Day: December 5, 2025

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SRINAGAR DECM,05:-Senior JKNC leader and Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmed Rana today called on JKNC President and former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah at the latter’s Gupkar residence.

During the meeting, discussions were held on various issues of public importance, with a special focus on the functioning of Government Departments under the charge of Javed Ahmed Rana.

The interaction centred on strengthening public service delivery, addressing people’s grievances and ensuring effective governance across the concerned sectors.

The JKNC President called for greater commitment to working tirelessly for the welfare of the people and enhancing the efficiency of administrative mechanisms in Jammu & Kashmir.

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SRINAGAR DECM,05:-Socio-political activist and senior trade union leader Muhammad Altaf Dar from Rajbagh has raised serious concerns over the worsening condition of Kashmir’s key water bodies—Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Baba Demb, the River Jhelum, and Anchar Lake. He has urged authorities to formulate a comprehensive, scientific, and sustained conservation strategy to counter the escalating threats to these vital ecosystems.

While appreciating the recent revival measures undertaken for the Gilsar–Khushalsar lake system, Altaf Dar said that critical issues across other water bodies continue to remain ignored. “What about the ongoing encroachments at Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Baba Demb, River Jhelum, and Anchar Lake?” he questioned.

He pointed out several alarming challenges affecting these water bodies, including: Unchecked illegal constructions,Continuous landfilling,Severe weed infestations,Solid waste dumping

Shrinking water channels due to administrative negligence and weak enforcement

Emphasizing the ecological interconnectedness of these lakes and waterways, Altaf Dar said that selective restoration is insufficient. “Restoring one lake while neglecting others is an incomplete strategy. Damage to one water body ultimately affects all,” he warned.

He appealed to key authorities—including Chief Minister Omer Abdullah, the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, the Office of the Deputy Chief Minister, and the Lake Conservation and Management Authority—to extend the same commitment, scientific planning, and on-ground enforcement seen in the Gilsar–Khushalsar project to all other major water bodies in the Valley.

Altaf Dar cautioned that without cohesive and coordinated action, unchecked encroachments and pollution will continue to endanger Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem, potentially erasing the progress achieved over years of conservation work.

“Only a unified, science-led, and strictly enforced conservation plan can ensure the long-term protection of Kashmir’s lifeline water bodies,” he concluded.

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SRINAGAR DECM, 05:-The Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK) today held a pivotal Executive Meeting in Srinagar, also joined by Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani.

The session focused on strengthening Kashmir’s tourism ecosystem, protecting fragile environmental assets and improving public utilities essential for sustainable development.

CCIK presented key issues impacting the tourism and hospitality sector, particularly the provision of timber for houseboat repairs, a longstanding demand crucial for preserving Kashmir’s heritage tourism.

The Chamber also emphasised the need to diversify Kashmir’s tourism offerings through ecotourism, adventure tourism, and the development of eco-friendly resorts and luxury camping facilities in forest zones.

The Chamber urged the Government to streamline the single-window clearance system for Pollution Control Committee approvals.

CCIK stressed that existing multi-tiered approval processes have become a major bottleneck in the execution of tourism, hospitality, and infrastructure projects.

A simplified, time-bound mechanism, they noted, would significantly improve compliance and enhance the investment climate.

Addressing public utility challenges, CCIK drew attention to the irregular water supply faced by hoteliers in Pahalgam, compounded by limited tanker services.

The Chamber appealed to the Hon’ble Jal Shakti Minister to intervene and ensure reliable water availability across key tourist destinations, particularly during peak seasons.

Environmental conservation dominated the discussions, with CCIK expressing serious concern over the deteriorating condition of Dal, Nigeen, Wular, Anchar, and other wetlands.

The Chamber called for a comprehensive cleanup drive and strict, encroachment-free protection measures, while requesting formal inclusion in all Government-led consultations on water resource management.

Special attention was drawn to the worsening state of Babademb Lake, for which CCIK demanded immediate restoration and long-term conservation action.

