SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Power portfolio, today informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that the augmentation of the Receiving Station at Audoora is 95 per cent complete, while the construction of a new 6.3 MVA Receiving Station at Kandi, Handwara is also under progress.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Khurshed Ahmad Sheikh during the Question Hour of the ongoing Autumn Session, the Chief Minister said that the augmentation of the Audoora Receiving Station is being executed under UT Capex, with installation of the 10 MVA Power Transformer remaining as the major pending component.

He said procurement of 32 Power Transformers, including the transformer required for Audoora, is under process. The tender process was delayed due to inadequate response to the initial tender, which was subsequently cancelled after extensions. A fresh tender was floated on the J&K Tenders portal, with the financial bids opened on September 11, 2026.

Regarding the Kandi Receiving Station, the Chief Minister said that construction of the 6.3 MVA station at Kandi, Handwara is under progress, with associated civil works, transmission-line works and electrical works at various stages of execution and tendering.

On the provision of a dedicated feeder for Qalamabad Hospital, Omar Abdullah informed the House that the 11 kV dedicated Hospital Feeder was constructed during 2024-25 and the work stands completed. However, a separate VCB panel for the feeder is presently not available at the Audoora Receiving Station. Consequently, the dedicated feeder is currently being charged and operated through the Lach Feeder.

Giving the project-wise financial and physical status, the Chief Minister stated that the augmentation of the Audoora Receiving Station has an estimated cost of ₹133.28 lakh. Against this, ₹76.50 lakh was released during 2025-26, with expenditure of ₹49.52 lakh recorded during the year, while ₹2.50 lakh has been released during 2026-27. The project has achieved 95 per cent physical progress.

The construction of the Receiving Station at Kandi, Handwara has an estimated cost of ₹393.39 lakh. Against this, ₹20 lakh was released during 2025-26 and ₹25 lakh during 2026-27, with expenditure of ₹21.50 lakh recorded during 2026-27. The project has achieved 40 per cent physical progress.

The Chief Minister said that both projects are under progress and completion of the remaining works is dependent upon the ongoing procurement, tendering and associated execution processes.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here