Budgam, April 25: Authorities in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district have declared spring water sources in parts of Khag unsafe for drinking, issuing a public advisory urging residents to avoid consumption without proper precautions.

According to an official notice issued by the Office of the Assistant Executive Engineer, PHE Sub-Division Beerwa, the water from natural springs in Zargar Mohalla, Apri Bagh, and Sugin areas of Khag has been found unsafe for drinking based on test reports conducted by the Block Medical Officer (BMO) Khag.

The advisory states that the general public in the affected areas should strictly use the water from these sources only for washing and other non-potable purposes until further notice.

Officials have advised that in unavoidable or extreme circumstances, the water may be consumed only after proper boiling as a precautionary measure.

The PHE department has said it will conduct independent sampling and testing of the affected water sources. Necessary technical procedures and remedial measures will be taken on priority to restore water quality and make it safe for drinking at the earliest.

The advisory also calls for public cooperation in adhering to the guidelines to safeguard community health, while local administrative and police officials have been informed to ensure wider dissemination of the information. [KNT]

Anantnag, Apr 25: As part of the ongoing crackdown to dismantle the drug trafficking ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir under the ‘Nasha Mukht J&K Abhiyaan’, Anantnag Police on Saturday said that they arrested four drug peddlers in separate operations across the district and seized over 5.8 kilograms of a charas-like substance from their possession

In a statement, a police spokesperson said, “Anantnag Police continued its sustained drive against drug trafficking and registered 4 NDPS cases with arrest of 4 accused in separate operations across the district.”

As per the statement,  a police party from Police Station Utrasoo during naka checking at Tanjmulla Chatergul crossing apprehended Mohd Yousuf Hajam, son of Gh Mohd Hajam, resident of Panchalthan Chatergul, a chronic drug peddler, and recovered 1.600 kg of charas powder-like substance from his possession. Acccordingly, an FIR No. 42/2026 U/S 8/20 NDPS Act has been registered and investigation is underway.

In another operation, Police Post GBS apprehended Akash Ahmad Dar aka Governor, son of Ab Rashid Dar resident of Bun Mohalla Anchidora. On search, 26 grams of charas-like substance wrapped in cloth was recovered. FIR No. 117/2026 U/S 8/20 NDPS Act stands registered at PS Anantnag.

In yet another incident, police said that during routine naka checking at Panzmulla, Police Station Aishmuqam apprehended Shabir Ahmad Shah, son of Mohd Yousuf Shah, resident of Halwani Ganiegund, along with 78 grams of charas powder and 9 grams of charas pieces. An FIR No. 30/2026 under relevant sections has been registered against the accued..

Meanwhile, a team from Police Post Sangam, during naka checking at Halmullah, intercepted an auto (JK13K-1926) coming from Awantipora. the drugg peddler, identified as Bashir Ahmad Tramboo of Naina Batapora, was found in possession of 4.130 kg of charas powder-like substance and four sticks of charas weighing 56 grams. FIR No. 109/2026 under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Bijbehara.

Anantnag Police reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against drugs and appeals to the public to share information regarding drug peddling. Identity of informers will be kept confidential.

Taking into account the challenging geographical terrain and extreme cold conditions of Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Railways has introduced a specially designed ‘Vande Bharat’ train for the Jammu-Srinagar rail section.

This train, according to Raghvender Singh, Public Relations Inspector, Jammu Railway Division, not only retains its signature semi-high-speed capability but also incorporates, for the first time, ‘winterisation’ technology that enables it to operate smoothly even in sub-zero temperatures.

While referring to special heating innovations for winter, he mentioned that in view of the snowy weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, several state-of-the-art heating systems were integrated into this Vande Bharat Express.

According to him, for the first time in Indian Railways, ‘self-regulating heating cables’ have been utilised to prevent water pipelines from freezing. These cables are capable of automatically adjusting their heat output based on the external temperature.

1800W silicon heating pads have been installed in the water tanks. Additionally, special heating arrangements have been made in the bio-tanks and auxiliary tanks to ensure that the sanitation system remains unaffected.

For the comfort of passengers, provisions have been made to channel warm air to the restrooms via special ducts connected to the main air conditioning unit. Heaters and thermal insulation have been installed in the Indian-style toilets to ensure the continued functioning of the vacuum evacuation system.

To prevent water from stagnating and freezing within the pipes while the train is stabled (parked), a ‘water draining’ facility has been provided, allowing for the safe and complete drainage of all water.

An ‘embedded heating element’ has been installed within the main windshield located in front of the driver’s cabin.

