed 17 agreements spanning defence cooperation, critical minerals, and green hydrogen initiatives. During the visit, PM Modi also visited the Afsluitdijk dam to study Dutch expertise in flood control and water management systems.

During his visit to Sweden from May 17–18, India and Sweden elevated their bilateral relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Modi also addressed the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and was conferred Sweden’s prestigious “Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross”.

PM Modi arrived in Norway on May 19, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 43 years. He participated in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, where he engaged with leaders from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden on cooperation in areas such as green technology and artificial intelligence. He was also awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.

During PM Modi’s visit to Italy, both nations upgraded their bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership with an ambition to expand trade to €20 billion by 2029.

The two sides signed agreements covering agriculture, financial crime prevention, and mobility of Indian healthcare professionals to Italy. High-level discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also advanced cooperation on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

The visit underscored India’s growing diplomatic engagement with key global partners, with a strong emphasis on energy security, innovation, climate cooperation, and expanded trade relations across regions.

Stresses accountability in plantation works

SRINAGAR, MAY 21: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Thursday reviewed the physical achievements and implementation progress of afforestation and ecological restoration works being undertaken across Jammu and Kashmir under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), emphasizing sustainable restoration of degraded forests, scientific monitoring and enhanced protection of vulnerable forest landscapes across the UT.

The review was held during the 27th meeting of the Steering Committee of J&K CAMPA and was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Commissioner Secretary, Forests; PCCF (HoF); Chief Wildlife Warden; CEO, CAMPA and other senior officers of the Forest Department.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed the Forest Department to ensure complete digitization of forest maps and boundary pillars for effective demarcation and protection of forest land. Stressing the need for improving the survival rate of plantations, he called for linking payments to contractors with the survival of planting material and directed the Finance Department to vet future tenders for incorporation of suitable clauses in this regard. He also instructed the department to ensure greater field presence of staff up to the rank of Rangers for safeguarding forests and enhancing green cover across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed year-wise trends in forest diversion and compensatory afforestation. The presentation revealed that diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes has sharply declined after 2020, while the area treated under afforestation and ecological restoration programmes has nearly doubled in recent years, reflecting the administration’s increasing emphasis on ecological conservation and restoration.

Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Shailendra Kumar stressed upon recreating missing forest records on the pattern of the Revenue Department and advocated staggered payments linked with survival of planting material in phases of growth for ensuring accountability and better outcomes.

Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Sheetal Nanda highlighted the sustained plantation efforts undertaken by the department over the years and informed the meeting that a robust mechanism of monitoring and multilayer evaluation has been institutionalized to ensure efficient execution of works on the ground.

The meeting was informed that since inception of CAMPA activities in 2010-11, more than 1,06,023 hectares of degraded forest area across Jammu and Kashmir has been treated through afforestation, assisted natural regeneration and ecological restoration measures. During the same period, nearly 746.65 lakh saplings have been planted across different forest divisions, reflecting sustained expansion in plantation activities over the years.

Meanwhile the PCCF (HoF), Sarvesh Rai, informed the meeting that during the financial year 2025-26, nearly 2,952 hectares of area was treated under different CAMPA components across the Union Territory. He stated that over 12.65 lakh running feet of fencing was completedalong with 19.32 lakh patch sowing and dibbling interventions were carried out, while 68.70 lakh saplings were raised in nurseries and maintenance of more than 164 lakh nursery saplings was undertaken during the year.

He further apprised that the department executed 37,001 cubic metres of soil and moisture conservation works, constructed 108 water harvesting structures and ponds, completed 27 check dams and established more than 14,940 boundary pillars during the year for strengthening forest protection and ecological restoration efforts.

CEO, CAMPA, K. S. Jayachandran informed the meeting that plantation activities have witnessed a major surge after 2020, with annual plantation figures increasing substantially. Against an average annual plantation of nearly 46.60 lakh saplings during the last sixteen years, more than 67 lakh saplings were planted during 2020-21 and consistently high plantation targets have been maintained thereafter.

He further informed that during the financial year 2025-26 alone, over 40.35 lakh saplings and planting bags were utilized for afforestation and ecological restoration works. Elaborating on soil and moisture conservation interventions, he stated that since 2010-11, more than 5.13 lakh cubic metres of Dry Rubble Stone Masonry (DRSM) works and over 30,927 cubic metres of crate structures have been executed under CAMPA activities for slope stabilization and improving water retention capacity in fragile forest landscapes. Additionally, 1,732 water harvesting structures and ponds have been constructed for moisture conservation and groundwater recharge in vulnerable areas.

The presentation further highlighted that extensive fencing and protection measures have been undertaken for safeguarding newly established plantations and regeneration sites. Over 374.78 lakh running feet of fencing has been erected and 1,47,623 boundary pillars installed across Jammu and Kashmir for demarcation and protection of forest land.

The Chief Secretary was also informed that extensive catchment area treatment and biodiversity management works are being carried out in hydroelectric project areas including Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project, Kiru Hydroelectric Project, Kwar Hydroelectric Project, Ratle Hydroelectric Project and Shahpur Kandi Project.

These interventions include afforestation, slope stabilization, pasture development, fire prevention measures, wildlife habitat improvement, eco-development activities and construction of inspection paths, bridges and biodiversity parks.

