Jammu, Mar 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday asserted that tourism development works were prioritised based on the availability of land, financial resources and environmental considerations, particularly in fragile mountain ecosystems.

CM Omar, who is also the Tourism Minister, made these remarks while responding to a question of MLA Tral Rafiq Ahmad Naik, during Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly, regarding the tourism sector, with particular reference to his constituency. To a pointed question of MLA, pertaining to the government plans to promote or develop tourism endowed heritage and natural sites of Tral, the Chief Minister reiterated that the Tourism Department remained committed to strengthening tourism infrastructure and improving visitor facilities at major tourist destinations across the Union Territory, including Tral constituency.

“It is pertinent to mention that tourism development works are prioritised based on the availability of land, financial resources and environmental considerations, particularly in fragile mountain ecosystems,” CM Omar said.

“Accordingly, such development initiatives are undertaken in a phased manner in accordance with the approved plans and budgetary provisions. In this regard with a view to strengthening tourism facilities in the Tral constituency, two cafeterias at Faiz Panch, Tral and Bajwani are presently under construction by the Tourism department,” the Chief Minister informed the House. Responding to another query about the government plan to take over the existing defunct huts and cafeterias in the constituency for their time bound revival, the Chief Minister informed that the Tourism Department was in the process of taking over certain tourism assets from the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation, including four Eco Log Huts and a Tourist Facilitation Centre at Shikargah. “These assets will be revived and made operational in a phased manner after their formal takeover,” he said.

CM Omar further stated that the Department of Culture had undertaken several initiatives for the promotion, preservation, and development of heritage and religious tourism sites across Jammu and Kashmir, including those in Tral constituency. “These works are being executed in a phased and time-bound manner under the capex budget, including works under capex and the scheme for revival, restoration, preservation and maintenance of architecture and heritage in Jammu and Kashmir. “These initiatives aim to preserve the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region while promoting heritage and religious tourism in a planned and sustainable manner,” he added.

Banihal, Mar 30: At least 12 people, including a woman and several school students, were injured in a series of stray dog attacks reported in Banihal town over Sunday and Monday, triggering panic among residents.

According to reports, multiple dog-bite incidents occurred in central areas of the town, particularly around Iqbal Memorial School and the Sub-District Hospital. The attacks have raised serious safety concerns, especially as schools are currently in session.

Members of civil society and several parents said the situation has become extremely dangerous for students, staff, and local residents frequenting the area during school hours. They expressed concern over the growing number of stray dogs roaming freely in the town.

Locals have urged the administration to intervene immediately and take effective measures to control the stray dog menace. They stressed the need for swift action to secure the affected areas and prevent further injuries.

When contacted Block Medical Officer (BMO) Banihal, Dr Shabir Ahmed Dar, told Greater Kashmir that 12 injured persons were brought to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal, including seven on Sunday and five on Monday. He added that all the patients were provided first aid, while some were administered anti-rabies vaccinations and advised to follow the prescribed medical protocol.

Hospital authorities identified the injured as Zahida Begum (35), wife of Reyaz Ahmed, resident of Dooligam; Suhail Ahmad (23), son of Mumtaz Ahmad, resident of Chinar Gali; Munazim Mushtaq (16), son of Mushtaq Ahmad, resident of Ramsoo; Adil Ahmad (30), son of Mashraf, resident of Rallu; Peer Showkat (33), son of Qumar Din, resident of Chanjloo; Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din (60), son of Sanaullah, resident of Chanjloo; Mohit Mehta (35), son of Kaser Mehta, resident of Banihal; Sajad Ahmad (40), son of Ghulam Rasool, resident of Nowgam; Mohd Shareef (55), son of Mohd Sikander, resident of Nagam; Bilal Ahmad (22), son of Bashir Ahmad, resident of Chanjloo; Safder Javed (15), son of Javed Ahmad, resident of Rallu; and Irshad Ahmad (24), son of Abdul Gani, resident of Krawah, all in Banihal area of Ramban district.

Jammu, Mar 30: The bodies of two teenage boys, who drowned in the Tawi River here on Sunday, were retrieved by rescuers on Monday, while a search was underway to trace a third boy who also drowned with them, officials said.

