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Over 570 Sports Infrastructure Projects Underway Across J&K

Jammu, Jul 14 (NVI): More than 570 sports infrastructure projects worth over ₹650 crore are under various stages of planning and execution across Jammu and Kashmir during the current financial year, officials said on Tuesday.

The progress of the projects was reviewed by Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, during the department’s first quarterly review meeting held in Jammu.

Officials said the programme includes 315 projects being implemented by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports and 263 projects being executed by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council under various schemes, including Capital Expenditure (CapEx), Special Assistance to Capital Investment (SASCI) and the Khelo India Mission.

Chairing the meeting, Choudhary said the infrastructure expansion is aligned with the vision of the proposed Khelo Bharat Niti and aims to provide equitable access to quality sports facilities across urban, rural, border, tribal and remote areas of the Union Territory.

He said the department is focusing on creating modern sports infrastructure while ensuring that young people across Jammu and Kashmir have access to facilities close to their homes.

The meeting reviewed progress on several major projects, including the development of Khel Gaon at Nagrota as a multi-sport hub, residential sports facilities, youth hostels, indoor stadiums, sports academies, mini stadiums and playfield development works across various districts.

Officials said the Sports Council is also executing projects such as synthetic football and hockey turfs, athletic tracks, swimming facilities, cricket academies, water sports infrastructure and high-performance training centres at different locations.

The meeting was informed that 108 playfields are being developed across Jammu and Kashmir this year at an estimated cost of over ₹39 crore, while 118 additional sports infrastructure projects, including indoor halls, volleyball and badminton courts, cricket practice facilities and youth hostels, are also under implementation.

Choudhary directed officials to expedite project execution, maintain quality standards and strengthen digital monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely completion of all sanctioned works.

He also asked the department to prepare a geo-spatial inventory of sports infrastructure and conduct district-wise infrastructure gap analyses to guide future investments, with special focus on border, tribal and hilly areas.

The Commissioner Secretary said the ongoing infrastructure expansion would help strengthen grassroots sports, identify talent and create opportunities for young sportspersons to compete at national and international levels.(NVI)

One more Indian seafarer killed, 10 injured in Strait of Hormuz attacks

Smoke emanates from oil tanker MT Jalveer after being attacked by the US weeks back (file pic)

New Delhi, July 14 (NVI) One more Indian seafarer was killed and 10 injured as two commercial vessels came under attack from Iran in the Strait of Hormuz today.

MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, with a total of 30 Indian seafarers on board, were attacked during their transit through the maritime corridor critical for global energy flows.

The vessel MT Al Bahiyah had 12 Indian nationals on board, one of whom was killed and another injured.

The MT Mombasa had 18 Indian nationals on board, 9 of whom sustained injuries. Two of them are reported to be seriously injured.

Giving this information, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it strongly condemns “these attacks and acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz.”

In a statement, MEA said India is “deeply concerned by the attacks on two vessels.”

The Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi was summoned this morning by the Ministry of External Affairs and a strong protest against these attacks was lodged with him.

The latest casualties follow a number of deaths of Indian seafarers over the last 4 months during their movement on board commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Extending deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Indian national and wishes of speedy recovery to those injured, the MEA said Indian Mission and Post in the UAE are closely monitoring the situation and are in touch with the UAE authorities to ensure all possible assistance to the affected Indian seafarers.

“We also reiterate our deep concern on account of the resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities in the West-Asian region and call for immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of peace, security and stability in the region.

“In particular, the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must cease in order that free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, can be restored at the earliest,” it said.

The attacks came as intense war resumed in West Asia, with the Strait of Hormuz being a prime target of attacks. (NVI)

Senior NC leader Mustafa Kamal dies after brief illness in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jul 14 (NVI): Senior National Conference (NC) leader Mustafa Kamal died after a brief illness at a private hospital in Srinagar on Tuesday, party leaders said.

Kamal, son of National Conference founder and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and younger brother of NC president Farooq Abdullah, had been undergoing treatment at Paras Hospital for the past few days.

Party spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar confirmed that Kamal passed away at around 5 pm.

A veteran politician, Kamal remained associated with the National Conference for decades and held several key responsibilities in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir government.

His death has been widely mourned by political leaders and party workers, who described him as a committed leader who made significant contributions to public life.

