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Here is a select list of stories to start the day
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Srinagar, Aug 03: A crucial scientific study has raised serious concerns over the health of Kashmir's agricultural soils, revealing widespread contamination by toxic metals and a parallel decline in essential micronutrients in one of the Valley's most productive farming regions. The findings that researchers say could have far-reaching implications for food safety, agricultural productivity, livestock health and public health. The study, published in the Scientific Reportsa peer-reviewed journal of the Nature Portfolioand led by Geological Survey of India scientist Ishfaq Ahmad Mir, analysed 200 topsoil samples collected from nearly 800 square kilometres of the Bandipora and Ganderbal districts, encompassing paddy fields, apple orchards, grazing lands and forest fringes. The findings paint a troubling picture. While the soils remain naturally rich in iron, researchers found alarmingly high concentrations of arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V), with contamination levels exceeding internationally accepted thresholds across large parts of the study area. At the same time, several locations were found to be deficient in copper (Cu), nickel and zinc (Zn)micronutrients essential for crop growth, livestock development and human nutrition. 93 per cent of the samples exceeded the toxicity threshold for arsenic, 88 per cent for chromium, 81 per cent for vanadium and 17 per cent for nickel. Nearly one-third also recorded elevated cobalt concentrations, the study reads. Researchers say this combination of toxic contamination and nutrient depletion is particularly worrying because it not only reduces soil fertility and crop productivity but also increases the likelihood of harmful metals being absorbed by crops and entering the food chain. The analysis recorded average concentrations of iron at 44,759 mg/kg, chromium 120 mg/kg, vanadium 114 mg/kg, zinc 89 mg/kg, nickel 44 mg/kg, copper 33 mg/kg, lead 23 mg/kg, cobalt 19 mg/kg and arsenic 11 mg/kg. Although lead and zinc generally remained within permissible limits, the study found that around 8 per cent of samples were deficient in zinc, while copper and nickel deficiencies occurred in 3 per cent each. These micronutrients are indispensable for plant metabolism, disease resistance, grain formation and livestock health. The researchers observed that soils developed over carbonate rocks, particularly in parts of Ganderbal district, were naturally deficient in copper, nickel and zinc, making them less productive unless supplemented with appropriate nutrients. In contrast, basalt-derived soils contained higher concentrations of beneficial micronutrients but also exhibited elevated levels of toxic elements. The study identifies human activity as a key driver of soil contamination. Intensive use of arsenic-bearing pesticides and phosphate fertilisers in orchards and agricultural fields, emissions from vehicles and farm machinery, construction associated with hydropower projects, fossil fuel combustion and poor waste management have all contributed to rising concentrations of hazardous elements. Higher arsenic concentrations were detected in intensively cultivated agricultural areas where pesticides are extensively used, while elevated lead levels were recorded near the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project, pointing to possible construction-related pollution. Zinc enrichment was also linked to intensive farming practices involving fertilisers and pesticides. Using internationally recognised pollution assessment methods, the researchers identified arsenic as the most significant contaminant in the region. An integrated Toxic Risk Index showed that only about five per cent of the sampled sites posed no toxic risk. Nearly 63.5 per cent fell into the low-risk category, while 31.5 per cent were classified as posing a moderate toxic risk. The highest contamination levels were concentrated around agricultural fields, human settlements and hydropower project sites, whereas forests, grazing lands and wastelands generally recorded lower pollution levels. Bandipora emerged as more vulnerable than Ganderbal, particularly in its northern and western areas. The study warns that prolonged exposure to these toxic elements could have serious health consequences. Arsenic is a recognised human carcinogen linked to several forms of cancer and organ damage. Chromium exposure has been associated with neurological disorders and cancer, while excessive nickel can trigger allergies, respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular disease. High concentrations of vanadium may impair plant growth and are associated with lung, neurological and cardiovascular disorders in humans, reads the research. Toxic elements accumulated in soils can be absorbed by crops, transferred into food and fodder and gradually bioaccumulate in humans and livestock, creating long-term public health risks. Equally alarming, the study highlights a growing micronutrient crisis. Copper deficiency weakens plant immunity and lowers crop productivity, zinc deficiency reduces crop quality and contributes to nutritional disorders, while nickelrequired only in trace quantitiesis essential for nitrogen metabolism and healthy grain development. The researchers note that micronutrient deficiencies already contribute to hidden hunger, a global public health challenge affecting more than two billion people. To reverse the trend, the study recommends reducing dependence on synthetic agrochemicals and promoting sustainable farming through organic manures, compost, biochar, micronutrient-enriched fertilisers, eggshell meal and bone meal. It also suggests applying finely crushed basalt rock as a natural source of essential minerals to replenish depleted soils.
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1st IFFJK : Dir Info calls for meticulous planning
Srinagar, Aug 03: Director Information, ShreyaSinghal on Mondaychaired a review meeting at MediaComplexto take stock of preparations for the forthcoming 1st International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir(IFFJK), directingall officers to ensure fool-proof arrangements and seamless coordination among stakeholders for the successful conduct of the prestigious event. The meeting was attended by Joint Director Information (Hqr) Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Raina, Joint Director Information Kashmir Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Joint Director Information Jammu Deepak Dubey, Deputy Directors, District Information Officers, Information Officers, and other officials of the department, either in person or through video conferencing. During the meeting, the Directorconducted a comprehensive review ofarrangements being put in place for the festival, including venue management, delegate facilitation, hospitality, media management, transportation, cultural programmes, technical support, logistics, and other allied arrangements. She stressed that all preparationsshouldbe completed well within stipulated timelines, leaving no scope for lapses. Emphasising that the inaugural edition marks a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's cultural and cinematic landscape, Shreya Singhal said the event will provide a global platform to showcase the region's rich heritage, scenic splendour, artistic excellence, and immense potential as a preferred destination for film production and creative collaborations. The Director Information directed all officers and committees to maintain close coordination and ensure effective synergy among departments and agencies associated with the festival. Meticulous planning, prompt execution, and continuous monitoring of preparations are essential for organizing the event in a smooth, professional, and befitting manner, she maintained. She alsolaid emphasis onrobust media and publicity arrangements to ensure extensive outreach and wider visibility at national and international levels. The 1st IFFJK is slated to be held from September 7 to September 10, 2026, guided by the theme 'Rang-e-Cinema'. The festival has received an overwhelming response, with more than 1,100 film entries received from around 50 countries under categories including International Competition, Short Film, Bharat Panorama, and J&K Select. The festival has also received a tremendous response from filmmakers of Jammu and Kashmir, providing budding filmmakers, artists, and others associated with the cinematic world a big platform to showcase their work and talent. The Directorreiterated the commitment of DIPRto host the festival to the highest professional standards, making it a landmark celebration of cinema that reflects the cultural vibrancy, creative aspirations, and growing global profile of Jammu and Kashmir.
Rs 322 cr lost to bank fraud in J&K in 3 yrs
Srinagar, Aug 03: A total of 868 bank fraudcaseswere reported in Jammu and Kashmir over the last three financialyears, involving Rs 322.31 crore, of whichonly Rs 12.8 crore, about 4 per cent, has been recovered so far, according to Reserve Bank of India data tabled by the Ministry of Finance in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The data was given in response to an unstarred question by MP G M Harish Balayogi on recovery and refund of defrauded amounts. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary gave the reply, citing fraud data reported by Scheduled CommercialBanks, excluding Regional Rural Banks,and All India Financial Institutions. Year-wise, J&K recorded 467 fraud cases involving Rs 47.55 crore in FY 2023-24, of which Rs 3.23 crore was recovered. In FY 2024-25, the number fell to 298 cases, though the amount involved rose to Rs 81.27 crore, with Rs 2.65 crore recovered. In FY 2025-26 so far, cases fell further to 103, but the amount involved jumped sharply to Rs 193.49 crore, with Rs 6.92 crore recovered. Fewer cases, bigger sums The data points to a clear trend in J&K: even as the number of fraud cases nearly halved between FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25, and halved again in FY 2025-26, the amount of money involved rose more than four-fold over the same period, from Rs 47.55 crore to Rs 193.49 crore. This suggests a shift towards fewer but significantly larger-value fraud cases. Recovery remains low Across all three years, the recovery rate in J&K stayed under 7 per cent, and worked out to under 4 per cent cumulatively, Rs 12.8 crore recovered against Rs 322.31 crore involved. The ministry noted that the RBI does not maintain separate category-wise data on amounts frozen and refunded to victims, only the amounts recovered by banks through their own recovery mechanisms. How recovery works The government said there are no fixed timelines forrecovery ofdefrauded amounts, given the complexity and multiplicity of agencies, tribunals and courts involved in individual cases. Banks pursue recovery through civil suits, Debt Recovery Tribunals, action under the SARFAESI Act, and insolvency proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal. For cyber-enabled financial fraud specifically, the ministry pointed to the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, which operates the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and helpline 1930. Complaints filedtheirfeed into the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), which links State and UT police directly with banks to trace and freeze defrauded funds in real time, before routing recovered money back to victims through the Money Restoration Module (MRM). Other measures cited The government also cited the Central Fraud Registry set up by the RBI for early identification of fraud risk, the AI-based MuleHunter tool to detect money mule accounts, and the newly incorporated Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC) to detect and analyse fraud in the digital payments ecosystem in real time using AI, machine learning and big data analytics. Revised RBI directions issued on June 24, 2026, were also cited as limiting customer liability in unauthorised electronic banking transactions.
