The camp witnessed an overwhelming response, with hundreds of residents from Karnah and adjoining villages availing free medical consultation, screening and treatment facilities.

A distinguished team of oncologists from Delhi conducted cancer screening and medical evaluation of patients. The specialists also counselled patients already undergoing cancer treatment and provided expert medical guidance and support.

The camp also featured consultation by renowned Gastroenterologist Dr. Majeed along with General Medicine doctors and other medical officers. Free medical tests and pharmacy facilities for distribution of medicines were provided to the patients during the programme.

The entire SDH Tangdar team played a vital role in the successful conduct of the camp. Doctors, paramedical staff and hospital officials worked tirelessly to ensure smooth patient management and healthcare services throughout the day.

BMO SDH Tangdar, Dr. Arif Khawaja, closely monitored the arrangements and personally interacted with both staff and patients to ensure proper coordination and efficient healthcare delivery.

The initiative proved highly beneficial for the people living in remote border areas by bringing specialised healthcare services directly to their doorstep. Patients appreciated the arrangements and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to consult expert doctors without travelling long distances.

Civil society members and locals of Karnah thanked the Indian Army, SDH Tangdar staff and the multi-speciality medical team for their humanitarian efforts and continued commitment towards public welfare.

The successful conduct of the camp once again highlighted the strong bond between the Awam and the Security Forces while reinforcing the spirit of cooperation, trust and service in the region.

The ceremony was presided over by DIG CKR Srinagar Rajiv Pandey-IPS along with SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy-IPS. On the occasion, SP Headquarters Shah Umar, DySP Headquarters Syed Sleet Shah, DySP DAR Nazir Ahmad and other senior Police officers and staff members were also present.

During the ceremony, Rank Insignias were formally pinned on the promoted officials by DIG CKR Srinagar and SSP Srinagar amid a spirit of pride and encouragement.

Speaking on the occasion, DIG CKR and SSP Srinagar congratulated the promoted personnel and expressed confidence that they would continue to discharge their duties with dedication, professionalism, integrity and a strong sense of public service in their new roles and responsibilities.

The promoted officers expressed gratitude to the J&K Police Department for the recognition and reaffirmed their commitment towards maintaining peace, public safety and upholding the rule of law.

SRINAGAR, JAN 03 – Reinforcing the Srinagar Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) commitment to financial sustainability and efficient urban governance, the Commissioner, SMC, Mr. Faz Lul Haseeb, IAS, today conducted the second day of inspections of municipal assets with a focused thrust on strengthening revenue generation as the backbone for delivering hassle-free civic services to the citizens of Srinagar.

The Commissioner carried out an extensive on-site inspection of municipal assets at Hazuri Bagh, accompanied by the Joint Commissioner, Mr. Suhail Ul Islam, JKAS, the Chief Revenue Officer, and other senior officers of the Corporation.

During the inspection, the Commissioner reviewed the status, condition, functionality, and utilisation of key municipal properties and facilities as part of the ongoing asset mapping and monetisation initiative. He assessed their potential for enhanced utilisation through structured, transparent, and policy-compliant monetisation models aimed at improving financial sustainability.

Highlighting the direct linkage between robust municipal revenues and quality civic service delivery, Mr. Haseeb emphasised that sustainable revenue generation is essential for ensuring uninterrupted sanitation services, improved urban infrastructure, efficient public utilities, and timely delivery of civic amenities across the city. He stated that municipal assets are valuable public resources and must be managed professionally and responsibly in the larger public interest.

The Commissioner directed the concerned officers to prepare a comprehensive and updated inventory of all municipal assets, identify underutilised properties, and initiate time-bound measures for their effective monetisation strictly in accordance with prescribed rules and government policies. He further stressed the importance of innovative yet accountable asset utilisation strategies to enhance the Corporation’s financial resilience.

Mr. Haseeb also underscored the need for regular monitoring, systematic maintenance, prevention of encroachments, and plugging of revenue leakages as integral components of effective asset management. He called for strengthened inter-departmental coordination to ensure that asset utilisation aligns with the broader objectives of planned urban development.

