SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today looked into the harnessing of the hydropower potential of the UT going on through different agencies here besides going into different aspects of Rehabilitation & Resettlement plan framed for the Project Affected Families (PAFs).

The meetings were attended by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Jal Shakti Department; Principal Secretary, Forests; Principal Secretary, PWD; Principal Secretary, PDD; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Secretary, Revenue; Secretary, DMRR&R; Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar; Representatives of NHPC; JKPDC and CVVPL besides other concerned officers.

During this meeting the Chief Secretary went into detail about the potential of power on the two important river basins of Chenab and Jhelum. He took insights into the extent of work done so far on the Hydroelectric projects (HEPs) under execution on both these rivers here in the UT.

Dulloo also asked about the civil and electromechanical works completed on these power projects and the time required for bringing them into operation. He directed for hiking the pace of the projects being under execution so that these are completed on time. He even enquired from them about any bottlenecks faced in execution of these projects so that these are resolved at an earliest.

He also stressed on building the capacity of the locals to let them have greater roles and responsibilities to earn their livelihoods. He told them to both furthering the basic facilities towards better and providing them the skill sets that would enhance their chances of getting gainfully employed in the market.

Dulloo further impressed on the authorities to make robust plans for spending the amounts kept for local area development by the respective companies under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He asked for substantially raising both the living standards and the quality of infrastructure in these areas.

It was given out during this meeting that the completion of the projects is going to add about 3043 MW till November, 2026. It was revealed that the four mega projects under execution currently includes Pakal Dul HEP (1000 MW), KiruHEP (624 MW), Kwar HEP (540 MW), Kirthai-II HEP (930 MW) on Chenab basin. The meeting also reviewed smaller projects like Parnai HEP (38 MW), Karnah HEP (12 MW), New Ganderbal HEP (93 MW) and Lower Kalnai HEP (48 MW) which are going to be completed in a span of two years, the meeting was informed.

It was further made out that out of the 18000 MW potential of hydropower, 15000 MW has been identified on the river basins of J&K.It was given out that more projects are under DPR and feasibility study stages and are going to be taken up for execution in months ahead.

Later on in another meeting the Chief Secretary took note of the Rehabilitation & Resettlement Plan for the 850 MW Ratle HEP. He impressed upon the officers to suitably compensate the Project Affected Families (PAFs) and those losing their shops or agricultural lands in this project. He also stressed on rehabilitating them beforehand so that none of them faces any hardships.

The Chief Secretary was briefed by the Secretary, DMRR&R, Nazim Zia Khan that a comprehensive multi-crore plan has been formulated to rehabilitate all the PAFs of this HEP. He elucidated that the R&R plan includes suitable compensation for loss of houses, agriculture lands, shops and cattle sheds.

The meeting was also apprised that the plan includes transportation charges, scholarships for students, assistance for artists, subsistence allowance, pension for vulnerable persons, training facilities for youth besides infrastructure upgradation like establishment of different facilities like hospital, model school, community centre, street lighting, roads, waste management facilities and raising of other common utilities for the people of this area.

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: The Administrative Council (AC), which met under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, ManojSinha, accorded administrative approval for transfer of land for various public purposes.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, and Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, attended the meeting.

These include land transfer for establishment of Industrial estates Redbug, Kupwara; Munsif Court, Qazigund Anantnag; establishment of police post at Moochwa, Budgam; setting up of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) at Zainpora, Shopian; establishment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Battalion Headquarters in district Samba and establishment of Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Virology (ICMR – NIV), North Zone Unit at Jammu.

The Administrative Council approved transfer of land measuring 85 Kanals in favour of Industries & Commerce (I&C) Department, J&K for establishment of Industrial Estate at Redbug Kupwara. The Industrial estate shall be developed at a project cost of Rs.668.25 lacs and is expected to generate direct employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labour, while also providing indirect employment avenues for local vendors and youths.

In another proposal, approval was granted for the transfer of land measuring 20 Kanal at Wanpoh Qazigund, Anantnag for establishment of Munsif Court Complex. The new Munsif Court Complex shall ensure better facilities to Judicial Officers, Litigants, Advocate as well as general public.

Approval was also granted for the transfer of land measuring 90 Kanals& 10 marlas, situated at Zainapora, Shopian in favour of School Education Department for establishment of JawaharNavodayaVidyalaya (JNV). Setting up of JNV shall ensure a marked improvement in the educational environment for better future prospects of children.

In order to bolster disaster preparedness, AC approved the transfer of State land measuring 568 Kanals in District Samba in favour of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), MHA GoI, for establishment of Battalion Headquarters. Given Jammu and Kashmir's susceptibility to various disaster risks, the presence of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) becomes crucial, aligning with both public and national interests. Currently, the 13th Battalion of NDRF designated for J&K and Ladakh operates from Ladhowal in Punjab, with temporary arrangements in place.