IGP Kmr calls for heightened vigilance
Srinagar, Aug 03: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi on Monday chaired a security review meeting here in view of forthcoming events to assess the prevailing security scenario and strengthen the overall security framework across the Valley. The meeting was attended by IG BSF Ftr. Hqrs, IG CRPF KOS, IG CRPF Srinagar, Additional Commissioner SB Srinagar, DIG SSB Srinagar, DIG CID Kashmir, all range DIGs of Kashmir Zone, DIG Traffic Kashmir, DIG IR/Armed Kashmir, DIG ITBP Srinagar, DIG RPF Kashmir, DIGs of CRPF South/North Srinagar, SSP PCR Kashmir, all district SSPs of Kashmir Zone, SSPs of Railways Kashmir, Traffic Rural Kashmir, CID SB (K), APCR Srinagar, CID CI (K), Security Kashmir, Asstt. Director SIB Srinagar, SP Cargo, GSO (I) 15 Corps, and other senior officers, a police spokesperson said in a statement issued here. At the outset, participating officers briefed the IGP Kashmir on the prevailing security situation in their respective jurisdictions. A detailed review of recent security developments, emerging challenges, and measures adopted to effectively counter them was carried out during the meeting. Emphasising the need for sustained preparedness, Birdi directed all officers to continuously review and strengthen existing security arrangements and devise robust counter-insurgency strategies. He stressed the importance of seamless coordination among all security agencies for maintaining a proactive and effective security grid. The IGP reviewed security measures in place for the protection of National Highways, railway tracks, and railway stations across the Valley. He directed officers to further strengthen security deployments and checkpoints by placing dynamic nakas and enhanced foot patrolling, particularly during night hours, at vulnerable locations and along inter-district boundaries. The Kashmir Police chief laid special emphasis on ensuring the safety and security of critical infrastructure and other vulnerable sections, directing officers to take all necessary preventive measures, intensify area domination, and maintain close surveillance in sensitive areas to thwart any attempt aimed at disturbing peace or targeting civilians. He instructed district heads to maintain strict vigilance against anti-national and anti-social elements, enhance intelligence-based operations, and closely monitor social media platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation, rumours, and malicious content that could adversely impact public peace, safety, and communal harmony. The meeting concluded with the resolve to ensure heightened vigilance, improved coordination, and effective implementation of security measures to maintain peace and safety across the Valley.
Yatra continues from Baltal; Pahalgam route closed
Srinagar, Aug 03: The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra continued smoothly from the Baltal axis on Monday as thousands of pilgrims made their way towards the holy cave shrine amid tight security and elaborate arrangements by the administration and security agencies. Official sources said that more than 4.40 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine since the commencement of the annual pilgrimage, reflecting the steady influx of devotees from across the country. However, the traditional Pahalgam axiscontinues to remainclosed as restoration and repair work on the damaged track is underway following recent weather-related disruptions. As a result, the yatra is presentlybeingconducted through the Baltal route, where authorities have ensured uninterrupted movement of pilgrims. According to official figures, 7,060 yatris crossed the Domail Access Control Gate up to 6:00 am on August 3. The pilgrims included 5,283 men, 1,322 women, 106 children, 31 sadhus, 13 sadhvis, five transgender pilgrims and 300 security personnel, all of whom proceeded towards the holy cave under regulated movement and strict security arrangements. Meanwhile, the pilgrimage also continued from the Jammu base camp. Officials said the 26th batch comprising 1,056 pilgrims departed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas for the Baltal base camp in 46 escorted vehicles at around 2:50 am on Monday. The batch included 832 men, 205 women, two children, 15 sadhus and two sadhvis. The convoy was escorted under multi-layered security arrangements to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims towards Baltal. Authorities said all essential facilities, including medical assistance, sanitation, traffic management and emergency response systems, remain in place, while continuous monitoring of weather conditions and route safety isbeingcarried out to ensure the smooth conduct of the ongoing pilgrimage.
CM Omar to lead 80th Independence Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium
Srinagar, Aug 03:Ahead of the 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, the Jammu and Kashmir government has finalised arrangements for the celebrations, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah set to preside over the main function at Srinagar's Bakshi Stadium and take the salute. According to an official order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), J&K, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary will lead the celebrations at the Jammu district headquarters. Minister for Health and Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and SocialWelfare Minister,Sakeena Masood (Itoo) will preside over the function in Anantnag,whileJal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and TribalAffairs MinisterJaved Ahmed Rana will take the salute in Poonch. Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments Minister Javid Ahmad Dar will lead the celebratory function in Baramulla, whereas Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science and Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports and ARI & Trainings Minister Satish Sharmawill preside over the celebrations in Kathua. Chief Minister'sAdvisor Nasir Aslam Wani will take the salute at the district-level function in Kupwara. Meanwhile, the respective Deputy Commissioners will preside over Independence Day functions in the remaining district headquarters. At the sub-divisional level, the celebrations will be led by the respective Sub-Divisional Magistrates, while Tehsildars or the senior-most civil officers will preside over functions at tehsil, block and municipal headquarters as decided by the concerned Deputy Commissioners.
