A devastating windstorm accompanied by torrential rain and hail lashed Jammu region on Wednesday evening, plunging the entire division into darkness and chaos. With wind speeds touching 114 km/h, the storm uprooted hundreds of trees, electric poles, and mobile towers, crippling infrastructure and disrupting daily life across all 10 districts.

🚨 Power Wipeout Across Region
Chief Engineer, JPDCL, K.K. Thappa confirmed that the storm caused “massive damage” to power infrastructure. Entire Jammu city and surrounding districts including Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Katra, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar were left without electricity.

“Cables are broken, poles and towers have collapsed. Our teams are working tirelessly, but complete restoration may take over 24 hours,” Thappa said.

⚡ Key Transmission Lines Affected:

• 220kV, 33kV, and 11kV lines disrupted
• Supply from Salal Power Station to several key substations snapped
• Partial restoration expected in Jammu City by midnight

🚧 Blockades & Chaos on Roads
The fury of nature brought traffic to a standstill in many areas:

• A large tree fell near RBI Office, Railway Road, blocking major routes
• Trees and electric poles brought down in Green Belt, Gandhi Nagar
• Widespread disruption on Jammu-Akhnoor, RS Pura, Talab Tillo, and Nagrota roads
• Major highways like Jammu-Samba-Kathua and Jammu-Katra-Reasi saw massive traffic jams

🏢 Infrastructure Damage:

• Civil Secretariat wall collapsed, damaging parked vehicles
• Cell tower collapse near Bahu Fort crushed two bikes and a house
• Landslide on Jammu-Poonch highway at Gambhir Brahmana stranded commuters for over two hours

🔥 Lightning Sparks Fire, Kills Livestock
In Rajouri, a lightning strike set ablaze a carry bag factory owned by Abdul Wahid, causing property loss worth lakhs. Fire tenders rushed to contain the blaze.
In Gool (Ramban) and Mahore (Chassana), at least a dozen goats and three cattle were killed due to lightning and cloudburst.

🌦️ Meteorological Update:
According to Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Director of Meteorological Department, Srinagar:

“Wind speed touched 114 km/h in areas like Chatha and Satwari, 102 in Samba, 70 in Kathua, and 80 km/h in parts of Jammu city.”

Forecast:

• April 18–19: Light to moderate rain, snow at higher altitudes
• Thunderstorms with gusty winds expected from evening onwards
• Yellow and Orange alerts issued for April 19
• April 22–25: Mostly dry weather predicted

🍃 Agricultural Impact & Valley Weather
Reports of extensive damage to mango and fruit trees in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua have emerged. Meanwhile, Kashmir Valley experienced heavy rainfall following the hottest day of the season.
In Srinagar, boat capsizing incidents were reported in Dal Lake; video footage of the incident has gone viral.

🚨 Advisory:
The MeT Department and administration have urged travelers to avoid unnecessary movement on highways prone to landslides, shooting stones, and mudslides.

🗣️ Residents Speak:

“We’ve never seen winds this fierce. It felt like a cyclone. Everything turned dark in minutes,” said a resident of Gandhi Nagar.

The situation remains critical, with restoration efforts underway. Authorities have urged people to stay indoors, stay alert, and cooperate with emergency services.

The much-anticipated inauguration of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, initially scheduled for April 19, has been postponed due to adverse weather forecasts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was set to flag off the inaugural run of this high-speed train, marking a significant milestone in connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. However, the India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall and inclement weather conditions in the region on April 18 and 19, leading to the deferment of the event.

New Inauguration Date to Be Announced

The Prime Minister’s Office has stated that a new date for the inauguration will be announced soon. The decision to postpone was made considering the safety and logistical challenges posed by the expected weather conditions. The Prime Minister was also scheduled to inaugurate the Chenab Rail Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge during his visit, both of which are engineering marvels on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

Successful Trial Runs Completed

Despite the postponement, the Indian Railways has successfully conducted trial runs of the Vande Bharat Express on the Katra-Sangaldan section of the USBRL. These trials are part of the final preparations for the full commissioning of the 272-km rail line, which aims to enhance connectivity and promote economic development in the region.

