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Alpha News Service Kashmir, Srinagar (2026)

22/08/2026

*Dr. Touseef Ahmed submitted Memorandum to M.Y. Tarigami, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Raises Alarm Over Deteriorating Condition of Anchar Lake; Seeks Urgent Intervention*.

Srinagar, August 22, 2026:
Dr. Touseef Ahmed, a renowned Environmentalist and Chairman Kashmir Concern (Regd. NGO), today called on Mr. M.Y. Tarigami, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, and apprised him of the rapidly deteriorating condition of Anchar Lake, one of Kashmir’s important water body and a vital ecological asset.

During the meeting, Dr. Touseef Ahmed expressed serious concern over the increasing pollution, encroachment, waste accumulation, shrinking water channels and overall degradation of Anchar Lake. He stressed that the continued deterioration of the lake poses a serious threat to its fragile ecosystem, biodiversity and the communities dependent on the surrounding environment.

Dr. Touseef Ahmed urged the Chairman, House Committee on Environment to take up the matter on priority and ensure coordinated intervention by the concerned departments for the scientific conservation, restoration and protection of Anchar Lake. He also emphasised the need for regular monitoring, removal of encroachments, prevention of sewage and solid-waste discharge, restoration of water channels and greater involvement of local communities in conservation efforts.

Mr. M.Y. Tarigami, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised and assured Dr. Touseef Ahmed that all possible measures would be taken to protect and save Anchar Lake. He acknowledged the importance of preserving Kashmir’s wetlands and water bodies and assured that the matter would receive due attention at the appropriate level.

Dr. Touseef Ahmed expressed satisfaction over the assurance and said that Anchar Lake is not merely a water body but an important part of Kashmir’s ecological heritage, and saving it requires urgent, sustained and collective action.

He further stated that Kashmir Concern (Regd. NGO) will continue to work with the government, civil society, experts and local communities for the restoration and protection of Kashmir’s precious water bodies.

21/08/2026

Lieutenant Governor lays Foundation Stone of Amriteshwar Sarovar at Dharpur, Sunderbani in Rajouri
LG highlights community solidarity’s vital role in eliminating terrorism, substance abuse and corruption, while driving economic development and a spiritual renaissance across Jammu Kashmir
JAMMU, AUGUST 21: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today laid the foundation stone of the Amriteshwar Sarovar under the Jan Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative at Dharpur, Sunderbani, in Rajouri district.
During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance at the Shri Amriteshwar Shiv Temple, and prayed for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of one and all.
Addressing a public gathering, the Lieutenant Governor commended the local community and the Shri Amriteshwar Shiv Mandir Vikas Samiti for their collective efforts in establishing and developing the sacred site.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the vital role of community solidarity in eliminating terrorism, substance abuse and corruption, while driving economic development and a spiritual renaissance in UT of Jammu Kashmir.
“India is going through a great spiritual revival. This cultural wave is felt across Jammu Kashmir, bringing people closer together and strengthening our community bonds,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor urged the people to remain vigilant against the nefarious designs of anti-national elements, report suspicious activities, and completely isolate terror sympathizers.
“Security forces alone cannot defeat terrorism. Eradicating this threat demands a whole-of-society approach. United societal effort is required along with police and security agencies to dismantle the illicit financial and logistical webs of narco-terror networks.
A concerted security and societal effort, driven by army, security forces, J&K Police, local administration and residents of Jammu Kashmir have significantly degraded terrorism and transformed the region's security landscape.
It was once grimly predicted that the Tricolour would find no willing hands to carry it in Jammu Kashmir. Today, it is held high with pride on countless resolute shoulders,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Responding to the demands, the Lieutenant Governor assured that sincere efforts would be made by the administration to address public grievances and local infrastructure needs.
Thakur Randhir Singh, Member of Legislative Assembly from Kalakote-Sunderbani; Shri Satyapal Sharma, President, Shri Amriteshwar Shiv Mandir Vikas Samiti and Chelda Biradari; Shri Rajesh Gupta, President Vishva Hindu Parishad, J&K; Shri Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shri Sandeep Wazir, DIG, Rajouri-Poonch Range; Shri Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Udhampur Reasi Range; Shri Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri; Dr Bharat Bhushan, General Secretary and other members of Shri Amriteshwar Shiv Mandir Vikas Samiti, senior officials, and prominent citizens from different walks of life were present.

