Details

Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: Headlines

JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, today attended the annual Jod Mela and Gurmat Samagam at Gurudwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji in Khour, R S Pura. The Deputy Chief Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the government towards addressing the issues and concerns of the community with sincerity and urgency. He encouraged the Sangat to uphold the timeless teachings of the Sikh Gurus, emphasizing their legacy of compassion, unity and justice.

S. Ranjit Singh Tohra, President, District Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (DGPC) Jammu, and S. Ranvir Singh, Joint Secretary, DGPC Jammu, addressed the gathering with religious discourses. They voiced concerns over social evils and outlined pressing issues faced by the Sikh community, urging the government to act swiftly. Key demands included recognizing Punjabi as an official language of Jammu & Kashmir (UT), introducing Punjabi as an optional subject in schools, and increasing the availability of Punjabi teachers.

They also called for amendments to the Sikh Religious and Endowment Act, 1973, to align with Sikh Rehat Maryada, implementation of the Anand Marriage Act for independent Sikh marriage registration and the establishment of a Minority Commission to protect the Sikh rights in J&K. The event witnessed presence of S Ranjit Singh Tohra, President, DGPC Jammu; S Ranvir Singh, Joint Secretary, DGPC Jammu; DGPC members, S Avtar Singh, S Karan Singh Bali and S Gurmeet Singh besides Rattan Lal Gupta,  Rakesh Singh and other dignitaries.

Details

Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: Headlines

NEW DELHI: In yet another proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg has been selected for the editor's choice award in the Most Instagrammeable Category in prestigious India Today Tourism Survey and Awards 2025 event which held today at New Delhi. Minister for FCS& CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology, ARI and Trainings Satish Sharma, received the prestigious award on behalf of J&K Government. He was presented the award from Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

While addressing the gathering, the Minister extended his heartfelt gratitude to India Today group for the honour. He said that he is feeling highly privileged at this prestigious platform. The Minister exhorted that it is really a proud moment to receive this prestigious award on behalf of J&K government.  He asserted that Gulmarg is one of the world famous tourist destinations and has been selected for the editor choice award in the most Instagrammable landscape category.

He said that tourism is not only an industry, but, it is a bridge that connects various cultures. It acts as a catalyst for economic growth and reflection of a region's rich heritage and natural splendor. He reiterated that J&K is known for its breathtaking landscape, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality and this award is a testament to our growing tourism potential.

The Minister informed that J&K has recorded an unprecedented number of tourists arrival from past two years reaffirming its status as crown jewel of the Indian tourism. "From the pristine valleys of Kashmir to the spiritual and adventurous landscape of Jammu, our tourism sector is flourishing like never before", he added.

Satish Sharma said that J&K government, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, is keen to promote tourism. He has taken several steps to strengthen the tourism sector in different categories like infrastructure development, border and eco-tourism, cultural heritage tourism, adventure and wellness tourism, film and destination wedding.

He also invited the investors, travel enthusiasts and industrial leaders to explore the endless possibilities of J&K. The Minister said that J&K has much more potential in tourism sector which needs to be explored and urged for Centre's necessary support to make J&K a tourism powerhouse.

Details

Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: Headlines

SRINAGAR: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issues comprehensive guidelines for managing crowds at events and venues of mass gathering.  As per an official release, these guidelines include Do's and Don'ts for various Stakeholders.

Do's

1. Do raise alarms if crowd management preparedness is found wanting.

2. Play a constructive role for the smooth crowd movements at the venue/event,

3. To give wide publicity to Do's and Don'ts and potential mitigation plans and their likely benefits well in advance.

4. Provide timely, factual and unbiased Information before/ during/after a disaster.

5. Review rescue, relief, and rehabilitation work by the government machinery.

Don'ts include:-

1. Don't infringe upon the privacy of the victims and their families.

2. Don't sensationalise the incidence on the basis of Incomplete information for gaining commercial mileage.

3. Don't act emotionally. Don't provoke and get provoked.

4. Don't make value judgments.

5. Don't Interfere and obstruct rescue operations. 

Details

Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: Headlines

• Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Early Warning System (EWS) to be established to enhance preparedness

SRINAGAR: Following imminent risk of sudden breach of Glacial Lakes in high altitude regions, particularly in the Himalayas by rapid melting of glaciers due to the climate change, government of Jammu and Kashmir has adopted a focused, holistic and a proactive approach which includes comprehensive understanding of risk landscape and the development of robust mitigation and risk reduction strategies.