Engineering Feats: Chenab and Anji Khad Bridges

The USBRL project includes the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. These structures are set to become iconic symbols of India’s infrastructural prowess and are expected to boost tourism and facilitate easier pilgrimages to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra.

Awaiting a Historic Milestone

The inauguration of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is eagerly awaited by the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, as it promises to significantly reduce travel time and enhance accessibility to the region. The new date for the inauguration will be communicated in due course, and the authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and success of this landmark event

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, during a high-level meeting with civil and security officials, emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to encourage farmers to cultivate land situated between the security fence and the International Border (IB). The meeting included top officials from the Agriculture Production Department (APD), Home Department, BSF, and district administrations of Kathua, Jammu, Samba, Poonch, and Rajouri.

Dulloo stressed that all arable land between the IB and the fence should be brought under cultivation, regardless of land ownership status, to enhance the local food supply. He said that the Agriculture Department should extend full support to farmers, while security forces must provide safety assurances to instill confidence in them.

The Chief Secretary urged officials to offer technical guidance on suitable crops and fodder and ensure all assistance is in place so that cultivation can begin from the next sowing season. He directed senior Agriculture officers to visit the concerned districts and resolve issues on-site in collaboration with the local administration and border security forces.

Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar, reiterated the department’s commitment to provide handholding support to farmers. He asked Deputy Commissioners to complete ground-level assessments in advance to ensure smooth operations during field visits.

IG, BSF, presented a comprehensive report on land usage between the IB and the fence, highlighting both opportunities and local demands for effective cultivation. He also assured full cooperation from the BSF to support farming activities in the border areas.

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief, Tariq Hameed Karra, today issued a strong caution to the public against what he described as ongoing attempts by the Modi-led BJP government to weaken the Constitution. He called upon citizens to rise in defense of constitutional values and democratic principles that are under threat.

Karra was addressing a public gathering at Suchetgarh, near the Indo-Pak border, organized in connection with the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. The event also served as a campaign program for party candidate Bhushan Dogra.

The gathering witnessed the presence of prominent Congress leaders including AICC General Secretary and CLP Leader G.A. Mir, working presidents Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla, AICC Secretary Neeraj Kundan, former MP T.S. Bajwa, and senior leaders such as Balwan Singh, Ved Mahajan, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma, Yashpal Kundal, Th. Hari Singh Chib, S.S. Channi, and M.K. Bhardwaj.

Karra accused the BJP of systematically attacking the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the principles of equality and justice. “There are growing forces actively working to undermine the democratic and inclusive foundation laid by our Constitution,” he said. He emphasized that such actions pose a grave danger to the rights and freedoms guaranteed to every citizen.

Calling for vigilance and active participation, Karra urged the people to defend democratic institutions and constitutional principles. “This is not just a political battle but a fight to protect the very soul of our nation,” he added.

G.A. Mir, in his address, appealed to citizens to take responsibility for safeguarding democracy. He emphasized the need to uphold Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of social justice, equality, and human dignity.

Tara Chand praised Dr. Ambedkar as the “Godfather of Dalits and the downtrodden” and lauded his lifelong struggle against caste discrimination and inequality. “Despite facing immense challenges and social stigma, Babasaheb remained unwavering in his commitment to equality,” he noted.

Raman Bhalla echoed similar sentiments, stating that Dr. Ambedkar’s selfless service and legacy would continue to inspire future generations to pursue the ideals of justice and equality enshrined in the Constitution.

Neeraj Kundan highlighted Ambedkar’s mission to bring marginalized communities into the mainstream, adding that the best tribute to him would be to ensure that democratic benefits reach every section of society.