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Four back-to-back cloudbursts hit Kashmir
Srinagar, Aug 03: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed one of its most turbulent weather days of the season on Monday as four cloudbursts struck different parts of Kashmir within hours, triggering flash floods, damaging infrastructure and prompting meteorological experts to issue a fresh warning of more isolated cloudbursts, landslides and flash floods in the coming days. The cloudbursts were reported from the Chachmarg area ofShopian district,Batkoot area of Pahalgam in Anantnag district, the Gorihajin area of Arin-Dardpora in Bandipora district and Warnow in the Lolab valley of Kupwara district, highlighting the widespread impact of the active monsoon system across the Valley. The first incident was reported from Chachmarg, an area of Shopian,whenflash floods triggered by the cloudburst created panic as water entered several villages, including orchards amid intense rainfall. The second incidentwas recorded fromBatkoot, where an intense spell of rainfallcausedWardbal Nallah and several adjoining streams to overflow within minutes. The sudden runoff led to a sharp rise in the water level of the Lidder River, raising concerns among residents and authorities. Soon after, the third cloudburst hit Gorihajin in north Kashmir's Bandipora district. Officials rushed revenue and disaster management teams to the area to assess losses and monitor vulnerable habitations. The fourth cloudburst struck Warnow in Lolab, Kupwara, where local streams swelled suddenly following intense rainfall. Officials said a woman was believed to have been swept away in the flash flood and is feared dead. Search and rescue teams continued operations till late evening to trace the missing woman. Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif said rapid cloud development was observed over the Jammu plains during the afternoon before the weather system expanded towards several parts of J&K. Rain and thundershowers are expected across many parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Jammu region, over the next 12 hours. Localised high-intensity rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides and isolated cloudburst events in vulnerable areas, Arif said. Explaining the Batkoot cloudburst, Arif said the hydrological behaviour clearly indicated an intense, localised weather event. Wardbal Nallah and several nearby streams overflowed within a very short span of time following an intense spell of rainfall. As a result, the water level in the Lidder Nallah rose by several feet in just two hours. Interestingly, water levels in the Sheshnag Nallah and the Aru Valley remained largely under control. The sharp rise in the Lidder, despite its main upstream tributaries remaining near normal, confirms that an extremely intense, localised cloudburst occurred over the midway forested catchment near Batkoot, rapidly feeding runoff into the river, he said. Even as the cloudbursts struck, high-intensity rainfall triggered flash floods across several villages in Shopian district, where overflowing streams and nallahs inundated roads, residential areas and agricultural land. Water entered several houses in low-lying areas, while local authorities launched damage assessment exercises. No casualties were reported from the district till the filing of this report. Director Meteorological Centre Ladakh, Sonam Lotus, said the prevailing weather system over Jammu and Kashmir remains highly active due to abundant monsoon moisture interacting with the Himalayan terrain. The atmosphere is conducive for moderate to heavy rainfall at many places, with isolated spells of very heavy rain. Such intense spells can trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and, at isolated locations, cloudburst-like situations, particularly in vulnerable mountainous areas, Lotus told Rising Kashmir. He urged people living near rivers, streams, nallahs and landslide-prone slopes to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall. The impact of the active monsoon extended beyond Kashmir into Ladakh, where heavy rainfall triggered a major flash flood in Gund Nallah at Hardass village, causing extensive damage to private property, agricultural land, standing crops, fruit-bearing trees and local infrastructure. Officials said preliminary reports indicated no loss of human life in Hardass. Field surveys are underway and a detailed damage assessment will be prepared after inspections are completed. Another flash flood was also reported from Tumail village in the Sodh area of Ladakh, where officials are collecting information on the extent of damage. Residents in both villages have been advised to remain alert and avoid flood-prone areas until the weather stabilises. Strong winds also caused damage in the Bakura area of central Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Monday evening. Officials said powerful gusts blew off the rooftop of a residential house and damaged an electric pole, disrupting power supply in the locality. No injuries were reported, while restoration work was taken up by the concerned departments. Meanwhile, the aftermath of recent floods continued to affect the Jammu region. The Deputy Commissioner's Office in Rajouri, which sustained damage during recent flash floods, has been declared structurally unsafe. Officials have shifted the office to a new location to ensure uninterrupted public services while restoration and safety assessments are carried out. The latest weather events come against the backdrop of an unusually active monsoon season in Jammu and Kashmir. After recording a 32 percent precipitation deficit till May 30, the Union Territory has witnessed a remarkable turnaround due to sustained monsoon activity and is now recording an overall rainfall surplus of 23 per cent. According to official figures, 30 cloudburst incidents have been reported across Jammu and Kashmir since June 1, with the latest three reported on Monday from Pahalgam, Bandipora and Kupwara. Most incidents have occurred in the Pir Panjal belt and parts of the Jammu region, triggering flash floods, landslides and widespread damage to roads, bridges, houses, agricultural land and public infrastructure. Srinagar-Jammu highway closed A traffic official said that due to mudslides amid intense rainfall, the Jammu-Srinagar highway was closedfor the traffic on both sides while restoration work was going on.If weather improves, traffic may be restored on the highway on Tuesday, he said. SSG Road reopened within 50 minutes after landslide A landslide at Sarbal Nallah in the Sonamarg area of central Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Monday briefly disrupted traffic on the SrinagarSonamargGumri (SSG) Road and the Sarbal Road, prompting authorities to suspend vehicular movement as a precaution. Officials said the landslide blocked both the SSG Road and the Sarbal Road, following which traffic was immediately halted at the Traffic Control Point (TCP) Sonamarg. The Beacon authorities were informed, and restoration work was launched without delay. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Traffic Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Beacon authorities, ITBP and other concerned agencies, debris was cleared swiftly, and the SSGRoad wasreopened for traffic movement within just 50 minutes. Officials confirmed that the SarbalSonamarg road has also been restored and traffic is now plying smoothly on the affected stretch. Authorities have advised commuters to drive cautiously while passing through landslide-prone areas, as weather conditions may trigger fresh slides in vulnerable locations. Traffic officials continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safe movement of vehicles. With inputs from Umar Raina
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JKAS candidates urge Govt to restore 37-year age cap
Srinagar, Aug 03: Aspirants preparing for the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Examination, conducted for recruitment to the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service and allied services, have renewed their demand for the permanent restoration of the upper age limit for Open Merit candidates to 37 years. In a representation issued on Monday, the JKCCE (JKAS) Aspirants Community urged the J&K Government to revise the existing upper age limit of 32 years, calling it an administrative anomaly that places aspirants from the Union Territory at a disadvantage compared with candidates in several other states. The aspirants said J&K continues to face high unemployment and argued that increasing the age limit would provide deserving candidates with a fair chance to compete for government jobs. They also sought the removal of restrictions on the number of attempts, stating that it would bring the recruitment framework in line with many other states. The community pointed to irregular recruitment cycles, particularly the absence of examinations in 2019 and 2020, claiming that many eligible candidates lost opportunities through no fault of their own. They also noted that the upper age limit was reduced from 37 years to 32 years in 2018, while subsequent one time relaxations reflected the need for a permanent policy change. Appealing to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the J&K Administration, the aspirants urged the government to permanently restore the Open Merit upper age limit to at least 37 years, with corresponding relaxation for reserved categories. They said such a decision would ensure fairness, provide certainty to thousands of aspirants, and align J&K's recruitment policy with broader national practices.
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Centre skips J&K under museum grant scheme
Srinagar, Aug 3: Jammu and Kashmir did not receive any financial assistance under the Union Ministry of Cultures Museum Grant Scheme during the last five years, even as neighbouring Leh was sanctioned over Rs 4.35 crore for setting up a new museum, according to information tabled in the Lok Sabha. The details were shared by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha on Monday regarding grants provided for the establishment, development, conservation and digitisation of museums across the country. The annexure accompanying the reply lists grants sanctioned to museums in several states and Union Territories between 2021-22 and 2025-26. However, no museum from Jammu and Kashmir figures in the list of beneficiaries. In contrast, the Deskid Cultural and Welfare Society, Deskid Gonpa, Leh was sanctioned Rs 435.04 lakh (Rs 4.35 crore) for setting up a new museum under the Museum Grant Scheme. Of the sanctioned amount, Rs 108.76 lakh was released during 2022-23 and Rs 87.01 lakh during 2025-26, while the utilisation reported stands at Rs 413.29 lakh. According to the Ministry, financial assistance under the Museum Grant Scheme is provided for establishing new museums, developing existing museums, digitising museum collections, setting up virtual museums and training museum professionals. Eligible institutions include museums managed by Central and State governments, autonomous bodies, public sector undertakings, local bodies, academic institutions, societies and trusts. The Ministry said grants are sanctioned based on the category of proposals received under the scheme. Under the existing guidelines, assistance for setting up new museums ranges up to Rs 15 crore for Category-I projects, while development of existing museums can receive assistance of up to Rs 8 crore, depending on the category. Separate provisions also exist for digitisation of museum collections and other components. The reply also stated that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) continues to undertake preservation, modernisation and infrastructure upgrades of its site museums, subject to availability of resources, including digitisation of collections, improved visitor facilities and adoption of digital technologies.
