Author: ValleyObserver

Categories
CITY

Lieutenant Governor inaugurates redeveloped Amira Kadal bridge in Srinagar

The historically significant project to preserve legacy while improving urban mobility and quality of life

Our prime objective is to lift the quality of life to a new level with modern technology and inclusive design: LG Sinha

We have made it a mission to protect the soul of every city while upgrading or renovating the infrastructure. By preserving historic lanes, bridges, traditional markets, lively squares and peaceful green spaces, we have made efforts to weave amenities into the cultural heartbeat of each city: LG

Renovation and upgradation of a city’s infrastructure should become a bridge, beautifully linking heritage with the needs of today: LG Sinha

A true smart city is never just about new infrastructure. It’s about sparking an entirely new way of quality living, which is vibrant, efficient and inclusive: LG Sinha

By breathing new life into our cities through preservation of cultural heritage, we are honoring the roots. It’s not about upgradation of infrastructure but it’s about building a brighter, more resilient tomorrow for young generation: LG

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 20: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Tuesday inaugurated the redeveloped Amira Kadal bridge in Srinagar.
The project, costing Rs 7.70 crore under Srinagar Smart City limited was launched in December 2023, ensuring due diligence in heritage conservation, structural safety and quality control.
Dedicating the pedestrian wooden bridge to the people of Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor said the historically significant project will preserve legacy while improving urban mobility and quality of life.
“Our prime objective is to lift the quality of life to a new level with modern technology and inclusive design.
We have made it a mission to protect the soul of every city while upgrading or renovating the infrastructure. By preserving historic lanes, bridges, traditional markets, lively squares and peaceful green spaces, we have made efforts to weave amenities into the cultural heartbeat of each city,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the renovation and upgradation of a city’s infrastructure should become a bridge, beautifully linking heritage with the needs of today.
This approach is already visible in the several cities of J&K. Jhelum Riverfront, Lal Chowk, MA road redevelopment, Redevelopment of Polo view High Street, Traditional Souq Market and craft centre Batmaloo, Development of lake front including walkways on Northern Foreshore road from Nishat to Naseem Bagh Habak, Improvement of Ghats along Jhelum, Improvement of Facade of Heritage Markets of Shehr-e-Khaas, Srinagar, Improvement of road from Dogra Chowk to KC chowk, Apsara road High Street, Street development Canal road Talab Tillo, Street development of heritage site Mubarak Mandi to Raghunath Bazaar, approach to Bahu Fort Temple, Ranbir canal Blue-Green Walkway projects, Tawi River front now pulse with fresh appeal, drawing not just tourists enchanted by their timeless charm, but also giving boost to businesses and the local economy is gaining real strength and momentum.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that by breathing new life into our cities through preservation of cultural heritage, we are honoring the roots. He said that this commitment is about more than upgradation of infrastructure; it is about building a brighter, more resilient tomorrow for young generation.
“A true smart city is never just about new infrastructure. It is about sparking an entirely new way of quality living, which is vibrant, efficient and inclusive,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Interacting with local shopkeepers and traders, the Lieutenant Governor said that the opening of the pedestrian bridge will improve accessibility, boost commercial activity, and provide a pleasant experience for tourists.
Shri Ahsan Pardesi, Member of Legislative Assembly from Lal Chowk; Shri Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Shri VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Shri Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Shri Faz Lul Haseeb, CEO, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), senior officials, members of trade associations and prominent citizens attended the inaugural ceremony.

Categories
CRIME

J&K Police arrests notorious drug peddler in Srinagar; 1.6 Kg Heroin recovered

Srinagar, January 18: In its sustained drive against drug trafficking and in furtherance of its commitment to eradicate the menace of narcotics from society, J&K Police achieved a major breakthrough by arresting a notorious drug peddler in Srinagar and recovered a huge quantity of heroin from his possession.

Police team from Police Station Khanyar, during routine checking at Munwarabad near the Sewage Treatment Plant, apprehended a suspicious individual. Upon conducting a search, two packets of heroin weighing approximately 1.6 kilograms were recovered from his bag. He has been identified as Fayaz Ahmad Dar, son of Ghulam Hussain Dar, resident of Ichgam, Budgam.

Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 04/2026 under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Khanyar. The accused has been arrested and further investigation is in progress to ascertain the source and network involved in the trafficking of narcotics.