Senior officers briefed the Commissioner on ongoing initiatives and proposed measures being undertaken under the asset mapping and monetisation drive to improve revenue generation and ensure optimal utilisation of municipal assets, ultimately translating into improved civic services and enhanced citizen satisfaction.

The campaign was launched at the Industrial Estate Khanmoh, which was attended by HR professionals, employers, and industrial workers, to discuss the evolving landscape of labour rights and employer responsibilities.

During the inaugural session, the department officials provided an in-depth orientation on the four primary New Labour Codes, specifically focusing on the Code on Wages, Code on Social Security, Industrial Relations Code, and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code. The discussions emphasized the critical necessity of maintaining minimum wage standards, ensuring the timely disbursement of salaries, and upholding rigorous safety protocols at the workplace.

The programme further highlighted the various safety nets available to workers through central social security schemes. Detailed information was shared regarding the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana for pension security, as well as the Suraksha Bima and Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojanas for insurance coverage.

Additionally, the department underscored the specialized welfare measures and benefits accessible to those registered under the Building and Other Construction Workers framework.

In an interactive session, officers of the Labour Department addressed technical queries from HR managers and workers alike, stressing that enrollment in these schemes is vital for the long-term financial stability of the workforce.

During the programme, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials were distributed to all participants to help further disseminate these crucial details within their respective organizations.

By extending the outreach to every corner of the district, the Labour Department aims to foster a transparent and secure working environment while ensuring that both employers and employees are fully aware of their legal obligations and rights.

He was accompanied by the Chief Engineer SSCL, Executive Engineers, and other senior officers.

During the visit, the CEO closely examined the pace of execution and the technical and structural aspects of the project being carried out on the existing piers of the old bridge. The inspection covered retrofitting and structural strengthening of the piers, construction of the wooden superstructure, and progress of all allied components.

On completion, the footbridge is expected to significantly enhance pedestrian mobility and walk ability across the Jhelum river while preserving the historic character of the Amira Kadal precinct. The project aims to provide safe and convenient pedestrian access to the Jhelum Riverfront and ensure seamless connectivity with key heritage and commercial areas, including Goni Khan, Maharaja Bazar, and Hari Singh High Street.

Emphasising the importance of quality, safety, and timely delivery, CEO directed the Chief Engineer, SSCL, to further accelerate the pace of work and ensure completion of the project within the stipulated timeframe. He also instructed the executing agencies to strictly adhere to approved designs, technical specifications, and prescribed timelines, while integrating heritage-sensitive architectural elements in harmony with the historical and cultural landscape of the area.

Officials briefed that the project is envisaged as a strategic urban intervention aimed at promoting pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, revitalising the city’s historic core, and enhancing the overall urban environment for residents, traders, and visitors.

Expressing satisfaction with the progress achieved so far, the CEO urged all concerned agencies to maintain momentum and ensure the timely delivery of a safe, durable, and aesthetically refined public infrastructure asset for the city of Srinagar.

Additional Director SKIMS, Zahoor Ahmad Mir; Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz; Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar; Superintending Engineer R&B, Medical Superintendent SKIMS, Dr Farooq Jan; Executive Engineer of R&B, Dy SP Traffic, Tehsildar Eidgah, other senior Officers of District Administration and SKIMS were present on the occasion.

During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner and Director SKIMS held a detailed deliberations with regard to expansion of healthcare infrastructure of the SKIMS Soura, traffic decongestion measures outside the Institue, demarcation of SKIMS land, enhancing access to SKIMS by way of road widening, land for proposed new OPD block of the institute.

The officers reviewed on the spot various measures aimed at making the Institute campus more patient-friendly. Special focus was laid on expanding the entry and exit points of the main gate to ensure hassle-free movement of patients, attendants and emergency vehicles.

On the occasion, the DC stressed upon the concerned Officers to work out practical and feasible solutions to the issues discussed and directed them to conduct follow-up spot visits within the coming weeks. He assured the SKIMS administration of all possible support from the District Administration to further strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve patient care and service delivery, with the objective of making SKIMS a patient-friendly campus.

During the visit, the Officers also inspected the proposed site for construction of the new OPD Block and other facilities aimed at improving patient convenience and healthcare services. The DC emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among all line departments for timely execution of the proposed works.

