Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Home Blog Page 58

Flood risks in Kashmir: High Court summons I&FC, HUDD Commissioner Secretaries, Div Com Kashmir

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday took a serious note of concerns raised over flood preparedness in Kashmir and directed top bureaucrats to appear in person before the Bench.

As per KNO, the intervention came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Environmental Policy Group (EPG).

The Division Bench, headed by the Chief Justice, examined a six-page report submitted by EPG convenor Faiz Ahmed Bakshi through Amicus Curiae Advocate Nadeem Qadri.

The report highlighted the risks posed by inadequate preparedness, encroachment on wetlands, and the absence of long-term planning.

Following the submission, the Court directed the Commissioner Secretaries of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department and the Housing and Urban Development Department, along with the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, to be present at a special hearing scheduled for September 9 (Tuesday).

The Bench also instructed the government to file a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR).

The EPG report called for a halt to all land allotments, sales, or transfers within 500 metres of wetlands, arguing that unchecked encroachment was reducing the Valley’s natural flood absorption capacity.

It specifically mentioned projects such as Rakh Arth, Transworld University, and IIM Srinagar, urging that they be stopped immediately. The report further recommended that no government buildings or facilities be constructed without confirming the land is not a waterbody.

The report said that the carrying capacity of the Jhelum River and its flood channels has not been increased despite repeated court directions since 2014. Dredging operations undertaken in the years after the floods were described as incomplete and inconsistent.

The group urged that dredging be guided by satellite surveys and sediment studies, with continuous monitoring to ensure effectiveness.

It also flagged the decline of wetlands such as Hokersar, Haigam, Shallabugh, and Mirgund, as well as the encroachment on Narakara Nambal.

These wetlands once acted as natural buffers during high rainfall but are now unable to perform that role, the report said.

In addition, the EPG highlighted the vulnerability of Srinagar’s drainage system and the weak condition of embankments along the Jhelum, which remain unrepaired or fragile since the 2014 breaches. It suggested the creation of small storage structures in every basin and sub-basin, which could help moderate floodwaters while also supporting hybrid power generation.

Marking the 11th anniversary of the 2014 floods, the EPG reiterated its commitment to pursue the matter in court. The Group also announced plans to hold a seminar of experts and submit further recommendations to the government. (KNO)

Secondary level students skipping regular classes: DSEK

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: School Education Department (SED) Monday said that students of 11th and 12th standard in Kashmir division were skipping regular classes and the trend was spreading to lower classes.

The department said that the irregularity was impacting the objective of student development as envisioned by NEP 2020.

Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) G N Itoo according to KNO ordered strict vigilance regarding regular attendance of students in all high and higher secondary schools.

DSEK in a circular issued in this regard said that the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) envisions education not merely as academic instruction but as a holistic journey nurturing students’ intellectual curiosity, emotional intelligence, creative expression, ethical awareness and social skills.

“To realize this vision, especially through experiential learning and collaborative projects, regular class attendance is not only essential but the backbone to achieve competency-based learning, critical hands-on activities, teacher interactions and peer engagement, which NEP 2020 aims to cultivate among students” reads the circular.

DSEK said, “It has been observed that a number of students of classes 11th and 12th are skipping regular classes and the trend is spreading to class 9th and 10th. This is a matter of serious concern as it will impact to achieve the objectives of student development as envisioned by NEP 2020.”

The directorate also said that regular school attendance is mandatory and the school curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive learning and missing classes can create significant gaps in a student’s effective learning.

“To ensure that the goals of NEP 2020 with regard to holistic development of students are achieved, it is enjoined upon all stakeholders to ensure strict enforcement of student attendance in all government and private recognised schools through VSK attendance Chatbot, Aadhaar based attendance,” DSEK said.

Itoo further said that principals must ensure that practical classes in science subjects are conducted regularly as these are crucial for hands-on learning.

“All Principals and faculty shall take proactive measures to ensure students attend regular classes and create an engaging, academically enriching environment in schools in line with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which emphasizes on experiential learning,” it reads.

The director directed all joint directors, Chief Education Officers (CEOs), cluster heads, and Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) to personally monitor compliance of circular instructions. “Non-compliance with the above instructions shall be viewed seriously and may attract disciplinary action as warranted.” (KNO)

Highway closure sparks mutton shortage in Kashmir

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: As the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained closed for another consecutive day, the Kashmir Valley is on the verge of facing an acute mutton shortage, with dealers warning of complete stock exhaustion from Tuesday-Wednesday onwards.