Besides, approval was also given for transfer of land measuring 41 Kanals& 04 marlas, situated in Jagti, Nagrota, Jammu in favour of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Virology, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GoI, Pune for establishment of ICMR – NIV, North Zone Unit.

The establishment of a National Institute of Virology (NIV) unit in Jammu shall play a pivotal role in addressing virus disease outbreaks by employing epidemiological and diagnostic tools. Besides, it shall also provide referral diagnostic services to individuals, community, medical colleges & research institutions.

SRINAGAR: J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth around Rs 290 crore in Jammu Kashmir’s Anantnag.

“This is yet another milestone in district Anantnag's path to economic and social progress. A slew of projects dedicated to the people today in the Health, Education, Water Supply, and Urban Development sectors will empower all sections of the society,” the Lt Governor said.

He said our focus on health and education will prepare the people for future challenges and revitalize the growth story of the district.

The Lt Governor said the foundation stone laid for projects in Rural Development, PW (R&B), Jal Shakti, Fisheries and Tourism sectors will bring visible impact on the quality of lives of the people.

“The prime goal of the administration is rapid economic growth integrated with speedier social development. With collective efforts to synergize strengths of different sectors, improving standards of living and seizing the vast opportunities in the industrial sector, J&K is today at the forefront of development transformation in the country,” the Lt Governor said.

The 37 projects worth Rs 124.17 crore inaugurated by Lt Governor include 29 projects of Jal Shakti; Beautification of main market Pahalgam; Multi-storied building in Boys Degree College Khanabal and Academic Block & additional class room at Degree College Bijbehara; office complex at Town hall premises, MC Qazigund; Block office building at Ruhoo & Footbridge at Kanganhall; NTPHC Kehribal under Languishing Project and upgradation of roads in the district.

The 39 projects at a cost of Rs 166.56 crore for which foundation stones were laid by Lt Governor include 20 projects of Rural Development Department; 9 projects of PWD (R&B); 4 projects of Fisheries; development of recreation spot on River Bank at Pahalgam; Nagar Van (City Forest), Munjhadan, Mahind and Water Supply Schemes at Siligam Tantraypora, Imoo Sundoo, Brad Ikhrajpora & Shumhall Hassanoor. (UNI)

SRINAGAR:  The Lt Governor felicitated the outstanding students and the citizens for their exemplary contributions in their respective fields.  He also interacted with the locals present there and listened to their demands and issues.

Coffee table books on Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2023 and Mashal-e-Gash were also released.

Earlier, the Lt Governor inaugurated various projects at Government Degree College Ganderbal including 12 classroom additional accommodation, Multipurpose Hall, Gym cum Health Centre and VIKALP- Venture Incubation and Knowledge Application Launchpad. He laid the foundation stone for 50-bedded Hostel for Girls at GDC Ganderbal and released a booklet on VIKALP Incubation Policy.

The various projects inaugurated by the Lt Governor today include - Bus Terminal Complex at Beehama, Ganderbal; Cafeteria MC Ganderbal; Sind View Point and Amrit Sarovar Beautification at Beehama. He also laid the beautification of area around Clock Tower Ganderbal.

The projects of Jal Shakti Department worth Rs 13.50 crore inaugurated by Lt Governor were MGD WTP Ganderbal town; Water Supply Schemes for Ganderbal town (Phase II), Kurag Daragpora, Gogjigund Malikpora and Aug Mammer.

Ms Nuzhat Ishfaq, DDC Chairperson Ganderbal; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Sh Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh Shyambir, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal; Sh Sujit Kumar, DIG CKR Srinagar; Adv Altaf, President Municipal Council Ganderbal, PRI members and senior officers were present. 

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various developmental projects of Budgam District and launched the “Beautification of Budgam Town” initiative.

In his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the District Administration, public representatives and the people of Budgam.

“I am hopeful that planned infrastructure development projects & amenities for sustainable living by Budgam District Administration will create healthy competition amongst cities of Jammu Kashmir and encourage public and ULBs to improve infrastructure and make the urban spaces beautiful and inclusive,” the Lt Governor said.

The initiative for beautification of Budgam town will boost rapid development of economy, strengthen its ecology and ensure ease of living. These projects are reflective of vibrancy and resolve of the district, he added.

 Addressing the gathering at Raj Bhawan, the Lt Governor called upon the public representatives, civil society members and the youth to discharge their collective responsibility in realizing the developmental goals for a glorious future.

“India is moving ahead with new thinking and new resolve. We have touched the moon. Now, we should set big goals. Now, we should work with new speed and scale and dedicate ourselves in building a progressive society and realize the vision of Smart Cities, Smart Towns and Smart Villages,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor said the UT Administration is sensitive to the developmental needs of the people and is making every possible effort for inclusive and sustainable development of Jammu Kashmir.

