Kashmir Dinbhar

Kashmir Dinbhar Kashmir Dinbhar is the online news portal which provides latest happenings in Jammu and Kashmir.

16/07/2025

Intermittent rains continue as J&K sees normal precipitation in 46 days

MeT predicts more wet spells, issues yellow, orange alerts till July 22; temperatures settle below normal across J&K

Srinagar, Jul 16 (KNO): The intermittent rains that continued throughout the day have brought the mercury down across Jammu and Kashmir, with the weatherman predicting more rains for the next week. However, the fresh spell of rain has brought the deficit rainfall to normal levels for the ongoing season.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)—the intermittent rains have lowered temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir, with Srinagar, the summer capital of the region, recording a maximum temperature of 21.0°C, which is 9.1°C below normal.

Qazigund, a gateway to Kashmir, recorded 20.2°C (7.8°C below normal); Pahalgam recorded 19.7°C (5.8°C below normal); Kupwara experienced a day temperature of 27.9°C (9.0°C below normal); Kokernag recorded 20.7°C (6.9°C below normal); and Gulmarg registered 15.0°C (6.2°C below normal).

Similarly, in Jammu division, the mercury has settled below normal, with Jammu city recording a maximum temperature of 30.6°C, which is 3.4°C below normal.

Banihal recorded 23.5°C (5.4°C below normal); Batote 22.0°C (4.6°C below normal); Katra 25.8°C (4.9°C below normal); and Bhaderwah 25.6°C (4.8°C below normal).

Meanwhile, the weatherman has predicted more rain over the next week, stating that amid cloudy weather conditions, there is a possibility of intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places, with intense showers at a few locations, including heavy to very heavy rain in isolated areas of J&K tomorrow.

Director of the Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said that light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at scattered to fairly widespread places from July 18 to 20.

He added that from July 21 to 23, generally cloudy weather is forecast with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places, with intense showers at a few locations, including heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places in J&K.

Moreover, the MeT has issued yellow and orange alerts for the region until 22 July.

According to the MeT, a yellow alert has been issued for the Kashmir region until July 22, while in Jammu, an orange alert has been issued until July 19, followed by a yellow alert for July 20. The orange alert will again be in place on July 21 and 22 for Jammu division.

Additionally, data prepared by the MeT indicates that the region has received normal precipitation from June 1 to July 16.

The data shows that J&K recorded 157 mm of rainfall against the normal of 159.4 mm during this period.

A total of nine stations, including Srinagar, recorded normal precipitation, while Udhampur, Reasi, and Samba experienced excess rainfall during this period.

However, five stations—including Anantnag, Budgam, Doda, Ganderbal, and Kulgam—recorded deficit rainfall over the past 46 days, varying from 20 to 59 per cent.

Kishtwar and Shopian are the two stations where a significant deficiency was recorded, ranging between 60 and 99 per cent.

Rajouri, however, was the only station to record large excess rainfall during the ongoing season.

Meanwhile, the MeT has issued an advisory indicating that there is a possibility of intense showers at a few places, with heavy to very heavy rain at isolated locations in J&K during July 16-17 and July 21-23, warning of flash floods at vulnerable sites, along with landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones—(KNO)

15/07/2025

7 dead, 17 injured in Doda accident

LG Sinha, CM Omar, others express grief over loss of lives

Doda, Jul 15 (KNO): Seven persons were killed and 17 were injured after a passenger vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Ponda area of hilly Doda district on Tuesday, officials said.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that an accident occurred when a tempo traveller (JK06-4847) skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge along the Doda–Barath road near Ponda.

The vehicle was carrying multiple passengers when it lost its control, resulting in the fatal road accident, the official said.

According to officials, 26 passengers were travelling in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Rescue operations were immediately launched by the local police and volunteers, with authorities rushing to the scene to assist in retrieving the victims and providing emergency medical aid.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Doda, Harvinder Singh told KNO that a total of seven persons were killed and 17 others were injured in the accident.

The bodies of the deceased have been handed over to their families for last rites after post-mortem and completion of legal formalities, while the injured are undergoing treatment at GMC Doda and Jammu, the official said.