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J&K sees growth in KCC accounts amid nationwide fall
Srinagar, Aug 3: Jammu and Kashmir has registered a steady increase in the number of operative Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts over the past three years, even as the overall number of such accounts declined across the country, according to data tabled by the Union Government in the Lok Sabha. The figures, presented by the Ministry of Finance in response to an Unstarred Question raised by MP Mala Roy, show that Jammu and Kashmir had 11,17,490 operative KCC accounts in 2025-26, up from 10,66,887 in 2023-24. The number had risen to 11,13,136 in 2024-25 before increasing further in 2025-26. The data indicates that the Union Territory recorded an overall increase of 50,603 operative KCC accounts during the three-year period, reflecting continued expansion in institutional credit coverage for farmers. In contrast, Ladakh witnessed a marginal decline in operative KCC accounts. The number stood at 28,228 in 2023-24, fell slightly to 28,134 in 2024-25, and further dipped to 28,005 in 2025-26. At the national level, however, the total number of operative KCC accounts declined significantly. According to the figures compiled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), operative KCC accounts decreased from 7,75,04,234 in 2023-24 to 7,72,10,538 in 2024-25, and further to 7,28,27,884 in 2025-26, marking a decline of nearly 47 lakh accounts over the period. Replying to the question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said the Kisan Credit Card is a demand-driven scheme that provides timely and affordable credit through the banking system to all eligible farmers engaged in agriculture and allied activities. He said the credit limit under the scheme is determined on the basis of the scale of finance, area under cultivation, cropping pattern, and other related requirements. As reported by RBI and NABARD, the total number of operative KCC accounts as on March 31, 2026, was 7.28 crore, the minister informed the House.
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New Delhi
Digital healthcare gains pace with JK SEHAT App
Srinagar, Aug 3: The JK SEHAT App, developed by the Health & Medical Education Department, government of Jammu and Kashmir, has emerged as a unified digital platform for providing citizen-centric healthcare services across the Union Territory. It has emerged as a One stop healthcare solution for J&K citizens. The App supports the vision of accessible, transparent and technology-enabled healthcare by bringing multiple health services together on a single platform. It also complements the objectives of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) by integrating key digital health services for the benefit of citizens. The JK SEHAT App offers a comprehensive range of digital healthcare services through a single platform. The citizens can book online appointments in public hospitals, generate digital OPD tokens through the Scan & Share service, access tele-consultation and home healthcare services, place medicine orders through registered pharmacies and view their digital health records through ABDM-enabled services. The App also provides access to blood bank information, ambulance services (102 and 108), health helpline, AI chatbot, health insurance information, drug store services, immunization centres and de-addiction centres among other health care services. In addition, dedicated facilities for medical students, including course information, access to medical resources and references are available on the application making the JKSEHAT Appa comprehensive digital health platform for the citizens and healthcare stakeholders across Jammu and Kashmir. The people are availing health services across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with 15.60 lakh citizens registered on the platform. The ABDM-enabled Scan & Share service has facilitated more than 12.37 lakh digital-online OPD tokens being generated, indicating its increasing use by citizens for hassle-free OPD registration. A total of 3,077 healthcare professionals are registered in the App to provide Home Healthcare and Tele-Consultation services resulting in 4,805 services already delivered. The above-mentioned public centric services have exponentially improved due to sustained monitoring, periodic reviews and timely gap redressal under the guidance of Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo. More than 4000 pharmacy orders raised in the App have been successfully delivered, highlighting the focus on the citizen centric health care delivery. The government of Jammu and Kashmir is taking sustained measures to enhance the adoption and utilization of the JK SEHAT App as a unified digital health platform for the citizens of the Union Territory. Under the guidance of the Health & Medical Education Department, coordinated efforts are being undertaken by the National Health Mission (NHM), Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) J&K, Directorate of Health Services Jammu and Kashmir, State Controller Drugs, J&K and other stakeholders to further enhance the user experience and expand the availability of these services. The Sehat App has been designed to guide and support citizens in accessing healthcare services, especially in remote areas and is aimed at strengthening collaboration between health care providers and citizens. It is a one stop digital solution designed to cater to healthcare needs of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, facilitating easy access to healthcare services.
Modernity Must Not Come at the Cost of Memory
Kashmir stands at a crossroads where the promise of development meets the responsibility of memory. Roads are widening, buildings are rising, and new plans are being drawn for a more connected and economically active future. Yet in this rush toward modernity, there is a danger that the very identity of the valley, shaped by centuries of art, architecture, language, craft, and tradition, may be gradually worn away. True development cannot mean replacing heritage. It must mean protecting it while making room for progress. Cultural heritage is not a decorative extra to be admired only on special occasions. It is the living record of who we are. From wooden mosques and shrines to historic neighbourhoods, from papier-mache, pashmina, and handwoven textiles to folk songs, cuisines, and oral traditions, Kashmirs heritage gives the region depth and distinction. It is also an economic asset. Across the world, places that preserve their cultural identity attract visitors, generate livelihoods, and build pride among their people. Kashmir, too, can turn preservation into prosperity if it adopts a thoughtful and inclusive development model. Unfortunately, too often development is pursued in a narrow sense: concrete over character, speed over sensitivity, and expansion over memory. Old buildings are demolished before they are documented. Traditional homes are altered beyond recognition. Craft traditions struggle because markets, artisans, and institutions have not been sufficiently supported. Even the younger generation is sometimes left disconnected from the stories and skills that once defined everyday life. This loss is not merely aesthetic. It weakens social continuity and creates a future that is less rooted and less humane. The solution lies not in resisting development but in directing it wisely. Heritage must be built into planning from the beginning, not treated as an afterthought. Conservation of historical structures should be accompanied by incentives for owners, expert restoration, and strict regulation against careless alteration. Urban development plans must respect old settlements and architectural identity. Local crafts need stronger support through training, marketing, and education so that traditional knowledge remains a viable livelihood, not just a memory. Schools and colleges also have a crucial role. Children should grow up learning that heritage is not limited to monuments; it includes language, customs, ecological wisdom, and community values. Public institutions and media must celebrate this inheritance with seriousness, not sentimentality. When people understand the worth of what they possess, they are more likely to protect it. Kashmir does not have to choose between the new and the old. The best model of progress is one that carries both forward together. Development should improve lives, but it should also preserve the soul of the place. If we lose our heritage, we may gain roads and buildings, but we will have paid too high a price. A confident society is one that can build for tomorrow without erasing yesterday.
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No eligible girl will miss marriage assistance: Govt
Srinagar, Aug 3: Jammu and Kashmir Social Welfare Minister Sakina Masood Itoo on Monday said that eligible girls can avail marriage assistance even after their marriage if there is a delay in sanctioning the benefit due to non-availability of funds, assuring that deserving beneficiaries will not be deprived of the scheme. Speaking during an awareness camp organised by the Social Welfare Department in Baramulla, the minister said applicants are required to submit the necessary documents, including valid AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) or BPL (Below Poverty Line) cards, along with other mandatory documents to avail the marriage assistance. She said that while assistance is sanctioned as soon as the required documents are verified, delays may sometimes occur because of the non-availability of funds. However, she assured that eligible beneficiaries would receive the financial assistance even if it is sanctioned after the marriage. The minister said the awareness camp was organised to ensure that welfare schemes being implemented by the Social Welfare Department, including those of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Women Development Corporation (WDC), and the Scheduled Tribe/Scheduled Caste (ST/SC) Corporation, reach every eligible household. Our aim is to ensure that these schemes reach every home so that deserving people can benefit from them. We are committed to extending the benefits of these welfare programmes to every eligible person who needs them, she said. On the occasion, the minister also distributed appointment orders, tricycles and hearing aids provided through the Rehabilitation Council to beneficiaries, reiterating the departments commitment to ensuring that welfare initiatives reach those who need them the most.
Aqib Nabis Test Call-up and J&Ks Cricketing Moment
Jammu and Kashmir cricket has waited long for a moment like this. Aqib Nabis maiden call-up to the Indian Test squad, as replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah, is not merely a personnel change before the Sri Lanka series. It is a reminder that sustained performance, even from crickets less-celebrated corners, can still force its way into the highest corridors of the game. For years, the UT has produced talent in bursts, often admired locally, occasionally noticed nationally, but rarely carried with such continuity into the Test arena. Nabis rise stands out because it has come not through noise or hype, but through the old-fashioned grammar of selection: wickets, discipline and consistency. In domestic cricket, he has done what every aspiring fast bowler must do: bowl with purpose, stay relevant across conditions and keep taking wickets when the spotlight is elsewhere. That is why this call-up matters. It tells every young cricketer in Jammu and Kashmir that opportunity is not always denied; sometimes it arrives late, but it does arrive. Nabi now joins a small and proud list of cricketers from the region who have been trusted with a place in the Test conversation. In a place where sport has often had to compete with uncertainty, geography and limited exposure, such recognition carries a deeper civic value. It becomes a source of collective pride, not just a personal triumph. Indias decision also reflects the unforgiving realities of modern Test cricket. Bumrahs absence is a significant blow, but it has opened the door for a bowler whose selection is rooted in merit. That is how national teams stay fresh and competitive by rewarding form, not reputation alone. If Nabi gets a chance in the playing eleven from August 15, it will be a debut earned the hard way. Yet even before he bowls a single delivery in international cricket, Nabi has already delivered something meaningful to J&K. He has expanded the imagination of what is possible for the regions sportspersons. He has shown that the road from domestic cricket to the Test squad is not reserved for the usual centres of power. For Jammu and Kashmir, this is a moment to celebrate, but also to build on. Talent has never been in short supply here. What has been needed is patience, infrastructure and belief. Nabis selection offers all three in one inspiring frame.
