Day: August 18, 2025

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

LIAQAT ALI KHATANA

RAJOURI AUGUST 18:-A 20-year-old boy from Dassal village in Rajouri was swept away in strong water currents while crossing a stream in Mubarakhpura village today.

The boy has been identified as Atif Hussain Shah, who went missing after he was caught in the sudden surge of flood water. Eyewitnesses said the youth was attempting to cross the stream when he lost balance and was dragged away by the gushing flow.

Soon after the incident, local residents and authorities rushed to the spot. A massive search operation was launched by rescue teams, including police and SDRF personnel, but the boy remained untraced till the last reports came in.

Officials said efforts are continuing on a war footing to locate the missing youth.

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

MENDHAR AUGUST 18:-Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today conducted an inspection of the under-construction Synthetic Athletic Track at Batidhar, Mendhar— a key infrastructure project being developed at an estimated cost of ₹600 lakhs.

During the visit, officials briefed the Minister that nearly 40% of the construction work has been completed so far.

Expressing satisfaction with the progress, the Minister emphasized the need to accelerate the remaining work without compromising on quality standards.

A significant concern raised during the review was the pending relocation of a High Tension (HT) power line, currently under the jurisdiction of the Military Engineering Services (MES). The delay in shifting this line is impeding construction in certain sections of the project.

The Minister assured that he would initiate necessary coordination with the concerned authorities to resolve the issue at the earliest.

In a major boost to the project, Minister Rana also announced the commencement of additional supporting infrastructure at the site.

This includes the construction of change rooms, spectator seating tiers and protective works— sanctioned at an additional cost of ₹200 lakhs.

These enhancements are aimed at improving the overall utility of the facility and preparing it to host athletic events.

Reiterating the Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment to promoting sports in border and remote regions, the Minister said the project will play a vital role in providing improved infrastructure and meaningful opportunities for the youth of Mendhar and surrounding areas.

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

RAJOURI, AUGUST 18:-A Capacity Building Programme for YUVA Doots of Rajouri district was today organized in the Dr Raj Kumar Thapa Memorial Conference Hall of PWD Dak Bungalow under the supervision of District Nodal Officer Mission YUVA (Additional Deputy Commissioner) Chander Prakash and Joint Director Employment Jammu Paramjeet Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Director Employment Mohammad Nawaz Choudhary highlighted the objectives of Mission YUVA and underlined the pivotal role of YUVA Doots in promoting entrepreneurship. He urged them to identify and motivate potential entrepreneurs across the district and provide proper guidance in availing benefits under the scheme.

Interacting with the participants, the District Nodal Officer Mission YUVA (ADC) emphasized the responsibility of YUVA Doots in spreading awareness about Mission YUVA among unemployed and educated youth. He exhorted them to work with dedication to ensure maximum coverage under the scheme through active handholding of budding entrepreneurs.

Joint Director Employment Paramjeet Singh Raina in his address, encouraged the Yuva Doots to act as a vital link between the administration and the youth. He said their proactive efforts would help government schemes reach the grassroots level effectively, thereby not only empowering individuals but also driving the socio-economic development of the district.

The programme also featured an interactive question-answer session, where participants’ queries were addressed comprehensively. It concluded with all stakeholders reaffirming their collective commitment to make Mission YUVA a transformative platform for fostering youth-led growth and entrepreneurship in Rajouri.

NO: PR/DDI/J/2377

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

LIAQAT ALI KHATANA

RAJOURI, AUGUST 18:-Continuous heavy rainfall has disrupted normal life in Rajouri district, with the situation along the Kotranka-Khawas road emerging as particularly alarming. A section of the road has been washed away, forcing a complete closure and causing severe inconvenience to local residents and commuters.

The sudden rise in water levels of rivers and streams has triggered flood-like conditions in several areas. In response, the district administration has appealed to the public to stay away from rivers and streams, warning that negligence under the current circumstances could prove fatal. Police and SDRF teams have been put on high alert to tackle any emergency.

Officials confirmed that several small bridges and connecting roads are submerged due to incessant rains. Landslides and waterlogging have further hampered vehicular movement, adding to the hardships of daily commuters. Villagers have expressed concern, pointing out that the Kotranka-Khawas road has always been vulnerable during the monsoon, but this year the situation is far more critical.

“Rain has been relentless for the past two days. Small streams are overflowing, and we are deeply worried for the safety of children and the elderly,” said a local resident. Authorities have advised villagers, especially school-going children, to use safer alternative routes.

Agricultural fields in many parts of Rajouri are waterlogged, raising fears of crop damage, while reports have also surfaced of water entering houses in low-lying areas. The District Disaster Management Authority has instructed residents to remain vigilant and immediately report any emergency to the control room.

The administration has cautioned that conditions may worsen over the next 24 hours, as the Meteorological Department has forecast more heavy rainfall in the coming days. To ensure wider public awareness, Rajouri Police are issuing repeated advisories through social media platforms and local mosques, urging people to stay away from rivers and streams.

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

Despite Repeated Complaints, No Action Taken; Locals Forced to Clean Drain at Their Own Expense

LIAQAT ALI KHATANA

RAJOURI AUGUST 18:-Residents of Ward No. 04 in Rajouri continue to grapple with mounting civic woes as the issue of a clogged drain has remained unresolved for several months. The silence of the Municipal Council authorities, particularly the Executive Officer MunicipalCouncil Rajouri(EO), has drawn sharp criticism from locals who allege repeated complaints have been ignored.