In this connection, the Focused Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Monitoring Committee (FGMC) constituted by the Govt of J&K has conducted Expeditions to various such lakes to enhance understanding and preparedness against the potential hazards. Subsequently, geographical field expeditions were conducted to the two glacier lakes i.e. Sheshnag and Sonsar enroute Holy Amarnath Cave. The detailed report was shared with FGMC after the field expedition highlighting the major findings and future possibilities for deliberations.

As part of the initiative, a specialized expedition team carried out the expeditions and undertook a comprehensive study of three critical glacial lakes in the Kishtwar district including Mundiksar Lake, Hangu Lake and Unnamed Lake in the Kishtwar region. The expedition provided valuable data on the lake conditions, surrounding environmental factors, and potential risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) events.

Next Expedition was carried out to Gangabal Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake located in the northwestern Himalayas. The expedition examined the physical and geological characteristics of Gangabal Lake. Particular focus was given to assessing the local geomorphology, the stability of the natural dam containing the lake, and the conditions of the glaciers feeding it.

This investigation provided critical insights into the GLOF hazard potential of Gangabal Lake and contributed to broader efforts to enhance climate resilience in the region. Field expeditions for the rest of the categorized lakes are scheduled to be carried out in the coming months involving all concerned stakeholders. The expeditions underscore the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and risk management strategies to address the growing threat of GLOFs in the Himalayas.

The insights gained will be instrumental in formulating risk mitigation strategies and enhancing the early warning systems in the region. Understanding the potential GLOF hazards associated with specific glacial lakes is crucial for risk mitigation and disaster preparedness. In the next phase, Department of DMRR&R will be focusing on more scientific multi-disciplinary studies like electric resistivity tomography, Bathymetric investigation, hydrological study of discharge, geological studies, topography survey, susceptibility assessment etc, and has planned to install Early Warning Systems for generating real-time alerts and AWS for regular monitoring at most of high-risk glacial lakes in UT of J&K in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority and a technical partner.

The GLOF mitigation strategy is being implemented in phased manner in the UT involving Expedition and Data Collection, identifying and studying glacial lakes that pose a high risk of GLOFs based on the assessments provided by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), NRSC, CWC, etc. Detailed data will be gathered through bathymetric surveys, water sampling, and meteorological data collection. Additionally, the dynamics and characteristics of these lakes will be analyzed to determine the feasibility of lake-lowering techniques for reducing the risk of potential GLOF events.

Secondly a Comprehensive Risk Mitigation strategy will be devised, developing and implementing specific mitigation measures. This includes creating comprehensive plans for lowering the water levels of high-risk lakes identified earlier. A fully functional Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Early Warning System (EWS) will also be established to enhance preparedness. Personnel will be trained in the operation and interpretation of the EWS, ensuring effective responses to potential GLOF events. Where necessary, the lake-lowering techniques and site specific mitigation measures will be taken to further mitigate the risks.

Efforts to expand the mitigation programme are being expedited. Apart from these initiatives, NDRF, SDRF and ITBP have been sensitized to be prepared to deal with any emergent situation. Aapda mitras have been sensitized and activated to remain vigilant in the local areas and be prepared. Awareness generation has been specially focused. FMGC has asked the District Disaster Management Authorities to put in place the GLOF management plans and to be well prepared for GLOF Hazard.

Consistent and sustained efforts will be continued by the FGMC and department of DMRRR to address the GLOF Hazard involving all stakeholders and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of people. Preparedness for safe and incident free conduct of Major Mass Gathering events.