Further details, including funeral arrangements, were awaited.(NVI)

Rehabilitation scheme for drug abuse victims in J&K proposed

Srinagar, Jul 14 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed the pilot implementation of the proposed Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims.

During the pilot programme, one district each of the Kashmir and Jammu Divisions should be taken up, he said while chairing a meeting here on the scheme.

Sinha said the scheme should provide a coordinated, humane and outcome-oriented framework to ensure sustained recovery, social inclusion and livelihood opportunities for individuals recovering from substance abuse.

According to officials, the proposed scheme envisages a structured three-year rehabilitation cycle comprising treatment and stabilisation, reintegration and livelihood support, and sustained monitoring with community-based interventions to prevent relapse.

The lieutenant governor directed that the pilot project be implemented in the two worst-affected districts to assess its effectiveness before expanding it across the Union Territory.

He also stressed the need for effective inter-departmental coordination, community participation, family support, skill development and continuous monitoring for the success of the rehabilitation programme.

Sinha asked the departments concerned to identify committed officers and trained women volunteers to support counselling and rehabilitation efforts, while directing that capacity-building programmes for staff be started at the earliest.

Officials informed the meeting that a dedicated Rehabilitation Monitoring Portal is being developed for digital case management, monitoring of individual rehabilitation plans and real-time tracking of rehabilitation outcomes while ensuring confidentiality of beneficiaries.

The proposed scheme has been prepared by a task force headed by the Principal Secretary, Home Department, with the Social Welfare Department serving as the nodal agency. It aims to establish a comprehensive framework for the rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration of drug abuse victims through coordinated action by multiple departments.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and other senior officials attended the meeting.—(NVI)

646 Rural Roads to be built in J&K under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dullo chairing meeting on PMGSY

Srinagar, Jul 14 (NVI): Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase-IV, 646 rural roads will be constructed across Jammu and Kashmir at an estimated cost of Rs 7,790 crore.

This was stated by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today while reviewing the progress of works under the PMGSY in the Union Territory.

He assessed the physical and financial progress under PMGSY Phases I, II and III and reviewed the implementation strategy for PMGSY-IV, officials said.

He said the large-scale investment in rural road connectivity reflects the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in remote areas and would enhance access to education, healthcare, markets, tourism and employment.

The Chief Secretary directed the Public Works (R&B) Department to complete the remaining projects under the earlier phases without further delay and fix responsibility for inordinate delays wherever necessary.

He also asked the department to work closely with the Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and the Forest Department to resolve issues related to forest clearances, land acquisition, utility shifting and other statutory approvals.

Dulloo instructed Deputy Commissioners to regularly monitor PMGSY works in their respective districts and ensure timely completion of pending projects while maintaining the pace of implementation under PMGSY-IV.

According to officials, of the 3,437 roads sanctioned under PMGSY Phases I, II and III, 3,332 have been completed, achieving 96.9 per cent progress.

Against the sanctioned road length of 20,801.43 kilometres, 19,865.36 kilometres have been completed.

Officials said 260 of the 305 sanctioned long-span bridges have also been completed under the three phases, while cumulative expenditure has crossed ₹13,526 crore.

Under PMGSY-IV, the first two batches include 646 roads with a total length of 3,381 kilometres at an estimated cost of ₹7,790 crore to provide all-weather road connectivity to 792 habitations across Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials said Batch-I (2025-26) comprises 316 roads covering 1,781 kilometres at a sanctioned cost of ₹4,224 crore, with work already started on 235 projects and expenditure of nearly ₹270 crore incurred so far.

For Batch-II (2026-27), all 330 sanctioned roads have been technically approved and tendered, with the tendering process at an advanced stage, they added.(NVI)

Two Suspected Terrorists Caught on CCTV, Search Operation Underway in J&K’s Rajouri

File Photo

Shivam Bakshi

Rajouri, July 14 (NVI) :  A joint search operation is underway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district after CCTV footage purportedly captured the movement of two suspected terrorists in the Thanamandi area, officials said on Tuesday.

According to officials, the suspected terrorists were seen crossing a road late on Sunday night, following which a coordinated search operation was launched by the Army, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Search teams have been deployed in Bhanghai, Hasplote, Karyote, Kopra Top and adjoining forest areas to trace the suspected terrorists.