21/08/2026

Lieutenant Governor Inaugurates New Infrastructure and Startup Outreach Programme at SKUAST-Jammu, Calls Agriculture the Next Big Frontier for Youth Entrepreneurship
Different countries have innovated for their own problems, and now it is time for Jammu Kashmir to innovate for its own questions and challenges: LG Sinha
Lieutenant Governor highlighted India's changing employment aspirations and observed that today's youth in Jammu Kashmir are increasingly looking to create jobs rather than wait in line for employment: LG
Truest meaning of a Self-Reliant Jammu Kashmir is a region where every young citizen becomes an employer in some form, according to their ability and talent: LG Sinha
No entrepreneurship revolution can be complete without the equal and active participation of women. And no economy can truly become strong until women are equal partners in it. I do not just want to see women present in enterprises; I want to see enterprises led by women: LG
Lieutenant Governor observed that Jammu Kashmir would increasingly be recognised for innovation, agricultural entrepreneurship and youth leadership in the years ahead
Do not make your dreams small. Do not let your circumstances become the limits of your future. Draw strength from your roots, direction from knowledge, speed from technology, and create new paths with your resolve: Lieutenant Governor to Students
JAMMU, AUGUST 21: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today inaugurated a series of new infrastructure facilities at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu. He also addressed the launch of the Startup Outreach Programme under JKCIP. The event brought together the researchers, innovators, young entrepreneurs and farmers from across the Jammu division.
The newly inaugurated facilities include the Unnati Girls Hostel, Centre for AI and ML in Agriculture, the Centre for Mushroom Research and Innovation, the Advanced Sericulture Laboratory, and the Centre for Digital Media and Publication. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor described the additions as more than physical infrastructure, calling them a commitment to the region's innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and farming families.
The Lieutenant Governor drew attention to global examples of technology-driven agriculture, from a dairy innovation hub in the Netherlands that brings together scientists, companies and farmers on AI-based nutrition and animal health solutions, to Israel's integration of data and smart management across agriculture and dairy, New Zealand's digital push in animal husbandry, and a Brazilian irrigation startup that turned a farmer's everyday problem into a scalable solution. The message from these examples, the Lieutenant Governor said, is that agriculture and allied sectors represent the next major frontier for innovation worldwide.
At the same time, the Lieutenant Governor cautioned the youth of Jammu Kashmir against simply replicating foreign models, urging them instead to study their own fields, farmers, climate and local challenges, and to build solutions suited to the region's specific needs.
“Today, there are startups worldwide continuously exploring new possibilities in agriculture and allied sectors. The biggest message from these startups and new innovations is that agriculture and allied sectors themselves are the next big frontier for innovation.
You must understand your own fields, farmers, climate, and local problems to prepare your next solution, and customize those models in your own way wherever appropriate. I believe that different countries have innovated for their own problems, and now it is time for Jammu Kashmir to innovate for its own questions and challenges,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted India's changing employment aspirations and observed that today's youth in Jammu Kashmir are increasingly looking to create jobs rather than wait in line for them. He said such shift in aspiration is central to the vision of a Self-Reliant Jammu Kashmir.
