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Airstrike hits building near Iran’s capital as Trump makes threat over strait closure

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Airstrike hits building near Iran’s capital as Trump makes threat over strait closure

Dubai, Apr 06: An airstrike early Monday struck a residential building in a city southwest of Iran’s capital, Tehran, killing at least 13 people, Iranian media reported.

The semiofficial Fars news agency and Nour News reported the strike near Eslamshar.

It wasn’t clear why the building had been struck.

Neither Israel nor the United States claimed the strikes early Monday, but they came after US President Donald Trump issued a profanity-laced threat to Iran that it must reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Greater Kashmir

J&K faces escalating drug threat as addiction numbers soar

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J&K faces escalating drug threat as addiction numbers soar

Srinagar, Apr 5: Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a deepening drug abuse epidemic, with official estimates indicating that over 13.5 lakh (1.35 million) people in the Union Territory are affected by substance dependence.

This figure, which has nearly doubled in recent years from around 6 lakh in 2022, represents a major public health and social emergency, particularly impacting youth and even minors.

Heroin has emerged as the dominant drug, accounting for roughly 90-95% of dependency cases among reported users in the Kashmir Valley. Many addicts, including a significant portion (around 52% in some surveys), resort to injecting the drug, raising serious risks of blood-borne diseases like Hepatitis C and HIV due to syringe sharing. While overall opioid use affects hundreds of thousands, other substances such as cannabis, sedatives, alcohol, and emerging synthetics are also in circulation.

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2022 shows a steady increase in NDPS Act cases for personal consumption in J&K: 394 cases in 2022, up from 357 in 2021 and 289 in 2020.

Overall, the UT recorded over 1,124 NDPS cases and 1,104 drug seizures that year. More recent enforcement data points to continued pressure, with over 32,500 substance abuse cases registered since 2022 and intensified operations in 2025 yielding hundreds of NDPS cases and significant arrests.

Srinagar and Jammu districts remain major hotspots, alongside high incidence in North Kashmir areas. In the Kashmir Valley, districts like Anantnag, Pulwama, and Baramulla have seen concentrated heroin trafficking and seizures. A worrying dimension is the narco-terrorism nexus, where drug smuggling—often via drones from across the border—helps fund terror activities. Security forces have foiled numerous drone-based attempts, recovering narcotics alongside arms in several operations.

Contributing factors include easy accessibility of drugs, high unemployment (especially among youth), the lingering effects of regional conflict, and socio-economic stress. The problem has expanded rapidly, with reports noting a surge in cases handled by facilities like the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) in Srinagar in pre-pandemic years.

Authorities have scaled up interventions under the NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), now implemented across all districts of J&K. The campaign has reached over 91.5 lakh people through awareness drives, including more than 6 lakh youth. A dedicated NashaMukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan was launched in April 2025 to strengthen data-driven prevention, rehabilitation, and community engagement.

Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) operate in all 20 districts, offering outpatient (OPD) and inpatient services. Since 2020, over 83,000 individuals have been treated and discharged. In the past three years alone, more than 25,000 people have sought help through OPD and IPD services. A toll-free helpline (14446) provides counselling and immediate assistance.

Community participation has grown, with local religious leaders and Masjid imams in Srinagar actively spreading awareness during Friday sermons. Mapping of over 220 drug hotspots has aided targeted enforcement, while efforts focus on both supply disruption (targeting traffickers and narco-networks) and demand reduction.

The crisis disproportionately affects the 18-75 age group, but alarming reports highlight involvement of over 1.68 lakh minors (aged 10-17), with tens of thousands dependent on opioids. Families across the region are devastated, and health experts warn that early initiation significantly raises long-term addiction risks.

Officials and civil society emphasise that sustained multi-pronged action—combining strict law enforcement against trafficking, expanded rehabilitation, skill development to tackle unemployment, and widespread awareness—is essential. While progress in treatment access and community mobilisation is visible, the scale of the problem demands continued vigilance and resources to prevent further societal damage.