Dealers said the crisis has already forced the likely postponement of multiple events, including several weddings and other key functions.

“This is an extremely alarming situation, and if the government does not take it seriously, we might face an acute shortage of mutton across Kashmir,” Mehraj-Ud-Din Ganai, General Secretary of the Mutton Dealers Association told KNO.

He added that if supplies do not reach within the next 24–48 hours via the Mughal Road, there will be zero availability of mutton across the valley.

Despite government assurances of routing essentials through the Mughal Road, trucks are repeatedly halted at Lakhanpur, Nowshera, Surankote and Poonch for several days, resulting in heavy financial losses.

“The stoppages and continuous halts are killing our livestock and crippling our trade,” Ganai said, adding that over the past week, mutton dealers have faced losses exceeding Rs 15 crore.

“We appeal to the administration to intervene immediately and ensure hassle-free passage of vehicles through the Mughal Road,” he added.

Notably, mutton is a key component of Kashmir’s food culture, with weddings and other functions heavily dependent on its availability. Moreover, the Srinagar-Jammu Highway—the valley’s only all-weather road link with the rest of the country, has been hit by multiple landslides and damage in Udhampur and other areas following heavy rains over the past two weeks, while restoration work is underway. (KNO)

‘A man of iron will’: NC pays tributes to ‘Sher-e-Kashmir’

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: National Conference (NC) leaders led by its president Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President & Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday paid tributes to party founder “Sher-e-Kashmir” Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on his 43rd death anniversary.

The party leaders, along with scores of workers, visited Sheikh Abdullah’s mausoleum in Naseem Bagh, Hazratbal, where Quran Khawani, floral tributes and Fatiha Khawani were held.

Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to CM, Nasir Aslam Wani, as per KNO, said that the party has been remembering its leader for generations. “We cannot forget his (Sheikh Abdullah’s) sacrifices. Today, we pay our homage to the leader. The very identity of the people here is rooted in the vision and struggle of Sher-e-Kashmir,” he said.

Wani further said the National Conference would continue to observe the day in Sheikh Abdullah’s memory, regardless of its status as an official holiday by the government. “It is our responsibility to remember him and the many elders who laid down their lives for our future. This party was built on the foundation of public service, not a quest for power. Our sincere prayer is that Allah blesses us with the strength to serve our people in the most dedicated way,” he said.

Tributes were also paid at Sher-i-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu and other district headquarters across J&K and Ladakh.

The party hailed Sheikh Abdullah as “a man of iron will and unwavering dedication to the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh”.

Describing “Sher-e-Kashmir” as a towering figure in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference rank and file said he transformed the region from a feudal, colonial society into a progressive, democratic, and secular one. The party leaders referred to him as a political colossus and a father figure whose legacy still defines the region’s aspirations.

The NC also highlighted the secular composition of the first cabinet under Sheikh Abdullah’s leadership, which included leaders like GL Dogra, Sardar Budh Singh, Kushak Bakula, and DP Dhar, underscoring his inclusive vision.

“Sheikh Sahib’s political journey was not a quest for power, but a lifelong struggle for dignity, justice, and empowerment of the common people,” the statement reads. “His spirit of tolerance and mutual respect continues to guide us today.”

“We are committed to the ideals Sheikh Abdullah stood for: unity, equality, and a just society for all,” the NC said. (KNO)

MLA Doda Mehraj Malik detained under PSA

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik from Doda was arrested on Monday and booked under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA), marking the first instance in Jammu & Kashmir where a sitting legislator has been detained under the law.

Malik, who defeated BJP candidate Gajay Singh Rana by 4,538 votes in last year’s Assembly elections, had initially supported Omar Abdullah during government formation.

The government later informed the Legislative Assembly Speaker about the detention of Malik.

According to intimation by District Magistrate Doda, Harvinder Singh, a copy of which lies with KNO, Malik, who represents Doda-52 constituency, has been booked under the provisions of the J&K Public Safety Act, 1978.

The communication states that the action was taken on grounds of his activities being “prejudicial to the maintenance of public order.”