The three boys – Bavish Koul (15), Sonam Dutt (16) and Aditya Pandit (15), all belonging to the Kashmiri Pandit community – were swept away by a strong current near the Nagrota Sainik School on the outskirts of Jammu on Sunday evening.

Teams from the police, NDRF, SDRF and local volunteers, which launched the rescue operation on Sunday, have managed to retrieve the bodies of Bavish and Aditya so far, the officials said.

They said specially trained Army divers were mobilised on Monday morning to speed up the rescue efforts, leading to the recovery of the bodies, which have been shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu for post-mortem.

The search operation is underway to trace Sonam, the officials said.

According to the officials, the boys were playing volleyball on the banks of the river and later decided to take a bath.

Jammu, Mar 30: “Vande Mataram is our identity, strength, and vow. It is not just verses but a profound experience woven into our civilization’s fabric. Vande Mataram singing and related events revives memories of immortal martyrs, honors their sacrifices, and renews our commitment to India’s glory,” the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said this on Monday.

He called upon every section of society to share one dream: making India the world’s greatest nation.

“We must unite to realize it. When every citizen of J&K UT dedicates themselves to building a developed India, I believe that collective spirit will become an unstoppable force,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the closing ceremony of Special Phase marking the 150 years of Vande Mataram, at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu. The Special Phase organised from 23rd March to 30th March 2026 to commemorate Shaheedi Diwas and honor the great martyrs of the freedom struggle, whose immense sacrifices paved the way for India’s independence.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the devotion and fervor in Jammu Kashmir towards Vande Matram, reflects how this Union Territory has shed painful chapters, embracing the ideals we have toiled for over the last five-six years.

“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, Jammu Kashmir has been integrated into the national mainstream, setting new benchmarks in development and showcasing profound patriotism through pivotal events like Vande Mataram and Har Ghar Tiranga,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The nation witnessed Jammu Kashmir’s stellar contribution during the previous phases of Vande Mataram @150 years commemorative event. In the first phase (November 7-14, 2025), 9 of India’s top 10 performing districts were from UT, with Kishtwar at Number 1. In the second (January 19-26, 2026), 6 were from Jammu Kashmir, led by Poonch.

The Lieutenant Governor said the overwhelming participation of people of Jammu Kashmir in the previous two phases of Vande Mataram event and embrace of its values signal a transformative power for the future.

“I firmly believe a region’s greatest strength lies in its ability to envision its future. In Jammu Kashmir, I’m witnessing that potential flourish.

It’s vital to spread the message that true patriotism is the bedrock of peace and progress. It’s a sense of responsibility, a spirit of contribution, assuring us that we can better the world together,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor said that Vande Mataram symbolized the dream, goal, and resolve generations fought for and the special week-long phase offered moments to reflect at the confluence of history and aspiration, paying tribute to countless sacrifices that grant us today’s freedom, unity, and pride.

“Vande Mataram inspires us to honor our past, empower our present, and pledge a bright future. This was a UT-level introspection, reviving cultural roots through public participation and enlisting every citizen in nation-building,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that the past decade brought global turmoil and crises from Ukraine to West Asia plagued most nations, yet, under the able leadership and guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, India has emerged resilient, sustaining its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

“Prime Minister works tirelessly, round-the-clock, for the nation’s welfare. Let us draw strength from his resolve and stride shoulder-to-shoulder toward a strong, prosperous India,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor also called upon the political parties, civil society members and all sections of society to join the fight against drug menace and transform Nasha Mukt campaign into People’s Movement in Jammu Kashmir.

Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to the great freedom fighters and visited a photo exhibition depicting their historic contributions.

The atmosphere was further enriched by the enthralling patriotic performances by the artists of J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages and students of Cluster University of Jammu.

Members of Legislative Assembly, Yudhvir Sethi, Vikram Randhawa and Arvind Gupta; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretaries, Shaleen Kabra and Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma; Commissioner Secretary, School Education, Ram Niwas Sharma, Vice Chancellors of various universities and senior officials were present.

Padma Shri Dr Jitendra Udhampuri; Padma Shri Dr SP Varma; prominent citizens from different walks of life and youth in large number also attended the closing ceremony organised by Culture department.