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Javed Rana Inaugurates Carnivore Enclosure at Shachera Conservation Reserve
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
RAJOURI OCT 05:-Aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation efforts in Jammu & Kashmir, the Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated the newly developed Carnivore Enclosure at the Shachera Conservation Reserve in Rajouri.
The inauguration forms part of the ongoing Wildlife Week 2025 celebrations, being observed across Jammu & Kashmir from October 2 to 8, aimed at fostering awareness and action for the protection of J&K’s diverse ecological resources.
DDC Chairperson Naseen Liaqat Choudhary, legislators Javaid Iqbal Choudhary and Iftikhar Ahmed, along with Ch. Sain Abdul Rashid, Shafait Khan, Haji Jamshed and Advocate Qadir Khan were present on the occasion.
Also in attendance were senior officers of the Forest Department including Chairman Polition Control Committee and Chief Wildlife Warden J&K, district officials and members of the local community, reflecting strong administrative and public support for wildlife conservation initiatives in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister underscored the urgent need for a unified and collaborative approach to safeguarding the rich biodiversity of Jammu & Kashmir.
He stressed that protecting JK’s natural heritage is not only a moral and environmental imperative but also essential for securing a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
Highlighting the role of community engagement, the Minister noted that conservation cannot succeed in isolation. He called for active involvement of local communities, particularly those living in and around forested areas, as key partners in safeguarding wildlife and natural habitats.
Empowering these communities through sustainable livelihood options and inclusive development, he said, will foster a deeper sense of ownership and responsibility toward conservation efforts.
Rana expressed concern over growing threats such as encroachment, poaching and habitat degradation, and called for immediate, coordinated action to address these challenges.
He emphasized the need to integrate robust forest protection measures with socio-economic development to ensure long-term conservation success.
The Minister also outlined a vision for adopting innovative strategies in the fields of afforestation, biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife conflict mitigation, all of which are increasingly pressing issues in the region.
He called for the promotion of eco-tourism in a way that balances environmental sensitivity with sustainable economic development, ensuring that local communities benefit while ecological integrity is preserved.
A strong focus was laid on the adoption of modern technologies for forest surveillance, wildlife tracking, and habitat monitoring, which, he said, must be mainstreamed to enhance transparency, responsiveness and data-driven decision-making within the Forest Department.
Rana reiterated that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility that must extend beyond departmental boundaries.
He advocated for enhanced interdepartmental coordination, policy alignment, and greater collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and citizens to drive impactful and lasting conservation outcomes.
The inauguration of the Carnivore Enclosure marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen protected areas in Jammu & Kashmir and to improve habitat-specific facilities for the long-term wellbeing of endangered species.
According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Forest, Ecology & Environment, Wildlife Week 2025 continues to serve as a vital platform to reaffirm J&K Government’s commitment to environmental conservation, public engagement and ecological resilience.
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Mega Road Project Brings Historic Connectivity to Pir Panjal ₹22-Crore Mangota–Darhal Link to Cut Distance by 25 km, Boost Tourism and Trade
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
LIAQAT ALI KHATANA
RAJOURI OCT 01:-In a landmark infrastructure push for the Pir Panjal region, the long-awaited 20-km Mangota–Darhal Road is finally nearing completion — a development hailed as a “historic milestone” by residents and officials alike.
Sanctioned at a cost of ₹22 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the project is being executed by the PMGSY Division Budhal. Once completed, the road will seamlessly connect the Thannamandi sub-division with Darhal block, providing a vital link to the iconic Mughal Road — the traditional route of emperors and traders.
The scenic alignment passes through picturesque locations such as Katemar and Nonpal, both of which hold immense potential for tourism development. Locals and travel enthusiasts believe the new road will open up unexplored destinations, attract visitors, and boost eco-tourism in the heart of Pir Panjal.
For over seven decades, residents had been demanding a direct link between Mangota and Darhal. Due to poor connectivity, they were forced to take 25–30 km longer routes or traverse difficult paths on foot. The new stretch is set to reduce the travel distance by nearly 25 km — transforming accessibility for hundreds of households.