“I want to tell all students that your degree is not your destination; rather, it is like a runway for your flight of success. SKUAST-Jammu will give you knowledge, but your curiosity will give you new thoughts and ideas. Your courage will turn that idea into a startup, and if you continue to advance that startup with patience, honesty, and consistent hard work, one day that same startup will provide employment and dignity to someone who today is sitting exactly where you are. That is why I often say that the truest meaning of a Self-Reliant Jammu Kashmir is a region where every young citizen becomes an employer in some form, according to their ability and talent,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also spoke at length about diversifying beyond traditional farming activities, encouraging young and progressive farmers to explore cold chains, grading and packaging units, regional branding, and digital marketplaces that could connect Jammu Kashmir's produce with markets in Delhi, Dubai and beyond.
He also said that women's participation in the entrepreneurship ecosystem should be the key priority.
“No entrepreneurship revolution can be complete without the equal and active participation of women. And no economy can truly become strong until women are equal partners in it. I do not just want to see women present in enterprises; I want to see enterprises led by women. You must support those Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organizations that gain equal access to finance, technology, and markets. Support such women through your research and innovation who start their own businesses and then, through those same businesses, create employment opportunities for other women,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
On the Startup Outreach Programme, the Lieutenant Governor noted its focus on reaching farmers and youth in villages who may have had no prior exposure to concepts such as incubation, mentoring or venture capital. He said the most useful solutions to farmers' problems are often conceived by those who have lived those problems firsthand.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that SKUAST-Jammu has so far selected more than 150 students for idea incubation and supported 56 promising startups, while extending its outreach to remote parts of the Jammu region. Calling this a commendable beginning, the Lieutenant Governor urged the SKUAST-Jammu to multiply these numbers and evolve into a genuine bridge between laboratories and markets, scientists and farmers, and technology and ground-level needs.
“Real success of SKUAST-Jammu will not be measured only by how many students graduate from here, but the success of this campus will be measured by how many new ideas were born here, how many solutions to problems were developed here, how many enterprises were established here, and how many farming families’ lives were positively changed by those enterprises,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon students to ask four questions every day during their time on campus- what problem can I solve, what enterprise can I build, what value can I add to agriculture and how many families can benefit from my idea?
“If these four questions keep troubling your mind continuously, then no one can stop you from finding the purpose of your career,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that Jammu Kashmir would increasingly be recognised for innovation, agricultural entrepreneurship and youth leadership in the years ahead.
“Do not make your dreams small. Do not let your circumstances become the limits of your future. Draw strength from your roots, direction from knowledge, speed from technology, and create new paths with your resolve. I am confident that in the coming years, Jammu Kashmir will also be recognized for innovation, agricultural entrepreneurship, science, technology, and youth leadership,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also felicitated eight startups, FPOs and cooperative/rural enterprises for their contributions to agriculture, allied sectors, value addition and rural enterprise development.
Four publications including “Policy Document for Promoting Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in J&K”, “Chronicle of Innovation & Startups under RKVY-RAFTAAR, SKUAST-Jammu”, “Value on the Vine: Economic and Market Dynamics of Vegetables” and “Student’s Rural Exploration Programme (SREP)”, were also released.
Shri Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department; Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu; Dr. Amrish Vaid, Director Extension; Dr. Anil Kumar, Registrar and faculty of SKUAST Jammu; senior officials, students, scientists, entrepreneurs, representatives of startups, FPOs, cooperatives and other stakeholders were present.

