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J&K Govt Extends Deadline for Filing Annual Property Returns by 7 Days

 

Srinagar, Jun 25 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has extended the deadline for submission of Annual Property Returns (APR) by seven days, providing a final opportunity to employees who failed to file their returns within the prescribed timeframe.

According to a notification issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), government employees had earlier been directed through a circular issued on December 17, 2025, to submit their property returns for the year 2025 on the Property Return System (PRS) portal between January 1 and January 31, 2026.

The department said a number of employees either did not submit their returns within the stipulated period or registered on the portal without completing the filing process, resulting in default.

“In view of the pending cases, the deadline for submission of Annual Property Returns on the PRS portal has been extended by seven days from the date of issuance of this notification,” the order said.

The notification advised employees facing OTP-related issues to update their mobile numbers and email IDs on the CPIS portal.

Employees encountering other technical problems have been asked to contact the PRS support team through the designated email for assistance, it added.

The government urged all defaulting employees to utilise the extended period and ensure compliance with the mandatory property return filing requirement. (NVI)

Police Conduct Mock Drill Along Amarnath Yatra Route in Ganderbal

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Srinagar, Jun 25 (NVI): Police on Thursday conducted a comprehensive mock drill in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district to assess security preparedness for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra-2026.

The exercise was carried out at Malshahi Bagh in Ganderbal and the Z-Morh Tunnel area in Sonamarg along the pilgrimage route, officials said.

The drill was aimed at evaluating operational readiness, inter-agency coordination and response capabilities in the event of any emergency during the annual pilgrimage.

Various scenarios, including terror-related incidents, medical emergencies, evacuation operations, stampede-like situations, natural disasters and crowd management challenges, were simulated during the exercise, they said.

Personnel from the police, Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire and Emergency Services, Health Department and civil administration participated in the drill.

Officials said special focus was laid on vulnerable stretches and strategically important locations along the yatra route. The participating teams rehearsed emergency response measures, evacuation procedures, communication protocols and implementation of standard operating procedures.

Senior police officers monitored the exercise and reviewed the preparedness of the participating agencies. Necessary directions were issued to further strengthen the security and response mechanism ahead of the pilgrimage, officials said.

The police said the exercise reflected the administration’s commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and smooth Amarnath Yatra for pilgrims.(NVI)

LG Reviews Amarnath Yatra Preparedness in Pahalgam, Says All Arrangements in Place

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Srinagar, June 25 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday reviewed security and logistical arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra in Pahalgam and said all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage.

Chairing a high-level review meeting, Sinha assessed preparedness related to security, accommodation, healthcare, transport, sanitation and other essential services for the pilgrims.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor said the Jammu and Kashmir administration, security forces and various departments are working in close coordination to ensure the successful conduct of the pilgrimage.

He expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made so far and said devotees from across the country can undertake the pilgrimage with confidence as all agencies have taken adequate measures for their safety and convenience.

Sinha also said the people of Kashmir are prepared to welcome the pilgrims and will extend full support during the annual religious journey.

The annual Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28. Authorities have put in place extensive security and logistical arrangements for the 57-day pilgrimage. (NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah Flags Off Resumption of Gulmarg Gondola Services

Srinagar Jun 25 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday flagged off the resumption of the Gulmarg Gondola services, nearly a month after operations were suspended following heavy rainfall and a technical fault.

The cable car service, one of Kashmir’s major tourist attractions, had remained suspended since May 25 after adverse weather conditions and a technical snag in the first phase of the gondola system led to the stranding of over 300 tourists in 65 cabins.

Following the reopening, tourists began availing the service, bringing relief to visitors and stakeholders associated with the tourism sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah expressed hope that the Gondola would continue to attract tourists from across the country and abroad.

A large-scale rescue operation involving the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched after the May 25 incident. All stranded tourists were evacuated safely and no injuries were reported.

Officials said all mandatory safety inspections, technical checks and trial runs were completed successfully before the restoration of services.

The Gulmarg Gondola, regarded as one of the highest cable car projects in the world, is a major draw for tourists visiting the famous ski resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district and plays a significant role in the region’s tourism industry.(NVI)

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Condoles Demise of JKAS Officer Romin Ahmad

CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Jun 25 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of JKAS officer Romin Ahmad, who was serving as Joint Director, Handloom, Kashmir.

In a condolence message, Abdullah described Ahmad’s passing as a significant loss to the administration and conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family.

The chief minister extended his heartfelt condolences to Ahmad’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

He also prayed for strength and fortitude for the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.(NVI)

LG Attends Rudra Abhishek Ceremony in Srinagar, Pays Tribute to Abhinavgupta

Srinagar, Jun 25 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday attended a Rudra Abhishek ceremony organised on the occasion of Shivacharya Abhinavgupta Jayanti and Nirjala Ekadashi at Shri Anandishwar Bhairav Nath Ji Maharaj Asthapan in Maisuma here.

Interacting with devotees, Sinha extended greetings on the occasion and offered prayers for peace, well-being and prosperity of the people.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the life and teachings of Abhinavagupta, regarded as one of the foremost exponents of Kashmir Shaivism, continue to illuminate India’s spiritual heritage.

“From aesthetics to the profound philosophy of self-recognition, his vision remains a timeless beacon of non-dual consciousness,” Sinha said.

He said the teachings of great sages remind society that collective growth and harmony are interconnected.

The Lieutenant Governor also observed that Shri Anandishwar Bhairav Nath Ji Maharaj Asthapan continues to hold a cherished place in the collective consciousness of Jammu and Kashmir.