To enhance Kashmir’s tourism appeal, CCIK proposed branding the region as a premier wedding destination, leveraging its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The Chamber also sought a review of entry fee structures at Aru and other tourist sites to ensure that pricing remains competitive and visitor-friendly.

Responding to the extensive submissions, Minister Javed Ahmed Rana and Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani assured the business community that all genuine concerns would be addressed in a time-bound and priority-driven manner.

They reaffirmed Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, safeguarding ecological assets, and strengthening public service delivery to guarantee a safe and enriching experience for visitors.

Minister Rana reiterated that the Government would take every possible measure to upgrade tourism facilities, bolster environmental protection efforts, and improve the overall service ecosystem in Kashmir.

The meeting was chaired by CCIK President Tariq Ghani and attended by office bearers and key members including Hussan Khan, Dr. Imran, Aatif Khan, Aijaz Khan, Ashiq Bhat, Zubair, and Umar Jan Wani.

Sector-specific concerns were raised by representatives from the houseboat, travel, hospitality, and handicraft sectors.

Industry leaders Manoor Paktoo (Houseboats), Wahid Malik (SKAL), Akram Siah (Travel Trade), Baber Chowdary (JKHARA), and Mudasir (Handicraft Sector) also participated in the deliberations.

Officials from the PHE, I&FC, Tourism, and Forest Departments were present to note the concerns and provide departmental insights.

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SRINAGAR DECM,05:-Prominent Tribal leader and Cabinet Minister, Javed Ahmed Rana, today paid glowing tributes to Sher-i-Kashmir, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, on the occasion of his 120th birth anniversary.

Marking the solemn day, the Rana accompanied JKNC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Speaker, A R Rathar, MP Ramzan Choudhary, Minister Javaid Ahmed Dar and legislators visited the mausoleum of Sheikh Abdullah, offered prayers and paid his respects at the revered leader’s grave.

In his message, the Minister described Sheikh Abdullah as a towering statesman and a transformative leader whose contributions left an indelible imprint on the social and political fabric of Jammu & Kashmir.

Highlighting Sheikh Abdullah’s far-reaching reforms, the Minister noted that the revolutionary land reforms introduced under his leadership fundamentally reshaped the region’s socio-economic structure.

These reforms dismantled the centuries-old feudal order and empowered large sections of marginalized and disadvantaged communities who had long lived on the peripheries of society.

Rana emphasized that these measures not only advanced economic equity but also paved the way for greater dignity, participation, and opportunity for the common people.

He further stated that Sheikh Abdullah’s unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, equality, and democratic empowerment continues to resonate across generations.

His words, actions, and enduring legacy, the Minister said, remain a source of inspiration for all those striving to build a more inclusive and just society.

“On this solemn occasion, we remember a leader who transformed the course of history with courage, conviction, and compassion. Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah’s vision stands as a powerful reminder of what true transformative leadership can achieve,” the Minister remarked.

Rana extended his respectful homage to the memory of Sher-i-Kashmir and urged the people to draw strength from his legacy as they work together toward a more equitable and progressive future.

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SRINAGAR DECM 05:-CON India successfully hosted the Eid-e-Wiladat-e-Masih Celebration, bringing together diverse religious communities in a powerful demonstration of unity and mutual respect. The event, held at The Valley View Hotel in Srinagar, showcased the region’s commitment to interfaith harmony and shared human values.

Under the inspiring theme of “Love, Peace, Sacrifice, Prosperity, Unity, Common Brotherhood & Human Dignity,” the gathering brought together community leaders, religious representatives, and social activists from various backgrounds. The event served as a profound platform for dialogue, understanding, and collective celebration of shared human experiences.

A highlight of the program with the felicitation of Mohammad Aafaq, a prominent social worker widely recognized as the “Iron Man of Kashmir” for his exceptional contributions to community development and social welfare. Muhammad Aafaq expressed deep humility upon receiving the recognition, stating, “This honor is not just for me, but for every individual working towards building bridges of understanding in our community.”

The celebration emphasized the critical importance of mutual respect, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions about promoting peace, understanding, and collective progress in the region.