19/08/2026

Lieutenant Governor Addressed the 2nd Edition of ICC's MSME Conclave 2026
MSMEs are the true builders of India’s economic resilience: LG Sinha
Lieutenant Governor outlined 4 priorities for MSMEs- affordable credit, tech upgradation, supply-chain integration and cutting red tape
For future growth MSMEs must focus on green technologies, formalisation of micro industries, education–industry partnerships and export competitiveness: LG Sinha
India’s economic progress rests on MSMEs. We need to build an ecosystem that is globally competitive, environmentally conscious and inclusive: LG
JAMMU, AUGUST 19: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha attended the 2nd edition of the ICC MSME Conclave 2026 in Jammu earlier today. He delivered a keynote address at the Conclave, highlighting the transformative role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the rise of Nano Global Capability Centres (GCCs), and the centrality of technology-led growth in shaping India’s economic future.
The Lieutenant Governor underscored that India’s economy stands at a defining crossroads where agility, innovation, and technology are rewriting the rules of enterprise. He said the theme of the conclave- “Shaping the Future of MSMEs, Nano GCCs & Technology-led Growth” - is timely and visionary.
The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed that MSMEs are powering employment, driving exports, and nurturing entrepreneurship across the nation.
“MSMEs are contributing 31.3% to GDP and nearly half of India’s exports. They are also the second-largest provider of employment after agriculture. MSMEs are the heartbeat of our economy and the true builders of India’s resilience and self-reliance,” the Lieutenant Governor stated.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the emergence of Nano Global Capability Centres (GCCs), where small, specialized teams deliver high-value capabilities once reserved for large corporations.
“I strongly believe that this is democratization in its truest sense. It really means that a mid-sized enterprise in a tier-two city can now build, own, and scale world-class technology capability on its own terms.
And behind all of this is technology as the very engine of growth. Artificial intelligence, automation and digital infrastructure are compressing timelines, lowering barriers, and opening doors that were once closed to all but the largest players. This gives cities like Jammu, Srinagar a new sense of confidence and I believe today's conclave is more than just fire-side chat. It is a call to action. A call to reimagine what our MSMEs can become and to embrace the nano GCC model as a genuine pathway to global relevance. It is a call to place technology at the very heart of India’s next chapter of inclusive growth,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir is a vibrant example of all-round transformation in the country. Since 2021, investments worth Rs. 5,824 crore in FY 2025–26 alone marked a 13-fold increase compared to pre-2021 averages. Over four years, investments exceeded those made in the preceding 70 years. Start-ups rose from 69 in 2020 to 1,305 in FY 2025–26, while Udyam registrations surged from 24,000 in 2021 to 6.16 lakh this year.
The Lieutenant Governor also outlined four pressing challenges for MSMEs including affordable credit, technology upgradation, and supply-chain integration to ensure market access and brand-building for small entrepreneurs. He also called for administrative reforms, wherever required to eliminate the red tape to create an enabling environment.
The Lieutenant Governor called for a forward-looking roadmap with sustainable trade that will encourage MSMEs to adopt green technologies and renewable energy. He also stressed on formalisation of micro industries to Expand institutional credit access. The Lieutenant Governor asked the participants to focus on education–industry partnerships and establishment of incubation centres and design studios within industrial clusters.
“The fourth objective is to strengthen export competitiveness, and I believe that this opportunity is especially significant for Jammu Kashmir. Our climate and distinctive cultural and traditional production chains provide us with an exceptional position in the export sector. Therefore, initiatives such as “One District, One Export Hub” need to be promoted on a large scale," the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that India’s economic progress cannot be complete without acknowledging the perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit of MSMEs.
“Our bright future rests upon the aspirations of small and medium businesses. Let us build an ecosystem that is robust, globally competitive, environmentally conscious, and inclusive. On the strong foundation of MSMEs, we must develop an economy, in which every region, every section, and every talent in Jammu Kashmir finds opportunities to advance, and where young people do not merely seek jobs but create employment,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also spoke on the challenges that the country is facing today. He called upon the industry leaders and all the key stakeholders to make their significant contribution in building a terror-free, corruption-free, merit based and prosperous society.
"There is a lot of discussion in the country regarding temple offerings. A respected member of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board suggested in a meeting that the manual counting process should be stopped. So, two Cash Recycler Machines (CRM) have been installed there, and the remaining CRMs will be installed in 15 days. The human interface itself has been eliminated. No employee of the Shrine Board or the bank will have any direct involvement in it," he said.
Shri Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department J&K; Shri Rahul Sahai, Chairman, ICC Jammu Chapter; Shri Vikramaditya Singh, Trustee, Dharmarth Trust; Shri Rakesh Sinha, CEO, Quintes Global; Dr Arun Kumar Manhas, Director, Industries & Commerce Department Jammu, senior officials, members of Indian Chamber of Commerce, Industry Leaders and Experts, Investors and representatives of various trade and business organisations attended the conclave.
Ms Devyani Rana, Member of Legislative Assembly from Nagrota, Dr Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Shri Devansh Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Jammu, Shri Harvinder Singh, CEO Mission Yuva, Shri Joginder Singh, SSP Jammu, senior officers of civil and Police administration, were also present.

19/08/2026

Press Communique
JAMMU, AUGUST 19: A delegation of Head of Departments, faculty and Office-bearers of University of Jammu, headed by its Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai, called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today and discussed important matters pertaining to the growth, development and future academic expansion of the institution.
During the interaction, the University delegation expressed deep gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the University, for his decisive intervention in securing the transfer of 147 kanals and 11 marlas of land from Defence authorities to the University campus.
Terming the land transfer a watershed moment, the University fraternity acknowledged that resolving this decades-old issue fulfills a long-cherished dream. The additional land acquisition will enhance the campus footprint, paving the way for academic expansion, research and innovation infrastructure development and other institutional requirements, thereby contributing to the University’s long-term growth and academic excellence, benefiting future generations of scholars and faculty.
The delegation also commended the Lieutenant Governor’s vision to elevate the University of Jammu into a globally competitive institution aligned with national educational goals.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the need to continuously raise benchmarks in teaching and research, foster innovation, and ensure that the University continues to make meaningful contributions to society and the nation.

