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NH-44 Reopens for Passenger Traffic in Both Directions

File Photo

Srinagar, Apr 7 (NVI): Passenger traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) resumed from both directions on Tuesday after the restoration of the arterial road, officials said.

Vehicular movement has been allowed from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice versa, they said, adding that the highway is now open for passenger vehicles.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) National Highway, Raja Adil, advised commuters to maintain strict lane discipline to ensure smooth flow of traffic and avoid congestion along the route.

Authorities cautioned that overtaking and driving on the wrong side could lead to traffic snarls and delays.

Commuters have also been urged not to pay heed to rumours regarding road conditions and to verify updates through official platforms of the Traffic Police, including social media handles and Traffic Control Units (TCUs).

Traffic Police have issued helpline numbers for assistance in Jammu, Srinagar and Ramban districts.(NVI)

Maintain High Standards, Serve with Dedication”: DGP Nalin Prabhat to J&K Police Personnel

Jammu, Apr 6 (NVI): Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat on Monday urged police personnel to uphold professionalism and continue discharging their duties with dedication and integrity.

The DGP interacted with officers and personnel of all ranks from the Jammu Zone during an event held at the Police Auditorium in Jammu.

During the interaction, Prabhat lauded the commitment and hard work of the force, acknowledging their role in maintaining law and order across the region. He encouraged personnel to sustain high morale and perform their responsibilities with sincerity, professionalism, and a strong sense of public service.

Highlighting the core values of policing, the DGP stressed the importance of teamwork, discipline, and maintaining public trust. He underscored that effective policing depends on adherence to the highest standards of conduct while serving the people.

The interaction also served as a platform for direct engagement between the top police leadership and field personnel, reinforcing the importance of coordinated efforts in ensuring efficient policing across Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

DC Anantnag Flags Off SVEEP Vans for Panchayat Electoral Roll Revision 2026

Anantnag, Apr 6 (NVI): Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Bilal Mohiud Din Bhat on Monday flagged off SVEEP IEC vans from the DC Office to spread awareness regarding the revision of Panchayat Electoral Roll-2026.

Officials said the initiative aims to educate citizens about the process of inclusion, deletion, correction and transposition in the electoral rolls. The vans will cover all blocks and Panchayat Halqas of the district to ensure maximum outreach.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC, who is also District Panchayat Election Officer, stressed the importance of accurate electoral rolls in strengthening grassroots democracy and urged eligible citizens to enroll themselves.

He particularly appealed to new voters who have attained the age of 18 years as on April 1, 2026, to verify their details and ensure timely inclusion in the rolls.

To facilitate public participation, special camp days will be held at designated polling stations on April 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26, during which Panchayat Election Booth Officers will assist citizens in filing claims and objections.

The administration also urged all eligible residents to approach concerned officials, including PEBOs, BDOs and Electoral Registration Officers, for necessary assistance during the ongoing revision exercise.(NVI)

Sakeena Itoo Reviews Hailstorm Damage in Kulgam, Shopian; Orders Immediate Relief

File Photo : Sakina Itoo, Minister for Social Welfare, Health, and Education

Jammu, Apr 6 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakeena Itoo on Monday took stock of the damage caused by a recent hailstorm in Kulgam and Shopian districts and directed authorities to carry out immediate assessment and provide relief to affected farmers and orchardists.

Expressing concern over the losses, Itoo said the hailstorm had severely impacted orchards and farmlands, dealing a major blow to those dependent on the upcoming harvest season for their livelihood.

The minister said she reviewed the situation with the district administration and directed the deputy commissioner of Kulgam to conduct a prompt ground assessment and ensure timely compensation under existing norms.

She also asked departments including horticulture, agriculture and revenue to work in coordination to expedite the compensation process and provide technical support to farmers for crop recovery.

“The government stands with the farming community in this difficult time and will ensure that losses are compensated fairly,” she said.

Itoo further directed officials to remain on the ground, maintain close coordination with local representatives and ensure that no affected family is left unattended.(NVI)

Ladakh Admin Allocates Key Departments to IAS Officer Shurbir Singh

Leh, Apr 6 (NVI): The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh on Monday ordered the allocation of key departments to IAS officer Shurbir Singh (AGMUT: 2004) with immediate effect.

An official order issued by the General Administration Department, Shurbir Singh, Commissioner/Secretary, has been assigned the departments of Revenue, Public Health Engineering / Irrigation and Flood Control, and Housing & Urban Development.

He has also been given the additional charge of Divisional Commissioner.

The order, issued under Order No. 191-LA(GAD) of 2026 dated April 6, states that the allocation will remain in force until further orders.

The directive has been issued with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor (Administrator), UT of Ladakh.(NVI)

Sakeena Itoo launches mega plantation drive in J&K, gives ‘One Student–One Tree’ call

JAMMU, Apr 6 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakeena Itoo on Monday launched a mega plantation drive across the Union Territory, calling upon students to become “ambassadors of environmental protection” and lead a mass movement for a greener future.

The drive was formally kicked off from SRML Higher Secondary School in Jammu, with participation from elected representatives, senior officials, teachers and students, while institutions across J&K joined virtually.

Pitching the initiative as more than a routine programme, Itoo said it marks the beginning of a larger environmental movement. “This is not just a launch, it is a mission to protect our future and nurture life,” she said, after planting a sapling.

The Minister announced that around 2.5 lakh saplings will be planted across schools, colleges, hospitals, anganwadi centres and other public institutions throughout the Union Territory.