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Mitigating Man-Animal Conflict: A Shared Responsibility
Jammu and Kashmir has long lived at the crossroads of wilderness and human settlement. Its forests, orchards, wetlands and mountain pastures are home to species that are as much a part of the regions identity as its people. Yet, as villages expand, orchards spread, roads cut through forests and climate patterns shift, the space between humans and wildlife is shrinking fast. What we are witnessing today is not merely an increase in animal sightings, but a deepening conflict over space, food and survival. Mitigating man-animal conflict, therefore, is no longer an environmental slogan; it is a necessity for public safety, ecological balance and social peace. For too long, the response to wildlife encounters has been driven by panic and politics rather than planning. Every crop raid, livestock kill or human injury becomes a flashpoint, followed by anger, compensation demands and calls for immediate action against the animal. But such reactions, however understandable in moments of fear, do not solve the problem. They only treat the symptom while ignoring the cause. The real issue lies in the way we have altered landscapes without adequate safeguards, leaving both people and wildlife trapped in an increasingly hostile overlap. In the Kashmir region, the conflict takes many forms. In some areas, bears enter orchards and habitations in search of food. In others, leopards prey on livestock and, at times, threaten human life. Wild boars damage crops, while other species stray into villages as their natural habitats shrink or fragment. The result is a cycle of fear and retaliation. Farmers lose their crops, herders lose their animals, and communities lose patience. Meanwhile, wildlife also suffers through injury, displacement and sometimes illegal killing. A situation that begins as a land-use problem quickly becomes a human, economic and conservation crisis. The first step toward mitigation is honest recognition that this conflict is largely man-made. Deforestation, unplanned construction, garbage dumping near habitations and the abandonment of traditional land-use practices have all contributed to the problem. Waste attracts animals. Encroachment pushes them out of their habitats. Unfenced orchards and unsecured livestock make easy targets. When forests are degraded and wildlife corridors blocked, animals have little choice but to move closer to human settlements. In other words, coexistence cannot be expected when we continue to redesign the environment in ways that make conflict inevitable. That is why mitigation must begin with planning, not merely response. Land-use policies should be more sensitive to wildlife movement patterns. Development projects near forests and corridors must undergo stricter ecological scrutiny. Roads, tunnels and other infrastructure need proper mitigation measures, including underpasses, fencing and warning systems in high-risk zones. Human settlements must be better regulated in vulnerable areas, especially where repeated wildlife movement has already been documented. Without spatial discipline, every new road or colony becomes another invitation to conflict. Community participation is equally important. Local people are not passive victims in this challenge; they are the front line of coexistence. They must be equipped with knowledge, alerts and practical tools to reduce risk. Schools, panchayats and local bodies can play a crucial role in awareness campaigns that teach people how to store food safely, protect livestock, avoid provoking animals and respond calmly during encounters. Farmers can be encouraged to use unpalatable buffer crops, solar fencing and proper night enclosures for cattle. In many cases, simple preventive steps can significantly reduce losses. At the same time, wildlife protection agencies must strengthen their outreach and response systems. Too often, people feel abandoned after a conflict incident. Compensation is delayed, communication is poor and the official response is seen as slow or indifferent. This gap breeds mistrust. If communities are to cooperate with conservation efforts, they must feel that the state stands with them. Compensation should be timely, transparent and adequate. Emergency response teams should be well-trained and accessible. Conflict-prone areas need regular monitoring, not occasional intervention after tragedy has already struck. Technology too can help. Early-warning systems, camera traps, GPS-based tracking in sensitive landscapes and mobile alerts can allow authorities to act before conflict escalates. Mapping conflict hotspots can help identify patterns and guide preventive measures. But technology alone is not enough. It must be backed by field-level readiness and local trust. A sensor without a response system is only a machine; a warning without action is only noise. There is also a need to change public attitude. Wildlife is not an invading force from outside; it is part of the same ecological fabric we depend on for water, soil, climate and biodiversity. The goal is not to eliminate animals from human landscapes but to reduce dangerous overlap and learn disciplined coexistence. That requires restraint, respect and responsibility from both sides of the divide. It also requires us to move beyond the simplistic idea that every encounter is a battle to be won. In reality, sustainable coexistence is a long process of adjustment, prevention and compromise. Policymakers, forest officials, local representatives and civil society must work together on a common framework. Conflict mitigation should be integrated into development planning, disaster management and rural livelihoods policy. It should not remain confined to forest departments alone. When orchards are designed without protective measures, when garbage is unmanaged, when settlements expand unchecked and when compensation systems fail, the burden falls on ordinary people. A serious policy response must therefore be interdepartmental, data-driven and community-centred. The larger lesson is clear: man-animal conflict is not just about animals entering human spaces; it is about humans entering and reshaping animal spaces without sufficient caution. The solution lies neither in romanticising wildlife nor in demonising it. It lies in restoring balance through better planning, stronger institutions and a more responsible public ethic. Kashmirs natural heritage is too precious to be surrendered to fear, and its people deserve security without sacrificing ecological integrity. If coexistence is to mean anything, it must begin with the discipline to protect both human lives and the wild world we share. (The author is a lecturer in HED and a freelancer)
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Teacher-Student Relationship and AI
The classroom has always been more than a place where lessons are delivered and memorised. It is a living space where young minds are shaped, confidence is built, curiosity is encouraged and values are passed on from one generation to the next. At the centre of this process stands the teacher-student relationship a relationship built on trust, patience, guidance and mutual respect. In recent years, however, a new force has entered the educational landscape with great speed and influence: artificial intelligence. AI has already begun changing the way students learn and teachers teach. It can answer questions in seconds, generate notes, translate texts, solve problems and even create personalised study plans. For many students, especially those struggling to keep pace in crowded classrooms, this can feel like a breakthrough. For teachers, too, AI promises relief from repetitive tasks and access to tools that can make lessons more interactive and efficient. There is no denying that technology has opened useful doors. But education is not merely about information. It is about transformation. A machine can deliver content, but it cannot understand the fear in a students eyes before an examination. It cannot sense a childs hesitation, detect emotional distress, or inspire moral courage through a word of encouragement. It cannot replace the warmth of a teacher who notices a silent student in the back row and gently brings that child into the conversation. That human touch is not a luxury in education; it is its soul. In the age of AI, this truth becomes even more important. If used carelessly, AI can weaken the teacher-student relationship by turning learning into a mechanical transaction. Students may begin to depend on quick answers rather than thoughtful inquiry. Teachers may feel pressure to compete with machines instead of guiding minds. The danger is not that AI will remove teachers altogether, but that it may slowly reduce them to supervisors of software rather than mentors of human beings. That would be a serious loss. A good teacher does much more than explain a topic. A good teacher observes, listens, corrects, encourages and inspires. He or she notices potential before it becomes visible to the world. The relationship between teacher and student is often the first meaningful relationship outside the family in which a child learns responsibility, discipline and confidence. AI may assist in this journey, but it cannot create this bond. That bond grows through presence, dialogue and trust. This does not mean we should fear AI or reject it outright. That would be unwise and unrealistic. AI, when used responsibly, can support teachers in meaningful ways. It can help identify learning gaps, suggest practice material, simplify administrative work and give students extra support outside classroom hours. In that sense, AI can become a powerful aid in making education more inclusive and responsive. But it must remain a tool, not a substitute. The real challenge before schools, colleges and education policymakers is to strike the right balance. We need classrooms where technology serves human purpose, not one where human purpose is overshadowed by technology. Teachers must be trained to use AI thoughtfully. Students must be taught not only how to use it, but also when not to rely on it. Above all, education must continue to value character, curiosity, empathy and communication qualities no algorithm can truly generate. In Kashmir, where education has long been seen as a path to hope and stability, this debate carries special significance. Our society needs teachers who can guide young people through uncertainty, encourage resilience and preserve values in a changing world. AI may bring efficiency, but it is teachers who bring meaning. AI may provide answers, but it is teachers who teach students how to ask the right questions. The future of education will likely be shaped by both human intelligence and artificial intelligence. But if we are wise, we will never confuse the two. Technology can sharpen the mind, but only a teacher can touch the heart. And in education, as in life, the heart still matters. (The author is a researcher and columnist)