The operation was still in progress when the last reports were received, officials added.(NVI)

Heavy Rain Likely in Parts of J&K From July 18; Flash Flood, Landslide Alert Issued

Rainfall
Representational image

Srinagar, Jul 14 (NVI): The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast generally hot and humid weather across Jammu and Kashmir till July 17, with brief spells of rain and thundershowers expected at scattered places.

According to the MeT Department, weather conditions are likely to change from July 18, with partly to generally cloudy skies and light to moderate rain or thundershowers expected at many places on July 18 and 19. Isolated areas of the Jammu division may witness brief spells of intense heavy rainfall during this period.

The department said a more active wet spell is expected between July 20 and 22, with generally cloudy conditions and light to moderate rain or thundershowers likely at most places. Peak rainfall activity is expected on July 21, while isolated areas in both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions could receive heavy rain or brief intense showers.

Rain and thundershowers are also likely at many places on July 23, it said.

The MeT Centre has issued an advisory warning of the possibility of heavy rainfall and brief intense showers during the night of July 18, the morning of July 19, and between July 20 and 22, particularly during late afternoon and late night or morning hours.

It has also cautioned about the possibility of flash floods, landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas of the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal range and some hilly areas of the Kashmir division during July 20-22.

The department advised people to remain cautious, avoid venturing near streams and nallahs, and be alert to possible waterlogging in low-lying areas.(NVI)

NIA court issues non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed in Jammu terror case

Jammu, Jul 14 (NVI): A special NIA court in Jammu has issued an open-dated non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder and designated terrorist Hafiz Muhammad Saeed in connection with a terror case being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), officials said on Tuesday.

The warrant was issued by the Special NIA Court on July 8 after hearing an application moved by the agency in connection with RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU.

According to the NIA, Saeed, who is based in Pakistan, has been deliberately evading arrest and his custodial interrogation is essential for a fair, complete and effective investigation into the case.

Allowing the agency’s plea, the court observed that Saeed’s arrest and custodial interrogation were necessary for the investigation and issued an open-dated non-bailable warrant against him.

The warrant has been forwarded to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), NIA, Jammu, for execution in accordance with law.

Saeed, founder of the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, has been designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The case has been registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the UAPA. A supplementary chargesheet has already been filed before the court, officials said.(NVI)

Suspicious Drone Recovered from Agricultural Field in J&K’s Samba; Probe Underway

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, July 14 (NVI): A suspicious drone was recovered from an agricultural field in the Devak area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district on Tuesday morning, officials said.

The drone was spotted by a local resident during a morning walk at around early morning, following which he alerted the security agencies, the officials said.

A security team rushed to the spot and recovered the drone, which has been taken into custody for examination.

Officials said the drone is being analysed to ascertain its origin and purpose. An investigation has been launched into the matter, they added.(NVI)

Ladakh to Constitute Autonomous Hill Councils in All Seven Districts

Leh, July 13 (NVI): The Ladakh administration on Monday announced that an Autonomous Hill Development Council (AHDC) will be constituted in each of the Union Territory’s seven districts, describing the move as a significant step towards democratic decentralisation and strengthening grassroots governance.

Addressing a press conference here, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said the decision follows the creation of five new districts earlier this year and is in line with the provisions of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act.

He said Section 3(1) of the Act provides for the constitution of a Hill Council in every district through a government notification, adding that only necessary amendments to the Act and delimitation of constituencies remain before the process is completed.

The announcement comes months after Ladakh was expanded from two districts to seven with the creation of Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass in April 2026. Until now, elected Hill Councils existed only in Leh and Kargil.

Kundra said the new Councils would enjoy the same powers as those in Leh and Kargil, including authority over land ownership and allotment, district cadre recruitment and promotions, preparation of district development plans, and administration of sectors such as health, education, tourism, local infrastructure and social welfare.

He said each Council would also have its own dedicated Council Fund and powers to levy taxes and fees, enabling the newly created districts to manage their own development priorities.

The Chief Secretary further said the administration has proposed the creation of a Union Territory-level body under a customised Article 371 framework to function above the seven Hill Councils with legislative, executive, financial and administrative powers.

He said the structure and powers of the proposed body would be finalised through consultations between Ladakh’s representatives and the Centre, and may involve a redistribution of powers between the UT level body and the Hill Councils.

Kundra also clarified that Panchayati Raj institutions would continue to function alongside the Hill Councils, ensuring elected representation at the village, district and Union Territory levels.—(NVI)

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