Srinagar, July 09: Calling for a shift from mass tourism to sustainable tourism, Tangmarg MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah on Wednesday said Jammu and Kashmir must prioritise quality visitors, scientific planning and environmental protection to preserve its world-renowned tourist destinations.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a workshop on sustainable tourism, Shah said the Union Territory’s premier destinations, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Patnitop, require comprehensive master plans to ensure long-term sustainability.

“There comes a time when we have to rethink our tourism practices. We should not focus on volume; we should focus on quality tourists,” he said, adding that existing master plans for tourist destinations should be revised wherever necessary.

Describing Jammu and Kashmir as the country’s finest natural destination, Shah said the region offers everything from golf courses and adventure tourism to shopping and cuisine, but stressed that development must not come at the cost of its natural beauty.

“The natural beauty that God has bestowed upon these destinations must remain untouched. Sustainable tourism practices have to be adopted,” he said.

Highlighting environmental concerns, the MLA said solid and liquid waste management should be the government’s top priority and urged people to develop a sense of ownership towards tourist destinations.

“If we litter these places, we are damaging our own destinations. If they are not clean, who will come here?” he asked, adding that stakeholders and the public must play an active role in protecting Kashmir’s fragile tourism ecosystem.

Referring to the workshop, Shah expressed hope that its recommendations would provide the government with a roadmap for implementing sustainable tourism practices.

Responding to a question on the suspension of four government teachers over alleged lapses in Amarnath Yatra duty, Shah said every official entrusted with responsibilities during the pilgrimage must discharge them sincerely.

“Amarnath pilgrims are our guests. They should return home happily without facing any difficulties. Duty is duty, and there should be no negligence,” he said, adding that visitors should leave as “ambassadors of Kashmir” carrying back stories of the Valley’s hospitality.

On concerns over the melting of the Amarnath ice lingam and shrinking water bodies, Shah said the government was committed to protecting the region’s natural assets while developing tourism.

“Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir is fragile. We saw last year how a single incident affected the sector. We must keep our destinations clean, disciplined and ensure that no tourist feels cheated at any level,” he said.

Srinagar, Jul 09: Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has written a letter to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, urging him to retain the NH-701A alignment through Beerwah town instead of constructing a bypass, a PDP spokesperson said on Thursday.

“I wish to draw your kind attention to the representation submitted by a delegation comprising members of Beerwah Civil Society, the Trade Federation, the Transport Association, market associations, and other stakeholders, who have urged that NH-701A be developed by upgrading the existing road through Beerwah town instead of constructing a bypass,” Mehbooba said in the letter.

“The existing road connects the Sub-District Hospital, educational institutions, government offices, banks, markets, and other essential public services. A bypass would divert economic activity away from the town, adversely affecting the livelihoods of over 2,000 families dependent on businesses along this corridor,” she added.

Describing Beerwah as the commercial and administrative hub of Central Kashmir, the PDP president said the town serves thousands of people from surrounding villages.

She said upgrading the existing alignment would also strengthen connectivity with Srinagar, the Ring Road, and the airport while minimizing the acquisition of fertile agricultural land, protecting orchards, and reducing displacement.

In view of these compelling public, economic, and environmental considerations, Mehbooba “requested” Gadkari to direct the concerned authorities to retain the NH-701A alignment through Beerwah town.

“Such a decision would ensure that this important project promotes inclusive and sustainable development while benefiting the people it is meant to serve,” she concluded in the letter.

Pulwama, Jul 09: Continuing its relentless efforts to rid Jammu and Kashmir of the menace of drug trafficking, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Crime Branch Kashmir, in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), destroyed seized contraband comprising charas, ganja, and psychotropic tablets at the incinerator facility in IGC Lassipora, Pulwama, as directed by the court, officials said on Thursday.

“The destroyed contraband had been seized by the ANTF, Kashmir, during various anti-narcotics operations. The disposal was conducted through a scientific and environmentally compliant incineration process under the supervision of the Drug Disposal Committee,” an official spokesperson said in a press statement.

The destruction process was chaired by SSP Economic Offences Wing Kashmir and Chairman, Drug Disposal Committee, Abdul Waheed Shah. Among those present were Dy. SP ANTF Kubra Nazir, Sr. PO EOW Kashmir Abdul Bari, and other concerned officers, who ensured that the disposal was carried out in strict adherence to the prescribed legal procedures and court directions, the statememt added.

“The initiative also reinforces the Government’s commitment to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, aimed at curbing drug abuse and dismantling the narcotics ecosystem. By ensuring the timely and lawful disposal of seized narcotic substances,” the spokesperson stated.

Baramulla, July 09: Police conducted raids at multiple locations in connection with a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and seized several electronic devices for forensic examination, officials said on Thursday.

Police said the searches were carried out as part of the investigation into FIR No. 43/2026, registered under Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The searches were conducted at the residences of Faraz Ashraf Gojri, son of Mohammad Ashraf Gojri, a resident of Iqbal Colony, Baramulla; Waseem Ali Kar, son of Ali Mohammad Kar, a resident of Kanli Bagh, Baramulla; Tanveer Ahmad Mir alias Kaka Mir, son of Abdul Rashid Mir, a resident of Tawheed Gunj, Baramulla, presently residing at Gulnar Park, Azad Gunj; and Waseem Hussain Mir, son of Mohammad Hussain Mir, a resident of Khawajabagh Jetty, Baramulla, police said.

During the searches, the police said, four mobile phones and one laptop were seized. Officials said the electronic devices have been secured for forensic examination to aid the ongoing investigation.  

“The searches were conducted strictly in accordance with the provisions of law, in the presence of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses,” police said.  

Baramulla Police said the proceedings form part of its sustained efforts to investigate offences related to unlawful activities in a professional, lawful and transparent manner while safeguarding public order and national security.  

Police added that it remains committed to ensuring a fair and thorough investigation and to taking all necessary legal measures to uphold the rule of law and maintain peace and security in the region.

Banihal, Jul 09: A total of 8,150 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu early Thursday as part of the eighth batch of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 under tight security arrangements.

According to official figures, 3,445 pilgrims are travelling via the Baltal axis, while 4,705 pilgrims are heading towards the Pahalgam axis in a convoy of 334 vehicles, including 175 buses, 55 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), and 104 light motor vehicles (LMVs).

The Baltal convoy departed at 2:50 a.m., followed by the Pahalgam convoy at 3:38 a.m.

Officials said the total number of pilgrims who have departed from Jammu for the annual pilgrimage has now reached 52,816.

Meanwhile, overnight rain showers across Ramban district and adjoining areas brought pleasant weather, providing much-needed relief from the humid conditions. The improved weather also made the journey more comfortable for pilgrims travelling along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).

Traffic officials said the Yatra convoy passed through Ramban district smoothly under multi-layer security arrangements, while civilian traffic on NH-44 continued without any major disruption.