Kashmir's New Tourist Destinations: Development Without Compromising Nature
Kashmir is witnessing a new phase of tourism development. For decades, destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg have attracted visitors from across the country and abroad. Today, several lesser-known valleys, alpine meadows, forests, lakes and mountain landscapes are also emerging on the tourism map. Improved road connectivity, ropeway projects, eco-tourism initiatives, adventure tourism, homestays and better public infrastructure are opening these pristine areas to visitors. The Government's efforts to diversify tourism deserve appreciation. Promoting new destinations reduces pressure on established tourist hubs, generates employment, strengthens local economies and creates livelihood opportunities in remote areas. However, as tourism expands, development must be guided by scientific planning so that the natural environment, which is the foundation of tourism itself, is not compromised. Most of Kashmir's emerging tourist destinations are not vacant landscapes waiting to be developed. They are fragile Himalayan ecosystems that support forests, wetlands, alpine vegetation, wildlife habitats, grazing lands and medicinal plants. More importantly, they function as natural water catchments that recharge springs, streams and groundwater, regulate the local climate, reduce soil erosion and minimise flood risks. Protecting these ecological services is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for the long-term success of tourism. Nature Is Kashmir's Greatest Tourism Asset The scenic beauty of Kashmir is sustained by healthy ecosystems. Forests and alpine meadows act as natural sponges, allowing rainwater and melting snow to infiltrate the ground and recharge aquifers. This groundwater feeds springs, maintains streamflow during dry periods and supplies drinking water to villages while supporting agriculture and local livelihoods. As a hydrogeologist, one lesson consistently emerges from field investigations: wherever natural recharge zones remain intact, springs continue to flow, and groundwater remains sustainable. Conversely, when forests are cleared, slopes are excavated indiscriminately, or construction spreads into sensitive recharge areas, rainwater flows rapidly downhill instead of infiltrating the soil. The result is increased soil erosion, declining spring discharge, reduced groundwater recharge and greater vulnerability to floods and landslides. These impacts often develop gradually, making them easy to overlook during the initial stages of development. Yet once ecological degradation becomes evident, restoring damaged mountain ecosystems is technically challenging and financially expensive. Protecting groundwater recharge zones, wetlands and forests must therefore become a central component of tourism planning rather than an afterthought. Science Must Guide Tourism Development The expansion of tourism infrastructure should begin with science, not construction. Every major tourism project should be preceded by detailed environmental, geological, hydrogeological, biodiversity and slope stability investigations. These assessments help identify groundwater recharge zones, unstable slopes, wetlands, wildlife habitats and environmentally sensitive areas that require protection. Modern technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, drone surveys and digital terrain mapping provide accurate information for informed decision-making. Scientific planning not only protects natural resources but also reduces future maintenance costs and minimises the risk of engineering failures. Equally important is the concept of carrying capacity. Every destination has a limit to the number of tourists, vehicles, hotels and commercial activities it can sustain without causing environmental degradation. Ignoring this limit eventually results in traffic congestion, water shortages, waste accumulation, pollution and deterioration of the visitor experience. Tourism development should therefore be based on scientific assessments of carrying capacity rather than short-term commercial considerations. Infrastructure in mountain regions also requires specialised engineering practices. Unnecessary hill cutting and indiscriminate blasting weaken fragile slopes and increase the likelihood of landslides. Scientifically designed retaining structures, slope stabilisation measures, bio-engineering techniques and proper drainage systems should be mandatory for all infrastructure projects. Natural drainage channels must remain unobstructed to safely convey stormwater and reduce erosion and flash flood risks. Hotels, resorts and tourism facilities should adopt environmentally responsible practices from the planning stage itself. Rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment plants, wastewater recycling, solar energy, energy-efficient buildings and scientific solid waste management should become standard requirements instead of optional features. Clean Tourism Is Sustainable Tourism Tourism development is not only about building roads and hotels; it is equally about maintaining clean, healthy and pollution-free destinations. Visitors expect safe drinking water, hygienic food, clean public toilets and well-managed public spaces. Unfortunately, many tourist destinations continue to struggle with littering, plastic waste, overflowing dustbins and inadequate sanitation during peak tourist seasons. Government initiatives promoting eco-tourism, rural tourism, homestays and sustainable tourism are important steps in the right direction. National programmes such as the Swachh Bharat Mission and Mission LIFE have also created a strong framework for promoting cleanliness, responsible waste management and environmentally conscious lifestyles. Their effective implementation at tourist destinations can significantly improve environmental quality. Waste management should be an integral part of every tourism project. Separate collection systems for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, composting of organic waste, recycling facilities and regular waste collection should be mandatory. The increasing use of single-use plastics at scenic locations threatens the very landscapes that attract tourists. Sewage management is equally critical. Hotels, guest houses and restaurants should install properly designed sewage treatment systems before commencing operations. Untreated wastewater must never be discharged into streams, lakes or wetlands, where it can degrade water quality, damage aquatic ecosystems and pose serious public health risks. Transport planning also deserves attention. The growing number of private vehicles contributes to air pollution, traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions and noise that disturbs wildlife and diminishes the peaceful environment visitors seek. Electric shuttle buses, pedestrian pathways, cycling tracks and designated parking areas outside environmentally sensitive zones can substantially improve both environmental quality and visitor experience. Learning from the Himalayas Experiences from other Himalayan states offer valuable lessons. Popular destinations such as Shimla, Manali and Mussoorie have experienced rapid tourism growth but now face recurring water shortages, traffic congestion, waste management problems and increasing pressure on local infrastructure. These challenges demonstrate that tourism can easily outgrow the carrying capacity of mountain ecosystems if development is not carefully planned. Similarly, the Kedarnath disaster and land subsidence in Joshimath highlighted the vulnerability of fragile Himalayan terrain. Although these events resulted from multiple natural and human-induced factors, they reinforce one important message: development in mountain regions must always be guided by scientific investigations, sound engineering and strict environmental safeguards. Climate change makes this need even more urgent. Increasingly erratic rainfall, cloudbursts, glacial retreat and extreme weather events demand climate-resilient infrastructure, effective drainage systems, wetland conservation and protection of forests that naturally regulate water and stabilise slopes. The Way Forward Kashmir has a unique opportunity to become a national model for sustainable mountain tourism. The success of this vision will depend on balancing economic development with environmental conservation. Every emerging tourist destination should have a comprehensive management plan covering environmental protection, carrying capacity, groundwater conservation, sanitation, waste management, disaster preparedness, transport planning and long-term environmental monitoring. Environmental safeguards should be incorporated at the planning stage rather than introduced after ecological damage has already occurred. Local communities must remain central to tourism development. Their knowledge of forests, springs, grazing lands and traditional practices can greatly strengthen conservation efforts. Community-based tourism, homestays, village tourism, local handicrafts and trained local guides not only generate income but also encourage local people to protect the natural resources on which tourism depends. Equally important is institutional coordination. Tourism planners, engineers, hydrogeologists, geologists, environmental scientists, forest officials, local bodies and disaster management agencies should work together from project conception to implementation. Decisions supported by scientific evidence are invariably more sustainable than those driven solely by short-term economic gains. Kashmir's forests, rivers, lakes, wetlands, alpine meadows, springs and groundwater systems are far more than tourist attractions. They are natural assets that sustain biodiversity, agriculture, water security and the livelihoods of thousands of families. Their protection is therefore not only an environmental responsibility but also an economic necessity. The true measure of tourism success should not be the number of hotels constructed, or visitors received each year. It should be reflected in healthy forests, clean rivers, flowing springs, protected wildlife, resilient mountain ecosystems and thriving local communities. Development and conservation are not competing objectives; they are complementary. With scientific planning, responsible engineering, effective pollution control, strong environmental governance and active community participation, Kashmir can expand its tourism sector without sacrificing its priceless natural heritage. Protecting nature is not a constraint on development; it is the strongest investment in the future of tourism and the lasting prosperity of Kashmir. (The author is Sr. Scientist (Hydrogeologist) , Government of India . Ministry of Jal Shakti, Central Ground Water Board. Email: rayeeshg-cgwb@gov.in )