The injured include Mohammad Rafi, son of Bashir Ahmad from Aul; Hakim, son of Gh. Mohd from Dhar; Ghulam Mohammad, son of Abdul Subhan from Aul; Abdul Qasim, son of Asdoo Wani from Aul; another individual named Mohd Rafi, son of Ghulam Mohammad from Aul; Abdul Rashid, son of Abdul Gani from Aul; Muzee-ur-Rehman, son of Shams Din Parray from Gundna; Sahil Farooq, son of Farooq Ahmed from Udyanpur; Saima Banoo, daughter of Lassa Naik from Aul; Shamima Begum, wife of Mohd Amin from Aul; Shamala Begum, wife of Amjad from Aul; Heena Banoo, daughter of Ghulam Malik from Aul; Aqib Hussain, son of Ghulam Mohd; Abdul Qayoom, son of Ghulam Wani from Aul; Shakoor Din, son of Asdullah Wani from Aul; Uzma, daughter of Amjad from Aul; and Kulsma, wife of Tariq Hussain from Aul.

Five of the deceased have been identified as Mohd Ashraf, son of Mohd Abdullah from Aul; Mangta, son of Gh. Wani from Aul; Atta Mohd, son of Gh. Mohd from Balidhar; Tariq Hussain, son of Abdul Jabbar; and Rafiqa Begum, wife of Abdul Latif, both residents of Aul. The identities of two others are yet to be ascertained.

Meanwhile, police have registered a case and started an investigation in this regard.

Moreover, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Democratic Progressive Azad Party president Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari have condoled the loss of lives in the tragic accident.

In a condolence message, the Lt Governor said: "Pained by the loss of lives due to the tragic road accident in Doda. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for a speedy recovery of the injured."

In a post on X, the Office of the CM wrote, “Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Doda that has claimed six lives and left several injured. The Chief Minister extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

“The administration has been directed to ensure immediate medical assistance and support to all affected,” the post reads.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said he spoke to Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh, upon receiving the information about the accident. "All possible help and medical aid are being provided. The DC is personally supervising the entire exercise and giving me regular updates. Any further assistance, as required, will also be provided," Singh said in a post on X. He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased—(KNO)

15/07/2025

120-bed block at Bone & Joint Hospital Barzulla inaugurated after missed deadlines

‘First hospital in J&K to feature pneumatic tube system’

Srinagar, Jul 15 (KNO): In a major boost to orthopaedic healthcare infrastructure in Kashmir, the long-awaited 120-bed block at the Bone and Joint Hospital, Barzulla, was finally inaugurated after missing multiple deadlines.

The hospital, which has remained the valley’s premier orthopaedic care centre, suffered extensive damage during the 2014 floods and a subsequent devastating fire in March 2022.

Despite these setbacks, the hospital continued to provide services to thousands of patients daily.

A senior health official informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the additional 120-bed block was constructed under the World Bank-funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP), specifically under the component Strengthening of Critical Infrastructure.

“The new G+5 building is earthquake-resilient and equipped with modular operation theatres, ICU, Pre and Post-Operative Care Units, a Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), Theatre Sterile Supply Unit (TSSU), specialised laundry, and a pneumatic tube system—the first of its kind in J&K,” he said.

The official added that the facility has been designed as per IGBC (India Green Building Council) norms and includes a biomedical waste management system capable of handling 140 kg per day. “It also features provisions for an STP and ETP to ensure scientific disposal of waste,” he said.

The pneumatic tube system, a hallmark of advanced hospital infrastructure globally, will allow rapid transport of medical supplies like blood samples and medicines between departments, thereby reducing delays and manual handling risks.

The project, executed by NPCC (National Projects Construction Corporation), has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 88.94 crore. According to officials, it incorporates modern healthcare design principles, including optimal space utilisation, patient well-being, environmental efficiency, and future scalability.

Doctors at the Bone and Joint Hospital expressed relief and optimism. “Since the 2022 fire incident, we’ve struggled to manage the patient rush with limited space. The new facility will ease that burden significantly,” a senior doctor said. He noted that the hospital’s OPD receives nearly 1,000 patients daily from across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

At the inauguration, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised the resilience of the hospital staff. “Despite being submerged during the 2014 floods and then suffering a fire in 2022, the hospital never stopped serving patients. This new block is a testament to that unwavering spirit,” he said.