J&K Police reiterates its firm resolve to take stringent action against drug traffickers and appeals to the general public to cooperate by sharing any information related to drug abuse or illegal narcotics trade, so that this social menace can be effectively curbed.

Categories
JAMMU

Ravinder Raina, senior BJP Leader and former MLA calls on LG Shri Manoj Sinha

JAMMU, JANUARY 17: Shri Ravinder Raina, senior BJP Leader and former MLA called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, today.

He discussed various public important issues and development of several religious sites including Baba Naar Singh Ji Dev Sthan (Lamberi) Nowshera, Mangla Mata Shrine & Mangla Devi (Fort & Temple) under religious and border tourism and Peer Badesar near LoC in Rajouri.

Categories
CRIME

Police solves theft case in Awantipora, Stolen property recovered

Awantipora, January 16: Police in Awantipora received a written complaint from one person namely Umar Gani Wani son of Ab Gani Wani, resident of Beighpora, stating that on 12-01-2025, unknown thieves barged into his Rice Mill and stole copper wire from the transformer.
Accordingly, a case FIR No. 18/2026 under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Awantipora, and investigation was taken up.
During the course of investigation, a police team headed by IC Police Post Reshipora, SI Muneer Ahmad, under the supervision of SHO Police Station Awantipora, Inspector Ajaz Hmad, used modern investigative techniques, including analysis of CCTV footage from multiple locations, which led to the identification of the accused. Identified as Showkat Ahmad Dar son of Mohd Ayoub Dar resident of Bonpora, Panzgam involved in the commission of the crime was accordingly arrested. Further investigation is going on and to ascertain the involvement of the accused in other similar cases.

Categories
BUSINESS

CM Omar Abdullah explores collaboration opportunities during visit to IICT-NFDC campus in Mumbai

MUMBAI, JANUARY 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has visited the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) campus at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Mumbai, on January 15, to explore avenues for institutional collaboration and student exchange between IICT and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

The visit, held at the IICT–NFDC Campus, was hosted by Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, IICT, along with Munjal Shroff, Governing Council Member, IICT.

During the visit, the Chief Minister was taken on a structured walkthrough of the IICT main campus, providing an overview of the institute’s academic ecosystem and advanced technology infrastructure. As part of the programme, he attended a curated audiovisual presentation at the Rangayan Preview Theatre, which showcased IICT’s vision, academic framework, and capabilities in creative and immersive technologies.

This was followed by a live demonstration at the Anubhuti Drishya Immersive Studio Lab, where applications of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) were showcased through hands-on experiential interactions.

The visit also featured a Digital Twin demonstration at the Photogrammetry Studio, where a live 3D photogrammetry scan was conducted to create a digital avatar, highlighting the practical applications of emerging immersive technologies.

A strategic discussion session was held to deliberate potential areas of collaboration between IICT and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. The discussions focused on student exchange and institutional cooperation, particularly in skill development and capacity building in AVGC and emerging creative technologies; digital heritage and cultural preservation through immersive tools; and the development of a collaborative startup incubation and innovation ecosystem aimed at empowering youth from Jammu & Kashmir.

Speaking during the interaction, the Chief Minister said, “If we want Jammu and Kashmir to become an attractive destination for filmmaking, then human talent and post-production capability must be created locally. That is where a relationship with an institution like IICT becomes important for us.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, CEO, IICT said that they look forward to exploring meaningful collaborations that can benefit students and young talent from Jammu & Kashmir by enabling skill development, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.”

Following the discussions, the Chief Minister was escorted to the NFDC Bharat Pavilion and Museum, which chronicles India’s cinematic and creative heritage. The visit highlighted the role of the NFDC Museum as a national cultural repository dedicated to preserving, presenting, and celebrating India’s film and creative legacy, before the Chief Minister proceeded to his onward engagements at the NFDC campus.

Categories
CRIME

Police Recover Over 8 Kg Contraband Substance In Pulwama; Accused Arrested

Pulwama, January 14: In a major blow to drug trafficking networks, police in Pulwama have achieved a significant success by recovering a huge quantity of contraband substance during a well-coordinated operation at village Lelhar.

Acting on specific and reliable information, Police learned that one individual, namely Irshad Ahmad Dar son of Shaban Dar resident of Lelhar, had concealed a huge quantity of contraband substance (Charas) inside his residential house. Accordingly, a case FIR No. 04/2026 under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Kakapora and investigation was immediately set into motion.

