#GANDERBAL: In a landmark development for winter sports, the snow-laden and picturesque destination of Sonamarg hosted its inaugural skiing training course here today.

The programme was inaugurated by Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma.

This pioneering initiative has introduced skiing to schoolboys from various educational institutions across the Kashmir division.

In his address, Satish Sharma extolled the natural allure of Sonamarg, describing it as a magnificent locale ripe for introduction of winter sports. He emphasized that exploring such opportunities in hitherto uncharted areas would not only enrich the local cultural tapestry but also bolster tourism.

The Minister expressed his commitment towards ensuring that aspiring athletes receive skiing training that meets international standards and is delivered with a highly professional approach.

Satish Sharma heralded the inauguration of the skiing course as an auspicious beginning, envisaging it as a launchpad for transforming Sonamarg into a premier winter destination. He remarked that, in alignment with the directives of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, the Department is earnestly committed towards nurturing winter sports activities in Sonamarg. He assured that the Government would invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure to elevate Sonamarg’s status to the next level.

The Minister laid emphasis that the Sports Department and District Administration Ganderbal will work out the modalities for creating sports infrastructure in Sonamarg. He further emphasised that this event shall be made an annual feature and organised every year in the month of February.

Acknowledging the role of sports in youth development, Satish Sharma underscored its importance in combating drug abuse and enhancing mental health. He also announced that a Winter Carnival will soon be held in Sonamarg, featuring cultural programs and various winter sports activities to showcase the breathtaking winter charm of Sonamarg.

District Development Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, in his address, underscored the significance of introducing training in a globally renowned sport such as skiing. He expressed optimism that this initiative would act as a catalyst for boosting winter tourism in the area, thereby offering a transformative opportunity for the local community.

Director General YS&S, Rajinder  Singh Tara, while welcoming the distinguished guests, reiterated that the initiative to conduct skiing training at Sonamarg is the brainchild of the Chief Minister of J&K. He urged the Minister to support efforts in developing the necessary infrastructure, thereby ensuring that such programmes become a regular feature in Sonamarg, similar to the well-established model in Gulmarg.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Joint Director Kashmir of YS&S.

Adding to the cultural richness of the ceremony, local folk singer Anjum Mujhtar mesmerised the audience with a captivating Gojri song, which was met with enthusiastic applause.

Additionally, engaging snow-based activities were organised by the Department of YS&S employees.

ADC Ganderbal, Gulzar Ahmed and other officers and officials were present on the occasion.

Festival showcases a blend of folk culture, local cuisines, sports, leaving visitors spellbound

#KATHUA: In a significant stride to promote tourism and highlighting the scenic beauty of the region, the District Administration organized the first-ever Winter Festival at the breathtaking Sarthal Valley in the Bani Subdivision.

The festival was inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, amidst an electrifying atmosphere with over 3500 visitors gathered to celebrate the occasion.

The festival showcased an array of engaging activities. The Marquee event ‘Bani Got Talent’ show received an overwhelming response with youngsters displaying their skills. The event provided a perfect platform for showcasing local talent and engaging the community.

Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar expressed his admiration for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of such festivals in promoting lesser-explored tourist destinations like Sarthal Valley. He said, ‘The Winter Festival is not just a celebration of culture and adventure but also a step towards realizing the immense tourism potential of this region. We aim to put Sarthal Valley on the map as a sought-after destination for nature and adventure lovers.”

The Divisional Commissioner informed that the Sarthal Winter Festival now on will be a calendar event which will gradually get larger in coming years. He further disclosed that Bani is going to host inaugural Summer Festival in Dhagger; another picturesque valley of Bani which ultimately will give huge fillip in the tourists footfall of the region.

The highlight of the festival was a spellbinding performance by internationally acclaimed singer Sonali Dogra, who captivated the audience with a soulful blend of Dogri Hindi, Punjabi folk songs. Her performance left the crowd mesmerized, setting the tone for an unforgettable event.