“Our efforts are focused on inclusive growth as reflected in Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji's vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas to provide better quality of life to the citizens, remove disparities and fulfill the aspirations of all sections,” he said.

The Lt Governor commended the endeavour of District Administration for honouring Acharya Abhinav Gupt Ji by creating infrastructure, facilities and beautification works of the Bairam Cave at Beerwah.

It is a wonderful example of 'Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi' and multi-dimensional approach will help developing Beerwah as a major tourist destination, he said.

Sh Nazir Ahmad Khan, Chairman, District Development Council, Budgam expressed gratitude to the Lt Governor led UT Administration for taking development to the grassroots level. 

The projects inaugurated by Lt Governor today include Public and Children Parks around Charar-e-Sharief Shrine; Renovation/Beautification Works for Bairam Hill Cave at Beerwah, Budgam; Jogger’s Park at MC Chadoora; Water Supply Scheme, Harinoo and New Type Primary Health Centre, Choon.

The projects worth Rs 41 crore for which the foundation stones were laid are Transit Accommodation at Kakanmaran, Budgam; New Bus Adda Chadoora; Modernization of DC Office Complex; Water Supply Scheme, Gundipora, Beerwah and Construction of 19  new Panchayat Ghars across Budgam.

The Lt Governor also distributed Sports kits to youth of Budgam and smartphones and smart kits to specially-abled children.

Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Sh Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, PRI members, youth and large number of people from Budgam attended the ceremony at Raj Bhawan Auditorium.  

SSRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated key infrastructure projects at Ganderbal, today.

The Lt Governor said the projects dedicated to the people of Ganderbal are testimony to the government’s commitment to accelerate the development of the district.

Upgradation of rural roads, construction of link roads and bridges will bring economic prosperity & social empowerment in the lives of more than 4 lakh residents, the Lt Governor said.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor congratulated the people of Jammu Kashmir for the successful G20 meeting.

“During the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting, the entire world has witnessed awe-inspiring socio-economic progress of Jammu Kashmir.  Faster & Inclusive growth and our sustained effort to boost tourism sector is attracting the attention of the entire world,” he added.

He said the three-day meeting of 57 delegates from 27 countries in Srinagar has infused new enthusiasm, new confidence among the people. The way every section of the society enthusiastically participated in the G20 event is a sign of the rise of new and emerging Jammu Kashmir, the Lt Governor observed.

“The G20 meet was a joyous occasion for the people of UT and overwhelming response, participation and achievements have been possible because of hard work of our citizens and collectively they have brightened the J&K's image in the world,” the Lt Governor said.

G20 meeting is the beginning of a new era and has opened the door to immense possibilities of peace and progress. The festivity around the event was reflection of the transformation in Jammu Kashmir, he added.

At the inaugural ceremony, the Lt Governor reiterated the commitment of the government of inclusive development.

Tourism & Film sectors are gaining momentum with over more than 300 movies filmed last year and a record 1.88 crore tourists visited the UT, observed the Lt Governor.

More than 9 lakh tourists visited tourist locations in Ganderbal last year, which is twice the number, as compared to 2021. Sonamarg has also become one of the favourite film shooting destinations for Film-makers from across the globe, he noted.

The Lt Governor also spoke on the on-going development works in Ganderbal and saturation of government welfare schemes in the district. He also remembered the immense contribution of Late Sheikh Abdul Jabbar, a prominent political figure, in the development of J&K.

The Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the people of Ganderbal for their contribution and continuous support during Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela and Shri Amarnathji Yatra.

Ms Nuzhat Ishfaq, DDC Chairperson Ganderbal also spoke on the occasion and expressed gratitude to the Lt Governor-led UT administration for working for the welfare of the people.

Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary congratulated the people of Ganderbal on the inauguration of various key infrastructure projects.

The Lt Governor also handed over sanction letters and financial assistance to the beneficiaries under various schemes.

The projects inaugurated by Lt Governor include 110 mtr span Wayil Bridge; and other bridges and roads projects at Tangchatr,  Kangan, Gutlibagh, Tulmulla, Waheedpora, Peerpora Shallabugh, lower Wayil, Lar Town, Ghaniabad, Watlar Guzhama, Waskura and Srinagar-Leh National Highway to Bonizal road with links. The inaugurated projects also include WSS Baba Haniefudin and WSS Gutlibagh.

Sh Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Public Works (R&B); Sh Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Sh Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh Shyambir, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal; Sh Ishfaq Jabbar, former legislator; PRI members, senior officers and prominent citizens were present. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated various projects worth Rs 97 crore of Jammu & Kashmir Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (JKIDFC), today.

