The Jammu and Kashmir All Departments Clerical Staff Association has welcomed the recent reorganisation of the Jal Shakti Department and expressed gratitude to Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner Shaleen Kabra for initiating the restructuring aimed at strengthening the department’s administrative and technical framework.

In a statement issued by Association president Jeelani Naik, the clerical and ministerial staff termed the reorganisation a “visionary step” that has enhanced promotional avenues for the engineering cadre through the creation of new divisions, circle offices and a separate Design, Investigation and Quality Control (DIQC) wing.

The association also appreciated the approval for creation of Administrative Officer posts in the offices of Chief Engineers of the Jal Shakti Department, describing it as a long-pending demand of the clerical cadre.

However, the association raised concerns over the absence of posts for Section Officers, Head Assistants and Senior Assistants in the newly created circles, DIQC wing and divisions, saying the omission has created administrative gaps at the field level.

The association further pointed out that no cadre review of the non-gazetted ministerial and clerical staff has been conducted since the department’s inception, resulting in prolonged stagnation and delayed promotions.

It urged the government to initiate a comprehensive cadre review and create the required ministerial posts in the newly established offices to address staff grievances and improve administrative functioning.

Ganderbal, May 16: Residents of several villages in Ganderbal district have raised fresh concerns over the widespread presence of Russian poplars, citing health issues caused by the pollen-laden cotton fluff during spring.

Locals from Ganderbal, Lar, Wakura, and Kangan said the white cotton-like seeds shed by female Russian poplars in April-May trigger allergies, respiratory problems, and eye irritation, especially among children and the elderly.  “Every year our homes, schools, and water sources are covered with this fluff. Children as well as elderly get allergic and we can’t even keep windows open,” said Farooq Ahmad, a resident of Kangan.

Locals alleged that large patches still exist along Nallah Sindh, irrigation canals, and roadsides in Ganderbal, with little action on the ground. They also flagged fire risk, as the dry fluff is highly inflammable.  Sources said that though after the High Court directions few years back, the district administration had ordered immediate felling of the banned female Russian poplar trees, however after some time, drive fizzled out and the banned poplars continue to be a health concern for people. Russian poplars were introduced in Kashmir in the 1980s as a fast-growing source of timber and plywood. However, the J&K High Court in 2015 ordered their removal after taking note of the health hazard.

Srinagar, May 16: Member of Rajya Sabha and senior J&K National Conference (JKNC) leader Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on Saturday said India and Pakistan should resolve their issues through dialogue to end “ongoing tensions” and ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a day-long party convention in Budgam, Choudhary Ramzan said peace between the two neighbouring countries was essential for progress and development.

He said that poverty and unemployment were the major challenges for the people on both sides of the border.

He also referred to recent remarks by former RSS general secretary and ex-Army chief saying that voices were emerging from different quarters in favour of dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Earlier, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said India must respond “firmly to Pakistan-backed terror activities while simultaneously keeping channels of communication open.”

The RSS leader had cited former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s outreach to Pakistan as an example of maintaining dialogue despite repeated provocations.

Also, former Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane backed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary’s statement on greater people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan, saying that stronger ties between citizens on both sides could help improve bilateral relations.
He said that ordinary people on either side of the border ” have nothing to do with Politics.”
MP Ramzan said that National Conference president Farooq Abdullah had repeatedly advocated engagement between the two countries to restore peace in the region.
“As long as there is no peace between the two countries, there can be no progress,” MP Choudhary Ramzan said.
He said that more people would support dialogue in the coming days.

The senior NC leader also reiterated his party’s stand in favour of prohibition of alcohol in Kashmir saying there should be no “two opinions” on banning drugs and alcohol.

He however accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of adopting a different stand on the issue while in power and said no serious effort was made by the PDP government to impose prohibition.

“During the PDP-BJP coalition government, finance minister described alcohol consumption as a matter of personal choice,” he said.
MP further said the NC had consistently supported action against drug abuse and liquor consumption.

“The government of India has the authority to take decisions on prohibition of alcohol. Police and revenue department come under domain of J&K LG. Besides launching campaign against drug abuse, he should also advocate prohibition of alcohol as he is empowered to enforce laws and initiate action,” he said.

Shopian, May 16: On the occasion of the International Day of Light, Shopian district in south Kashmir witnessed a strong public campaign against drug abuse as the district administration illuminated educational institutions and organised candlelight marches under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Abhiyan.

The initiative aimed to spread awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promote a drug-free society.

Government employees, shopkeepers, students and members of civil society participated enthusiastically in candlelight marches held across the district, raising slogans such as “Drug-Free Shopian” and “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life.” The marches symbolised unity, awareness and a shared commitment to protecting the younger generation from the growing menace of drug addiction.

In Shopian town, a major candlelight march was taken out from Gole Chowk to Government Boys Higher Secondary School Shopian. The procession was led by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Shopian, along with officials and citizens who joined in large numbers.
The atmosphere remained emotionally charged as participants walked together holding candles, denouncing drug abuse and calling for collective action against narcotics.

Speaking to Greater Kashmir, civil society member Mitha Gatoo said the message of the event was clear and far-reaching.

“The purpose is not only to make Shopian drug-free but to extend this movement across the entire Jammu and Kashmir. We are here to denounce drugs and embrace life in its true spirit,” he said.
Gatoo added that sustained community participation is essential to eliminate the drug menace from society.

Similar candlelight marches were organised at various tehsil headquarters across the district, where people from different walks of life came together in solidarity. Participants reiterated their commitment to building a healthier and drug-free society under the administration’s Nasha Mukt Abhiyan campaign.

The event reflected a strong public resolve to create a safer future, with the message of “Drug-Free Shopian” echoing across the district.