The fight against drug abuse in J&K is now seen as one of the biggest challenges alongside security concerns, requiring coordinated efforts from government, security agencies, health services, religious bodies, and families to build a “NashaMukt” future.

 

 

Greater Kashmir

Webinar organised to commemorate National Maritime Day

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Webinar organised to commemorate National Maritime Day

Srinagar, Apr 5: The Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu & Kashmir State Centre (IEI-JKSC), organised a webinar on the occasion of National Maritime Day, with the theme “Maritime India – Empowering Progress.” The event brought together a diverse audience comprising engineers, policymakers, administrators, students, and subject-matter experts, fostering meaningful dialogue on the role of maritime development in national growth.

The programme commenced with a formal introduction by Er Irfan Ahmad Reshi, MIE,

Honorary Secretary, IEI-JKSC, who underlined the significance of National Maritime Day in recognizing India’s maritime heritage and its growing strategic and economic importance, said a press release.

He also mentioned that India today commands a coastline of over 7,500 kilometers and an Exclusive Economic Zone of nearly 2.4 million square kilometers, with close to 95 percent of its trade by volume moving through maritime routes.

This was followed by a welcome address by Er. Ferdous Ahad Bhat, FIE, Chairman, IEI-JKSC, who formallly greeted the participants and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between engineers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in

advancing the maritime sector. He stressed that India’s maritime ecosystem plays a crucial role in trade, logistics, and economic resilience, and called for increased focus on sustainable and technology-driven maritime solutions. further emphasized the need to contextualize maritime development within the unique geographical and economic landscape of Jammu &

Kashmir. He highlighted that although the region is landlocked, it possesses significant potential in terms of inland waterways, especially through resources like Dal Lake and the River Jhelum, which can be harnessed for sustainable transport and tourism.

The keynote address was delivered by Capt Dr Bhaskar Bhandarkar, Chairman, Marine Division Board, The Institution of Engineers (India). In his insightful address, he elaborated on India’s maritime potential and ongoing initiatives aimed at modernizing ports, enhancing shipping efficiency, and promoting coastal development. He also discussed emerging trends such as digitalization in shipping, and the importance of skilled human resources in navigating future challenges. He urged engineers and young professionals to actively contribute to innovation and capacity-building in the maritime domain. He also underscored the importance of promoting inland water transport in regions like Jammu & Kashmir, particularly emphasizing the potential of Dal Lake and the River Jhelum as sustainable and efficient modes of transportation that can boost local connectivity, tourism, and economic development.

Distinguished speakers, including Er VB Singh, FIE, Immediate Past President, The Institution of Engineers (India), Er. Manoj Kumar, FIE, and Er BL Rawal, FIE also addressed the gathering. They shared their perspectives on strengthening maritime infrastructure, policy frameworks, and the integration of advanced technologies to ensure sustainable growth of the sector. Er VB Singh, FIE, appreciated the efforts of the organizers in conducting a timely and impactful webinar. He commended IEI-JKSC for creating a platform that encourages knowledge exchange and awareness on critical national themes, and emphasized the importance of continued engagement of professionals in addressing emerging engineering challenges.

Greater Kashmir

With no policy in place, J&K dumped 61-69% solid waste at landfill, dumping sites during 2017-22

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With no policy in place, J&K dumped 61-69% solid waste at landfill, dumping sites during 2017-22

Jammu, Apr 5: In the absence of any policy, action plan or strategy for implementation of “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ (3 Rs), a staggering 61-69 percent of solid waste was dumped at landfill or dumping sites during 2017-22, carrying the risk of harmful impact on the environment.

The startling revelation has been made in the compliance audit on “Solid Waste Management in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)” of the Union Territory.

Solid waste processing facilities such as ‘Waste to energy plant, Leachate treatment plant, city compost plant, waste disposer machine and bailing machine, as per composite audit report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the period ended March 2022, remained non-functional in various ULBs of the UT.

