Sopore, Jan 29: In a significant move aimed at strengthening the healthcare delivery system in the Sopore constituency, MLA Sopore, accompanied by senior officials from the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, carried out a comprehensive inspection of several major health institutions, including Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Sopore, District Tuberculosis Hospital Sopore, Nursing College Sopore, and multiple Non-Communicable Disease (NCD/NTPC) centres functioning across the constituency.

The visit was part of a broader review exercise to assess the condition of healthcare infrastructure, availability of doctors and paramedical staff, patient care services, and the readiness of institutions to meet the growing medical needs of the population. The MLA conducted a detailed round of various hospital units, including emergency wards, outpatient departments, diagnostic sections, and patient care units to evaluate on-ground facilities.

During the inspection, the MLA interacted extensively with medical officers, healthcare workers, students at the Nursing College, and patients and their attendants. Patients shared feedback regarding services, while staff members highlighted practical challenges related to workload, manpower shortages, and the need for modern medical equipment. The MLA patiently listened to their concerns and assured them that their genuine issues would be taken up with higher authorities.

Health officials present on the occasion briefed the MLA about the present status of healthcare services, institutional performance, staff position, and infrastructure gaps. They emphasized the need for additional manpower, better diagnostic facilities, and periodic upgradation of hospital infrastructure to cope with increasing patient inflow, especially during peak seasons and emergencies.

The MLA underscored that healthcare remains a top priority and said that accessible and quality medical care is essential for public welfare. He stressed the urgent need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, fill vacant posts, and ensure the availability of essential medicines and equipment. He also highlighted the importance of efficient patient management systems and a patient-friendly environment in hospitals.

Reiterating his commitment to public welfare, the MLA assured that all genuine demands projected during the visit would be actively pursued with the concerned departments. He directed officials to maintain high standards of service delivery and ensure that people do not face inconvenience while seeking medical care.

Anantnag, Jan 29: A massive avalanche struck the remote Warwan Valley in Kishtwar district of Chenab Valley on late Wednesday, prompting authorities to warn residents to avoid avalanche-prone areas.

No casualties or damage to property were reported, officials said.

ìThe avalanche descended from a high altitude in the Sukhnoi area amid heavy snowfall in the valley,î an official said.

Authorities advised residents to remain cautious, particularly those living in villages located along foothills.

ìIt has snowed heavily in the isolated twin valleys of Warwan and Marwa. Residents should avoid venturing into vulnerable areas,î the official said.

The only surface road connecting the twin valleys – the Gawran-Margan Top road connecting it with Kashmir remains mostly closed during winter due to heavy snow accumulation at Margan Pass.

The valleys are also not connected to the district headquarters in Kishtwar.

A video circulating on social media captured the moment the avalanche swept through the area, carrying snow and debris downhill.

Earlier Tuesday night, a powerful avalanche struck the tourist resort of Sonamarg in Ganderbal district.

Officials said a large mass of snow rushed towards nearby houses and hotels.

CCTV footage showed snow rapidly engulfing buildings along its path.

No injuries or deaths were reported there either.

The avalanches are part of a continuing spell of harsh weather across J&K.

Over the past two days, higher reaches of the region have received heavy snowfall, while lower areas have seen moderate to light snowfall and rains, disrupting normal life.

A snow avalanche occurs when an unstable mass of snow breaks free from a slope and accelerates downhill, posing serious risks to life and property.

Avalanches can travel at speeds exceeding 320 km per hour.

Authorities have already issued avalanche warnings in several districts in Kashmir and Jammu region.

Srinagar, Jan 29: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir’s Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship (SKIIE) Centre has been recognised as ‘Incubator of the Year’ by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir at the Annual Startup Mela held in Jammu today.

The award was presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in presence of Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Sogami, MLA Vijaypur Chander Prakash Ganga, Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce Vikramjit Singh, Secretary Industries, Director JKEDI, and other senior officials and dignitaries at the event organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) under the Industries and Commerce Department.

The recognition follows a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a Government-appointed committee, which assessed incubation centres across the Union Territory on parameters including innovation output, patents, startup performance, sustainability, governance, mentorship, industry linkages, and overall impact. The committee cited SKUAST-K’s SKIIE Centre for its focused support to disruptive startups, particularly in agri-tech, artificial intelligence, deep-tech, food processing, biotechnology, and rural enterprise sectors, along with its strong mentor network and facilitation of market and investment access.

The award was received by the Chief Executive Officer of the SKIIE Centre Naveed Hamid and comprises a Certificate of Excellence, ₹50,000 as award money, and a ₹50 lakh capital seed fund to further strengthen incubation activities at the Centre.

In a major boost to the university’s startup ecosystem, four startups mentored and incubated at SKUAST-K were also sanctioned seed grants of ₹20 lakh each, amounting to a total seed funding of ₹80 lakh. The startups include M/s Cashmircarbozone Pvt. Ltd., founded by Owais Al Wani; M/s Alhamdan Crafts Pvt. Ltd., founded by Tahir Kalwal; M/s Safavi Organics LLP, founded by Syed Saqib; and M/s Innxu Innotech, founded by Sheikh Zubair. The grants are aimed at supporting product development, validation, and early market entry.

Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, congratulated the SKIIE team on the achievement, stating that the award is a testament to the vision, dedication, and collaborative efforts of the incubation team, faculty mentors, and student innovators. He described the SKIIE Centre as a place of hope for young innovators and startups and urged the team to use this recognition as a catalyst to achieve national and global visibility. He also congratulated Prof Haroon R Naik, Director Planning & Monitoring/Research, and CEO SKIIE Centre Naveed Hamid along with his team for the achievement.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Prof Haroon Rashid Naik said the honour reflects the credibility and impact of SKUAST-K’s incubation efforts and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to expanding support services and strengthening partnerships that enable startups to scale and create lasting local impact.

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir’s recognition further consolidates SKUAST-K’s position as a leading institution in innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors. The SKIIE Centre plans to utilise the award and seed support to scale incubation capacity, strengthen industry collaborations, and deepen outreach across Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on developing, validating, and scaling solutions to regional agricultural and rural challenges, contributing towards making J&K a model bio-economy in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.