During the course of investigation, a search warrant was obtained from the Hon’ble Court of JMIC Pulwama, following which a thorough search of the residential premises of the accused was conducted in the presence of the Executive Magistrate 1st Class, Kakpora, ensuring complete adherence to legal procedures. During the search operation, 8.795 kilograms of semi-grinded charas-like substance was recovered from the residential house of the accused. The recovered contraband was seized as per due legal formalities, and the accused has been arrested in the case. Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the contraband and identify backward and forward linkages involved in the drug supply chain.

Police remains steadfast in its resolve to eradicate the drug menace from society and appeals to the general public to extend cooperation by sharing any information related to drug trafficking, assuring strict confidentiality.

Categories
EDUCATION

Winter Internship Program concludes at Islamia College of Science and Commerce

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 13: Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar, in collaboration with Rapture Biotech and sponsored by Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC, successfully concluded Winter Internship Programme today.

The programme, Commenced on 29 December, 2025, emerged as a strong model of industry-academia collaboration, aimed at enhancing student employability and industry readiness. About two hundred students from the departments of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology participated in the internship.

The programme offered intensive hands-on training and real-time exposure to laboratory and industrial practices, covering key areas such as Phytochemistry Fundamentals, Pharmacognosy and Herbal Standardization, Antibiotic Assays (MIC/MBC), Quality Control and Quality Assurance, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Molecular Biology Techniques, and Plant Tissue Culture, with special emphasis on SOPs, documentation, and laboratory compliance.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal, Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Prof. (Dr) Tehmina Yousuf, deliberated upon the significance of hands-on training and skill-based education in alignment with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020).

Coordinator Internships, Dr. Abid Hussain Banday, highlighted the importance of internships in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.

The initiative effectively bridged the gap between academic instruction and industry expectations, equipping students with practical skills and a clearer pathway toward careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, research laboratories, and allied sectors.

The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants by the respective Heads of Departments, marking the successful completion of the internship.

Categories
CRIME

ATM Fraud Case: Police Arrests Accused In Budgam

Budgam, January 10: Police in Budgam have arrested an accused involved in an ATM fraud case in the Magam area, demonstrating their commitment to prompt investigation and effective action against crime.

Police Station Magam received a written complaint from Ghulam Ahmad Bhat son of Ali Mohammad Bhat resident of Parraypora, Magam, alleging that an unknown person fraudulently obtained his ATM card on the pretext of assisting him in withdrawing cash. The accused deceitfully exchanged the victim’s ATM card at the J&K Bank ATM, Main Branch Magam, and subsequently withdrew money using the exchanged card. Accordingly, a case FIR No. 01/2026 under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Magam and investigation was initiated.

Acting swiftly, a special police team was constituted which, through sustained efforts and technical analysis, apprehended the accused from district Baramulla. The accused has been identified as Abdul Nayeem Khan, son of Jalal-ud-Din Khan, resident of Drangbal, Baramulla. Further investigation is underway.

Police reiterate their resolve to act firmly against financial crimes and to ensure the safety and security of the public.

 

Categories
EDUCATION

Director Colleges J&K seeks reinforcement of Academics, Governance and Student support initiatives in Principals meet of Colleges of Jammu Division

