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Acute Water Shortage Hits Rampora Chattabal, Residents Seek Authorities’ Intervention

Jal Jeevan Mission
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Srinagar, May 19 (NVI): Residents of Rampora Chattabal area of Srinagar are facing severe inconvenience due to an acute shortage of drinking water, with locals alleging that the crisis has badly affected their day-to-day lives.

The residents said that the locality has been reeling under water scarcity for the past several days, forcing people to struggle for basic necessities, including drinking water.

They said women, children and elderly people are the worst affected due to the ongoing shortage.

“We are facing immense hardships as there is hardly any water available even for drinking purposes. Our daily routine has been disrupted badly,” several locals said.

The residents said the shortage has also created difficulties in carrying out household chores and other essential activities.

They appealed to the Jal Shakti Department to take immediate steps to restore adequate water supply in the area and resolve the issue at the earliest.

The locals urged the concerned authorities to intervene without delay to prevent further inconvenience to the people.(NVI)

Army Reviews Security, Operational Preparedness Along LoC in Poonch

Jammu, May 18 (NVI): General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps, accompanied by the GOC of the Ace of Spades Division, on Monday visited forward areas of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir to review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness along the Line of Control (LoC).

During the visit, senior Army officers briefed the Corps Commander on the counter-infiltration grid, surveillance mechanisms and integrated security measures in place to maintain operational dominance in the region, officials said.

The Army said the review focused on strengthening vigilance, enhancing technological capabilities and ensuring preparedness to effectively deal with emerging security challenges along the LoC.

Officials added that the visit also underscored coordination and synergy among various stakeholders involved in maintaining security in the border areas.(NVI)

Advisor Nasir Aslam Reviews Summer, Yatra, Eid Preparedness in Jammu; Calls for Uninterrupted Utilities

Jammu, May 18 (NVI): Advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani on Monday reviewed preparedness for the summer season, upcoming pilgrimages and Eid-ul-Adha celebrations in Jammu division, directing officials to ensure uninterrupted power and water supply, adequate stocks of essentials and robust traffic management.

Chairing a high-level meeting here, Wani assessed arrangements for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Machail Mata Yatra and Budha Amarnath Yatra, besides reviewing measures for smooth Eid celebrations, officials said.

The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu Bhimsen Tuti, DIG Traffic J&K Haseeb Mughal and senior officers of various departments.

Officials informed the meeting that sufficient stocks of food grains, fuel and other essential commodities were available across Jammu division and supplies were being replenished regularly in view of the prevailing crisis in West Asia.

The divisional commissioner briefed the meeting on arrangements being made for the annual pilgrimages, including strengthening of road connectivity, sanitation, healthcare, traffic regulation and emergency response systems, particularly in view of the monsoon season.

Reviewing the power scenario, the Advisor directed the Power Development Department to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during peak summer months and stressed advance maintenance of transformers and strengthening of distribution networks.

He also instructed the Jal Shakti Department to ensure adequate drinking water supply, rational deployment of water tankers and establishment of round-the-clock grievance redressal mechanisms.

Wani directed the Health Department to keep hospitals and primary health centres equipped to handle heat-related illnesses and maintain sufficient stocks of essential medicines, besides deploying mobile medical units in vulnerable areas during the Yatra period.

The Advisor also asked the Traffic Police and Transport Department to regulate vehicular movement on vulnerable stretches of the national highway and ensure adequate public transport facilities during the pilgrimage season.

He further directed the FCS&CA Department to intensify market checking drives to curb hoarding, black marketing and profiteering during Eid-ul-Adha and the Yatra season.

Stressing inter-departmental coordination, Wani said real-time monitoring and prompt response to public grievances were essential to minimise inconvenience to people during the summer and festival season.(NVI)

LG Reviews Amarnath Yatra Preparations at Pantha Chowk, Directs Timely Completion of Works

Srinagar, May 18 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday reviewed the arrangements for the upcoming annual Shri Amarnath Yatra during an inspection visit to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board’s Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk here, officials said.

The Lieutenant Governor took stock of the ongoing construction and infrastructure development works being carried out at the Yatri Niwas and reviewed facilities being created for the pilgrims, they said.

During the inspection, Sinha directed the concerned officials to expedite the pending works and ensure their completion within the stipulated timeframe ahead of the commencement of the pilgrimage.

He also emphasised the need to maintain quality standards and ensure smooth arrangements for the convenience and safety of the yatris, the officials said.(NVI)

Sakina Itoo, CM’s Advisor Hold Meeting with Bihar Minority Welfare Committee

Srinagar, May 18 (NVI): A delegation of the Bihar Legislative Assembly’s Committee on Minority Welfare on Monday met Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo and Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani during its visit to the Union Territory.

The delegation, led by committee chairman Akhtarul Iman, held discussions on welfare measures, healthcare, education and issues concerning minority communities in Bihar and Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

They said the meeting also focused on developmental initiatives and governance measures being implemented in the two regions, besides exploring avenues for cooperation and exchange of experiences.