“Some of these projects dedicated to the people were pending for years. Our commitment and focus is on accelerated development and timely completion of projects,” the Lt Governor said.

The 15 projects e-inaugurated today includes CHC Chattergam Budgam; PHC Aaripanthan; Classroom/ Library block at Govt Women Degree College Pulwama; Mantaqi School Awantipora; Common Effluent Treatment Plant at Industrial Growth Centre, Phase-I Samba; IT Tower Building-II, Rangreth; Checkwari Mal Khul; improvement of Kenz Khul, WSS Mohra Jamlan; Water Testing Laboratory at Zainkote; Road from Dongian to Jatki Panjpeer; Kanshipur Ashram Road to Lower Gadi Garh Jammu;  Boys Higher Secondary School at Gujjar Mandi Rajouri; Sewerage Scheme at Patnitop and sports facility at University of Kashmir.

The Lt Governor also released pictorial compendium, a compilation of 1507 projects of JKIDFC completed at a cost of Rs 2504 crore, ending December 2022. 

JKIDFC has successfully completed 464 connectivity projects (309 Roads & 155 Bridges) worth Rs 901.25 cr; 65 Health Sector projects at a cost of Rs 236.42 cr; 112 Power projects for an amount of Rs. 187.68 cr; 329 Water Supply Projects worth Rs. 394.17 cr and 116 Education Sector projects at a cost of Rs 168.98 cr.  Moreover, 212 projects for Sports development & Youth Engagement (85 projects & 127 Sub projects) for an amount of Rs. 124.15 crore have been completed.

All these projects under various sectors/schemes are decided to public welfare and will hugely benefit the people & strengthen the socio-economic development of the UT.

Pertinently, JKIDFC is the first organization across the country that has incorporated Geo-Tagged Images for all its ongoing projects.

Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Administrative Secretaries and other senior officials were present. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated three Srinagar Smart City Projects and 25 Urban Local bodies (ULB) projects, today.

Of the three Smart City Projects, Polo View has been transformed into Pedestrian-Oriented Shopping Street, Abi Guzar Shiv temple has been renovated and dedicated to the people and Smart Advanced Traffic Management vehicles have been included in the fleet for Srinagar Smart City.

Of the Urban Local bodies (ULB) projects dedicated to the public today, 16 are development projects in 11 ULBs and 9 Solid Waste Management facilities in 10 ULBs.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor said, these projects will significantly boost urban infrastructure and give an impetus to ease of living.

 “Polo View in the heart of Srinagar has been transformed into pedestrian-oriented high street that will attract more footfall, increase in retail sale, improve experience of visitors and it will make the area more liveable," said the Lt Governor.

Sharing the efforts to create facilities at par with other big cities of the country, the Lt Governor said, the Polo View market is just the beginning. In coming days, Srinagar Smart City is developing similar markets in areas like Residency road, Lal Chowk, and the old city, he added.

 “The holistic approach in developing urban infrastructure is focused on Individual's well-being, new avenues and opportunities for the people for more diversified incomes, improved service delivery, mobility, cleanliness and to achieve the objectives of sustainable urban development,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor also highlighted the steps taken to fulfill the aspirations of all 40 ULBs of Kashmir Division.

 “We have put people at the centre of cities and the projects both development and solid waste management, are offering unprecedented opportunity to improve the lives of millions of urban residents,” he said.

The newly inaugurated projects are the testimony to our commitment to improve urban environment, he further added.

Speaking on the development journey of J&K over the past few years, the Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for the unparalleled growth of the UT.

Today, economic development is gaining new momentum, pace of completion of projects has increased 9 times and every section of the society is feeling empowered, said the Lt Governor.

Citizens are now co-constructing policies so that infrastructure projects are developed as per needs of the people, he added.

The Lt Governor called upon the elected representatives of the ULBs and the common people to work shoulder to shoulder with the administration in the mission to rejuvenate the cities and make them more vibrant, efficient, clean and sustainable.

Infrastructure should become a strong base to improve the quality of life of every citizen. We must ensure that infrastructure development meet the needs of the 21st century and reflect the priceless heritage & traditions of our cities, the Lt Governor said.

He further emphasized on encouraging maximum public participation in beautification of cities and swachhata campaigns.

At the Polo View, the Lt Governor interacted with the shop-keepers and presented a token of appreciation to the Traders association for their cooperation.

Bicycle sharing facilities for different locations in the city was also inaugurated on the occasion by the Lt Governor.

Sh H Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary Housing & Urban Development Department gave a detailed overview of the projects inaugurated today.

Ms Mathora Masoom, Director Urban Local Bodies Kashmir informed about the ongoing projects for the development of urban areas of the region.

Sh Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor SMC; Sh Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Sh Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh Athar Amir Khan, Commissioner SMC and CEO Srinagar Smart City; ULB members, senior officials and prominent citizens were present.