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The Urban Spiral in Kashmir Valley
Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir are caught in a troubling urban spiral. Roads are narrower than ever, houses are rising faster than regulation, and public spaces are shrinking under the weight of unplanned expansion. What should have been a story of orderly development has instead become one of congestion, strain, and neglect. The Valley is growing, but not in a way that looks sustainable, humane, or even sensible. For years, urban expansion in Kashmir has followed a familiar pattern: population pressure, rising land values, weak enforcement, and piecemeal construction. The result is visible everywhere. Wetlands have been encroached upon, drains blocked, traffic choked, and neighbourhoods turned into dense clusters of concrete with little regard for ventilation, sunlight, or open space. In the name of progress, we are building settlements that often resemble pressure cookers. The problem is not simply that more people are living in towns and cities. Urbanisation, by itself, is not a curse. It can create opportunities, improve access to services, and make life more efficient. The trouble begins when expansion happens without planning, and planning happens without enforcement. In Kashmir, both failures are evident. Master plans are announced, revised, debated, and then quietly ignored. Building permissions exist in theory, but violations often become the rule rather than the exception. The distance between policy and practice is far too wide. One of the most alarming consequences of this urban spiral is the loss of ecological balance. Kashmirs urban spaces are not ordinary city spaces; they exist in a fragile environment that requires extra care. Wetlands, streams, gardens, and agricultural land are not empty land banks waiting to be converted into plots and colonies. They are part of a living system that protects the Valley from flooding, supports biodiversity, and preserves its character. Yet these natural buffers continue to disappear under constructions that are often unauthorised, short-sighted, and irreversible. The flooding experience of the Valley should have been enough to force a radical rethink. But memory in Kashmir, like in many places, is often weak when profits are strong. The same areas that suffered waterlogging and inundation are again under pressure from concrete expansion. Drainage channels are blocked, natural flow paths disturbed, and low-lying areas filled in. This is not development. It is risk creation. Urban planning is also failing the common citizen in a more immediate way. Traffic congestion in Srinagar has become a daily ordeal. What should be short commutes often turn into long delays. Pedestrians have little room to walk safely, public transport remains inadequate, and parking has become a visible sign of policy failure. The city has expanded horizontally and vertically, but not functionally. More buildings have not meant better living. More roads have not meant smoother movement. More growth has not meant more order. The deeper issue is governance. Unplanned urbanisation does not happen in a vacuum. It is enabled by weak institutions, selective enforcement, and the absence of accountability. Rules are frequently bent for influence, convenience, or revenue. Illegal structures rise with remarkable confidence because people have learned that consequences are rare. When violations are normalised, the law becomes decorative. That is a dangerous position for any society, more so for one living in a sensitive geographical and political environment. There is also a social dimension to this spiral. Urban pressure is changing neighbourhood life. Traditional spaces that once allowed for interaction, privacy, and community are being replaced by crowded layouts where residents struggle for basic amenities. Water supply, sanitation, waste management, parking, and access to healthcare are all under stress. In many localities, civic infrastructure has not kept pace with the density of construction. People are not merely living in congested spaces; they are learning to tolerate decline. This is especially worrying in a region where climate vulnerability is already high. Kashmir faces harsh winters, heavy rainfall, and the growing unpredictability of weather patterns. In such a setting, urban planning cannot afford to be casual. Buildings need to be resilient, roads need proper drainage, and public infrastructure must anticipate future stress rather than respond after damage is done. Yet most of the Valleys urban growth appears reactive, not visionary. The question, then, is simple: who is responsible for stopping the spiral? The answer cannot be left to one department, one officer, or one civic body. It requires a serious political and administrative commitment. Authorities must restore the credibility of planning laws, demolish illegal structures where necessary, protect ecologically sensitive zones, and ensure that future development follows clear norms. Public interest cannot continue to be sacrificed at the altar of private convenience. At the same time, citizens must also reflect on their own role. Urban chaos is not created by officials alone. It is sustained by the collective willingness to cut corners, avoid rules, and treat common spaces as nobodys concern. A society that wants decent towns must first respect decent behaviour. That includes resisting encroachment, supporting planned growth, and demanding accountability from those in power. Kashmir does not need more haphazard concrete. It needs livable cities. It needs footpaths, drainage, green belts, proper zoning, and development that respects both people and place. The Valleys beauty has always been one of its greatest assets, but beauty alone cannot carry the burden of failed planning forever. If the urban spiral is allowed to continue, the cost will not just be aesthetic. It will be environmental, social, and economic. The warning signs are already all around us. The only question left is whether we still have the will to read them. (The author has a PhD in Public Administration and columnist)
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The Grace of Dissent: Why Democracy Needs Patience More Than Noise
Democracy is often described as the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Yet this celebrated definition acquires meaning only when citizens are free not merely to agree with those in power but also to question them. The right to dissent and express disagreement is not a concession bestowed by governments; it is a constitutional guarantee and one of the defining pillars of every healthy democracy. However, rights, however sacred they may be, are accompanied by responsibilities. Dissent strengthens democracy only when it is exercised with patience, civility, and a deep sense of responsibility. The modern age has transformed the nature of public discourse. Social media platforms have enabled every individual to become a publisher, commentator, and critic within seconds. While this democratization of expression is a remarkable achievement, it has also produced an environment where reactions often replace reflection, outrage substitutes reason, and noise overwhelms meaningful dialogue. In the race to express opinions instantly, patience has become one of the greatest casualties of our times. Disagreement is not a weakness of democracy; it is its greatest strength. Societies that silence dissent inevitably drift toward authoritarianism, while those that encourage thoughtful criticism become more accountable and resilient. Every significant democratic reform in history has been shaped by individuals who dared to question prevailing systems. Whether it was the struggle for civil rights, women's suffrage, freedom from colonial rule, or the protection of human dignity, progress has always begun with voices that challenged the status quo. Yet history also teaches another lesson. The most enduring movements for justice were guided not merely by passion but by discipline. They were sustained by patience, moral courage, and respect for institutions. Leaders who transformed societies understood that persuasion is more powerful than provocation and that lasting change is achieved through dialogue rather than destruction. In today's political climate, however, disagreement is increasingly interpreted as hostility. Ideological differences often degenerate into personal attacks. Public debates frequently descend into verbal aggression, while online discussions are dominated by abuse instead of arguments. Political loyalty is often mistaken for unquestioning obedience, and criticism is sometimes dismissed as disloyalty. Such attitudes impoverish democratic culture because democracy flourishes not through uniformity of opinion but through the coexistence of diverse viewpoints. The constitutional right to protest and express dissent is therefore inseparable from the constitutional duty to preserve public order and mutual respect. Freedom of expression does not grant the freedom to spread hatred, misinformation, or violence. Likewise, the exercise of authority does not entitle governments to suppress legitimate criticism. Democracy survives only when both citizens and institutions honour the boundaries of constitutional morality. Patience has become an underrated democratic virtue. It enables citizens to listen before reacting, to verify before believing, and to reason before judging. In an era driven by viral content and instant gratification, patience encourages deliberation over impulsiveness. It reminds us that truth often emerges through careful examination rather than emotional reaction. Civility, too, is not a sign of weakness. It reflects confidence in one's convictions. A person who can disagree respectfully demonstrates greater intellectual maturity than one who resorts to insults. Democratic debate loses its purpose when arguments are replaced by anger. Civil disagreement keeps the doors of dialogue open even when consensus remains elusive. Equally important is responsibility. Every citizen shares the responsibility of protecting democratic institutions. The media must report with integrity rather than sensationalism. Political leaders must inspire confidence rather than deepen divisions. Educational institutions must nurture critical thinking instead of ideological conformity. Above all, citizens must recognise that every word they speak, write, or share contributes either to strengthening or weakening the democratic fabric. Transparency remains the first condition of good governance. Governments that function openly, answer questions honestly, and remain accountable to the public earn legitimacy not merely through elections but through trust. Transparency is not simply about