He said that the hospital was inaugurated by Sher-i-Kashmir on May 15, 1982, just months before his death, making it one of the last projects associated with him.

Criticising previous administrations, he said, "They ruled for eight years in Kashmir before elections, what have they done?" He added, "We are not dependent on anyone except the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Don't underestimate us or take our politeness for weakness."

Health Minister Sakina Itoo, who also attended the event, said the new block will address the space crunch that plagued the hospital for years. “People from Kashmir and even parts of the Jammu division will now benefit from better and more spacious treatment facilities,” she said.

The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the post-disaster reconstruction of Kashmir’s healthcare infrastructure, offering hope and relief to both patients and healthcare professionals alike.

The event was attended by Dy CM Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, several MLAs and higher officials of the health and medical education department—(KNO)

15/07/2025

Kupwara woman dies after being hit by vehicle in Srinagar

Srinagar, July 15 (KNO): A woman died after being hit by a speeding vehicle in Bemina area of Srinagar on Tuesday, officials said.

An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the incident took place near the SDM office in Bemina when the woman was hit by the vehicle while crossing the road.

He said she was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, where doctors declared her dead on arrival.

The woman has been identified as Naseema Begum wife of Fayaz Ahmad of Kupwara. Police have taken cognisance of the matter—(KNO)

15/07/2025

3 school buildings damaged in fire in Kulgam

Kulgam, July 15 (KNO): At least three buildings of a government school were damaged in a midnight blaze in the Brinal area of Devsar in Kulgam district, officials said on Tuesday.

Zonal Educational Officer Devsar, Ghulam Nabi Dar, told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a fire broke out in the school late last night in which two buildings of GMC Dangerpora Brinal, and another old building were damaged.

The ZEO said the school has an enrollment of around 150 students, who are being shifted to the fourth building of the school until proper arrangements are made.

He said they have filed a complaint with the police, while cause of the fire is being ascertained—(KNO)

14/07/2025

Main entrances of valley hospitals remain choked by unregulated vendors, vehicles

Patients, doctors express concern over frequent traffic jams, ambulance delays; authorities urged to enforce strict regulations

Srinagar, Jul 14 (KNO): The main entrances of several hosptials, especially tertiary care ones in Kashmir, including SMHS, SKIMS, LD, and Bone and Joint Hospital, have turned into virtual choke points, with unregulated vendors, e-rickshaws, auto rickshaws, and street food sellers, crowding the gates, causing massive traffic jams and severely hampering emergency movement.

Despite repeated complaints from patients, doctors, and hospital staff, no effective action has been taken by the authorities to regulate the chaos.

“The entire entrance of SMHS remains jam-packed throughout the day. E-rickshaws are parked in double lines, auto drivers solicit passengers loudly, and masala roti sellers block parts of the road. This is a hospital, not a market,” Shazia Bano, a patient from Baramulla who visits SMHS regularly for treatment, said, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Emergency vehicles often find it impossible to reach hospital gates without delays. Ambulance drivers say that even critical cases are forced to wait outside the gates for clearance.

“We waste precious minutes honking and requesting vendors and auto drivers to move aside. In cases of cardiac arrests or trauma injuries, even a few minutes can cost lives,” said Fayaz Ahmad, an ambulance driver posted at SMHS.

Doctors, too, expressed frustration over the persistent problem. “There have been instances where we were unable to enter the hospital quickly due to the blocked gates. It hampers timely care and causes unnecessary distress to staff and patients alike,” said a senior surgeon at SMHS Srinagar.

The problem isn't limited to just one hospital. The main entrance of LD Hospital in Srinagar witnesses constant chaos, with masala roti stalls drawing huge crowds, spilling onto the road. E-rickshaws, autos and even other vehicles often remain parked haphazardly, leaving barely any space for movement.

Rubeena Jan, a pregnant woman from Anantnag visiting LD, said, “I had to get down far from the hospital gate and walk all the way through a crowd of vendors and autos while in pain. It was very distressing.”

However, the patients and doctors said they are not against anyone, but proper regulation is a must, especially on gates.