The visiting delegation appreciated the developmental works being undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir, while both sides stressed the need for collaborative efforts to ensure inclusive growth and welfare of the people, the officials added.(NVI)

J&K Govt Raises DA to 60% for Employees, Pensioners

Srinagar, May 18 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has increased the Dearness Allowance (DA) for regular employees, pensioners and family pensioners from 58 per cent to 60 per cent, according to official orders.

The revised DA will come into effect retrospectively from January 1, 2026, following a decision of the Council of Ministers taken on April 30, 2026, the orders issued by the Finance Department said.

With the latest hike, employees and pensioners will receive the enhanced DA as part of their salary and pension from May 2026 onwards.

The government has also laid down separate mechanisms for payment of arrears for the period from January to April 2026.

As per the orders, arrears for employees covered under the General Provident Fund (GPF) scheme will be credited to their GPF accounts in monthly instalments.

Employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) will receive the arrears in cash. The orders stated that the employer’s 14 per cent share on DA arrears will be drawn, while the employee’s 10 per cent contribution will be deducted at source and credited to their respective PRAN accounts.

For pensioners and family pensioners drawing benefits under the 7th Pay Commission, arrears from January to April 2026 will be paid in cash in May 2026.

The Finance Department clarified that “Basic Pay” for DA calculation refers only to the pay drawn in the prescribed Pay Matrix level under the 7th Pay Commission and excludes special pay and other allowances.

The orders have been circulated to all administrative departments and concerned authorities for immediate implementation.(NVI)

Old Rusted Mortar Shell Found in Samba

Jammu, May 18 (NVI): An old rusted mortar shell was found in a field near the International Border in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, officials said.

The shell was noticed around this morning by a local farmer a resident of Chachwal village falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Ghagwal.

The mortar shell was lying in the field area near BOP NSP Khora, manned by the 82 Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF), at a distance of nearly 280 metres from the International Border.

The farmer immediately informed the BSF authorities, following which security personnel rushed to the spot and took the rusted shell into their possession for necessary action.

Further investigation is underway, officials added.(NVI)

Crime Branch Kashmir Files Chargesheet in Economic Fraud Case Against Retired Engineer

Srinagar, May 18 (NVI): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir on Monday filed a chargesheet against a retired In-charge Superintendent Engineer of the erstwhile J&K State Power Development Corporation in connection with an alleged case of forgery and destruction of evidence related to manipulation of service records.

Officials the chargesheet was submitted before the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar in FIR No. 09/2015 registered under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 201 RPC.

The case was initiated following a written complaint alleging that the accused had tampered with his date of birth in official service records to secure undue service benefits.

During investigation, the Crime Branch found that the accused had allegedly altered his date of birth from October 28, 1955 to October 28, 1958. The manipulation was subsequently confirmed through reports from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Srinagar and the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE), officials said.

Investigators further alleged that the accused destroyed his original service book in an attempt to conceal evidence, prompting the addition of Section 201 RPC pertaining to destruction of evidence.

The Crime Branch said the investigation established the allegations against the accused, following which the chargesheet was filed before the competent court for judicial determination.

Meanwhile, the Economic Offences Wing advised the public to remain vigilant against economic fraud and report such matters to the Crime Branch authorities.(NVI)

First Heatwave of Season Likely to Grip J&K, Temperatures Set to Rise Across Region: Officials

Srinagar, May 18 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness the first major heatwave spell of the season as intense heat and bright sunshine are expected to affect both Kashmir and Jammu divisions over the coming days, officials said on Monday.

According to weather officials, conditions across the Valley are expected to remain predominantly hot and dry, with Srinagar likely to record temperatures around 32 degrees Celsius during the daytime. Several other districts are also expected to witness a sharp rise in temperatures under clear skies and strong sunshine.

Officials said afternoon hours may remain particularly harsh, causing discomfort to people, especially those involved in outdoor activities and travel.

People have been advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak afternoon hours, and take necessary health precautions amid the rising temperatures.

The heatwave conditions are expected to affect most parts of Jammu and Kashmir, marking the season’s first widespread spell of intense summer heat, officials added.(NVI)

Er Rashid’s Father Passes Away; AIP Seeks Humanitarian Release for Baramulla MP

Srinagar, May 18 (NVI): The father of jailed Baramulla MP Er Rashid passed away on Monday, following which the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) appealed to the Government of India to grant him temporary release on humanitarian grounds to attend the last rites.

According to AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, the deceased, Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, was a retired teacher known for his integrity, dedication to education and community service. He said the late Sheikh remained a strong pillar of support throughout Er Rashid’s political journey.

Inam Un Nabi urged the authorities to allow the MP to participate in his father’s funeral, saying that “it is a son’s basic right to bid farewell to his father” and that humanitarian considerations should prevail beyond political differences.

The AIP leadership and party workers also expressed condolences with the bereaved family, terming the demise a major loss for the family, former students and people across Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

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