In a significant step towards enhancing security and crowd management, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the “CCTV Surveillance System with Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC)” for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor highlighted that the state-of-the-art system would ensure a safer and more seamless pilgrimage experience. “Cutting-edge technology will enable real-time monitoring and crowd management, ensuring the safety and security of devotees. This initiative guarantees a hassle-free pilgrimage,” he stated.

The ICCC, located at Katra, is supported by seven Sub-Control Centres strategically placed along the yatra route to enable localized monitoring and rapid coordination. The system allows 24×7 surveillance of high-traffic and sensitive zones, facilitating proactive responses to crowd congestion, emergencies, and potential threats.

Over 700 cameras have been deployed under the project, including 170 new high-definition IP cameras, alongside the integration of more than 500 existing ones. These cameras cover all vital areas such as entry and exit points, congregation zones, and the entire pilgrimage track.

The surveillance network is powered by advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) features, including:

• Facial Recognition
• Gesture Recognition
• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
• Intrusion Detection System
• AI-driven Crowd Management Tools

These features not only provide situational awareness but also generate automated alerts during potential incidents like crowd surges, landslides, route obstructions, or security breaches.

Anshul Garg, CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), provided a comprehensive presentation detailing the technical architecture and benefits of the ICCC. He emphasized the system’s role in ensuring efficient day-to-day operations and emergency response.

During his visit, the Lt Governor interacted with engineers and operational teams, stressing the importance of continuous staff training and seamless coordination with security forces to maximize the system’s effectiveness.

The Shrine Board has also recently upgraded its security arsenal with X-Ray Baggage Scanners, Door Frame Metal Detectors, Hand-Held Metal Detectors, and Under Vehicle Search Mirrors, following a joint security audit conducted last year on the Lt Governor’s directives.

Present at the occasion were Dr. Ashok Bhan (Member, SMVDSB), Bhim Sen Tuti (IGP Jammu), Nidhi Malik (Deputy Commissioner, Reasi), and senior officials from the police, security agencies, and Shrine Board.

This technology-led transformation marks a new era in pilgrimage safety and administration at one of India’s most revered spiritual destinations.

In a major relief to residents affected by cross-border shelling, the Centre has approved an additional ₹25 crore as compensation for houses damaged in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir during Operation Sindoor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier announced special compensation for families whose homes were destroyed or damaged due to Pakistani shelling. As per the announcement, ₹2 lakh will be provided for each fully-damaged house and ₹1 lakh for each partially-damaged one.

Acting swiftly on the Prime Minister’s directive, Union Home Minister Amit Shah facilitated the immediate release of ₹25 crore from the Ministry of Home Affairs to cover compensation for 2,060 affected houses. A similar compensation package will also be extended to the border areas of Punjab.

The Home Minister, during his recent two-day visit to the border district of Poonch (May 29–30), personally handed over appointment letters on compassionate grounds to the next of kin of those killed in the shelling.

Following Operation Sindoor, several incidents of cross-border firing had caused significant destruction to homes, schools, religious structures, and commercial establishments across multiple districts in Jammu and Kashmir.

To ensure public safety and minimize casualties, the administration evacuated over 3.25 lakh people from the affected border regions. Approximately 15,000 evacuees were provided temporary shelter in 397 designated relief centers, fully equipped with food, water, electricity, and healthcare services.

In addition, 394 ambulances — including 62 in Poonch alone — were deployed to transport injured individuals to hospitals. A force of 2,818 Civil Defence volunteers also assisted in providing services related to health, fire safety, livestock care, and the supply of essential commodities.

The government’s proactive response has been praised for mitigating loss of life and ensuring timely rehabilitation. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to standing with citizens in border areas and providing full support to rebuild damaged infrastructure and lives.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today declared that Pakistan has been decisively taught a lesson by the Indian Armed Forces following decades of cross-border terrorism and the recent brutal killing of civilians in Kashmir. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Dhunseri Polyfilm Industrial Unit at village Dohlian Jattan in Kathua district, the LG reflected on the pain Jammu and Kashmir has endured over the past 30–35 years.

“Over 50,000 innocent lives have been lost to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Sinha. “India tried all options with our neighbour, but Pakistan was not ready to mend its ways until a decisive response was given under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

The LG recalled that he was originally scheduled to attend the Kathua event on April 30, but plans were postponed following the tragic killing of 26 civilians—including 25 tourists—by Pakistani-sponsored terrorists in Baisaran, Pahalgam, on April 22.

In retaliation, Sinha revealed, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on the intervening night of May 6 and 7. “On the Prime Minister’s directions, nine terror camps across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) were destroyed. Civilian and military infrastructure was not targeted—only terror camps and their operatives.”

He added that Pakistan responded by shelling civilian areas in Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Uri, and Tangdhar. “Several civilians were martyred in the unprovoked shelling. But our forces sent a clear message—no Pakistani installation is out of our reach. Within three days, Pakistan was forced to back down.”

Sinha hailed the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces and the effectiveness of indigenous defence systems developed under the Make in India initiative. He called the Pahalgam attack an “unholy attempt” to damage Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector, disrupt communal harmony, and destabilize the region’s growing economy.

