Srinagar, Sep 08: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday took serious note of the emerging flood crisis in the Valley (Flood 2025) during the hearing of the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) titled Environmental Policy Group (EPG) v. Union of India & Others.

The Division Bench led by the Hon’ble Chief Justice examined a six-page urgent report filed by EPG Convenor Faiz Bakshi, which was presented before the Court by Advocate Nadeem Qadri, Amicus Curiae appointed in the matter. The report raised immediate concerns over preparedness, flood-control measures, and the risks to life, property, and the fragile ecology of Kashmir.

Taking cognisance of these concerns, the Court directed the Commissioner/Secretary, Irrigation & Flood Control Department, the Commissioner/Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, and the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir to appear personally before the Bench in a special hearing scheduled for tomorrow.

The Court also ordered the government of Jammu & Kashmir to take urgent steps and file a comprehensive Action Taken Report (ATR). The matter has been listed for further consideration on September 9, 2025.

In his written report, Bakshi was unsparing in his criticism of the administration’s handling of the issue. “The government is clueless on the way forward,” he wrote.

“Those who are competent and qualified to decide the future course of action are neither empowered nor listened to, while those who are empowered but not qualified are not inclined to act. Till the government decides on a clear strategy, it is imperative that no land be allotted for government buildings or other facilities without first establishing that it is not a waterbody. Any allocation, sale, transfer of land, or construction within 500 metres of wetlands must be stopped immediately. Projects like Rakh Arth, Transworld University, and IIM Srinagar should be halted forthwith.”

The EPG report urged the Court to enforce an immediate ban on all land allotments, transfers, and construction in wetland areas, noting that rampant encroachment was compounding the Valley’s flood vulnerability. It also stressed that conservation of natural flood basins and wetlands was critical to preventing a repeat of the devastation witnessed in September 2014.

Bakshi, while underscoring the absence of a coherent government policy, emphasised that Kashmir’s long-term security depends on flood moderation. “We do not have any other viable and practical solution,” he cautioned. “Small storages must be created in every basin and sub-basin and used to moderate the flow. These mini dams can, in fact, be paired with solar power to construct hybrid pumped storage systems. Therein lies the answer to our two main woes — flood and power — in that order.”

The Court’s intervention is being seen as a significant step towards ensuring accountability, compelling the administration to act decisively, and safeguarding the lives, property, and environment of millions of residents of the Valley who remain exposed to the looming flood threat.

Srinagar, Sept 8: National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq on Monday said that the violence at the Hazratbal shrine was a spontaneous reaction to a violation of religious sentiments and demanded immediate action against those responsible, including the Vice-Chairperson of the Waqf Board.

He also urged the formation of a House Committee to investigate irregularities in allotments and tenders by the board.

Sneaking to reporters, Sadiq condemned the violence but said it was a response to the misuse of the state emblem at the shrine. “Violence is no one’s answer. We can fix it better, but because religious sentiments were broken, what people did was a spontaneous response,” he said.

He added that the misuse of the state emblem was a serious violation and action should be taken against those responsible. “The police also have to see that if the state emblem is misused, that is a big thing… whoever misuses the emblem, there should be action on it,” he said.

Sadiq called for accountability and said that the first step should be to take action against the Vice-Chairperson. “First there should be action against VC , and the rest of the FIRs, I think, it was better to talk to them, call them lovingly… intimidate them and give them reference of the police and PSA, that is wrong,” he said.

He further called on the Assembly’s House Committee to take up an inquiry into irregularities in allotments and tenders given without proper procedures. “We request the House Committee that as soon as possible, we have to remove all the charges that have been filed in the work board, the allotment that has been done without any e-tendering, against our people… we want an investigation on that, and all those involved should be punished,” he said.

Earlier, while referring to the contribution of people in building the Hazratbal Shrine, Sadiq recalled the efforts of Sheikh Abdullah in collecting donations. “The biggest institution, which is our Muslim Awaqaf Trust, which is now the Waqf Board, the hard work that Shere-e-Kashmir has done by going at everyone’s home, to make Dargah so good, that our devotees can come here from afar to pray, to do their religious duty… so their contribution is something we will never forget,” he said.(KNS)

Srinagar, Sept 08: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Monday observed the 43rd death anniversary of party founder and former Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah at Qaid Mazar, Naseem Bagh, Srinagar.

Party president Dr Farooq Abdullah, along with senior leaders and workers, offered tributes at the mausoleum and recalled the contribution of Sher-e-Kashmir to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Advisor to J&K Chief Minister and NC leader Nasir Aslam Wani, while speaking to media persons, as per JKNS said, “We are remembering our leader today. For generations, we have been honouring his sacrifices, and we can never forget them. The very existence of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is because of the vision and struggle of Sher-e-Kashmir.”

He added, “It is our duty to remember him and all those elders who gave their lives for us. Whether or not the government declares a holiday on this day, we will continue to commemorate it with devotion. This party was created in the spirit of public service, not for the sake of power. Our prayer is that Allah grants us the ability to serve our people in the best possible way.” (JKNS)

Srinagar, Sep 08: The continuous closure of the Srinagar-Jammu Highway, coupled with alleged mismanagement along the Mughal Road, has badly hit the mutton industry in Kashmir Valley, triggering acute shortage and forcing people to postpone wedding ceremonies.

According to the Mutton Dealers Association, more than 150 weddings scheduled across the Valley had to be deferred due to the unavailability of mutton. General Secretary of the Association, Mehrajuddin Ganai said that the situation has become alarming, and if the livestock supply does not reach the Valley within a day, there will be zero availability of mutton from Tuesday onwards.

He revealed that at least 400 sheep have already died over the last three days in stranded trucks. The deaths have been attributed to prolonged halts, lack of food and water, and suffocation inside vehicles.

Although the government maintains that essential supplies are being routed through Mughal Road, the dealers alleged that traffic police are violating norms and creating unnecessary bottlenecks. “Right from Lakhanpore, trucks are stopped at multiple points, including, Nowshera, Sarankote and Poonch. They are made to wait for days before being allowed to move forward, leading to massive cattle deaths and financial losses,” Ganai said.

He said that trucks laden with sheep and goats remain stranded at several locations for three to four days at a stretch. The dealers alleged that authorities have failed to facilitate smooth movement despite repeated pleas.

The Mutton Dealers Association has appealed to the administration to intervene urgently and ensure the hassle-free passage of livestock trucks into Kashmir to prevent further losses and stabilize the market supply. [KNT]