The Subject Specific Compliance Audit (SSCA) on Solid Waste Management (SWM) in ULBs covered the period 2017-18 to 2021-22. It entailed examination (October 2022 to March 2023) of the records relating to SWM in the Administrative Department i.e., Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD), Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), Directors of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Kashmir and Jammu and 15 ULBs out of 76 ULBs selected on the basis of probability proportional to size without replacement method.

The findings of this audit were shocking.

During 2017-22, 91 per cent to 99 per cent of waste generated in the ULBs was being collected, however only 31 per cent to 39 per cent of collected waste was being treated in the UT.

In 17 ULBs, segregation of waste at source or house was not being carried out during 2017-22. In 11 ULBs, coverage of door-to-door collection of solid waste from households and commercial establishments was partial. Three ULBs had not carried out door-to-door collection of waste.

Although Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) claimed 100 per cent door-to-door collection of waste during 2020-22, there was a shortfall in collection of user charges.

Besides, two ULBs (MC Hiranagar und MC Rajouri) were dumping solid waste unauthorisedly and unscientifically.

No processing or treatment facilities were in place at the waste dumping sites of 15 ULBs, as such the waste was being dumped without modifying its physical chemical or biological characteristics resulting in potential danger to the environment.

Flagging another critical point, the audit pointed out that J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) had not conducted any air quality assessment in respect of landfills or dumpsites and had not regularly assessed the risk of contamination of ground water near landfill or dumping sites.

In 17 sampled ULBs, shortage of Manpower ranged between 9.25 per cent (Bijbehara) and 75 per cent (Langate).

With regard to Solid Waste Management (SWM) Policy, the CAG audit mentioned that the J&K government had prepared it (SWM strategy policy) in 2017 but it had not been finalised or notified as of February 2025. As such implementation of 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) in the UT was deficient in policy direction.

In the just concluded budget session of J&K Legislative Assembly, the government, itself, admitted that solid waste management emerged as a major challenge across UT due to the increasing volume of waste generated daily.

It said that the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) policy for SBM(G) and Solid and Liquid Waste Management assets was in the final stages of formulation to ensure systematic upkeep, functionality and long-term sustainability.

Notably in March, 2026, J&K government accorded approval for the development of Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) facilities in the Anantnag-Mattan-Bijbehara cluster, Kathua-Hiranagar-Parole-Lakhanpur cluster and Jammu zone at a total outlay of Rs 1,162.40 Cr. The initiative, as per officials, will enable scientific and efficient waste management, significantly enhancing urban sanitation and environmental sustainability across these regions.

Meanwhile, the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change too came into effect from April 1, 2026 across the country, into J&K.

These rules – which are based on a segregation driven, accountability-based and circular economy-oriented framework – make four-stream segregation (at source, wet waste, dry waste and sanitary waste) mandatory.

Question, however, remains – Will it change the scenario in J&K vis-vis mammoth challenge of solid waste?

Greater Kashmir

Wildlife Deptt scales up vigil against bird poaching

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Wildlife Deptt scales up vigil against bird poaching

Srinagar, Apr 5: Every winter, migratory birds arrive in Kashmir in tens of thousands to escape the freezing temperatures in Siberia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and make wetlands in the valley their temporary home.

And, with the onset of rainy weather in Kashmir (from late March to May), they start their breeding season in wetlands, such as Hokersar, Dal Lake and Narkara, before returning to their native places.

However, the poaching of the birds disturbs this period.

The department officials said the poachers use small boats and country-made guns to poach the birds, causing their deaths and disturbing the hatching process.

But the wildlife department is now taking steps to curb the illegal hunting in the valley.

The department, in March, carried out regular patrolling and anti-poaching surveillance in various wetland areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife Protection Range, particularly Dal Lake, Narkara wetlands and adjoining areas.