The LG also emphasized that despite repeated provocations, the Centre remains committed to the development of Jammu and Kashmir. “Two days ago, Prime Minister Modi made it clear that the march of progress in the Union Territory will not stop, come what may.”

He concluded by urging citizens to stay vigilant against the divisive designs of anti-national forces. “Our adversaries are trying to sow discord and halt our progress. It is up to all of us to safeguard the peace, prosperity, and unity of Jammu and Kashmir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to script history today as he lays the foundation stone, inaugurates, and dedicates to the nation multiple mega development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore from the holy town of Katra, the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine.

In a momentous first, PM Modi will flag off the first-ever Vande Bharat Express train to Kashmir, fulfilling a long-pending dream of direct railway connectivity to the Valley. The trains, running between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, will revolutionize travel for residents, pilgrims, and tourists alike.

🛤️ “The train will reduce Katra-Srinagar travel time by 2–3 hours, offering a swift, comfortable, and reliable option,” stated an official spokesperson.

🏗️ Massive Infrastructure Push in J&K

In a major infrastructure thrust, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stones and inaugurate various road projects, particularly aimed at enhancing connectivity in border areas.

🛣️ Key Highlights:

• Widening of Rafiabad to Kupwara Road (NH-701)
• Construction of Shopian Bypass (NH-444)
  Total Investment: Rs 1,952 crore

Additionally, two major flyover projects will be inaugurated:

• Sangrama Junction Flyover (NH-1)
• Bemina Junction Flyover (NH-44)
  These will significantly ease traffic congestion and improve commuter convenience in Srinagar.

🏥 Healthcare Milestone for Reasi

Another transformative step will be the foundation stone laying of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra.

🏥 Project Cost: Rs 350 crore
📍 First-ever Medical College in Reasi District

The institute is poised to become a regional hub for medical education and healthcare services, marking a historic healthcare milestone.

🌉 World’s Highest Rail Bridge and India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge Unveiled

In a spectacle of engineering, PM Modi will inaugurate two of the country’s most iconic rail bridges:

1. Chenab Rail Bridge
   • 🌍 World’s highest railway arch bridge
   • Height: 359 meters (taller than Eiffel Tower)
   • Length: 1,315 meters
2. Anji Khad Bridge
   • 🇮🇳 India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge
   • A marvel built in challenging terrain

🕚 The PM will visit the Chenab bridge deck at 11 AM, followed by the Anji bridge inauguration and flagging off the Vande Bharat trains from Katra at 12 noon.

🚆 USBRL Project Dedicated to the Nation

The Prime Minister will also dedicate the monumental Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation:

📏 Length: 272 km
🚇 Includes:

• 36 tunnels (totaling 119 km)
• 943 bridges
  💰 Cost: Rs 43,780 crore

The project promises all-weather, seamless connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India, transforming regional mobility and fostering socio-economic integration.

🗣️ “This is not just infrastructure. It’s a bridge to a brighter, connected future for Jammu and Kashmir,” PM Modi said ahead of the visit.

🛤️ A New Era Dawns in Kashmir’s Connectivity
With today’s announcements, Jammu & Kashmir enters a new era of development, rail connectivity, healthcare access, and infrastructure upgrades – ushering in hope, prosperity, and national integration.

In light of a few new COVID-19 cases reported in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, assured the public today that the Health Department is fully equipped and prepared to handle any emergent situation.

Speaking to media during her tour of the Pampore Constituency, the Minister emphasized the department’s readiness and urged the public not to panic.
“Once again, some cases of COVID-19 have been reported, but there is no need to worry. The Health Department is alert and prepared to manage the situation effectively. At the same time, people must cooperate by observing all necessary precautions,” she said.

Recalling the tireless efforts of healthcare workers during previous COVID-19 waves, Sakeena Itoo praised their dedication and expressed hope that such a crisis does not recur.

During her extensive tour, the Minister reviewed the functioning of key institutions including PHC Kakapora, SDH Pampore, and Government Degree College (GDC) Pampore, while also inspecting ongoing developmental projects in the constituency.

She was accompanied by MLA Pampore, Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi, MLA Rajpora, Ghulam Mohi Uddin Mir, along with Directors of Health, Social Welfare, School Education, Ayush, Colleges, and other senior district officials.

At PHC Kakapora, the Minister conducted a comprehensive inspection of medical infrastructure, staffing, and service delivery. She also assessed the progress of construction works at the under-construction PHC building and instructed the executing agency to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe. She listened attentively to the grievances of the local population.

Later at SDH Pampore, Sakeena Itoo inaugurated a Dialysis Unit, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the local residents. The move was widely appreciated by the community.

The Minister also visited Government Degree College Pampore, where she inspected academic and infrastructural facilities and interacted with staff to understand the challenges faced by the institution.

Concluding her visit, Minister Itoo chaired a high-level review meeting with district officials to assess the implementation of flagship development programmes. She directed for effective convergence of welfare schemes, especially under the Rural Development Department (RDD) and Social Welfare, with allied departments to ensure maximum impact on the ground