Author: editor
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Tariq Hameed Karra Tours Central Shalteng, Directs Officials to Address Developmental Issues and Flood Risks
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
FARHAN KITAB
SRINAGAR OCT 06:-MLA Central Shalteng & President J&K Pradesh Congress Committee Shri Tariq Hameed Karra on Monday had a day-long tour of his constituency to take stock of the current developmental situation.
Tariq Hameed Karra had on the spot meeting with concerned officers and directed them to take effective measures to mitigate the developmental and other issues concerning the public.
Central Shalteng especially Bemina and its adjacent areas are low lying, they always remain at greater risk due to heavy rains or in flood like situation, so these areas need to be given special attention to avoid any eventuality, Karra told officers.
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Rajouri Police Arrested Absconder at IGI Airport New Delhi After Evading Arrest Since 2015
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RAJOURI OCT 06:-Police Post Khawas achieved a major success by apprehending an absconder who had been evading arrest for the last ten years. The accused person *Layaqat Ali S/O Ghulam Mohd R/O Gundha Tehsil Khawas Rajouri* was wanted in case FIR No. 72/2015 U/S 324, 452, 336, 323, 147 RPC of Police Station Budhal.
The accused had been absconding since 2015 to evade his arrest following which a warrant under Section 512 Cr.PC was issued by the Hon’ble Court Budhal. Acting swiftly on LOC request the absconder was detained at IGI Airport New Delhi and subsequently arrested by a *Police team of Police Post Khawas*. The accused has been produced before the Hon’ble Court Budhal for further legal proceedings.
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BADC Demands Advance Winter Stocking for Border Areas of J&K
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JAMMU OCT 05:-The Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (JKBADC), a registered organization working for the welfare of border residents and tribal communities of J&K, led by Dr. Shazad Ahmed Malik, former Vice Chancellor has urged the government of J&K and the Union Government to start an Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) system for remote and hilly border areas, following the successful model in Ladakh.
This system has been widely praised for ensuring essential supplies reach isolated communities on time.
Every winter, many remote villages in districts like Rajouri, Poonch, Kupwara, and Bandipora remain cut off for months due to heavy snowfall. Residents are left without power, gas, fuel, fodder, medicines, and road access, facing severe hardship in daily life.
JKBADC stated that stocking ration and other essential supplies before winter is the only way to help people survive and avoid critical shortages.
Dr Shazad highlighted the need for limited helicopter support for medical emergencies, while stressing that the main requirement is a proper stocking system of essential items.
He said, Local storage points and depots should be ready in advance so that no village is left without assistance during winter, especially families with children, elderly people, and those with medical conditions.
The BADC Chairman emphasized that the AWS system in Ladakh must be replicated for border and mountainous areas of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that frontline residents must receive timely supplies before winter.
Dr Shazad also stated that victims of border shelling and those affected by monsoon rains should be provided compensation and proper shelter before the winter season to ensure they can face harsh conditions safely.
It is important to note that the government ensures pre-stocking of food, medicines, and fuel in Ladakh every year before winter. JKBADC has urged that the same system be applied to all remote, hilly, and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
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Javed Rana Inaugurates Carnivore Enclosure at Shachera Conservation Reserve
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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
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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
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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
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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.