“The intensified field patrols resulted in detection of several instances of illegal hunting attempts and recovery of arms, ammunition and hunting equipment used for poaching migratory birds,” a senior official of the department said.

He said a poaching attempt was foiled in the Dal Lake on March 13 after a gunshot was heard.

“The patrol team stationed at Dal Lake immediately moved towards the direction of the sound to apprehend the offenders,” the official said.

However, by the time the team reached the spot, the suspects had fled, leaving behind two cartridges, a knife, a slipper and one gun cleaning rod.

On March 14, a double-barreled gun, 32 live cartridges and two wooden boats were seized from Narkara wetlands.

At Rampura wetlands in Chattabal area, too, poaching equipment was recovered where patrolling parties foiled a bid to trap birds.

Additionally, three poachers were arrested during patrolling in Narkara wetlands on March 24, and as many guns were recovered from their possession.

“The accused were taken into custody and produced before the Court of competent jurisdiction for further legal proceedings under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,” he added.

Greater Kashmir

Indian Football League | RKFC to take on Chanmari FC under floodlights in Srinagar today

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Indian Football League | RKFC to take on Chanmari FC under floodlights in Srinagar today

Srinagar, Apr 5: The Indian Football League (IFL) match between Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) and Chanmari Football Club is set to be played under floodlights on Monday (April 06) at TRC Ground, Srinagar.

Unlike the previous two IFL matches that kicked off at 4:00 PM, Monday’s fixture, as per a statement issued on Sunday, will begin at 6:30 PM, expecting an exciting evening encounter for football lovers between the Kashmir and Mizoram teams.

All necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and thrilling match experience under lights.

Owned by Arshad Shawl, RKFC has not performed up to expectations in the league so far. However, the team’s head coach Ishfaq Ahmad remains optimistic about a turnaround.

Addressing a pre-match press conference, Ishfaq said the team is mentally prepared and focused on delivering results. “We need to get the best out of this match,” he said.

Referring to the previous outing, he said that RKFC dominated proceedings but failed to capitalise on scoring opportunities. “We should have scored a couple of goals, but we missed our chances and got punished. Tactically, we were better than the opponent,” he added.

He further said the team held productive discussions and is ready for Monday’s challenge.

RKFC player Basit Ahmad also expressed confidence, stating that the team is well-prepared and determined to secure a positive result. “We have a strong side, everyone is working hard, and preparations have gone well,” he said.

Despite consistent performances, results have not gone in RKFC’s favour so far. Basit appealed to fans to come in large numbers and support the home side in this crucial clash.

Greater Kashmir

At Bengal poll rally, PM attacks TMC over Malda judicial officers’ gherao, calls it ‘mahajungleraj’

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At Bengal poll rally, PM attacks TMC over Malda judicial officers’ gherao, calls it ‘mahajungleraj’

Kolkata, Apr 5: Prime Minister NarendraModi on Sunday launched a blistering attack on the TMC over the Malda incident in which judicial officers were gheraoed for hours by a mob, terming it an example of the ruling party’s “mahajungleraj” and alleged that the state’s ruling party was hell-bent on carrying out the “funeral procession” of law and order in Bengal.

Addressing his first election rally in Cooch Behar district after the announcement of polls last month, Modi said the entire country had seen how judicial officers were held hostage in Malda, and asked what kind of government could not ensure the safety of judges and constitutional procedures. “We cannot expect such a government to keep the people of Bengal safe,” he said.

“When even judicial officers are not safe, how can you expect that common people will be safe under TMC rule? What happened in Malda is an example of TMC’s mahajungleraj,” Modi said. In a broadside against the Mamata Banerjee government, Modi alleged the TMC government does not consider any constitutional institution to be significant.

“Democracy is bleeding every day on the sacred soil of Bengal under the ruthless TMC administration,” the Prime Minister asserted. The situation here is so bad that the Supreme Court had to intervene, Modi said, alleging that the TMC is hell-bent on “murdering law and order”.