Officials confirmed that the project is progressing at a brisk pace with high-quality construction work, and is expected to be completed within the next month.
Elated locals have termed the project a “game-changer”, expressing gratitude for what they call the fulfilment of a decades-old dream. “This road will bring new business opportunities, better mobility, and faster access to markets and services,” said a resident.
Once operational, the Mangota–Darhal link is expected to significantly strengthen regional connectivity, drive tourism and trade, and script a new chapter of development for the Pir Panjal region.
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Sewa Parv Day 15: Rajouri witnesses blood donation camps, cleanliness drives, awareness and sports events
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
RAJOURI, OCT 01: On the 15th day of the ongoing Sewa Parv being celebrated from September 17 to October 2, 2025, multiple welfare-oriented, awareness and community engagement activities were organized in Rajouri district under the directions of Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma.
Marking National Blood Donation Day, a blood donation camp was held at Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri. The event saw participation from medical staff, including Dr. Javed, Deputy Medical Superintendent, along with staff members Showket and Mehroz, who donated blood in the presence of Dr. Iram Choudhary, HoD Blood Bank. The initiative reinforced the message of “Rakht Daan Maha Daan,” spreading the spirit of humanity and service. A similar blood donation camp was also organized by the Municipal Committee Nowshera.
The Animal Husbandry Department carried out a cleanliness drive at the Livestock Development Centre (LDC) Batha and organized an awareness programme at village Badi Darhal, focusing on livestock care and departmental schemes for farmers’ welfare.
At the Sericulture Complex, Solki, the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) organized an awareness programme highlighting sericulture development schemes. The programme also featured a plantation drive and special cleanliness campaigns, furthering the message of environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Adding a cultural and sports flavour to the day, the Sports Department of GDC Thannamandi, under the supervision of Dr. Ather Aziz Raina and guidance of Principal Dr. Farooq Ahmed, organized a series of indoor and outdoor tournaments. Competitions in carrom, table tennis, badminton and cricket were held, engaging youth and promoting physical fitness along with community bonding.
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World Tourism Day: Trek to SamarthSar organised to explore untapped destinations in Rajouri District ; DC deputes Officers’ Team to promote Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan activities
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
RAJOURI, OCT 01: To mark World Tourism Day, the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, in collaboration with District Administration Rajouri, organised a three-day trekking expedition from Budhal to Samarthsar to showcase adventure tourism and scenic potential of Budhal—an emerging off-beat tourist destination.
Around 50 trekkers, including district officers, doctors, local trekking enthusiasts, actively participated in the expedition. The programme also served as an awareness drive for locals and youth, focusing on registration of residential houses as homestays, grooming youth as tourist guides and scope for promoting adventure Tourism.
The trekking route passes through numerous picturesque spots such as Gabbar, Bathan, Guleri, Gambiri Gali, Rich Bagla, Banj, Samarthsar, Saverimarg, Nagini and Kalhar. An overnight camping halt was organised at Samarthsar, featuring cultural programmes, homestay registration and Swachhta activities. The morning began with the singing of the National Anthem, resonating with patriotic fervour.
At the peak of Samarthsar, trekkers cherished panoramic views of the Pir Panjal range, including the majestic Dakhyar Peak—the highest in the region—and pristine alpine lakes like Bagh Sar.
Bagh Sar, in particular, fascinated trekkers with its unique freshwater streams flowing towards the Ans River on one side and Kalhar on the other.
Additionally, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma deputed the Chief Planning Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, Block Development Officer, Doctors and other officers to interact with nomadic communities in the hilly areas to rope in them for Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan.
The outreach aimed to institutionalise grassroots leadership, strengthen governance in tribal areas, conduct gap analysis to improve public services delivery in health, education and welfare, also to ensure inclusive development and enhance grievance redressal and citizen engagement.
The expedition was described as a resounding success, effectively showcasing Budhal’s untapped potential for adventure and eco-tourism.