Among other notable participants were Suresh Dogra, Amrit Bali, Sanjeev Sharma, Shameema Raina, Ziyda Khan, Jatin K. Raina, Ajay Lakhotra, Vijay Shastri, Ricky Dalotra, Bodh Raj Bhagat, Jasmeet Singh Raina, and Varun Magotra, among others.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today virtually inaugurated the manufacturing unit of Superior Polymer India Private Limited at Kathua.

He extended his congratulations to the Superior Group of Industries and the team of Superior Polymer India Pvt. Ltd. on their new venture and conveyed his best wishes for their future endeavors.

Calling it a significant milestone, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted that the commencement of this greenfield project will positively impact the local economy, generate employment, and serve as a major boost to the region’s industrial growth.

“The manufacturing ecosystem in the Union Territory is expanding, and today’s project, dedicated to industrial development, will accelerate the mission of Aatmanirbhar Jammu and Kashmir,” Sinha stated.

He emphasized that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the administration remains fully committed to advancing the industrial sector in J&K.

“We have ensured a workforce that is prepared for industrial jobs. Marginalized sections of society have been empowered to enhance the skilled workforce. Notably, our Handloom and Handicraft exports have seen a surge after the establishment of a robust industrial ecosystem,” said the Lieutenant Governor.

He further mentioned that J&K’s progressive industrial policies and key interventions over the past few years have bolstered investor confidence and attracted significant private investment.

“We have successfully created a conducive environment for industrial growth and comprehensive development. These efforts are now bearing fruit, with several industrial units commencing operations and numerous investment proposals currently in the pipeline,” he added.

The newly inaugurated unit has been established with an investment of ₹75 crore and is expected to generate hundreds of job opportunities.

Present on the occasion were Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department; Dr. Arun Kumar Manhas, Director, Industries & Commerce, Jammu; Pradeep Agrawal, Chairman, Superior Group of Industries; Vishal Agrawal, Vice Chairman; Ashish Sethi, CEO; Dr. Sunil Kumar Mishra, Chief Human Resource Officer, along with other key members of the Superior Group and Superior Polymer India Pvt. Ltd.

Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner of Kathua, along with other officials, also participated in the event virtually.

By Raja Rehber Jamal

Bhaderwah: As we strive for academic excellence, it is essential that we maintain a structured and productive learning environment, as a part of it, Chief Education Officer Doda Mohd Hafiz Sheikh paid surprise visit to various educational institutions of additional district Bhaderwah to assess the academic activities of the students.

The schools visited by the Chief Education Officer include PS chinote, MS Hallian, LHS Nagar, MS Masjid, MS 

Mandir and HSS Sartingal.

The Chief Education Officer Doda passed various instructions for smooth and efficient functioning of the academic session.

He directed to ensure Regular Class Schedules adhere to the prescribed class schedules and ensure timely commencement and conclusion of classes.

He ask teachers to prepare detailed lesson plans in accordance with the curriculum, incorporating innovative teaching methodologies and assessment strategies. Beside focus on student engagement with active participation and engagement among students through interactive and inclusive teaching practices.

He also directed staff to conduct regular assessments and provide constructive feedback to students, facilitating their academic growth and development. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student progress, attendance, and academic performance.

He urged upon them to collaboration and teamwork to achieve academic goals, share best practices, and support each other

“Ensure strict adherence to the prescribed curriculum and syllabus, focusing on conceptual clarity and practical applications,” said CEO Doda while addressing staff, adding adopt innovative and interactive teaching methodologies to engage students and promote active learning.

He urged upon them to implement regular assessments and evaluations to monitor student progress, identify areas of improvement, and provide constructive feedback.

Beside focus was given to Teacher-Student Interaction by fostering a positive and supportive teacher-student relationship, encouraging open communication and mutual respect. Optimizing the use of available infrastructure and resources to create quality education. Establish a feedback mechanism to gather student feedback and concerns, ensuring their voices are heard and addressed.

Regards

Raja Rehber Jamal
Chenab Valley
E-mail :- rehberjamal12@gmail.com, rehberjamal12@rediffmail.com

Mob:- 8803163150, 7006027038 , 7051440613