Health officials admit the issue but say enforcement is a challenge. “We have written to the local authorities multiple times seeking regulation of traffic and removal of unauthorised vendors outside hospital gates. It poses a serious threat to emergency services,” they said.

Patients, attendants and health officials have urged concerned authorities to step in urgently and include dedicated no-vending zones near hospital gates, regulated parking for autos and e-rickshaws, and strict enforcement of movement corridors for ambulances.

“Healthcare centres must be treated as sanctuaries for the sick, not commercial hubs. The situation is unacceptable,” they said.

Unless swift action is taken, the growing encroachment threatens to turn vital healthcare centres into daily battle zones—for space, safety, and life, they added—(KNO)

14/07/2025

Fresh rains bring mercury down; MeT predicts flash floods

Forecasts rain, thundershowers till July 17; issues yellow, orange alerts

Srinagar, Jul 14 (KNO): After a recent rise in maximum temperatures, the mercury has once again plummeted across the valley, with several parts recording rainfall on Monday. The weather department here has predicted continued wet weather until 17 July.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the recent rains further lowered temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir.

Yellow and Orange alerts have been issued for J&K for the next week. “For Jammu division, an Orange alert has been issued. There is a possibility of isolated heavy rains, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds until 16 July,” the details reveal. A Yellow alert has been issued for the division from 18 to 20 July.

The Yellow alert has also been issued for the Kashmir division for the next seven days.

Director of the Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, told KNO that generally cloudy weather is expected, with the possibility of intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places, with intense showers and heavy rain at a few locations until 17 July.

He said that fresh spells of rain and thundershowers are expected at scattered places from 18 to 21 July.

Moreover, the MeT has issued an advisory saying that there is a possibility of intense showers at a few places in J&K, with heavy rain expected at isolated locations in Jammu division from July 14 to 17.

It added that flash floods are expected at vulnerable sites, along with landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones.

Meanwhile, the Srinagar district administration has issued a weather advisory in view of the forecast of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds from 14 July (today) to 17 July across parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar.

Officials have advised residents, especially those living near the Jhelum River, its tributaries, and nearby streams, to stay away from water bodies during this period.

The advisory issued by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Office of the District Magistrate Srinagar, states that in light of the forecast of heavy rain and thunderstorms with strong winds, tourists, Shikara riders, sand extractors, and boat operators are advised to avoid travel on Dal Lake, the Jhelum River, and other water bodies until weather conditions improve.

It has urged people to remain alert and follow safety instructions. In case of emergencies or queries, the public can contact the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC), the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), or the Police Control Room.

The important helpline numbers are: 0194-2457543 / 0194-2483651 / 0194-2457552; 9103998355 / 9103998356 / 9103998357; 112; and 0194-2477567—(KNO)

14/07/2025

Third Body of Khanyar Man Recovered in Gantmulla Jhelum Tragedy

Baramulla, July 14 (JKNS): The rescue teams on Monday recovered the third and final body from the tragic Gantmulla drowning incident that occurred on Sunday in River Jhelum near the NHPC canal stretch in Boniyar area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

Officials told news agency JKNS that the body of Haji Mehnaz Rashid Shah, a 40-year-old resident of Khanyar, Srinagar, was retrieved this morning after an intense multi-agency search operation.

Shah was among the three family members swept away by strong river currents while attempting to rescue two children who had slipped into the water during a picnic. One person was rescued on the same day, while the bodies of two minors, including Ahmad Bin Khalid of Hyderpora and another child from Narkara Budgam were recovered earlier.

The rescue operation, now concluded, involved teams from SDRF Baramulla, Civil Defence Uri, J&K Police, and local volunteers, who continued efforts for over 36 hours to locate all victims.

SHO Boniyar confirmed the retrieval of the last missing body and said medico-legal formalities were being completed before handing it over to the family. The incident has sent shockwaves across the region, triggering appeals for heightened public awareness and caution during visits to water bodies. (JKNS)

14/07/2025

J&K ex deputy CM Kavinder Gupta appointed new Lt Governor Ladakh

Srinagar, July 14 (KNO): Former Jammu and Kashmir deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Kavinder Gupta has been appointed as the new Lt Governor of Ladakh.

