JAMMU: On the second day of her visit to the Jammu region, acclaimed Bollywood actor Huma Qureshi explored the scenic landscapes of Patnitop and Nathatop, where she experienced a firsthand taste of adventure through activities such as camping and nature walks.
At Skyview by Empyrean, Patnitop, she took a ride on the highest gondola in Asia above the tree line, a marvel of engineering constructed without cutting a single tree. The initiative stands as a significant step towards eco-tourism and sustainable tourism practices in Jammu & Kashmir.
During her visit to Skyview by Empyrean, Huma Qureshi interacted with officials and stakeholders including Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai, Director Tourism Jammu, Vikas Gupta, CEO Patnitop Development Authority, Devander Singh Bhau, Joint Director Tourism Jammu, Aijaz Qaiser and members of the Patnitop Hotels Association, where discussions were held on strengthening tourism prospects in the region. Officials urged her to encourage more celebrities to visit and promote the scenic and cultural richness of Jammu.
Speaking on the occasion, Huma Qureshi said that she was absolutely awestruck by the beauty of Patnitop. She added that the warmth and hospitality of the people here are truly unmatched. Referring to the larger Jammu region, she mentioned that destinations like Katra, Bhaderwah, Bani, Billawar, Basohli, Marwah-Warwan, Rajouri, Poonch and several others are blessed with abundant natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
She further stated that Jammu & Kashmir is safe, serene, and one of the most breathtaking destinations in India. She wholeheartedly invited all tourists from across the country and the world to come, explore and experience this unmatchable beauty of Jammu and Kashmir.
Later in the day, she visited some of the well-known restaurants in Jammu city, where she enjoyed the authentic local flavors including GI-tagged Kalari Kulcha, Anardana Chutney, Gucchi Pulao, Rajma and other traditional delicacies.
Director Tourism Jammu informed that the visit was planned as part of a strategic initiative to promote the diverse tourist destinations of the Jammu region. He added that more celebrity visits are scheduled in the coming days, with the aim of showcasing the region’s potential and inviting tourists from across India and around the world to experience the unmatched beauty and cultural vibrancy of the region.
The members of the Patnitop Hotels and Restaurant association wholeheartedly thanked the Government of J&K, Commissioner/Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal and Director Tourism Jammu for conceptualizing and supporting this initiative. They also extended their full support for similar promotional events in the future to strengthen Jammu’s position on the national and international tourism map.
Huma Qureshi’s visit marks the beginning of a focused campaign by the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, aimed at rebuilding traveller confidence and showcasing Jammu as a prime destination for adventure, culture, cuisine and natural beauty. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the tourism profile of the region and reaffirm Jammu & Kashmir’s identity as The Crown of Incredible India.
UDHAMPUR: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today conducted an extensive tour of Udhampur to inspect the ongoing construction works on the Government Medical College Udhampur at Bailey, being executed by the Public Works Department. He was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Prem Singh along with senior officers from the line departments and executing agencies.
During the visit, Executive Engineer, PWD Udhampur, briefed the Dy CM about the current status and progress on the ongoing construction works. The Deputy Chief Minister issued necessary directions to the executing agencies to accelerate the pace of work and ensure completion of the project within the stipulated timeline of July 2025. He instructed the executing agencies to deploy additional manpower, introduce double-shift work schedules and improve overall site efficiency. He emphasised the importance of timely execution without compromising on the quality of construction.
The Dy CM also directed the Executive Engineer PWD, to monitor progress regularly and conduct joint inspections to ensure seamless and uninterrupted execution. He stressed the importance of rigorous quality checks for construction materials like sand and bricks. He also directed for strict compliance with labour laws and safety protocols for on-site workers.
During the inspection, the Dy CM reviewed all components of the project including construction status. He called for immediate resolution of any bottlenecks impeding the project progress. Surinder Choudhary also directed the executing agencies to mobilize resources efficiently and work with enhanced synergy and commitment to achieve optimal outcomes. He further instructed the Executive Engineer PWD, to maintain close coordination with the construction agency to ensure accelerated work on the ground. Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister visited the Baglamukhi Temple in Udhampur, where he paid obeisance and prayed for peace and prosperity of the people of J&K.
JAMMU: A Full Court reference was held today in the Court room of Chief Justice at Jammu Wing of the High Court to condole the demise of distinguished members of the legal fraternity including Senior Advocates Ashok Vijay Gupta and Prem Saroop Dutta, Advocates Ramesh Chander Arora and Vinod Kumar Bakshi.
Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, in his condolence address, remembered the contribution of departed souls. He said that their firm commitment to the law, hard-working nature and dedication to justice has left a mark on the judicial community and their demise is a big loss to the legal fraternity. The Chief Justice on his behalf and on behalf of other Judges of the High Court prayed to the Almighty to rest their souls in peace and bestow immense strength to the bereaved members of the families to bear the irreparable loss.