Among those present on the occasion were members of the Shri Anandishwar Bhairav Nath Asthapan Trust, senior police officers and civil administration officials, including IGP Kashmir VK Birdi, IGP CID Tejinder Singh, SSP Srinagar GV Sundeep Chakravarthy and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo.(NVI)

BRO restores road link to Machail with 140-ft Bailey bridge in Kishtwar

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Jun 25 (NVI): The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has restored road connectivity between Gulabgarh and Machail in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district by constructing a 140-foot Bailey bridge at Chishoti, officials said on Thursday.

The bridge replaces the earlier structure that was washed away in a cloudburst on August 14, 2025, cutting off the only road link to the remote Machail region.

The newly constructed Triple Double Reinforced Bailey Bridge was virtually inaugurated by General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps, Lt Gen P K Mishra, in the presence of Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Sunil Kumar Sharma, officials said.

According to BRO, the bridge was completed in just 12 days by the 118 Road Construction Company of the 35 Border Roads Task Force under Project Sampark.

The work involved construction of abutments, transportation of bridge components, launching of the Bailey bridge and development of approach roads in difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions, with technical support from Army engineers.

Lt Gen Mishra commended the personnel involved for completing the project within a short timeframe and said the restoration of connectivity reflected BRO’s operational readiness and commitment to infrastructure development in remote areas.

The cloudburst had severely impacted connectivity to Machail, a remote area in Kishtwar district that is also home to the revered Machail Mata Temple, which attracts more than three lakh pilgrims annually.

Officials said the timely completion of the bridge will facilitate movement ahead of the annual Machail Mata Yatra scheduled to begin next month and restore a vital socio-economic lifeline for residents of the region.

Following the 2025 cloudburst, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had announced that the Gulabgarh-Machail road would be taken over by BRO for its long-term development and maintenance. The proposal received operational approval from the Ministry of Defence in March this year, officials said.

The Gulabgarh-Machail road is part of the strategically important Kishtwar-Gulabgarh-Kundal-Machail axis and is also seen as a potential future connectivity route through the proposed Umasi La Pass linking the region with Ladakh’s Zanskar Valley.—(NVI)

KAS Officer Found Dead at Jammu Residence

Jammu, June 25 (NVI): A senior Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) officer was found dead at his residence in Jammu on Thursday, officials said.

The deceased was identified as Romeen Sheikh, a 2005-batch KAS officer and a resident of Salian village in Surankote area of Poonch district. He was serving as Joint Director in the Handloom Department for the Kashmir division.

Officials said the exact cause of death was not immediately known and is being ascertained.

Meanwhile, family sources said the funeral prayers (Namaz-e-Janaza) of the deceased will be offered at his native village at 6 pm today.(NVI)

CM Chairs LCMA Board Meeting, Reviews Lake Conservation Projects in J&K

Srinagar, Jun 25 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday chaired the 27th Board of Directors meeting of the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) and reviewed the progress of ongoing conservation initiatives concerning the Dal, Nigeen, Khushalsar and Gilsar lakes.

The meeting, held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and other senior officers.

According to an official statement, the board reviewed action taken on decisions made during its previous meeting and assessed the progress of key conservation and restoration projects, including the Integrated Management Plan for the Dal-Nigeen lake ecosystem, eco-development of lake hamlets, sewerage infrastructure and lake-cleaning operations.

Abdullah stressed the need for sustained institutional coordination, scientific planning and timely execution of projects to preserve Jammu and Kashmir’s lake ecosystems.

He directed the concerned departments and the authority to expedite ongoing works while ensuring compliance with environmental safeguards and statutory procedures.

The board also discussed measures related to strengthening the authority, modernising sewerage management systems, conserving Khushalsar and Gilsar lakes and enhancing institutional capacity.

The chief minister asked officials to revise and resubmit proposals requiring further examination after incorporating observations made during the meeting.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the fragile lake ecosystem, Abdullah said conservation efforts should be guided by scientific assessment, environmental sustainability and long-term public interest.

He also called for regular monitoring of ongoing projects and close coordination among departments to ensure tangible improvements in lake conservation and management, the statement added.(NVI)

Fresh Rain Spell Likely in J&K From June 30, MeT Issues Advisory

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Srinagar, Jun 25 (NVI): The Meteorological Department has forecast a fresh spell of rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir from June 30 to July 3, with the possibility of intense showers, gusty winds and isolated weather-related hazards.

Director of the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, said the weather is expected to remain largely dry from June 25 to June 29 during the forenoon and afternoon, although scattered areas may witness light rain, brief thundershowers and gusty winds during late afternoon and evening hours.

He said pre-monsoon showers are also likely over the plains of Jammu and adjoining areas, mainly during late night and early morning hours over the next few days.

According to the forecast, Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places between June 30 and July 3. Some areas may experience brief spells of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder, lightning and gusty winds.

The MeT Department has advised orchardists to carry out spraying operations during early morning hours.

The department also urged people to avoid taking shelter near loose structures, electric poles, overhead power lines and old trees during thunderstorms and strong winds.

As a precautionary measure, boating and Shikara services should be suspended during periods of lightning and gusty winds, the advisory said.

The MeT Department warned that isolated hailstorms cannot be ruled out and that intense showers at vulnerable locations may trigger flash floods, mudslides and a rise in water levels in local streams and nallahs.

People have been advised to avoid venturing near rivers, streams, nallahs and landslide-prone areas during the forecast period, officials said. (NVI)

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