According to BJP leader Radesh Sharma, the ward’s main drain has been completely blocked for nearly two years. As a result, during rains, dirty water enters streets and houses, creating unbearable conditions with foul smell and filth. Families have complained that the situation is affecting the health of children and the elderly, raising fears of dengue and other waterborne diseases.

Sharma highlighted that despite submitting written complaints to the Municipal Council in both 2024 and 2025, no action was taken to clear the drain. “Every time it rains, water flows straight into our homes and shops. We have raised the matter with the EO in meetings and through formal applications, but nothing has been done. Eventually, residents had to pool money and hire laborers to clean the drain themselves. It is shameful that a responsibility that clearly lies with the Municipal Council is being forced upon common citizens,” he said.

Locals confirmed that they collectively raised funds and arranged for manual cleaning of the drain, removing silt and garbage. However, they fear this solution is only temporary, as the drain will again choke during the monsoon season. They argue that unless the administration undertakes regular cleaning and repairs, the problem will persist.

The EO’s silence and the administration’s indifference have sparked growing anger among residents. They have warned that if immediate action is not taken, they will stage protests and gherao the Municipal Council office.

Appealing to the district administration, residents demanded that the matter be taken seriously and responsible officials held accountable. “This case exposes the negligence of the authorities and the helplessness of the people. In a city like Rajouri, which is sensitive and rapidly developing, the neglect of basic civic amenities not only raises questions about the functioning of the administration but also casts doubt on the accountability of local bodies,” Sharma concluded.

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

Administrator Auqaf Abdul Qayoom Mir Highlights Achievements in Preservation and Development of Waqf Properties in Rajouri

LIAQAT ALI KHATANA

RAJOURI AUGUST 18:-A significant milestone was marked in Rajouri with the laying of the foundation stone for a new Jamia Masjid at Bhattian, Ziarat Sain Wali Dad (RA). The initiative, spearheaded by the Waqf Department, reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening religious infrastructure and preserving community heritage.

Speaking on the occasion, the Administrator Auqaf Rajouri Abdul Qayoom Mir emphasized that his tenure has been defined by transparent governance, revival of neglected properties, and strict action against illegal encroachments. “For the first time in decades, decisive measures were taken to reclaim Waqf assets, ensuring their use for the collective welfare of the community,” he stated.

Highlighting reforms, he noted that the digitization of all Auqaf properties in Rajouri stands as a historic achievement, preventing misuse and enabling better monitoring. The department has also introduced accountability mechanisms in financial operations, setting a benchmark for institutional management.

On the infrastructural front, the Administrator underlined the near completion of the much-awaited Shahdara Sharief Masjid—described as an architectural landmark in the making. Upgradation works at Eidgah Rajouri, Panjpeer Rajouri, Fatehpur Khoo Wali Ziyarat, and other sites were also cited as part of the department’s broad development agenda.

“These steps are part of a larger vision to transform the Waqf Department into a transparent, efficient, and community-responsive institution,” he added. “Every reclaimed property and new project is a legacy for present and future generations.”

The foundation of the new Jamia Masjid at Bhattian is being seen as a spiritual and cultural milestone for the district, reinforcing the sacred trust placed in the Waqf administration by the people.

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

MENDHAR AUGUST 18:-In light of the extensive damage caused by the recent spell of incessant rains and subsequent landslides across the district, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, convened a review meeting today at Dak Bungalow, Mendhar.

The meeting was attended by Sub-Divisional Officers and senior officials from concerned departments, who presented detailed on-ground reports highlighting the current situation in their respective areas.

During the deliberations, the Minister was briefed on the widespread destruction—ranging from damage to residential structures, road networks, and public utilities to the displacement of families in landslide-prone zones.

Following a comprehensive review, the Minister issued a series of directives aimed at ensuring swift, coordinated, and effective response measures by all relevant departments.

He instructed the Revenue and Line Departments to immediately initiate a thorough assessment of damages, with special attention to loss of life, property, livestock, and standing crops.

He emphasized the need for assessments to be completed with accuracy and urgency to facilitate timely relief and compensation.

The Rural Development Department, Flood Control Department, and Forest Department were directed to jointly undertake protection and mitigation measures in vulnerable areas.

These include slope stabilization, construction of protective walls, debris clearance, and erosion control to prevent further threats to life and infrastructure.

Acknowledging the severe hardships faced by displaced families, the Minister stressed the importance of immediate temporary rehabilitation and financial assistance in accordance with disaster relief guidelines.

He directed revenue officials to identify all affected families and ensure the prompt provision of interim compensation and temporary housing.

To alleviate immediate suffering, the Minister ordered the equitable distribution of essential relief materials, including food, clean drinking water, medicines, blankets, and other basic necessities.

He called for enhanced coordination between civil administration, disaster management authorities, and local voluntary organizations to strengthen relief efforts.

The restoration of essential services—particularly road connectivity, electricity, and water supply—was identified as a top priority. Departments concerned were directed to carry out restoration work on a war footing, with focused attention on areas that remain isolated or are experiencing prolonged service disruptions.

During the meeting, officers raised concerns regarding the continued negligence of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in maintaining key road stretches, which reportedly aggravated the impact of the recent weather events.

Taking serious note of this issue, the Minister assured that the matter would be escalated to higher authorities to ensure accountability and prompt corrective action.

Reaffirming the Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment to the safety, rehabilitation, and welfare of every affected citizen, the Minister called for a proactive, coordinated, and people-centric approach from all departments.

He assured that his office will closely monitor the situation until full restoration and rehabilitation are achieved.