making information available; it is about fostering confidence that decisions are made fairly, ethically, and in the public interest. Citizens have every right to demand transparency, but such demands become most effective when articulated through informed debate rather than emotional confrontation. Likewise, governments must understand that criticism is not always an obstacle to governance; often it is an opportunity for improvement. A mature administration welcomes constructive criticism because it reveals gaps that might otherwise remain unnoticed. Democracies become stronger when governments treat dissent as feedback rather than as defiance. The balance between rights and restraint is the true hallmark of democratic maturity. Rights without responsibility can descend into disorder, while authority without accountability inevitably leads to oppression. Democracy thrives in the delicate space where freedom is tempered by self-restraint, and power is restrained by constitutional principles. The greatest danger facing modern democracies is not disagreement itself but the disappearance of respectful disagreement. When citizens stop listening to one another, when political opponents become enemies, and when every conversation turns into a battlefield, democracy begins to lose its soul. Institutions may continue to exist, elections may still be held, but the democratic spirit gradually erodes. Every generation inherits democracy not as a finished achievement but as an unfinished responsibility. It must be renewed continuously through informed participation, ethical leadership, and responsible citizenship. The health of a democracy cannot be measured merely by voter turnout or electoral victories; it is equally reflected in the quality of public discourse, the dignity of disagreement, and the willingness of citizens to engage one another with respect. In the end, democracy is sustained not by the loudest voices but by the wisest ones. It does not ask its citizens to agree on everything; it asks them to disagree without hatred, to protest without violence, and to criticise without abandoning civility. The strength of a nation lies not in the absence of dissent but in its ability to transform dissent into dialogue and dialogue into progress. In these turbulent times, when polarisation threatens social harmony and instant reactions overshadow thoughtful reflection, the need is not for louder slogans but for deeper conversations. Democracy becomes truly meaningful only when rights are exercised with dignity, dissent is expressed with grace, and governance is guided by transparency. The balance between freedom and responsibility is not merely the foundation of constitutional orderit is the enduring promise of a civilised society. (The author is RK columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
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Budgam, Aug 3: Speaker Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA Charar-i-Sharief, Abdul Raheem Rather, on Monday held an exclusive public outreach camp at Banderpora Kremshore in Charar-i-Sharief Constituency. During the interaction, the residents from Banderpora and adjoining villages raised issues and demands related to road connectivity, drinking water, electricity, healthcare, education and other essential civic amenities. The Speaker assured the people that all their genuine demands would be taken up on priority with the concerned departments for early redress. Addressing the gathering, the Speaker said that the areas of Banderpora and Kremshore, which were recently included in the Charar-i-Sharief Assembly Constituency following the delimitation process, require focused attention and accelerated development. He reiterated his commitment to ensure that these areas receive adequate infrastructure and public welfare projects. He said every effort is being made to bridge the developmental gaps and improve civic infrastructure in the newly included areas. I am working tirelessly to ensure that these areas receive the attention and development they deserve. The welfare of the people of my constituency remains my top priority, he said. The residents expressed hope that the issues raised during the camp would be addressed in a time-bound manner.
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Jammu, Aug 3: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Monday called on the Centre to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir to address their concerns and aspirations, while asking party leaders to intensify public outreach across the region. Bukhari made the remarks while chairing a high-level provincial meeting of the party in Jammu, attended by senior leaders and functionaries from across the region. According to a party statement, the meeting reviewed the prevailing political situation, governance issues, public grievances and organisational matters. Participants also discussed measures to strengthen the party's activities and took several organisational decisions. Addressing the meeting, Bukhari urged party leaders and workers to remain in close contact with the people and actively engage with them to understand their concerns. Reiterating the party's long-standing demand, he appealed to the Government of India to begin a dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks about reducing the emotional distance between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country, Bukhari said the present was an appropriate time to bridge the trust deficit through engagement. He also criticised the Omar Abdullah-led government, alleging that it had failed to address pressing public issues despite receiving a strong electoral mandate. The government has failed to live up to the expectations of the people by ignoring their day-to-day concerns and grievances, Bukhari said, adding that people had voted with the expectation that their problems and election promises would be addressed.
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Srinagar, Aug 3: Chief Ministers Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani on Monday said the party would continue its struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood, asserting that the promises made by the Centre are yet to be fulfilled. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Social Welfare Department awareness programme in Baramulla, Wani said the party recently held a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to remind the Centre of its commitment to restore statehood. We will continue to agitate unless we get the statehood back, he said. Wani said the entire party leadership had travelled to Jantar Mantar to remind the Centre of the assurances given to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The first step we took was to go to Jantar Mantar in Delhi with our entire leadership to remind Delhi of the promises made to us, but those promises have not been fulfilled, he said. Wani said the Centre had maintained that delimitation would be followed by Assembly elections and subsequently the restoration of statehood. We were told that first there would be delimitation, then elections, and then statehood. Delimitation has been completed and elections have been held, but the restoration of statehood is nowhere in sight. That is why we went to Delhi to remind them of their promises, he said. The advisor said the partys leadership would meet again to chalk out its future strategy for the statehood campaign. Our entire leadership will sit together again and decide the future course of action. This is not a one-day exercise, he added.
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Assembly panel seeks zero tolerance against food adulteration
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Govt pushes saturation of welfare schemes in North Kashmir
Baramulla, Aug 3: The Social Welfare department on Monday organized a mega awareness camp at Baramulla for all the three districts of North Kashmir viz; Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora to promote awareness for saturation of more than 25 welfare schemes being implemented by the department. Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, was the chief guest during the camp, which was also attended by Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections, Javid Ahmad Dar besides Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani. The awareness programme featured speeches, cultural performances and skits highlighting various flagship welfare initiatives and schemes being implemented by the Social Welfare Department, including Integrated Social Security Schemes (ISSS), ICDS, Poshan and other beneficiary-oriented programmes. Speaking on the occasion, Sakeena Itoo appreciated the overwhelming participation of the Anganwari workers and helpers in the awareness programme and highlighted the importance of saturation of various welfare schemes to ensure comprehensive social protection. The Minister acknowledged the invaluable contribution of ICDS workers and helpers in reaching the most vulnerable sections of society. She said the government fully recognizes their role and is actively working towards addressing their concerns, including issues related to enhancement of the honorarium. Emphasizing the need for greater public outreach, the Minister urged the legislators to organize similar awareness programmes at the tehsil level in their respective constituencies to maximize awareness and ensure saturation of welfare schemes. Addressing the gathering, Javid Dar congratulated Sakeena Itoo and the Social Welfare department for introducing significant reforms in the social welfare sector. He underscored that the government has consistently prioritized public welfare and has taken several people-centric decisions, including enhancement of assistance under various welfare schemes. He urged the field functionaries to actively educate the people about the schemes available so that every eligible beneficiary can avail government support. Meanwhile, the Ministers and the MLAs, e-inaugurated the newly constructed CDPO offices at Wagoora in Baramulla and Sogam in Kupwara and three Anganwadi Centres in Singhpora and Rohama blocks of Baramulla district. On the occasion, Sakeena Itoo distributed appointment orders among the newly selected Anganwadi workers and helpers. Sanction letters under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS), motorized tricycles and wheelchairs for persons with disabilities and baby kits were also distributed among the beneficiaries from the North Kashmir districts of Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora. Earlier during the awareness camp, Sakeena Itoo accompanied by dignitaries inspected the stalls set up by the Social Welfare Department, Mission Shakti, Poshan and ICDS providing awareness regarding various beneficiary schemes.
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