19/08/2026

US Ambassador to India Calls on Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 19: The United States Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, called on the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, in Srinagar today as part of his maiden visit to Jammu & Kashmir.
During the meeting, the two sides engaged in broad-based discussions. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the strong bilateral relationship between India and the United States would yield positive outcomes for Jammu & Kashmir. He voiced optimism for further widening and deepening engagement across sectors such as tourism, horticulture & the new economy.
Ambassador Gor noted that the meeting was held in a cordial manner. He noted that Jammu & Kashmir’s rich natural heritage holds strong appeal for visitors from the United States. He added that potential avenues to facilitate increased tourism and promote travel from the United States would be explored.
The United States delegation included Senior Advisor Chester (Brand) Kroeger, Chief of Staff Lisa Browne, First Secretary Gary Applegarth, and Political Advisor A. Sukesh.
From the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, the meeting was attended by Cabinet Minister Sakeena Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Gurwinder Singh Oberoi and Member of the Legislative Assembly, Tanvir Sadiq.

19/08/2026

*ACB Books Senior Officials, Beneficiaries for Illegal Construction, Encroachment on Jhelum Flood Basin at Rajbagh*
Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Srinagar has registered an FIR against senior civic officials and private beneficiaries over alleged illegal construction and encroachment on State/Kahcharai land in the flood basin of River Jhelum at Rajbagh.
An ACB spokesperson said FIR No. 10/2026 was registered following a Joint Surprise Check and verification into allegations of unauthorized construction of a multi-storey building in the prohibited river-fringe area.
According to the bureau, the verification found major violations in the grant and later modification of building permission. The plinth area and building height were allegedly increased substantially without obtaining mandatory NOCs from concerned departments.
The probe also revealed alleged encroachment of approximately 2.9 Kanals of State/Kahcharai land and construction over drainage infrastructure within the prohibited flood basin area.
The FIR names the then Senior Town Planner SDA Muneer Ahmad Khan, then Joint Commissioner Planning SMC R.K. Tutoo, then In-charge Assistant Town Planner SMC Ulfat Jan, other concerned officials, and beneficiaries Gulzar Ahmad Sheikh and Parveena Akhter.
They have been booked for alleged abuse of official position, criminal conspiracy and facilitating unauthorized construction and encroachment.
The case has been registered under Section 5(1)(d) r/w 5(2) of J&K PC Act Svt-2006, and Sections 447-A, 468, 120-B RPC.
“Further investigation in the matter is underway,” the ACB spokesperson added.(N&V)