In a press communique issued to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Gupta has been appointed the new Lt Governor following the resignation of Brig. (Dr) B D Mishra (Retd.) as LG Ladakh.

"The President of India has accepted the resignation of Brig. (Dr) B D Mishra (Retd.) as Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Ladakh. Kavinder Gupta has been appointed as new Lieutenant Governor," reads he communique—(KNO)

13/07/2025

Uri: Minor drowns, 2 persons missing, one rescued as family outing turns tragic

Uri, Jul 13(GNS): A 13-year-old boy died, two people are missing and another was rescued after an outing near canal here turned tragic for a family on Sunday.

Reports said that four persons slipped in Water Canal of Lower Jhelum Hydroelectric Project, a power project located on the Jhelum River near Uri in Baramulla.

Soon after the incident, eyewitnesses told GNS that a massive operation was launched, successfully rescuing one person while body of another was fished out near Bimyar. When this report was filed, efforts by rescuers including SDRF and Police besides locals were underway to trace two missing persons, one of them a 13-year-old and other a 30-year-old, both residents of Srinagar.

The deceased has been identified as Ibrahim Bin Showkat, 13, son of Showkat Ali Shah of Narkara Budgam. The person rescued has been identified as Syed Mohd Ilyas Geelani, 31, son of M***i Abdul Rahim Geelani of Towheedgunj Baramulla.

Officials told GNS that he was shifted to PHC Sheeri and his condition is stated to be stable.

Two missing persons have been identified as Mehnaz Rasheed Shah, 30, son of Abdul Rasheed Shah of Khanyar Sringar and Ahmad bin Khalid, 13, son of Khalid Mehraj Shah of Hyderpora Srinagar.(GNS)

12/07/2025

Sanat Nagar flyover ‘likely to open by August 2025’

R&B officials say power line hurdle resolved

Srinagar, Jul 12 (KNO): The much-delayed Sanat Nagar flyover—considered the final critical bridge along the Srinagar Bypass, is now expected to be completed and opened for the traffic by the end of August, senior officials in the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department here said.

Officials in the R&B department told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the construction had earlier slowed down due to a 132 KV high-tension electricity line that passed directly above the under-construction structure.

They said the power line posed a major safety concern and required realignment, delaying progress for months.

An R&B official told KNO that the issue has finally been resolved. “The power line hurdle has been cleared and amendment work is underway. We are aiming to make the bridge operational by August this year,” the official said.

The official added a new tower has been constructed for line realignment after land acquisition and foundation work were completed in coordination with Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL).

Meanwhile, the flyover is part of the National Highway Authority of India’s (NHAI) broader plan to decongest traffic at Bemina, Sanat Nagar and Nowgam by constructing three flyovers along a 3.23-kilometre stretch on NH-44.

Moreover, while the Bemina and Nowgam flyovers are already functional, the Sanat Nagar section was held up due to prolonged utility clearance.

Daily commuters say the delay has only worsened traffic congestion. “Every day there are long traffic jams at Sanat Nagar. We have waited long enough. It is time the flyover is finished,” said Zubair Ahmad, a commuter from Natipora.

The locals hoped that the flyover would finally ease the pressure on this key intersection. “Once it is completed, travel time from Barzulla to Nowgam will improve significantly,” said Tahoor Wani, a local from Baghat.

Notably, with the amendment work underway and key technical hurdles resolved, officials say the city’s last pending important bypass flyover is finally on track for completion—(KNO)

12/07/2025

School timing revised after consultations with all stakeholders: Sakina Itoo

Srinagar, July 12 (KNO): Education minister Sakina Itoo Saturday said that the government decided to revised the school timing following consultations with the concerned stakeholders.

Speaking to reporters, the minister, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the government sought feedback and suggestions from the directors of both regions and secretary of school education department regarding the change in school timing.

She said keeping in view the change in weather and suggestions from the relevant stakeholders they have decide to revise the school timing.

“There was no possibility of extending the summer break for schools in Kashmir despite demand from various stakeholders. We had already closed schools for many days recently. If summer break had been extended further, the syllabus could not have been completed,” she said—(KNO)

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