The meeting was further apprised that wildlife conservation infrastructure has also been significantly strengthened under CAMPA through expansion of rescue centres, development of biodiversity parks, construction of visitor interpretation centres, anti-poaching infrastructure and improvement of wildlife habitats in ecologically sensitive regions including Kishtwar High Altitude National Park.

The presentation also highlighted that substantial infrastructure has been created for strengthening field-level forest management and protection mechanisms. This includes construction of 42 Range Offices, 56 Block Offices, 22 Check Posts, 48 Guard Huts, 12 Chowkidar Huts and 17 Inspection Huts in remote forest areas for improving mobility, monitoring and protection capabilities of frontline staff.

The Chief Secretary was informed that monitoring of CAMPA works is being undertaken through geo-tagging of projects, public disclosure on e-Green Watch portals, regular inspections and third-party evaluations. The third-party evaluation conducted for works executed during FY 2022-23 recorded an overall survival rate of more than 51 percent across plantation sites in Jammu and Kashmir.

While acknowledging the physical achievements registered by the Forest Department under CAMPA, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for further improving survival rates of plantations, strengthening scientific monitoring mechanisms and enhancing community participation in afforestation programmes.

He directed the department to focus on sustainable ecological restoration, protection of degraded and vulnerable forest landscapes and creation of durable ecological assets for ensuring long-term environmental resilience in Jammu and Kashmir.

LG inaugurates new Vaishnavi Bhawan

JAMMU, MAY 21: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday dedicated the new Vaishnavi Bhawan at the holy shrine Shri Mata Vaishno Devi to the devotees.

The Lieutenant Governor said that the new facility will significantly enhance the pilgrim accommodation capacity at Bhawan, improve overall pilgrim amenities and create a modern, efficient and comfortable infrastructure designed to accommodate the growing influx of devotees.

The project was conceptualized under the comprehensive Master Plan for the Bhawan and its extended areas. Recognizing the need for enhanced infrastructure and creation of modern Yatri Accommodation facilities, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) approved the redevelopment of the Pannishalla area, which was previously used for staff quarters, into Yatri-cum-Staff Accommodation complex.

The New Vaishnavi Bhawan has been constructed over a total area of approximately 45,784 Sq. ft. The facility will provide 78 well-furnished rooms for pilgrims.

The construction work of the building commenced in the month of February 2024 and the building was completed in a time period of two years.

The ground floor houses reception and waiting areas, Manager Office and Staff Mess with Kitchen, ensuring efficient operational management of the facility. A Bhojanalaya is also available on the terrace for catering to pilgrims and staff.

To ensure accessibility and convenience, the building is equipped with five lifts, including three passenger lifts of 26 person capacity, one service lift and one connecting lift linking the facility with Parvati Bhawan.

The Lieutenant Governor also paid obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji Shrine. He prayed for peace and prosperity of J&K UT and well-being of one and all.

Members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board – Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Dr. Ashok Bhan; Suresh Kumar Sharma; Lalit Bhasin, Kulbushan Ahuja; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range; Kumar Abhishek, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi; Alok Maurya, Additional CEO SMVDSB, senior officials of the Shrine Board, police and District Administration attended the inaugural ceremony.

Improved infra to ease pilgrim travel

JAMMU, MAY 21: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Helipad at Village Hutt, Katra.

The Lieutenant Governor said that the integrated aviation facility will streamline heli-operations, enhancing heli connectivity, safety and convenience for pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.

“This helipad has been developed in strict compliance with the safety and operational norms laid down by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The facility places a paramount emphasis on passenger safety, security, and seamless travel experience, meeting the growing heli-services demand of the devotees. It will also provide a significant boost to religious tourism in the region,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, in collaboration with the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board, has undertaken development of a modern Helipad/Heliport at Village Hutt, Katra as well as at Shiv Khori, to ensure convenience, safety and accessibility for pilgrims undertaking helicopter travel to holy shrines.

The infrastructure is based on technical inputs from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and operational requirements assessed by the Board.  It is capable of accommodating enhanced passenger handling and helicopter operational capacity, including future shifting of the existing Serli Helipad operations to Village Hutt.

The project includes construction of the helipad and allied aviation infrastructure, development of a 1.10 km approach road, creation of an expanded terminal building with passenger amenities such as waiting halls, ticketing and refund counters, reception areas, offices and security cabins, as well as construction of a modern hangar facility and associated operational infrastructure.

The facility also includes provision of safety, security, sanitation, parking, utility services, emergency response systems and queue management facilities necessary for efficient heliport operations.

The project aims to create sufficient operational capacity for present and future helicopter traffic while addressing safety concerns related to helicopters flying over Katra town.

It also streamlines and professionalizes heli-services through centralized management and operation by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, leveraging its long-standing expertise in heli operations. It will also facilitate integrated pilgrimage connectivity between the two shrines from a common heliport and support development of pilgrim infrastructure in the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine area through collaborative institutional arrangements and financial assistance.

The occasion also marked the inauguration of the Helipad and other related works at the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine.

The enhanced infrastructure will increase footfall at the holy shrine and make travel more convenient for pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji who also wish to undertake pilgrimage to Shri Shiv Khori.

Members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board – Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Suresh Kumar  Sharma, Lalit Bhasin, Kulbushan Ahuja; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; Kumar Abhishek, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi; Alok Maurya, Additional CEO SMVDSB; senior officials of the Shrine Board, police and District Administration and Border Roads Organization were present at the inaugural ceremony.