Author: Himalayan Express

Nubra, 28 July 2026: Deputy Commissioner, Nubra, Shri Mukul Beniwal, IAS, reviewed the implementation of the NRLM in Nubra District during a meeting with concerned officials.

The meeting reviewed the financial inclusion status of Panamik, Diskit and Turtuk, including SHGs with bank accounts, Revolving Fund and Community Investment Fund support, loan and repayment structures, interest rates and cadre details. The status of livelihood activities and SHG products was also reviewed.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officials to make the VDVK for seabuckthorn functional and stressed the need to strengthen market linkages, product labelling and packaging for the all products. He further directed that training programmes be organised and more people be encouraged to participate in livelihood activities.

The Deputy Commissioner assured that the administration would extend all necessary support in overcoming the challenges discussed like market access, overcoming skill gap, transportation and strengthening livelihood opportunities in the district.

The meeting was attended by BDOs of Nubra District and BPM ,NRLM.

JAMMU, JULY 28: To mark World Nature Conservation Day, the Forest Department, in collaboration with members of the Tree Talk Group and Vibe Tribe Club, Jammu organised a Nature Walk and Tree Talk programme in the Sidhra forestlands.

The event aimed to acquaint forest field staff, wilderness explorers, herbal innovators and botany experts with the rich biodiversity of the neighbourhood forests while promoting awareness about conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

The programme commenced with a ceremonial tree plantation. Among those present were Pradeep Wahule, Conservator East Circle Anurag Arya, Divisional Forest Officer Jammu Bishan Das Thakur, Divisional Forest Officer Research Division Kalpna Vinay, founder of Tree Talk Om Prakash Sharma “Vidyarthi” and herbal innovator Pooja Kapoor Suri.

During the nature walk, Om Prakash Sharma “Vidyarthi” introduced participants to the diverse flora of the Sidhra forests and highlighted the edible, medicinal and ornamental significance of several important species.

Under the guidance of herbal innovator Pooja Kapoor Suri, Om Prakash Sharma “Vidyarthi” and Dev Raj Sharma, forest field staff displayed plant specimens, edible flowers, seasonal leafy vegetables, aromatic and medicinal plants, quality saplings and a range of forest-based foods.

The exhibition featured Oleaster Sauce, Tinbru Chutney, Gokhru Snacks, Punarnava Pakodas, Commelina Snacks, Trianthema Pakodas, Rhododendron Tea, Arjun Bark Tea, Mango Modak, Vidari Kheer, Parijat Tea, Gwalmanda Dahi and other value-added forest products.

Addressing the gathering, Pradeep Wahule said forests are vital ecosystems supporting an extraordinary diversity of plants and wildlife and cautioned that overexploitation of natural resources leads to soil degradation, depletion of water resources and the decline of threatened species.

Participants planted indigenous and ecologically important tree species, including Butea monosperma, Bauhinia variegata, Terminalia chebula, Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera, Erythrina indica, Syzygium cumini and Sapindus mukorossi.

SRINAGAR, JULY 28: Multiple deputations, including Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from different constituencies today called on Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, at the Civil Secretariat here and discussed a wide range of public welfare issues.

The legislators who met the Minister included Hilal Akbar Lone, Sajjad Shaheen, Irshad Rasool Kar, Pyare Lal Sharma, Saifuddin Bhat, Randhir Singh and Zafar Ali Khatana.

During the interaction, the MLAs apprised the Minister of the developmental needs and public concerns of their respective constituencies. They highlighted issues related to drinking water supply, irrigation infrastructure, flood protection measures, road connectivity, healthcare, education and other sectoral requirements, while also seeking timely execution of ongoing development works.

The legislators urged the Minister to ensure early completion of projects of public importance and called for effective coordination among the departments to address the aspirations of the people.

Giving a patient hearing to each of the legislators, Javed Rana assured them that all their genuine issues projected during the meetings would receive due attention. He directed the concerned officers to examine the matters on priority and take appropriate action wherever required.

The Minister reiterated that the Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to strengthen the public service delivery, ensuring that developmental benefits reach every region in a fair and transparent manner. He said the government remains focused on responsive governance, prompt resolution of public grievances and accelerated implementation of infrastructure projects aimed at improving the quality of life of the people.

Emphasising close coordination between the public representatives and the administration, the Minister said that the elected legislators play a vital role in identifying the developmental priorities of their constituencies and ensuring that governance remains people-centric. He said the government values their feedback and will continue to work in close consultation with them to achieve balanced and inclusive development across Jammu and Kashmir.

Later, a delegation of contractors associated with the Jal Shakti Department also called on the Minister and projected issues related to pending payments and execution of departmental works.

The Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured them that all their genuine concerns would be examined and addressed in accordance with the rules.

Two of the residents, China Ruz and Mamoni Bauri, protested against the alleged negligence of the underground mine authorities.

Mumbai: To ensure timely resolution of complaints and disputes involving street vendors, BMC has decided to constitute a three-member Grievance Redressal and Dispute Resolution Committee. The committee will be headed by a serving or retired City Civil Court judge and will function for the next five years. Civic officials said the Town Vending Committee is also expected to be constituted within a week.

The commission’s chairman said that reports had recently emerged alleging that several students refused to eat food served by a girl student belonging to the SC community during a school event

KATHUA, JULY 28: The District Badminton Tournament Kathua-2026, being organised by the District Administration Kathua under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan has entered the knockout stage with exciting contests across various categories.

The tournament, being held under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma has drawn enthusiastic participation from players representing Basohli, Billawar, Nagri, Hiranagar, Mahreen and other parts of the district. More than 25 girls are participating in the tournament, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among young women towards badminton and competitive sports.

Since its commencement on July 25, the tournament has witnessed keen competition, with 33 matches played on the opening day, followed by 61 matches on the second day and 47 matches on the third day. On the fourth day, 35 matches are being played, taking the tournament into the decisive knockout phase.

The Under-19 Girls Singles and Under-19 Boys Singles events have reached the semifinal stage, while the Under-19 Girls Doubles, Women’s Singles and Veterans Men’s Singles and Doubles competitions have advanced to the finals. Matches in the remaining categories are progressing through the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds.

The tournament has received an encouraging response from players, parents, coaches and sports enthusiasts. By organising such events, the District Administration Kathua aims to channelise the energy of youth towards sports and constructive activities, promoting physical fitness, discipline and a drug-free lifestyle in line with the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavisdirects the state home department to withdraw all cases registered against students who recently staged protests across the state on the NEET paper leak issue.

The process to withdraw the FIRs will be initiated with the permission of the concerned courts.