19/08/2026

HELP

19/08/2026

At first light, CM Omar Abdullah takes the pulse of Srinagar’s development
During early morning Srinagar tour, CM reviews major infrastructure, healthcare, heritage, sports projects
Inspects projects across all eight Assembly constituencies; stresses decongestion, better public facilities and timely completion of works
‘The benefit of these tours is that we get a chance to compare what is told in the Secretariat and the ground reality’: CM Omar Abdullah
CM says need to decongest Srinagar from traffic jams; in Shehar-e-Khaas, huge problem of parking also needs to be addressed
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today undertook an extensive early-morning tour of Srinagar city, covering all eight Assembly constituencies, to take stock of ongoing development works, inspect key infrastructure projects and assess the delivery of public facilities and civic amenities on the ground.
Beginning the tour at around 6:30 am, the Chief Minister visited a number of important project sites covering road and traffic infrastructure, healthcare, heritage conservation, sports facilities and other urban development works. He reviewed the physical progress of the projects with officers and executing agencies and sought timely completion of works so that their intended benefits reach the people at the earliest.
At Barbar Shah in Habba Kadal, the Chief Minister inspected the site for the proposed multi-span bridge over Choont Khul, a project aimed at improving connectivity to Shehar-e-Khaasand easing traffic congestion in the area.
The bridge is being executed by the PW(R&B) Department, Srinagar Core Division, at an estimated cost of ₹32.50 crore, Designed as per IRC codal standards and MoRTH specifications and taking into account the requirements of Seismic Zone-V.
The Chief Minister was briefed that the bridge is expected to facilitate smoother movement of commuters heading towards Shehar-e-Khaas, streamline traffic flow, improve road safety and strengthen urban mobility in the historic core of the city.
The Chief Minister also inspected the newly constructed building of the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC), Maharaj Gunj. The upgraded facility, located in the historic heart of Shehar-e-Khaas, is intended to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and improve patient care through enhanced infrastructure.
The project has an estimated cost of ₹262.54 lakh under UT CAPEX and is being executed by the Public Works Department (R&B), Kashmir. Work commenced in November 2024 and is scheduled for completion by November 20, 2026.
During his inspection of the medical facility, the Chief Minister was informed that brickwork, internal plastering, door and window framework, tile work on all three floors and window fixing have been completed. Electrical works are about 85 per cent complete, while the fire-fighting system has been completed. Roofing of the adjacent building (Structure-B) has also been completed and overhead water tanks installed.
At Mirza Kamil Sahib Chowk, Hawal, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the beautification, upgradation and junction improvement project, aimed at improving traffic management, pedestrian movement and the overall appearance of the important urban junction.
The project, under the UT Sector, has a cost of ₹132.85 lakh. The proposed works include upgradation of the existing road pavement, development of pedestrian-friendly footpaths, new kerbs and drainage arrangements, road markings, traffic signage, bollards, delineators and glow studs. The project also provides for modern LED street lighting, decorative illuminated butterfly and tree sculptures, and solar traffic blinkers at pedestrian crossings to enhance pedestrian safety.
At Sub District Hospital (SDH) Habak, Hazratbal, the Chief Minister inspected the ongoing construction of the new hospital building and reviewed the progress of the long-pending project.
The project had remained stalled for a considerable period and was revived after the present Council of Ministers granted the required norm relaxations, paving the way for its resumption and eventual strengthening of medical services in the area.
The Chief Minister inspected the ongoing upgradation of SDH Habak, Hazratbal, which has a revised project cost of ₹54.49 crore and envisages a two-phase facility comprising two basements, four storeys and a 50-bed hospital. He directed the concerned authorities to maintain momentum and ensure that the upgraded facility is completed within the stipulated timelines.
The Chief Minister next inspected the ongoing conservation and restoration of the historic Aali Masjid at Eidgah, being undertaken by the Department of Culture.
Reaffirming the immense historical, architectural and spiritual importance of the centuries-old monument, he directed the authorities to ensure meticulous conservation and timely completion of the project while maintaining the character and heritage value of the structure.
The first phase of the conservation and restoration project has a cost of ₹487.94 lakh and is being executed by the Public Works Department (R&B), Kashmir, under the Archives head. Work commenced in July 2025 and is expected to be completed by October 2026.
The scope of the project includes waterproof cement concrete works, wooden flooring, CGI sheets and painting, KhatamBand work, papier-mâché, chiselling of Devri, strengthening of roofing, ashlar stone work and Devri cornices. The Chief Minister was informed that roofing, wooden flooring inside the mosque and Khatam Band work have already been completed.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the major road-safety infrastructure project involving construction of flyovers at Parimpora and Shalteng Junctions on the Srinagar Bypass (NH-44).
The project, being executed under Road Safety Works on EPC mode, has an approximate total length of 2,000 metres, with elevated portions of 105 metres at Parimpora and 92 metres at Shalteng. The six-lane facility has a deck width of 14 metres for the specified carriageway arrangement and provides for approaches, service roads, drainage and utility corridors.
The estimated cost of the project is ₹85 crore with a project duration of 48 months. The Chief Minister was also briefed that strengthening of the truss has been completed.
At SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, Bemina, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of two major institutional buildings—the 250-bedded IPD Block and the College/Laboratory Block.
The 250-bedded IPD Block has an approved cost of ₹83.94 crore. The project has achieved 80 per cent physical progress and is targeted for completion by December 2026.
The College/Laboratory Block has an approved cost of ₹88.23 crore, The project has achieved 66 per cent physical progress and is targeted for completion by December 2027.
The Chief Minister also inspected the site of the new High Court Complex at Rakh-i-Aksha, Bemina, a comprehensive project having an approved cost of ₹908.20 crore.
The main building, comprising two basements, ground floor and six upper floors, will house courtrooms, Judges’ chambers and lounge, Bar rooms, meeting rooms and podium parking.
The proposed Western Block, comprising two basements, ground floor and five upper floors, will accommodate the judicial branch, Registrar chambers, library, lawyers’ chambers, cafeteria, medical branch, archives and podium parking. The Eastern Block, also comprising two basements, ground floor and five upper floors, will house the administration branch, Registrar chambers, meditation chamber, lawyers’ chambers, cafeteria, archives and podium parking. These two blocks are yet to be tendered.
The project also envisages, in Phase-II, a police constabulary, judicial block, guest house, auditorium and residential quarters. The overall complex is planned to provide 1,600 car-parking spaces, including 265 spaces in Podium-1 and 115 spaces in Podium-2 of the main building.
The Chief Minister subsequently inspected the site for the proposed Mominabad Vehicle Underpass (VUP), intended to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate seamless movement along the National Highway.
The proposed four-lane RCC T-Beam Slab type underpass will have a 22.50-metre main carriageway, service roads with paved shoulders on both sides, a one-kilometre total main-carriageway approach length and drainage/utility corridors. The viaduct will have a vertical clearance of 5.5 metres.
The Chief Minister also reviewed associated traffic infrastructure proposals, including the underpass at Nowgam Railway Station and the Foot Over Bridge at Children Hospital, Bemina. The Nowgam underpass will have a 25-metre main carriageway, service roads on both sides and a 5.5-metre vertical clearance, besides a 270-metre railway approach road. The proposed FOB at Children Hospital, Bemina, will have a length of 48.5 metres and width of 3.19 metres, with steel fabrication and staircases on both sides. Lift provision has also been envisaged for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and women.
The combined sanctioned amount for these works is ₹31.52 crore.
At Gindun Sports Complex, Rajbagh, the Chief Minister inspected the recently completed main swimming pool, a state-of-the-art aquatic facility aimed at promoting competitive swimming, diving and other aquatic sports in Jammu and Kashmir.
The project, which was initiated in 2014 and had remained languishing during 2019–20 due to paucity of funds, was subsequently revived. Completed in November 2025 and commissioned in July 2026, the facility has been developed at a cost of ₹20.60 crore.
The international-standard swimming facility has a 50-metre by 25-metre pool with 10 lanes, a maximum depth of 3.88 metres and minimum depth of 1.40 metres, along with 1-metre, 3-metre and 5-metre diving platforms. It includes gender-based changing rooms and washrooms, 50 storage lockers, seating capacity for 300 spectators, modern filtration, circulation and disinfection systems, lifeguard and pool management facilities, equipment storage, barrier-free access and fire-safety and emergency provisions.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the Training-cum-Toddler/All-Weather Heated Pool facility and inspected the newly completed Gymnastic Hall at Gindun, Rajbagh.
The gymnastic hall, measuring 110 feet by 70 feet and covering around 8,700 square feet, has been developed as a dedicated facility for gymnastics training and indoor sports activities. The project was initiated on June 19, 2023, at an advertised cost of ₹328.77 lakh, and was completed in July 2026.
Speaking after the tour, the Chief Minister described the extensive visit as a recognition of the importance of Srinagar and the need to give focused attention to both capital cities of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We are the only area in this country where there are two capitals—Srinagar in the summer and Jammu in the winter. It is obvious that both cities need to be given special attention. We left at 6:30 in the morning to inspect some important projects, and around 10–12 projects were reviewed in the city. Most of the projects are in good progress. We need to give a push to one or two of them,” he said.
He said that field visits provide an opportunity to assess the actual position of projects and compare it with the information available at the Secretariat.
“The benefit of these tours is that we get a chance to compare what is told in the Secretariat and the ground reality. I assure the people of Srinagar that similar projects will be taken up. The big bottlenecks will be corrected. We need to decongest Srinagar from traffic jams, for which some important steps have to be taken. In Shehar-e-Khaas, there is a huge problem of parking, and we will address and resolve that issue also,” the Chief Minister said.
During the tour, the Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Minister for Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Khanyar Ali Mohammad Sagar, MLA Habba Kadal Shamim Firdous, MLA Eidgah Mubarik Gul, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, MLA Chanapora Mushtaq Guroo and MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed.
Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services & Sports, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Director Health Services Kashmir, Engineer-in-Chief R&B, Secretary Sports Council, senior engineers of executing agencies and other concerned officers and officials also accompanied the Chief Minister during the tour.

Alpha News Service Kashmir

22/08/2026

21/08/2026

21/08/2026

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