Adding to the charm was the authentic Pahadi cuisine, which offered visitors a taste of the region’s culinary heritage. From tug-of-war contests to thrilling varied fun activities, the vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by fun-filled activities against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains.

MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, lauded the efforts of the district and sub-divisional administration in organizing the maiden festival. He remarked, “This initiative will go a long way in showcasing the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Sarthal Valley while boosting the local economy through increased tourism.”

Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Dr Rakesh Minhas in his address, highlighted the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders and assured the public that more such events would be organized to promote the region. He stated, “This festival is just the beginning of our journey to transform Sarthal Valley into a hub for winter tourism. We are committed to developing the infrastructure needed to attract tourists from across the country.”

The mela also featured Paragliding, Snowskating, Volleyball and other sports activities besides the Sarthal Valley buzzing all day with a host of fun activities.

The Winter Festival at Sarthal Valley marked a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty, leaving visitors with cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for the region’s tourism potential. The event is expected to be a cornerstone for future tourism initiatives in the district.

Director Tourism Jammu, Vikas Gupta, ADC Kathua Ranjit Singh, CEO LSDA Ajit Singh, SDM Hiranagar Rakesh Kumar, SDM Bani Gias ul Haq, Prateek Anil, CPO Ranjit Thakur and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

#JAMMU: The Union Minister of State for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and MoS for PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the establishment of a Regional Meteorological Centre at #Jammu.

That this significant move is set to bolster meteorological services in Jammu and Kashmir, further enhancing disaster preparedness and climate resilience in the region.

The announcement of the Regional Meteorological Centre for Jammu is seen as a significant step in this journey, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening scientific infrastructure and empowering citizens with reliable weather services.

Dr. Singh elaborated on the historical importance of the Srinagar Meteorology Centre, recognized as a Centennial Centre by the World Meteorological Organization, and expressed confidence that the upcoming Regional Meteorological Centre in Jammu would replicate its success.

Dr. Singh said this new centre will cater to the unique geographical and climatic challenges of the Jammu region, contributing to IMD’s mission of delivering accurate and timely weather forecasts across the country.

Dr. Singh also announced upcoming MoUs between the Srinagar Meteorology Centre and institutions such as the University of Jammu, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), and Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipura.

These collaborations will promote research and innovation in meteorological sciences, fostering a new generation of weather experts. Jammu and Kashmir alone now boasts double the number of Automated Weather Stations (AWS) compared to a decade ago, alongside the installation of advanced X-band Radars in Jammu, Srinagar, Manihal, and Leh.

These developments have been pivotal in ensuring accurate weather predictions for critical events, including Amarnath Yatra and Vaishno Devi pilgrimages. Dr. Singh was addressing a landmark event “Stakeholders Workshop on Weather & Climate Services” on the eve of IMD’s 150th anniversary yesterday.

The celebrations for IMD’s 150th anniversary will culminate in a grand event in Delhi on January 15, 2025, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest. The event will not only honor the department’s rich legacy but also unveil its strategic roadmap for the future.

#JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today launched the Jammu & Kashmir Right to Information (RTI) Online Portal at the Civil Secretariat, marking a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.

The launch event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Cabinet Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, and Javed Ahmad Dar. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, administrative secretaries and senior officers were also present.

In his address, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated the officers involved in developing the portal, emphasizing its transformative potential in simplifying the RTI application process for citizens.

“This initiative will provide easy access to government information under the RTI Act, empowering citizens with a faster, more transparent, and cost-efficient mechanism,” he stated.

The Chief Minister also urged the concerned authorities to ensure widespread publicity of the initiative so that citizens across Jammu & Kashmir become aware of its benefits.

Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Jammu and Kashmir, the portal introduces a shift from manual to online RTI applications. This transition enables citizens to submit RTI requests, track their status, and receive responses electronically, eliminating the need for physical visits to government offices.