This technology will prevent the windshield from fogging up during periods of fog and snowfall, thereby ensuring clear visibility for the driver. This marks a first-of-its-kind initiative within the Indian Railways network.

Heaters have also been installed within the air dryer system to ensure the proper functioning of the air brake system.

To protect against potential damage caused by stones (ballast) from the tracks, the pneumatic valves located near the water tanks have been shielded with stainless steel covers.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) Jammu Railway Division, Uchit Singhal, while describing the initiative aimed at boosting tourism in J&K besides facilitating comfortable travel for passengers in challenging weather conditions, stated, “The key features of this advanced Vande Bharat train are that it is equipped with the full range of amenities characteristic of the Vande Bharat series viz., an operational speed of 160 km per hour and a fully air-conditioned, 20-coach train featuring automatic plug doors and LED lighting.”

With regard to safety features, he revealed that there would be CCTV cameras for enhanced security, along with an energy-efficient regenerative braking system.

“This specialised Vande Bharat Express stands as an outstanding example of indigenous engineering, designed to provide passengers with a safe, fast and comfortable travel experience amidst the challenging weather conditions of Jammu and Kashmir,” Singhal said.

“The operation of this specialised Vande Bharat in the Jammu and Kashmir region fulfils a long-standing demand of both passengers and local residents. Our objective is not merely to provide faster travel, but also to ensure ‘all-weather’ connectivity—even amidst the biting cold of the Valley. This train will serve as a strong and reliable bridge connecting devotees travelling to Vaishno Devi with the Kashmir valley, while simultaneously boosting tourism in the region,” Singhal said.

The Australian High Commissioner to India,Philip Green, today called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and discussed avenues for enhanced cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.

During the discussions, both the sides explored opportunities for collaboration in agriculture and allied areas, particularly horticulture and animal husbandry. Emphasis was laid on knowledge sharing, adoption of best practices, and capacity building to improve productivity and sustainability.

The interaction also touched upon prospects for institutional linkages and technical cooperation to support ongoing developmental initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, within the broader framework of India–Australia engagement. The engagement remained forward-looking, with a shared intent to deepen cooperation through appropriate channels.

Orson Passi, Second Secretary, and Vandana Seth, Political Lead, from the Australian High Commission were also present during the meeting.

Budgam, Apr 24: Union Minister for Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday inaugurated a 30-bedded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital at Ompora in Budgam district of central Kashmir.

The inauguration marked the establishment of the first ESIC hospital in Kashmir.

Addressing the gathering at the inaugural ceremony, the Union Minister said the move was a significant step towards strengthening healthcare access and social security for workers in Jammu and Kashmir.

The hospital is built at a cost of Rs 165 crore with provision for expansion up to 100 beds.

The hospital is expected to benefit over 50,000 workers and their families.

The facility will provide comprehensive healthcare services under the ESI scheme, which currently covers over 1.83 lakh insured persons and around 7 lakh beneficiaries across J&K.

In his address, Mandaviya highlighted the role of labourers in nation-building saying that the country’s progress rests on the “blood and sweat” of workers and it was the government’s responsibility to ensure their welfare.

He said that the Centre, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi was committed to providing dignity, healthcare, and social security to workers.

“The recently implemented labour codes have transformed India’s labour ecosystem by ensuring transparency, minimum wages, appointment letters, and annual health check-ups for workers,” Mandaviya said.

He said that the introduction of a national floor wage would eliminate disparities in minimum wages across states and Union Territories.

“ESIC scheme provides a wide range of benefits including healthcare, maternity support, and financial assistance during periods of unemployment,” the Union Labour Minister said.

He said many workers previously struggled to access treatment for life-threatening diseases due to high costs in private hospitals, often pushing families into financial distress.

“Through ESIC, treatment ranging from thousands to even up to Rs 1 crore is being made available. The scheme ensures that workers do not lose everything in times of medical crisis,” Mandaviya said.

He said that India’s social security coverage had increased significantly in recent years, with data from the International LabourOrganisation indicating coverage of over 64 percent of workers.

The Union Labour Minister highlighted the integration of ESIC with Ayushman Bharat, expanding access to cashless treatment across empanelled hospitals.

“The new hospital in Budgam would not only improve healthcare delivery but also create employment opportunities for local youth, including through proposed nursing and training facilities,” he said.

On the sidelines of the inaugural function, Mandaviya felicitated workers involved in the construction of the hospital and distributed social security benefits to insured persons.

He said that J&K was progressing alongside the rest of the country towards the vision of a developed India.

“The ongoing reforms in labour welfare and sports infrastructure will contribute to broader socio-economic growth,” the Union Labour Minister said.