Chief Planning Office Maqsood Ahmed coordinated the expedition as the overall incharge, while AD Tourism Mumtaz Ahmed facilitated the arrangements. District and sectoral officers also took part in the event.
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DC Rajouri Reviews Preparations for Gram Sabhas under Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan; Stresses on Formalization of MGNREGA Plans and Expediting Capex Works
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
RAJOURI, OCT 01: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, today convened a virtual meeting to review the preparations for organizing Gram Sabhas scheduled to be held tomorrow across the district for preparing Vision Documents in 104 tribal villages under Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan, besides the finalization of MGNREGA plans in all Panchayats.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for wide publicity of the Gram Sabha schedule in every Panchayat to ensure maximum community participation. He directed that Chowkidars and Numberdars shall also mandatorily attend the Gram Sabhas to strengthen grassroots-level planning.
He stressed that the MGNREGA plans should be formalized strictly as per the prescribed norms and guidelines, with maximum focus on community-oriented works to cater to local developmental needs.
In addition, the DC instructed officers to expedite the allotment process of tendered works and ensure timely expenditure of ongoing Capex projects across the district, so that developmental momentum is maintained.
The meeting was attended by ADC’s, ACR, CPO, ACP, ACD, Tehsildars, BDOs, and other district and sectoral officers.
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GMC Rajouri Student bags Bronze Medal in Inter-College Yoga Competition
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
RAJOURI, OCT 01: Miss Anadya Handa, a Final Year MBBS student of Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri has brought laurels to the institution by securing Third Position (Bronze Medal) in the Inter-College Yoga Competition organized by the University of Jammu.
Her remarkable achievement reflects the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent and encouraging students to actively participate in extracurricular and sports activities, alongside their rigorous academic curriculum.
This success was made possible under the able guidance of Prof. (Dr.) A.S. Bhatia, Principal GMC Rajouri, and Prof. (Dr.) Jameel Ul Hussain, Chairman Sports Committee GMC Rajouri.
Miss Anadya Handa was accompanied and supported by Mr. Jagatar Singh, Sports Assistant GMC Rajouri, whose dedicated efforts ensured smooth participation in the competition.
GMC Rajouri continues to promote holistic student development by providing its students with ample opportunities to excel in both academics and sports, thereby fostering a culture of excellence and all-round growth.
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School Girl Accuses Teacher of Harassment, CEO Rajouri Orders Suspension, Probe.Teacher booked under Section 74 BNS and POCSO Act
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
SHYAM SOOD
RAJOURI SEPT 30:-Tension erupted at Government Higher Secondary School Kakora in the Manjakote education zone of Rajouri district on Tuesday after a Class 10 student accused a teacher of misconduct and sexual harassment.
Following the allegation, the girl’s family members, joined by a large number of villagers, stormed the school premises and confined the teachers and staff for nearly six hours, demanding immediate suspension of the accused and registration of a police case.
Taking swift cognizance of the matter, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Rajouri, Mohammad Hafiz Sheikh, suspended the teacher and ordered a departmental inquiry. He also dispatched a team of officials to the school to pacify the protesters and to ensure that the matter was handled fairly and sensitively.
Police, meanwhile, registered a case under Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)- Assault or Use of Criminal Force to a Woman with Intent to Outrage Her Modesty -and Sections 7/8 of the POCSO Act, and launched a manhunt to trace the absconding teacher.
The protest was later called off around 5:30 PM after the suspension order and FIR were formally issued, and the staff members who had been held inside the school were released.
According to the CEO’s suspension order, the school principal had submitted a written report flagging serious allegations of misconduct by teacher Ajaz Ahmad, who also handled admissions. The order noted that the charges were of a “very serious nature, directly affecting the conduct, integrity, and reputation of a government employee.” To ensure a free and fair probe and to safeguard the interests of the institution and students, the teacher was attached to the office of the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Khawas, Kotranka subdivision, pending investigation.
The order also emphasized that this step was necessary to prevent any attempt to influence the inquiry or intimidate witnesses.