“After examining relevant materials, reports, and circumstances, authorities concluded that the continuance of such activities posed a ‘grave threat’ to peace, public order and tranquillity in the district,” it reads.

The government said preventive detention under the PSA was found necessary “in the interest of maintaining public order and safeguarding law and order in the region”.

The arrest has drawn criticism from political leaders across the region.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced his opposition through social media, calling the detention unjustified. “There is no justification for detaining Mehraj Malik under PSA. He’s not a threat to public safety, and using this discredited law against an elected representative is wrong. If the unelected government can use its powers against an elected representative like this, how can the people of J&K continue to have faith in democracy?” he wrote.

Reacting to the arrest, Arvind Kejriwal, National Convenor and Chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), said, “Is it a serious offense to request a hospital for one’s constituency that an elected MLA is imprisoned? Mehraj Malik is a committed leader of the AAP. He will continue to represent the people and fight for their rights. Jail, threats, or conspiracies will not deter any dedicated member of AAP.”

People’s Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone condemned the move, saying it undermines democratic processes. “We strongly condemn the use of the PSA against MLA Mehraj Malik. This is a soulless democracy,” Lone said, adding that such actions reduce the people’s mandate to a symbolic exercise.

He added that the will of the people remains subservient when elected representatives are denied the right to express their views, warning that such measures damage the credibility of democratic institutions in the region.

PDP leader and MLA Waheed Parra also denounced the arrest, describing the use of PSA as a tool to silence political voices. “Draconian laws are being weaponised to crush dissent. Such authoritarian measures are no way to resolve political differences in a democracy,” Parra said.

“Invoking the Public Safety Act (PSA) against MLA Mehraj Malik is unjustifiable. If an elected representative has erred, he must be questioned and dealt with under due process of law. That is how accountability works in a democracy,” Srinagar MP, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi said.

The PSA, he said, intended for exceptional cases of grave security threats, has been repeatedly misused in Jammu & Kashmir to detain individuals on vague and arbitrary grounds. “It has effectively become a tool to silence voices. Such misuse erodes public trust in institutions and reduces a legal safeguard into an instrument of suppression. We strongly condemn the use of abusive language by Mehraj Malik, but this is not justice; it is repression,” he added.

NC legislator Salman Ali Sagar said Malik’s arrest under the PSA sets “a dangerous precedent” in Jammu and Kashmir. Terming the move as an attempt to “stifle democracy” and “silence dissent”, he added, “Free speech and political voices must be protected, not suppressed.

Senior Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader and MLA from Langate, Sheikh Khursheed, also condemned the detention of fellow MLA.

Addressing a press conference, Khursheed urged the Lieutenant Governor to review the decision immediately and appealed to the Chief Minister to convene an all-party meeting to formulate a collective response.

“This decision is not just against Mehraj Malik, but against all the people of Doda who elected him through democratic means,” Khursheed said, demanding immediate revocation of the order.

The legislator said that any objectionable remarks or actions attributed to Malik should have been dealt with through judicial or parliamentary channels, not through draconian laws.

The MLA also raised serious questions over what he termed as ‘discriminatory use’ of the PSA in Jammu and Kashmir. “Is this law meant only for the people of J&K? Is there any other region in India where such action is taken against elected representatives?” he asked. (KNO)

J&K receives excess rainfall of 41% in 3 months

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Amid frequent flood threats Jammu and Kashmir has received an excess rainfall of 41 per cent from June to September this year.

According to the Meteorological department (MeT) data, accessed by KNO, five stations in Jammu region have recorded the large excess rainfall  from June 01, 2025 to September 03, 2025. The stations include Udhampur, Samba, Rajouri, Ramban and Doda. (Areas where rainfall exceeds 60% above the normal are categorized as experiencing ‘Large Excess Rainfall’.)

The large excess rainfall came at a time when the region experienced back-to-back years of deficit rainfall.

Pertinently, Jammu and Kashmir experienced its driest year in five decades in 2024, witnessing a significant deficit of 29%. In 2023, J&K recorded 7% deficit, in 2022 16% deficit, 2021 saw 28% deficit and 2020 experienced 20% deficit.