The remarks came days after seven judicial officers, including three women, were gheraoed for several hours inside the Kaliachak-II Block Development Office in Malda district by protesters over the alleged deletion of names from electoral rolls during the SIR exercise.

Using the Malda incident to sharpen the BJP’s attack on the ruling party, Modi alleged that the TMC government had endangered the future and identity of Bengal through appeasement politics and infiltration. “Under the TMC rule, there has been a dangerous demographic change in Bengal’s border areas. These infiltrators get direct protection from the TMC’s syndicate, thus putting the lives of the state’s people under threat,” he alleged. The PM also charged the TMC with opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise to protect infiltrators.

Greater Kashmir

Industrialists flag severe economic strain in J&K

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Industrialists flag severe economic strain in J&K

Srinagar, Apr 5: Leading industrialists in Kashmir have sounded a strong warning over the rapidly deteriorating economic situation in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the prolonged West Asia conflict has begun to inflict serious and widespread disruptions across key sectors.

Represented by the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), the industrial community has urged the government to step in with urgent policy interventions to stabilise the region’s fragile economic ecosystem.

In a formal communication to the Industries and Commerce Department, FCIK said that over five weeks into the conflict, its cascading effects are now being felt across the entire economic spectrum.

They said businesses are facing rising input costs, supply chain disruptions, delayed receivables, and tightening liquidity conditions, collectively creating an increasingly challenging operating environment.

The export sector, particularly Kashmir’s handicrafts industry, has emerged as one of the worst-hit segments.

Industrialists pointed out that a significant volume of export consignments remains stalled at various stages, leading to missed delivery schedules and strained commitments with international buyers. Delays and deferment of payments have further disrupted remittance inflows, triggering a liquidity crunch that is affecting exporters, artisans, and associated stakeholders.

“The horticulture sector is also under pressure, with escalating transportation costs – driven by rising fuel prices – eroding margins and undermining the competitiveness of Kashmir’s produce in national markets. Given the perishable nature of these goods, delays and higher logistics costs are directly impacting growers’ incomes and threatening the sustainability of allied sectors, including cold storage infrastructure,” they said.

The industrialists said that the tourism stakeholders are witnessing early signs of a slowdown.

Increased airfares and prevailing uncertainty have led to cancellations and weaker forward bookings, adversely affecting the hospitality and services sectors.

In addition, disruptions in remittance flows from Gulf countries have compounded the situation by impacting household incomes and local consumption demand.

The industrial community emphasised that the cumulative impact is most acute on MSMEs, which are already operating under constrained conditions.

Many units are struggling to meet operational expenses, service existing debt, and sustain employment, raising concerns over potential business closures and job losses if timely intervention is not undertaken.

Describing the situation as an “economic exigency,” industrialists have called for coordinated action involving the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India.

Key recommendations include regulatory forbearance for financial institutions, enhanced credit access for MSMEs, and targeted liquidity support measures.

They have also proposed sector-specific interventions such as logistical and freight support for exporters, transport subsidies for the horticulture sector, and urgent rationalisation of airfares to revive tourist inflows.

On the financial front, industrialists have sought a uniform interest concession on loans, enhancement of working capital limits, and a temporary moratorium on repayments. They have further called for suspension of coercive recovery proceedings under the SARFAESI Act, alongside the introduction of a transparent one-time settlement mechanism for stressed accounts.

Additionally, the industrial body has recommended deferment of statutory obligations including GST, PF, and ESI dues, relief in power tariffs, and immediate clearance of pending payments owed to MSMEs, contractors, and suppliers to ease liquidity pressures.

Warning of serious consequences, industrialists stated that the crisis, though external in origin, poses a significant threat to the stability of J&K’s industrial ecosystem and requires swift, decisive, and coordinated policy action to prevent long-term economic damage.

