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BUDHAL SEPT 30:-Senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Mohammad Farooq Inqlabi, has strongly condemned the negligence and indifference of the Irrigation Department, Rajouri, towards the plight of the residents of Kewal Village in Budhal. Inqlabi expressed deep concern over the condition of the irrigation kanal, which was damaged during the recent floods and has remained unrestored despite repeated appeals from the villagers.

> “It is deeply unfortunate that the local residents themselves had to come forward and restore the damaged canal with their own hands, while the concerned officials of the Irrigation Department have failed to even visit the site. This is not just administrative failure—it’s an injustice to the people,” Inqlabi said.

He noted that the damage to the kanal had crippled irrigation, shut down water mills, and left livestock without water, pushing the entire village into distress. “This shows how disconnected the administration is from ground realities. Despite multiple representations and calls for help, the silence from the authorities is deafening. It is the duty of the government to support its citizens in times of need—not abandon them,” he added.

Inqlabi squarely blamed the current condition of the kanal on corrupt practices by contractors and the concerned officers of the Irrigation Department. He alleged that substandard material is used every year under the name of repair work, and lakhs of rupees are shown as spent on paper, but there is nothing visible on the ground. “This is not just negligence; it is clear misuse of public money and a betrayal of people’s trust,” he said.

He demanded immediate intervention from higher authorities and called upon the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to order an independent inquiry into the misuse of funds, take strict action against the negligent and corrupt officials, and ensure permanent and quality restoration of the irrigation infrastructure in Kewal Village. “The people of Kewal deserve better. The PDP stands with them in their fight for basic rights,” he concluded.

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RAJOURI SEPT 30:-As part of the ongoing Campaign under “Sewa Parv” District Police Rajouri organised a cleanliness drive at Children Park near Dak Bungalow Rajouri.

The event was led by Tejinder Singh IPS DIG RP Range and Gaurav Sikarwar IPS SSP Rajouri* who were joined by a large number of police officers, officials and staff members of District Police Rajouri. During the drive the officers and officials actively participated in cleaning the park premises removing waste material and spreading awareness about the importance of maintaining public spaces.

Speaking on the occasion DIG RP Range IPS Tejinder Singh appreciated the efforts of Rajouri Police and highlighted that cleanliness is not only the responsibility of the administration but also requires active involvement of every citizen. SSP Rajouri Gaurav Sikarwar also stressed upon the significance of community participation in keeping public spaces clean and safe.

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RAJOURI, SEPT 30: Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Rajouri Rajesh Gupta today carried out a comprehensive road checking drive on the Sunderbani–Bajabain road and the National Highway.

A team of Motor Vehicle Department, led by ARTO inspected around 220 vehicles and e-challaned 19 vehicles and impounded 7 others, which were handed over to Sunderbani Police Station for further action.

The drive was conducted under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules, aimed at ensuring road safety, enforcing compliance with traffic norms and curbing violations.

The ARTO Rajouri emphasized that such drives would be conducted regularly to maintain discipline on the roads and ensure the safety of the commuters.

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ZAHID SHAH

BUDHAL SEPT 29:-In Village Kewal (Lower) area of Budhal Division, a serious shortage of drinking water had sparked growing public outrage due to prolonged JJM department inaction. However, tensions temporarily eased when Tehsildar Kotranka, Mr. Sahil Ali Shah, personally visited the village and held detailed discussions with local representatives and residents.

During his visit, the Tehsildar assured that drinking water supply would be restored within two weeks, requesting a final grace period. The protest, which was planned against the excessive delay, poor planning, and negligence under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) pipeline project, was postponed following this assurance.

The village has been facing a severe water crisis for months, affecting not just households but also schools, mosques, and health centers — leading to a near-emergency situation.

The Tehsildar, accompanied by the Assistant Executive Engineer and Junior Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, visited various neighborhoods within the village. He reviewed the current water sources, non-functional schemes, and the condition of affected families.

He warned the concerned officials that strict administrative action would be taken if the water supply is not restored within two weeks. He instructed the field staff present on-site to ensure daily progress, maintain quality, and adhere to timelines.

Local leader and former Sarpanch Mohammad Farooq Inquilabi submitted a detailed memorandum to the Tehsildar, highlighting delays and allegations of substandard construction. Speaking to the media, Farooq Inquilabi said that while the administration’s response is appreciated, “this is not the time for promises but for real action.” He warned that if clean drinking water is not provided within the given deadline, the protest will expand further.

While local representatives and residents welcomed the visit as a positive step, they emphasized that symbolic gestures alone won’t solve the problem. Real relief will only come once the scheme is fully completed and sustainable water supply is ensured.

Public opinion urged the Jammu and Kashmir government, the Jal Shakti Department, and the district administration to prioritize Kewal (Lower) for clean water supply and address other basic infrastructural needs. Locals noted that although the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to deliver safe drinking water to every household, in many rural areas of Jammu & Kashmir — including Kewal (Lower) — the scheme has suffered due to mismanagement, delays, and substandard work. Despite spending crores of rupees, the on-ground results remain unsatisfactory.