SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar today chaired a meeting of Deputy Commissioners and officers of National Highway Authority of India to review the land acquisition for various road projects being executed in Jammu division by the NHAI.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner JMC, Rahul Yadav; Joint Director Geology and Mining, Project Directors of NHAI, and other concerned officers, while concerned Deputy Commissioners participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

The discussions centered on land acquisition, disbursement of compensation, issuance of NOCs required from various departments for Mining permissions. The Div Com inquired about the overall progress on the road projects and pending issues of land acquisition.

Asking district administrations to provide encumbrance free land to NHAI, the Div Com directed the DCs to resolve the issues on priority for smooth execution of work on the prestigious road projects. He also directed them for completing the disbursement of land acquisition compensation.

The NHAI functionaries were asked to stay in constant touch with concerned Deputy Commissioners for resolving the issues. They were asked to expedite the pace of work on all the executed road projects for their timely completion.

SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Tuesday held in depth review of the Public Works Department (PWD) and the different schemes of infrastructure building under implementation herein the UT.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, PWD Engineer-in-Chief; Director Finance, R&B besides other concerned.

During this meeting Dulloo observed that the road infrastructure is vital for overall development of any area. He impressed upon the Department to prioritize few Roads going to newly found tourist destinations in each division for upgradationin order to develop these destinations for better experience of the visitors going there.

He also maintained that the maintenance of road surface should also be monitored by the Department for the quality of roads define the overall development of any area. He asked for providing fairweather roads to each such habitation which are still unconnected here in J&K.

The Chief Secretary further observed that the density of National Highways in the UT has substantially increased yet there is scope to enhance it further to be at par with other Himalayan states around us. He also asked for furthering the efforts for completing different road projects on time.

In his presentation, the Principal Secretary, PWD, Shailendra Kumar gave an overview of all the major projects and works under execution through the Department. He gave the physical progress made on each project taken up under PMDP, CRIF, PMGSY, NABARD and other UT sector schemes with the estimated date of completion for each of them.

The Principal Secretary informed the meeting that the Department has taken several reforms which had ensured timely and quality execution of works in the UT. He gave out that the UT is first in the country that has ensured preparation of online Measurement Books for each work.

He further gave out that the out of total Road length of 41927 Kms, 36433 are blacktopped, 3012 are metalled, 2457 are fair weather roads. He said that the Department is making strenuous efforts to upgrade whole length of roads as blacktopped in a phased manner.

Moreover it was revealed that from April 2020-March 2023 7826 projects have been completed besides blacktopping 17247 Kms at an expenditure of Rs 18716.94 Cr. It was given out that the cumulative expenditure per month made during this three year period is Rs 519 Cr/month than Rs 319 Cr/month in the earlier 3 year period from April 2017-March 2020.

The major projects which came under review includes Semi Ring Road Jammu, Semi Ring Road Srinagar, Udhampur-Ramban Section of NH 44, Ramban-Banihal Section of NH 44, Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch road, Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Goha-Khellani-Chatroo-Khanabal road, Srinagar-Shopian-Qazigund road, Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri Road, Z-Morh tunnel, Zojilla tunnel, Delhi Katra Amritsar Expressway besides roads and bridges taken up under CRIF, PMGSY and other schemes.

Later on the Chief Secretary also took stock of the snow clearance preparations made by the Department. He enquired about the machinery and equipmentsin place for timely opening of roads for public use. He stressed on clearance of all the roads with least hindrance to movement of people and essentials in all the snow bound areas.

The Chief Secretary was apprised that different road lengthshas been assigned to different agencies for snow clearance including SMC, JMC, R&B, NHIDCL, BRO etc and their machinery and equipment has also been earmarked along with the allied staff for spontaneous movement in time of snow. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: The Jammu-Srinagar national highway, only surface link that connects Kashmir with outside world, was closed for traffic on Monday after shooting stones, officials said here.

Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police in a post on X (formerly Twitter), as per the news agency, Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the traffic from both sides has been halted on NH-44 at T2 Ramban due to shooting stones 

It further said that people are advised to ask TCUs before proceeding on Jammu-Srinagar highway. 

Police said that men and machinery have been mobilized to swiftly clear the road. (KNO)

Crazy Stunt biking has become increasingly popular among young boys. People who are drawn to the thrill and excitement of performing dangerous tricks and maneuvers on two wheels. However, the rise of stunt biking has also led to an increase in accidents and fatalities on the roads of Kashmir, a region that has long been plagued by political instability and conflict. 