The data reveals that Srinagar & Jammu, summer and winter capitals of Jammu and Kashmir, are among the five stations where excess rainfall has been recorded during the period. The other three stations include Anantnag, Pulwama and Reasi. (Areas where rainfall exceeds 20% to 59% above the normal are categorized as experiencing ‘Excess Rainfall’.)

Seven stations including Budgam, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Baramulla, Kulgam, Kathua and Poonch recorded a normal precipitation in this season, the data reveals. However, it shows that the two stations including Kishtwar, Kupwara and Shopian have recorded a deficit rainfall of 33 per cent, 20 per cent and 57 per cent respectively.

Meanwhile, the weatherman has predicted more spells of rain and thunder till September 12th.

Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that generally cloudy weather was expected today with one or two spells of light rain and thunder at many places of J&K with possibility of brief moderate showers over isolated districts of Jammu division.

From tomorrow, he said that generally hot & humid conditions are expected with brief spells of rain and thunder at a few places till September 12th evening.

He also said that a fresh spell of light to moderate rain and thundershower is expected at many places of J&K towards early morning and morning hours on September 13. (KNO)

AIIMS Awantipora site chosen on political grounds, not feasibility: CM Omar

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the site for setting up the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Awantipora was selected on political considerations rather than on the basis of feasibility.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to the under-construction campus at Awantipora, CM Omar Abdullah, as per KNO said that the decision to establish AIIMS at the current location was not backed by thorough ground assessment.

“Unfortunately, the site was chosen on the basis of politics, and it was never checked whether this location was actually feasible or not,” Omar said.

He pointed out that soon after the project was finalized, the army raised security-related concerns, which delayed the process by almost a year. This, he said, led to a change in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and subsequently caused cost escalation. “The project lost valuable time in the initial stage due to these complications,” Omar added.

Despite these challenges, the Chief Minister said that work was later started and it picked up pace over the last one year. “According to AIIMS authorities, the institute will be fully functional by the end of 2026, while the OPD services and MBBS classes are expected to begin by April 2026,” he said

During his visit, Omar Abdullah also reviewed the ongoing construction and available facilities at the site, expressing hope that the project would be completed within the revised timelines.

On the Hazratbal incident, Omar condemned the arrest of several people in connection with the issue. He described the episode as “unfortunate” and criticized the manner in which a plaque bearing the national emblem was installed inside the revered shrine.

“The person who made the first mistake has not yet apologized, and I still do not understand why such a step was taken,” Omar said, questioning the rationale behind the move.

He recalled that the Hazratbal shrine was inaugurated by his grandfather, the late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, who, despite his stature, never felt the need to install any such plaque inside. “The erection of a plaque inside Hazratbal was not a good decision,” he added.

On the arrest of Doda MLA Mehraj Malik, Omar Abdullah refrained from making direct remarks, saying he would first seek full details before commenting as he has no information about Malik’s arrest. (KNO)

Kulgam encounter: Foreigner among 2 terrorists, 2 soldiers killed

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Two terrorists, including a foreigner, were killed while two Army soldiers also lost their lives in an encounter in the Guddar forest area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday, officials said.

An official told KNO that following a “specific intelligence input” about the presence of terrorists, a joint team of Police, Army’s 9 Rashtriya Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon-and-search operation in Guddar area this morning.  “The search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists opened fire on the security forces,” he said.

The official added that one Pakistani and one local terrorist have been killed and the operation is on. “Three soldiers sustained injuries in the encounter and were shifted to an Army hospital, where two of them succumbed,” he said.

“Despite heavy rain and dense foliage, the operation continued throughout the day and is expected to go on through the night. There is a possibility of more terrorists. Searches are on and the operation will continue until the area is fully cleared,” the official said.

The Kashmir Zone Police wrote on X: “Based on specific intelligence, an encounter has started in the Guddar forest of Kulgam. SOG of J&K Police, Army and CRPF are on the job. Further details to follow.”

Meanwhile, Chinar Corps said that two terrorists were killed in the encounter while a Junior Commissioned Officer sustained injuries. Security forces are working to ascertain the identities of the slain terrorists as the operation continues.

“Vigilant troops observed suspicious movement and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire. During the encounter, two terrorists were eliminated while a JCO was injured,” it said on X.

Later in the evening Army wrote on X: “Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the bravehearts, Sub Perbhat Gaur and L/Nk Narender Sindhu, in line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. IndianArmy expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues.”