Greater Kashmir

Govt outlines major healthcare overhaul

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Govt outlines major healthcare overhaul

Srinagar, Apr 5: The government has revealed an ambitious and multi-pronged plan to transform healthcare delivery system with high-end facilities like robotic surgery units, new cardiac cath labs, PET-CT scanners, AI-enabled diagnostics, and expanded critical care infrastructure to be rolled out in the coming years.

The Health and Medical Education Department explicitly acknowledged gaps in infrastructure and staff in the department, at various levels and facilities and the government asserted that it “has formulated a comprehensive plan to strengthen the health sector since it assumed power.”

Detailing the contours of this plan, the government said it plans to carry expansion and upgradation of hospital infrastructure across districts, expand infrastructure in new medical colleges and nursing institutions, accelerate recruitment drives, and hire contractual professionals under NHM and on academic arrangement basis to bridge immediate gaps.

The government admitted that “shortage of medical and paramedical staff continues.”

It said that a “comprehensive review of the infrastructure status across all Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) and their associated hospitals” had been carried out.

The government said that many institutions meet current requirements, “certain newly established medical colleges continue to face infrastructure deficiencies, particularly in areas such as hostel accommodation, laboratories, diagnostic facilities, and specialized equipment.”

The H&ME Department spelt out a detailed roadmap to “boost and strengthen the healthcare delivery system.”

These include robotic surgery facilities at GMC Srinagar and GMC Jammu “to enhance tertiary care precision and outcomes.”

In addition, dental units in all Government Medical Colleges are to be established in a phased manner over three years.

It said that two new cath labs at GMC Baramulla and GMC Doda “to strengthen cardiac care in underserved regions” are also in pipeline.

Moreover, PET-Scan facilities will be extended to all remaining GMCs in 2026-27 “to boost cancer diagnostics.”

For peripheries, dialysis services would be expanded to all remaining Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) in 2026-27.

The government said 50 AI-enabled X-ray machines would be deployed in district and sub-district hospitals with a provision of Rs 10 crore “for improved diagnostic efficiency.”

It said that to make the healthcare delivery smoother, restoration of lifts, oxygen plants, toilets and ramps “to upgrade hospital infrastructure and patient safety” would be carried out.

The Health and Medical Education Department has planned 13 critical care blocks, 111 block public health units, and 10 district public health laboratories, to be completed and handed over during the year under PM-ABHIM.

The government said that cancer prevalence research would also be carried out in horticulture-intensive areas.

 

Greater Kashmir

Damaged passenger shed poses safety risk in Baramulla

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Damaged passenger shed poses safety risk in Baramulla

Baramulla, Apr 5: A passenger shed damaged nearly a year ago has turned into a potential safety hazard for commuters in Baramulla, with locals expressing concern over the authorities’ inaction.

According to residents, the shed was severely damaged during strong winds last year, causing its roof to partially collapse. Since then, the structure has been precariously balanced on temporary support, posing a constant threat to pedestrians and passengers in the area.

Locals allege that despite the passage of time, the concerned authorities have failed to repair or remove the damaged shed, increasing the risk of an accident. “The authorities need to either fix the structure or dismantle it entirely so that commuters do not feel unsafe,” said Danish Ayoub, a local resident. He added that the area frequently experiences windstorms, which could further destabilize the already weakened structure and lead to a serious mishap. Harvinder Singh, another local resident, said that the passenger shed used to provide significant relief, especially for women and elderly people who would sit under it while waiting for transport during hot or rainy weather.

“We need this facility,” said Harvinder Singh. “For elderly people and women, it provided great comfort. The authorities should repair it on a priority basis and not allow the structure to go to waste, as a huge amount has been spent on its construction,” he added. Another resident, while lashing out at the authorities, said that the core issue is the lack of a maintenance mechanism once a project is completed.He said timely maintenance can save a significant amount of public money. “Every developmental project, whether small or large, should have a proper maintenance mechanism. Such a system would greatly benefit the public,” he said. The residents have urged the administration to take immediate action to prevent any untoward incident and ensure public safety.

Greater Kashmir

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