Earlier, in a meeting held at SKIMS Soura, the Director SKIMS highlighted priority areas requiring immediate attention to enhance operational efficiency and patient convenience

On this occasion, a grand and dignified farewell ceremony was organized by the employees of the Cultural Academy at Tagore Hall, Srinagar.

The ceremony was presided over by former IG Raja Ijaz Ahmed Khan. Prominent writer and bureaucrat Mohammad Hafiz Masoodi, Sessions Judge Raja Shujat Ali Khan, Mohammad Anwar Mirza, and Jamat Ali Shaheen were present on the dais, while the Additional Secretary of the Academy also attended the event.

The proceedings were conducted by Salim Salik.
A large number of writers, poets, fiction writers, artists from different regions of Jammu and Kashmir, along with employees of the Cultural Academy, participated in the ceremony. Speakers stated that Mohammad Ayub Mir Naim always discharged his duties with honesty, dedication, and responsibility. He never shied away from work and carried out every responsibility with full confidence.

The speakers praised his efforts for the promotion, preservation, and strengthening of the identity of the Pahari language, noting that Mr. Naim played a significant role in institutionalizing and empowering the language. His punctuality, gentle demeanor, and seriousness towards work were widely appreciated.

During the ceremony, Mohammad Ayub Mir Naim Karnahi was also presented with gifts and mementoes. The participants expressed their best wishes for him, stating that his literary and cultural journey would always be remembered.
In the end, prayers were offered for Allah Almighty to grant Mohammad Ayub Mir Naim Karnahi good health, peace, and a prosperous life, and that he may continue serving language and literature even after retirement.

SRINAGAR, DEC 31 – Stating that traffic enforcement in Srinagar improved significantly in 2024, with higher disposal rates, fewer pendencies and better public compliance, the authorities on Wednesday said that focussed enforcement and coordination have delivered visible results.

Addressing the year-ender press conference, Senior Superintendent Traffic City, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, said the disposal rate of traffic challans increased to 56 percent in 2025, compared to 30 percent last year, while revenue generation touched over Rs 1 crore during the same period.

He said that Srinagar’s traffic system can only function smoothly through cooperation among media, public and enforcement agencies. “Sometimes the media criticise the traffic department, but that criticism helps us improve. We see you as a mirror that reflects both our good work and our shortcomings,” he said.

Highlighting the department’s key focus area, SSP Bhat said traffic enforcement saw major progress this year. “Last year, there was hue and cry over nearly five lakh pending cases in courts. This year, our disposal rate rose to 56 percent, compared to 30 percent last year,” he said.

He further said that revenue generation during 2025 touched Rs 1 crore, while pendancies dropped to 44 percent, which he described as a significant achievement.

“This means people are now clearing their dues. We have also sent lists of repeated violators to the RTO and the Transport Commissioner for license impoundment,” SSP Bhat said.

He acknowledged that traffic congestion in Srinagar continues to rise despite efforts by the department. “Our staff remains under stress, but it’s not only about enforcement and traffic can only flow freely when infrastructure is adequate,” he said.

He shared that a multi-disciplinary committee is already looking into traffic management at a high level and that many of the department’s recommendations have been accepted and implemented by the government. “The government has been very cooperative in executing our suggestions,” he added.

The SSP said that Srinagar’s traffic management approach includes short-term, medium-term and long-term plans, forming part of a continuous improvement strategy. “Short-term interventions provide immediate relief, medium-term measures stabilize traffic within six months and long-term planning spans five years,” he said.

He said that the department recently implemented several interventions across Srinagar which have improved mobility. “E-rickshaws were banned on MA Road and Residency Road, and the feedback was very positive,” he said.

He added that Downtown area had long been neglected in traffic planning, prompting several new measures. “The Rajouri Kadal–Gojwara stretch has been made one-way for public transport, easing congestion in Navhatta, a busy business hub. Similarly, the Barbar Shah bridge, being too narrow for two-way flow, has also been made one-way,” he said.

Other interventions include changes at Chhati Padshahi and Kanyar, where the department has intensified drives. “These small but significant changes have brought visible improvement,” he said.