Earlier, Secretary General Administration Department (GAD), M. Raju, delivered a presentation on the portal’s features, highlighting its accessibility, convenience, speed of processing, cost efficiency and role in promoting accountability.

He outlined the portal’s key functionalities, including its user-friendly interface, streamlined RTI workflow, and robust documentation features.

A unique feature of the portal is the issuance of a registration number to applicants via SMS and email for future reference, enabling easy tracking of RTI applications.

The portal integrates 61 government departments, 272 nodal officers/public authorities, 720 First Appellate Authorities (FAAs), and 3,419 Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) and Public Information Officers (PIOs), ensuring comprehensive coverage and making the citizens informed about the activities of the Government.

Lieutenant Governor expresses gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister #NarendraModi for making Jammu Railway Division a reality

New division is very important from strategic point of view. It will also stimulate economic growth, employment generation, infrastructure development and creation of new tourist circuits: LG

For Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Railways is spearheading a new era of development and integration: LG Sinha

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) will seamlessly connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari, boosting tourism, trade, and employment opportunities in the region: LG

Enhanced connectivity is already unlocking the potential of Jammu and Kashmir. Improved transportation efficiency is stimulating trade, encouraging industrialization, and enabling the movement of raw materials and finished goods: LG

LG highlighted that with better access to markets, the socio-economic upliftment of the region is being realized, and tourism is receiving a much-needed boost

By connecting Kashmir to the national railway network, Indian Railways has laid the foundation for a prosperous and integrated future for Jammu and Kashmir: LG

LG Says, several transformative projects are in the pipeline for Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating Indian Railways’ unwavering commitment to improving regional connectivity and fostering socio-economic development

Surveys are ongoing for the Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam (78km) and Awantipora-Shopian (28kms) rail lines: LG Sinha

DPR is under examination for new line between Baramulla-Uri (46kms), Baramulla-Kupwara (39kms), Jammu-Poonch via Akhnoor, Rajouri (223kms), Manwal-Talra via Ramkote, Billawar and Dunera (117kms), Sopore-Kupwara (37kms), Pathankot-Leh (664kms), Bilaspur-Manali-Leh (489kms) and doubling of Baramulla-Banihal line: LG

By linking key towns and regions, these projects promise to unlock the region’s untapped potential and boost local economies: LG Sinha

#JAMMU: Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the new Jammu Railway Division, through virtual mode.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for dedicating the new Jammu Railway Division.

“This new division is very important from strategic point of view. It will also stimulate economic growth, employment generation, infrastructure development and creation of new tourist circuits” he said.

Speaking on the remarkable progress achieved in developing a comprehensive railway-network in the UT, the Lieutenant Governor said the Indian Railways stands at the forefront of our journey toward a developed and self-reliant J&K.

“For Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Railways is spearheading a new era of development and integration. Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) will seamlessly connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari, boosting tourism, trade, and employment opportunities in the region,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said, by connecting Kashmir to the national railway network, Indian Railways has laid the foundation for a prosperous and integrated future for Jammu and Kashmir.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the infrastructure development across the sectors has set new benchmarks in the UT of J&K.

“With a strong emphasis on infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation, we are laying the foundation for a future where economic growth and improved livelihoods go hand in hand and everyone is empowered to make this vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 a reality,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said, the enhanced connectivity is already unlocking the potential of Jammu and Kashmir. Improved transportation efficiency is stimulating trade, encouraging industrialization, and enabling the movement of raw materials and finished goods.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that with better access to markets, the socio-economic upliftment of the region is being realized, and tourism is receiving a much-needed boost.

The Lieutenant Governor also spoke on several transformative railway projects in the pipeline for Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating Indian Railways’ unwavering commitment to improving regional connectivity and fostering socio-economic development.