Raising concern over environmental degradation, she warned that climate change and rising temperatures pose a serious threat to Jammu and Kashmir’s natural heritage. “If we do not act now, we risk compromising the future of our children,” she said.

Giving the slogan of ‘One Student–One Tree’, Itoo urged every student to plant and nurture a tree as a lifelong responsibility. “You are not just participants, you are ambassadors of this movement,” she told students.

She stressed that the focus must shift from plantation to preservation, asserting that the success of the campaign will depend on survival and growth of trees rather than numbers alone.

Highlighting the broader vision of the “Green Jammu and Kashmir” initiative, the Minister said the aim is to transform educational and healthcare institutions into green, sustainable and life-supporting spaces.

On the sidelines of the event, Itoo distributed sports kits among government schools to promote physical fitness and identify young talent. She also handed over technical equipment, including desktops, to enhance digital learning and skill-based education.

In a push for girl child empowerment, bicycles were distributed among girl students to improve access to education and reduce dropout rates.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Minister said empowering students—especially girls—through education, sustainability and infrastructure support remains a top priority.

The plantation drive, organised by the School Education Department in coordination with allied departments, witnessed widespread participation from students, teachers and officials across Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

Chief Secy Atal Dulloo pushes fast-track rollout of Urban Challenge Fund in J&K

JAMMU, Apr 6 (NVI): Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday directed departments to fast-track identification of “bankable” projects for implementation under the ambitious Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), asserting that the scheme offers a major opportunity to transform urban infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.

Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Secretary stressed that projects must strictly align with scheme guidelines and be prepared in a time-bound manner to fully leverage the fund. He called for shortlisting at least a dozen viable projects across the twin cities, focusing on urban mobility, parking, housing, beautification and other priority sectors.

Dulloo said the Union Territory should optimally utilise the scheme to upgrade infrastructure and make cities more liveable and citizen-friendly, terming the UCF a “catalytic instrument” for urban transformation.

Officials informed the meeting that central assistance under the fund will be limited to 25 per cent of project cost, aimed at mobilising at least 50 per cent through market-based sources such as bonds, bank loans and public-private partnerships (PPP), reducing reliance on traditional budgetary support.

A detailed presentation by the Housing and Urban Development Department highlighted that the ₹1 lakh crore national outlay scheme seeks to drive a paradigm shift in urban financing by promoting sustainable, revenue-generating infrastructure projects.

Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar emphasised the need to prioritise bankable projects and learn from past PPP experiences to avoid execution bottlenecks.

Managing Director of Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Amitava Chatterjee, assured full support in facilitating access to market financing and building local capacity.

Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development, Mandeep Kaur, said ₹90,000 crore of the total outlay is earmarked for infrastructure projects, while ₹5,000 crore each has been allocated for project preparation and credit guarantee mechanisms.

The scheme, to be implemented over five years from FY 2026, will cover a wide range of urban local bodies, including major cities, industrial towns and all ULBs in hilly and special category regions, with a focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Key verticals under the fund include growth hubs, creative city redevelopment, and water and sanitation, with proposed interventions spanning economic corridors, transit-oriented infrastructure, heritage revitalisation, and climate-resilient urban systems.

Officials said MoUs between the Union Territory and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will be signed shortly, marking the formal launch of the programme.

Reiterating the significance of the initiative, Dulloo said the Urban Challenge Fund can accelerate urban transformation, strengthen economic growth centres and significantly improve quality of life through innovative financing models.(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah hands over jobs to 124 under SRO-43

File Photo : J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Jammu, Apr 6 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday handed over appointment orders to 124 candidates from the Jammu division under the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (SRO-43), reiterating the government’s commitment to support families affected by the loss of a breadwinner.

The appointments were distributed in the presence of Advisor Nasir Sogami, officials said.

Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, the Chief Minister said the initiative aims to provide dignity and financial stability during difficult times.

He urged the appointees to discharge their duties with dedication, integrity and compassion, and to uphold the legacy of public service associated with their families.(NVI)

Balloon with Foreign Markings Recovered in Reasi’s Arnas Sector

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Reasi, Apr 6 (NVI): A balloon bearing foreign airline markings was recovered in Arnas sector of Reasi district on Monday.

Officials that a Village Defence Guard (VDG) member spotted a balloon shaped like an aeroplane at Kanthi-A in Tehsil Thuroo.

They said the balloon had crescent moon and star symbols along with markings of “PIA” and “Emirates,” following which it was seized by police.

The recovered balloon has been taken into custody at SPP Thiloo for further examination. (NVI)

Delhi: Major breach at Assembly premises

Delhi Assembly complex (File pic

New Delhi, Apr 6: In a major security breach at the Delhi Assembly complex, an unauthorised car forcefully entered the premises today and managed to flee.

The vehicle, bearing registration number of Uttar Pradesh, broke through the iron barrier at Gate No. 2 and gained access to the Assembly complex in the afternoon.

The unidentified driver of the vehicle then went to the office of Speaker Vijender Gupta and placed a flower bouquet near the porch.

He also threw ink at the Speaker’s car before driving away his own vehicle out of the premises, raising questions over the existing security arrangements.

The incident is being treated as a serious breach, and an investigation has been launched to identify the driver and determine the motive behind the act, officials said.

A few hours later, the Delhi Police arrested the accused and recovered the car — a Tata Sierra car. (NVI)

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