Stunt biking, also known as freestyle biking, involves performing a variety of acrobatic tricks and stunts on a motorcycle or bicycle. While these stunts can be impressive to watch, they are also extremely dangerous and require a high level of skill and experience to execute safely. Unfortunately, many young people in Kashmir are attempting to perform these stunts without proper training or equipment, putting themselves and others at risk.
One of the main reasons for the rise in stunt biking in Kashmir is the lack of other recreational opportunities for young people in the region. With limited access to sports facilities, parks, and other public spaces, many young people are turning to stunt biking as a way to fill their leisure time. However, this has led to a situation where young people are taking unnecessary risks and putting their lives in danger.
The consequences of these risks can be devastating. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of accidents and fatalities involving stunt bikers in Kashmir. In many cases, these accidents have occurred on public roads, putting other motorists and pedestrians in danger as well. This has led to widespread concern among the public and calls for greater regulation and enforcement of stunt biking activities.
While there are already laws in place to regulate stunt biking in Kashmir, they are not being enforced effectively. This is partly due to the lack of resources and manpower available to the authorities, as well as the difficulty of identifying and prosecuting individual stunt bikers. However, it is also due to a lack of public awareness and education about the dangers of stunt biking, which has led many young people to believe that it is a harmless and exciting activity.
To address these issues, there needs to be a multi-pronged approach that involves education, enforcement, and investment in alternative recreational opportunities. Firstly, there needs to be greater public education about the dangers of stunt biking and the importance of following the rules and regulations that are already in place. This can be done through awareness campaigns, school programs, and public service announcements that highlight the risks and consequences of dangerous riding.
Secondly, there needs to be greater enforcement of existing laws and regulations. This will require greater resources and manpower, as well as new technologies and tools that can be used to identify and track down individual stunt bikers who are breaking the law. This may also require greater collaboration between different government agencies, such as the police, transportation departments, and health services, to ensure that accidents are reported and investigated promptly.
Finally, there needs to be greater investment in alternative recreational opportunities for young people in Kashmir. This can include the development of new sports facilities, parks, and other public spaces that are designed to cater to the needs and interests of young people. It can also involve the provision of training and resources for alternative activities, such as rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking, that can provide the same thrills and excitement as stunt biking but without the same level of risk.
The rise of stunt biking in Kashmir is a cause for concern, particularly given the high number of accidents and fatalities that have occurred in recent years. While there are already laws and regulations in place to regulate these activities, there is a need for greater education, enforcement, and investment in alternative recreational opportunities to address this issue effectively. With the right approach, it is possible to ensure that young people in Kashmir can enjoy their leisure time

SRINAGAR: Srinagar-Kargil national highway has been closed for vehicular traffic following avalanches that were triggered due to snowfall at various places on the Zojila road on Tuesday, officials said.

“The highway has been closed for vehicular traffic due to avalanches at Panimatha and Kai-pathri areas following snowfall”, he said.
Border Roads Organisation (BRO), responsible for the maintenance of the highway has pressed its men and machinery to clear the highway to make it fit for traffic movement, he added.
"Srinagar Kargil NHW-1 is blocked and traffic halted at Sonamarg due to avalanches at Panimatha and Kai-pathri at Zojila. BRO is on job to clear the road," Kargil police said in a tweet. (UNI)

      Just yesterday horrific Scenes of Shooting Stones hitting Vehicles at Panthal went Viral on social Media. Much publicized Tunnel at this spot had generated hope among the masses that Panthal issue is over now. However, yesterday's incident proved it wrong.

       The recent blockade of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, particularly the Chennani Nashri Tunnel, has caused severe consequences for the region and its people. The blockade, which lasted for several days, was a result of heavy snowfall and landslides and continuous rains on plains, leading to the closure of the highway and causing a major disruption in commuting and in the transportation of goods and people.
The Jammu-Srinagar highway is a vital lifeline for the region, connecting the two important cities and serving as a major trade route for the entire region. The Chennani Nashri Tunnel, which is a part of this highway, is the longest road tunnel in India, measuring around 9.2 kilometers. It is a crucial infrastructure project that has significantly reduced the travel time between Jammu and Srinagar.
The blockade of this highway has caused severe consequences for the people of the region, particularly for those who rely on the highway for their livelihood. The transportation of essential goods, such as food, medicine, and fuel, has been severely affected, leading to a shortage of supplies in the region. The closure of the highway has also led to the cancellation of several flights and train services, leading to a major disruption in the transportation system of the region.
The consequences of the blockade have been particularly severe for the people living in the remote areas of the region, who are heavily dependent on the highway for their daily needs. The closure of the highway has also led to a significant increase in the prices of essential commodities, making it difficult for the people to afford basic necessities.
The blockade has also had a severe impact on the tourism industry of the region. Jammu and Kashmir is a popular tourist destination, and the closure of the highway has led to a significant decline in the number of tourists visiting the region. This has caused a major setback for the tourism industry, leading to a loss of revenue for the people and the government.
It has also been affecting those who want to take the roadways due to the skyrocket pricing of air tickets. People have been suffering because of the incessant highway closures on and off making it difficult for people living outside Jammu and Kashmir who cannot afford the air tickets with unreasonable prices. The Delhi-Srinagar ticket prices have been higher than what It would take to reach Dubai. There are many people, especially students who have dropped their plans of coming back home because of the unreasonable rates of the air tickets.
The government must take immediate steps to address the consequences of the blockade and ensure that the people of the region are not left stranded without essential supplies. The government should work towards the timely restoration of the highway and the Chennani Nashri Tunnel, to ensure that the transportation of goods and people is not disrupted in the difficult times.
The government should also invest in the development of alternative modes of transportation, such as air and rail, to reduce the dependency on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. The development of alternative routes and transportation modes would not only reduce the impact of future blockades but also improve the overall transportation system of the region.
In conclusion, the blockade of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, particularly the Chennani Nashri Tunnel, has caused severe consequences for the region and its people. The government must take immediate steps to address the consequences of the blockade and the timely restoration of the highway and the tunnel would not only ensure the smooth transportation of goods and people but also prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.