Jammu, January 9: In a move to strengthen the quality architecture of Higher Education in the Union Territory, the Director Colleges J&K ,Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, chaired a marathon meeting of Principals of all Government Degree Colleges of Jammu Division to reinforce academic discipline, student support systems and governance in alignment with the Mission and Vision of the Department.
Dr. Ravinder Tickoo, Nodal Principal, Jammu Division Colleges, initiated the proceedings and apprised the gathering regarding the core objectives and agenda of the meeting. Dr. Romesh Kumar Gupta, Principal of the host institution, GGM Science College Jammu, extended a warm welcome and introduced the newly appointed Principals.
Addressing the gathering, the Director Colleges emphasized unified institutional alignment, operational excellence and the need to prioritize the welfare of students. A detailed review of the Department’s digital governance initiatives was undertaken. The Planning & Development Portal was reiterated as the single verified repository of institutional data, enabling real-time reporting, principal-level accountability and streamlined online staff services including Passport NOCs, Foreign Visit permissions, PhD approvals and CAS scrutiny. It was also highlighted that digital interventions, particularly the engagement of need-based Academic Arrangements for the current session, have significantly enhanced efficiency, ease of operations and transparency. Principals were sensitised on maintaining clean, verified and updated data for evidence-based planning and development. The Connect with Policy Planning & Development initiative was also reviewed, and college-wise performance indicators based on timely form submissions and data updation were shared.
Institutional development initiatives were reviewed, including the functioning of Institutional Innovation Councils in 79 colleges, expansion of eYantra Labs in 30 colleges in collaboration with IIT Bombay, and the rollout of SWAYAM Local Chapters to promote blended and credit-based digital learning.
On student welfare, Principals were briefed on strengthening the Mentor–Mentee Programme and the Pyramidal Sports and Co-curricular Model to ensure inclusive participation and structured talent development. The Department’s framework for countering substance abuse was also elaborated, focusing on preventive awareness, vigilant student monitoring and timely institutional support.
The SIGMA – Student Integrated Grievance and Messaging Application Portal was reviewed in detail. Principals were encouraged to enhance student registration and effective utilisation.
A major announcement was the upcoming launch of SCALE – Student Connect for Academic Leverage and Excellence initiative, to be implemented in every Government Degree College. SCALE will provide structured outreach and guidance on NEP-2020, academic progression pathways and career planning.
Developmental works across colleges were also reviewed, and Principals were advised to ensure regular monitoring and close coordination with executing agencies.
The way forward focused on academic discipline, availability of comprehensive time-tables on institutional websites, systematic maintenance of academic records and preparedness for academic audits and quality enhancement exercises.
The Director Colleges emphasised that college staff are the real knowledge deliverers and the strongest drivers of institutional quality, calling upon all teaching and non-teaching personnel to collectively pitch in for academic excellence. Principals were also advised to prioritise genuine service-related and workplace concerns, recognising that a motivated workforce is central to sustaining quality education. The Director emphasised the need to prioritize the overall welfare of students, underscoring the point that an Informed Student is an Empowered student.
Concluding the meeting, the Director Colleges urged all Principals to collectively own the Department’s mission by reinforcing student-centric governance, transparency and accountability, so that Government Degree Colleges of Jammu and Kashmir emerge as vibrant centers of academic excellence and societal transformation.

Categories
NEWS

Satish Sharma attends National Transport Ministers’ Meeting, meets Nitin Gadkari

Raises border area issues, secures central support for ATS in J&K

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 8: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Science & Technology, ARI and Trainings, Satish Sharma, today participated in the Meeting of Transport Ministers of all States and Union Territories and the 43rd Meeting of the Transport Development Council (TDC) held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari.

The high level national meeting deliberated on a wide range of issues related to road safety, vehicular standards, accident response mechanisms and transport reforms. These included cashless treatment for the accident victims, compensation to hit-and-run cases, e-DAR implementation, Zero Fatality Districts, Sadak Suraksha Mission, BN-CAP 2.0, bus body codes, Divyangjan accessibility and introduction of advanced safety technologies in buses and trucks.

Earlier, Satish Sharma held a detailed interaction with Nitin Gadkari, during which he highlighted the pressing problems faced by the people residing in border and far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in terms of emergency medical services and public transport connectivity. He strongly urged the Union Minister to provide ambulances and Border Passenger (BP) buses for the border belts so that residents are ensured timely medical aid and dependable transport facilities.

The Minister also sought Central Government funding for establishment of Automated Testing Stations (ATS) in Srinagar and Jammu, stating that these facilities are essential for ensuring scientific vehicle fitness testing, pollution control and enhanced road safety.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari agreed to the proposal on the spot, assuring full support for setting up the ATS infrastructure in the Union Territory.

The meeting also witnessed discussion on safety standards, programme schedules and the proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, with emphasis on strict compliance with the safety norms, time-bound implementation and high-quality execution of transport and highway projects.

Later in the day, Satish Sharma met with the representatives of major travel and transport unions from across the country.

During the interaction, he invited them to become active partners in the tourism and trade development of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the immense potential of Jammu and Kashmir in pilgrimage, leisure and adventure tourism as well as in logistics and commercial transport.

He assured all government’s commitment towards providing a conducive, secure and business-friendly environment. He called upon them to expand their operations, tourism circuits and transport services in Jammu and Kashmir to help generate employment and strengthen the region’s economy.

 

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