Surveys are ongoing for the Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam (78km) and Awantipora-Shopian (28kms) rail lines. DPR is under examination for new line between Baramulla-Uri (46kms), Baramulla-Kupwara (39kms), Jammu-Poonch via Akhnoor, Rajouri (223kms), Manwal-Talra via Ramkote, Billawar and Dunera (117kms), Sopore-Kupwara (37kms), Pathankot-Leh (664kms), Bilaspur-Manali-Leh (489kms) and doubling of Baramulla-Banihal line, he said.

By linking key towns and regions, these projects promise to unlock the region’s untapped potential and boost local economies, the Lieutenant Governor further added.

In view of the rapid industrialization taking place in J&K and emergence of Jammu, Samba and Kathua as industrial hubs, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that Indian Railways should explore possibilities for establishment of Railways’ Private Freight Terminal to facilitate the transportation of goods and products of traders and industries of these areas.

The Lieutenant Governor lauded the efforts of every stakeholder and also recalled the contribution of Late Shri Devender Singh Rana for a new Jammu Railway Division.

He further informed that the Z-morh tunnel will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister soon.

The creation of the Jammu Railway Division, with 742.1 KM comprising Pathankot – Jammu – Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla, Bhogpur Sirwal – Pathankot, Batala – Pathankot and Pathankot to Joginder Nagar sections, will significantly benefit Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding regions, fulfilling the long pending aspiration of the people and improving connectivity to other parts of India. It will create employment opportunities, infrastructure development, promote tourism and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences (Independent Charge), MoS PMO, DoPT Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy, Space, Dr Jitendra Singh; Chief Minister, Shri Omar Abdullah; Member of Parliament, Shri Jugal Kishore Sharma; Members of Legislative Assembly Shri Sunil Sharma and Shri Vikram Randhawa; Chief Secretary, Shri Atal Dulloo; General Manager Northern Railways, Shri Ashok Kumar Verma; senior officials, political leaders and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present during the UT level function at Railway Station Jammu.

JAMMU: Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar Vaishya today conducted an extensive surprise inspection of tehsil Bahu, evaluating the functioning of its offices and the delivery of public services.

Accompanied by Additional District Development Commissioner Sher Singh and Assistant Deputy Commissioner Shishir Gupta, the DC visited key offices, including the Tehsil and Niabat offices, to assess their performance and ensure efficient services delivery.

As part of the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner also undertook a field inspection in Chatta area, accompanied by the District Forest Officer and other concerned officials.

#JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inspected Boria Filtration Plant at Bage-e-Bahu.

During his visit, the Minister emphasised the need for clean surroundings and pulled up officers over unhygienic conditions there. He directed for cleanliness, landscaping and plantation at all water installations in J&K. He also stressed on maintaining water quality and regular testing to provide safe and clean drinking water to people.

Javed Ahmed Rana also took stock of facilities at Jambu Zoo and emphasised on effective conservation efforts, eco-tourism promotion and enhanced animal care. He directed the officers to enhance facilities for animal lovers while ensuring animal welfare simultaneously.

#SRINAGAR: In a transformative initiative aimed at smooth management of traffic on City roads, the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) has launched cutting-edge Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) alongside an e-Challan system in Srinagar City.

The ITMS, a significant step in urban traffic management is designed to improve road safety, reduce congestion and enhance traffic flow.

The key features of this initiative includeReal-time Traffic Monitoring through advanced cameras to strategically monitor traffic for efficient management and quick incident response.

Smart Traffic Signals is another feature, managed by Intelligent controllers that optimize signal timings based on real-time conditions, minimizing delays.

Similarly through Automated Rule Enforcement feature, over 1,050 cameras ensure compliance with rules, detecting violations like red-light jumping, over-speeding, mobile use, helmetless riding and more.

Also as part of E-Challan System feature, digitized traffic violation processing ensures transparency, efficiency and accountability.

“This initiative will revolutionize traffic management, creating a safer and more efficient urban environment,” said Dr. Owais Ahmed, CEO of Srinagar Smart City Limited.

The ITMS and e-Challan system showcase Srinagar Smart City’s commitment to leveraging technology for a sustainable and citizen-focused urban experience.