Sources said that after the girl’s strong reaction, the accused teacher allegedly left the school premises, reportedly attempting to reach the student’s home to “settle the matter” but was rebuffed. He has since gone into hiding and switched off his mobile phone.
The school principal has also constituted a separate internal inquiry to establish the facts of the case.
Confirming the incident, a senior police officer in Manjakote said, “Yes, a case under Section 74 BNS and Sections 7/8 of the POCSO Act has been registered. The accused is absconding, and efforts are underway to arrest him.” -
Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme Engages Youth at University of Kashmir
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
SRINAGAR SEPT 30:-The National Service Scheme (NSS), University of Kashmir, successfully hosted the “Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme-Seva Pakhwada (VBYCP)” on September 30, 2025, at the Ibn-e-Khaldun Auditorium, Allama Iqbal Library. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from youths and NSS volunteers of various colleges, alongside several distinguished guests who illuminated the key facets of the Viksit Bharat vision in their enlightening addresses.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Wakar Amin Zargar, Programme Coordinator NSS, University of Kashmir, who clearly outlined the central aims of the initiative. In his remarks, Dr. Amin stated that the programme’s primary goal is to foster youth engagement, innovation, and nation-building through meaningful interactions and volunteerism.
Mr. Pradeep Kumar, Deputy Director, My Yuva Bharat, offered valuable insights on the vision behind Viksit Bharat, stressing the critical role of youth as architects of a new, progressive India. He encouraged the participants to embrace leadership and play an active part in societal transformation. In his address, Prof. Parvez Ahmad, Dean Students Welfare, University of Kashmir, reinforced the significance of youth as a driving force for positive change, highlighting that their energy and ideas are essential to achieving the nation’s development aspirations.
The event’s Chief Guest, Professor Shariefuddin Pirzada, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Kashmir, delivered a presidential address underscoring how India’s vibrant youth population is a key asset that can propel the nation to greater heights. He inspired students to maximize their potential and contribute to the collective progress of the country.
The session by Mr. Mridull Thaplu, Youth Icon, featured a dynamic presentation and interactive discussion covering the recent achievements under the Viksit Bharat vision. Through real-life examples, Mr. Thaplu demonstrated how initiatives are positively impacting communities and empowering young citizens.
The programme was seamlessly moderated by Dr. Humaira, Programme Officer, ensuring lively interaction and thoughtful discussion. A vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Iftikhar Hussain Bhat, acknowledging all dignitaries, participants, and volunteers for their contributions.Dr.Ajaz Ahamad was also present during the programme.
Overall, the VBYCP programme was highly interactive, with NSS volunteers actively engaging in question-answer sessions, reflecting their commitment and enthusiasm for the nation-building process. The event concluded with the national anthem, marking a fitting end to a day dedicated to youth empowerment and the realization of Viksit Bharat’s aspirations. -
JKNPF Bans Members from Associating with NGOs or Parallel Entities
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
SRINAGAR SEPT 30:-The Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front (JKNPF) today held a high-level meeting under the leadership of senior dignitaries and party members to deliberate on key organizational matters.
After detailed discussions, the party unanimously resolved that no office bearer, leader, or member of JKNPF shall be associated with any Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) or any parallel entity that could compromise the image, integrity, or objectives of the party.
Clarifying its position, the party stated that organizations such as the J&K Youth Livelihood Promotion Committee and Jai Kissan have no affiliation with JKNPF. Any member found connected with these or similar NGOs will face immediate disassociation from the party without prior notice.
The statement further noted that if any party member joins or participates in an NGO that tarnishes the image of JKNPF, they will be removed from the organization forthwith.
Emphasizing its commitment to direct public service, the JKNPF reiterated that it is a people’s movement — “of the people, by the people, and for the people” — and that its mission is to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir through the party’s own platforms, not via outside bodies.
The directive, declared binding on all members, calls for strict adherence to the decision. The meeting concluded with a unanimous pledge from all senior dignitaries and the President to uphold the integrity and objectives of the party in both letter and spirit.