On the occasion, the Senior Additional Advocate General and the President, J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu in their condolence addresses remembered the contributions of late Ashok Vijay Gupta and Prem Saroop Dutta, Senior Advocates besides Ramesh Chander Arora and Vinod Kumar Bakshi, Advocates. They said that the departed advocates served the cause of justice with utmost dedication, sincerity and integrity. Their contributions to the legal profession, marked by their deep knowledge of law and unwavering commitment to the rights of the people, will be remembered with great respect, they asserted.
Monika Kohli, Senior Additional Advocate General, on her behalf and on behalf of the State, Government Advocates and Bar, offered condolences on the demise of the Advocates and prayed for their eternal peace and strength to the bereaved families.
Nirmal Kotwal, President, J&K High Court Bar Association, also offered condolences on his behalf and on behalf of the Bar executive and other Bar members and prayed for peace to the departed souls. He said with demise of these Advocates, the legal community has lost not only experienced professionals but also guiding lights for younger members of the Bar. Their absence will be deeply felt in courtrooms and beyond.
Judges and Members of the Bar at Jammu Wing of the High Court participated in the Full Court Reference physically, while Judges and lawyers from Srinagar Bench joined the Full Court Reference proceedings virtually.
The Full Court proceedings ended with observance of one minute silence as a mark of respect for the departed soul. The Court work was suspended for rest of the day. The proceedings of the reference were conducted by Mohinder Kumar Sharma, Registrar General (Officiating).
SHOPIAN: Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department is all set to undertake several initiatives aimed at enhancing pilgrim infrastructure at Pir Ki Gali and promoting environmental conservation along the Mughal Road. As part of these efforts, the department will construct transit camps, build eco-friendly huts and undertake an aggressive and extensive plantation drive. Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, issued on-spot directions to senior officers of the department in this regard during his visit to Pir Ki Gali today.
The Minister emphasized the importance of these initiatives in creating a sustainable and welcoming environment for the pilgrims while protecting the scenic splendour of the area. He said that the department will construct transit camps for the pilgrims at Pir Ki Gali, providing them with comfortable and well-equipped resting places, he added. Eco-friendly huts will be built to cater to the needs of travellers, minimising the environmental impact while ensuring a comfortable stay, he added.
The Minister said that an extensive plantation drive will be undertaken along the Mughal Road to promote greenery and environmental conservation. During his visit, the Minister also inspected the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, where he reviewed Markhor revival efforts. He assessed the impact of human activities and livestock grazing by the non-traditional migratory herders on Markhor and its habitat.
Javed Rana directed for timely removal of fallen timber in the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary to prevent forest fires and maintain forest health. He also directed the wildlife authorities to engage with local communities to promote sustainable livelihoods and reduce human impact on Markhor habitats, emphasising focussed conservation efforts to protect the Pir Panjal Markhor and its habitat.
Javed Rana said that the government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, remains committed towards protecting the region's natural resources and promoting sustainable development. He said the initiatives along Mughal Road are part of a broader effort to balance the economic growth with environmental conservation, ensuring a better future for the region's ecosystem and communities.
SRINAGAR: District Administration Srinagar hosted a comprehensive drug de-addiction awareness programmes in various parts of the district to sensitise masses about the harmful effects of drug abuse. The awareness programmes were held on the directions of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat under ongoing Drug Free Jammu and Kashmir initiative aimed to sensitize communities about the dangers of drug addiction and highlight government schemes and benefits available to those affected.
The awareness programmes were held at Goverment Boys Secondary School Panthachowk, Girls High School Dara and Mariage Hall in Kawdara Nawakadal area of the district. Programmes witnessed active participation from multiple Departments, including Health, Police, Education, Social Welfare, Excise and Rural Development Department.
Experts from these departments delivered informative sessions, shedding light on the issues surrounding drug addiction and the support systems in place to help individuals and families. Education Department played a crucial role in the programmes, raising awareness among students about the risks and consequences of drug addiction. Additionally, counseling sessions were conducted to support students and provide guidance on overcoming addiction.
During the programmes, Awareness sessions on the risks and consequences of drug addiction were held and information regarding government schemes and benefits for those struggling with addiction were highlighted in detail. Additionally, interactive Q&A sessions with experts from participating departments and special focus on student awareness and counseling through the Education Department were also the part of awareness programmes.
These awareness programmes underscored the commitment of local authorities to address the critical issue of drug addiction and promote community well-being. By engaging with the public and providing valuable information, the programmes also aimed to empower individuals and families to make informed decisions and seek support when needed.
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