It is important to mention that Srinagar Smart City Limited is a Special Purpose Vehicle dedicated to implementing innovative, technology-driven solutions for creating a sustainable and inclusive city.

#JAMMU: The Central government has approved the opening of 85 new #KendriyaVidyalayas (KVs) across the country including 10 in the Jammu region.

The UT of Jammu and Kashmir has got 13 new KVs including 10 in Jammu region. The new KV schools will be opened at Gool and Ramban in district Ramban, Bani and #Ramkot in Kathua district, Reasi and Kakriyal in Reasi district, Mugal Maidan in Kishtwar, Gulpur in Poonch, Vijaypur in Samba and Panchair in district Udhampur.

3 KV Schools will be opened in Ratnipora, Galendr and Drugmulla Kashmir region. Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting in New Delhi last evening, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the opening of these new KVs will provide an opportunity for around 82,560 students to receive affordable, high-quality education across the nation. The Minister also announced that 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas will be opened in the uncovered districts of the country under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme benefitting 15,680 students.

#JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today made a visit to Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex here to take on spot assessment of the progress made on the works of conservation and protection going on for last few years.

On the occasion he was accompanied by Principal Secretary, Culture; Secretary, R&B; Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society; Deputy Commissioner,  Jammu besides other concerned officers.

The Chief Secretary went around different heritage buildings of the complex and took cognizance of the conservation works being carried out there. He enquired about the subsequent plans of the society about adaptive reuse of the structures after their restoration.

Dulloo also emphasised upon the Society to further pace up the work there for completing the same within a minimum timeframe. He maintained that the restoration of heritage is quite a technical work that demands due diligence and highly professional manpower to accomplish the tasks.

He directed for restoring the original magnificence of the complex besides preserving its aesthetic appeal befitting its past glory. He went inside the renovated Darbar Hall currently hosting Dogra Art Museum where he went around different sections observing Numismatics Gallery, Jewellery Section, Archaeology Section and Master Sansarch and Gallery viewing the historical repository of artefacts on display there.

He also took note of the progress made in restoration works being carried out in the structures like Raja Ram Singh’s and Raja Amar Singh Palaces besides the Museum building which is soon going to be completed to host an array of historically valuable antiquities proposed in different parts of this monument.

He also took assessment of the need for development of multi-story parking lot for the ease of visitors besides beautification of courtyard and creation of other amenities in consultation with INTACH here.

The Chief Secretary further made out that together with the part developed under PPP mode the complex is going to be one of the prominent tourist spots here in Jammu city.

He stated that there is no dearth of funds to complete the works on time. He exuded hope that the restoration, conservation and protection works executed currently would be accomplished in next 2 years to make this complex an attractive place to visit.

During this visit the Principal Secretary, Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta informed about the plans for adaptive reuse of the conserved structures besides other aspects of this mega project.

He gave out that the grand structures behind the complex including Rani Charak Mahal, Pink Hall etc are going to be developed in a PPP mode. He revealed that the Department has invited bids for hiring a transaction advisor for this purpose and soon the work on this project would be taken up here.

The Executive Director, MMJHS, Deepika Sharma gave the overall introduction about the aims and objectives of conservation of this complex. She detailed out the works carried out so far and explained the future reuse plans for different structures to be used as display galleries, museums, library and cultural centres.

It was given out that the first vision document for the conservation of this complex was prepared by INTACH in the year 2008 and a comprehensive master plan was later prepared and approved in 2019.

Primarily, the complex is zoned out in 06 zones including Public Zone, Knowledge Centre, Interpretation & Collection Galleries, Lifestyle, Experiential Spaces and Crafts Bazaar.

It was also revealed that under this Master Plan an amount of Rs 144.15 Cr is to be spent on different sub-projects of this heritage complex.

 It was made out that work on few sub-projects has been completed and the work on other sub-projects is apace for their completion on time.