The operation is being monitored by senior police and Army officials. Director General of Police (DGP) J&K, Nalin Prabhat, also visited the site of the ongoing encounter in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. (KNO)

Kashmir’s Rs 1623 crore flood plan hits roadblock

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Despite recurrent flood threats in Kashmir, two critical components of the Rs 1623 crore comprehensive flood management plan for  Jhelum River remain untouched.

The delay in executing work on these components arises from additional financial implications triggered by alterations recommended by the Central Water Commission (CWC), following conflicting assessments in two separate studies regarding their efficacy.

As a result, the ambitious project—meant to safeguard lives and infrastructure from future flood disasters—finds itself mired in financial and technical gridlock.

Details available with KNO reveal that the Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation approved Phase-II (Part A) of the flood management project for the Jhelum River and its tributaries in March 2022.

The Union Ministry recommended the project for inclusion under the Flood Management Project (FMP) component of the Flood Management Project & Border Areas Programme (FMPBAP) for the period 2021–26, with 90 percent central funding and 10 percent Union Territory funding.

After Union Government’s approval, the administrative council gave its go-ahead to the project in July 2022.

Two key components—resectioning of the Flood Spill Channel (FSC) and its linked components, and widening of the Outfall Channel (OFC)—were conceived as part of the project, with a combined financial implication of up to Rs 1280 crore.

However, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department Kashmir did not initiate work due to differences in findings between two studies conducted by the Pune-based Central Water & Power Research Station (CWPRS) and EPTISA, a multinational engineering company specializing in engineering, consultancy, information technology, and institutional development.

Given divergences, the matter was referred to the CWC, which nominated the Member (River Management) as the nodal officer to recommend a way forward.

After holding 11 meetings with various stakeholders, the CWC forwarded its recommendations to the J&K government on December 23, 2024.

Officials told KNO that the alterations recommended by the CWC would have an additional financial implication of Rs 300 crore. “We need to get approval for additional funding before executing work on these two components,” an official said.

He added that around 20 bridges crossing the Flood Spill Channel (FSC) may have their foundations exposed due to excavation up to 2 meters deep. “Extra cost will be required to strengthen their foundations,” he said.

When contacted, Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Javed Rana said they are examining the project.

He said that nothing was done in the past 11 years for prevention of floods in Kashmir. (KNO)

Highway closure inflicts Rs 400 Crore losses on Kashmir’s fruit industry, say traders

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Kashmir’s fruit industry is reeling under massive losses as the continued closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway has disrupted transportation of produce during the peak harvest season.

President of Sopore Fruit Mandi, Fayaz Ahmad Malik, on Monday said that traders and fruit growers have suffered losses worth over Rs 400 crore in just over a week of the highway’s closure.

“Over 250 trucks are presently stuck at Sopore Mandi. Besides, trucks laden with fruits are stranded in other mandis and along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway,” Malik told KINS.

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is the Valley’s only all-weather surface link with the rest of the country. Its repeated closures due to landslides and inclement weather have often disrupted supplies, but Malik said the present situation has been particularly devastating for the horticulture sector, the backbone of Kashmir’s economy.

“Traders and fruit growers have already suffered losses of Rs 400 crore, and the figure is only rising. This is the peak season, and any delay in transportation reduces the fruit’s market value,” he said.

According to Malik, while authorities have been allowing a limited number of small trucks through the alternative Mughal Road, the arrangement is proving insufficient.

“Apples and other fruits are exported in bulk through big trucks which can ply only on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway. With hundreds of loaded trucks stuck, fruits are deteriorating, forcing traders to sell at throwaway prices,” he said.

Growers and traders have appealed to the administration to ensure early restoration of the highway to prevent further damage to the sector. “The horticulture industry sustains lakhs of families in Kashmir. If such disruptions continue unchecked, the entire chain—from growers to traders—will be pushed into crisis,” Malik cautioned.

The Valley’s apple harvest, which begins in late August and continues through October, contributes nearly 8 percent to Jammu and Kashmir’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Prolonged disruptions, stakeholders fear, could have long-term implications on both livelihoods and the region’s economy. (KINS)

1...575859...140Page 58 of 140

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© kashmir Leader Magazine . Powered By FmSoft