The SSP said the department worked closely with court authorities and appointed a dedicated investigator to streamline pending challans. “We found that many records weren’t updated and people hadn’t paid. By appointing an investigator, we ensured faster disposal,” he said.

He also revealed that violators who fail to clear their dues cannot now obtain pollution certificates for their vehicles. “Until previous challans are cleared, pollution centers won’t issue certificates. This linkage has become an effective compliance mechanism,” Bhat said, calling it another major achievement.

SSP Bhat said that public awareness remains an equally important part of the department’s functioning. “Our enforcement is complemented by education and awareness drives. My officers work hard to maintain a positive image with the public,” he said.

He also appreciated the contribution of his team and the media in shaping public perception. “Because of their hard work and your support, we have managed to project a positive and cooperative image before the people,” he said.

Responding to a question about traffic violations near coaching hubs, Bhat said drives are being intensified in Paripora, Rajbagh and other areas where a large number of students use two-wheelers.

“We know that many teenagers are using two-wheelers without helmets or licenses. Our mobile enforcement teams will continue to act wherever violations are found,” he said.

Referring to a recent case where a parent was sentenced for his son’s reckless driving, Bhat said the department will maintain a strict stance. “This should serve as a lesson and parents must ensure their children obey the law. We will not hesitate to take action against coaching institutes or establishments that cause traffic obstruction,” he said.

He added that licensing authorities must also assess footfall before granting permissions to schools, coaching centres, or businesses that attract large gatherings. “That is part of a broader regulation mechanism,” he said.

SSP Bhat also reiterated that Srinagar’s traffic management is an ongoing process requiring cooperation from all stakeholders.

“Traffic regulation and enforcement are continuous efforts. Constructive criticism helps us improve and cooperation from media and citizens motivates us to perform better,” he said—(KNO)

The event marked a significant milestone in the Department’s journey of academic growth, research excellence, and contributions to environmental science at regional, national, and international levels.

Organised as a blend of inaugural session, alumni connect, and commemorative celebrations, the Silver Jubilee event brought together faculty members, former Heads of the Department, alumni, research scholars, and students.

In her presidential address, Vice Chancellor, KU  Prof. Nilofer Khan, recalled that the Department of Environmental Sciences began its journey 25 years ago under the patronage of the Centre of Research for Development (CORD) and has since grown into a full-fledged and independent department.

She said that the progress made by the department over the years reflects its strong academic foundation and consistent research output.

The Vice Chancellor emphasised that research carried out at the University must be aligned with societal needs and community engagement, particularly in addressing environmental challenges within the University’s catchment areas.

She underlined the need for scientific solutions to pressing issues such as pollution of water bodies, including Dal Lake, and stressed that research in areas like climate change should contribute to policy planning.

“As a premier institution of higher learning, the University must engage the community and provide practical, science-based solutions to environmental problems,” she said.

 Dean Academic Affairs KU Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada; Dean Research, Prof. Mohammad Sultan Bhat; and Dean, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Ghulam Jeelani in their remarks  emphasised the importance of sharing and pooling academic resources and research infrastructure to make research under the School more integrative, impactful, and purpose-driven.

They highlighted the need for collaborative research approaches to address complex environmental challenges.

The Deans further underscored the significance of maintaining strong connections with alumni and organising more such alumni meets. They noted that alumni engagement provides valuable learning opportunities for current students and research scholars, enabling them to benefit from the vast academic, professional, and field experience of former students of the Department.

Earlier, Head, Department of Environmental Sciences and Convener of the event, Dr. Sami Ullah Bhat, in his welcome address, said that the Silver Jubilee celebrations recognise the dedication and achievements of the Department’s alumni, who have made significant contributions to scientific research and environmental protection at various levels. He also provided an overview of the Department’s key areas of specialisation and highlighted the role of alumni in promoting environmental stewardship.

The event also featured the felicitation of former Heads and  faculty members for their contributions to the growth of the department.

A documentary film showcasing the 25-year journey of the Department, including its achievements and alumni success stories, was also screened during the event.

Prominent alumni and former Heads shared their experiences and perspectives, adding depth and inspiration to the Silver Jubilee celebrations.