Srinagar, Jul 2: PDP leader Arif Laigaroo today alleged that National Conference (NC) government is in deep slumber.

In a statement, he criticised the government and National Conference MLA Shamima Firdous for their total failure in addressing the severe water crisis affecting Habba Kadal, including Nawabazar, Shaoragari Mohalla, Kaka Sob, Jamalata, and Chattabal.

“It is shameful that during the sacred days of Muharram, people are struggling for even a single drop of water. The administration is in deep slumber, and the local MLA Shamima Firdous is missing from the ground. She has completely failed the people who voted for her,” Laigaroo said.

Srinagar, July 2: Prolonged heat wave and an unprecedented dry spell have pushed the Jhelum river and its tributaries to record lows, with the water level at Sangam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district dipping to just 0.19 feet on Wednesday ó the lowest reading in at least five years for this time of year.

The gauge stood at 0.59 feet on Tuesday, and had already fallen to 0.57 feet by June 30, according to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department.

ìThis is not just an anomalyóitís a full-blown water crisis,î said a senior official from the Hydraulics Department in Srinagar. ìSangam usually records levels between 5 and 7 feet in early July.î

Jhelumís other tributaries ó including the Vaishaw in Khudwani, which originates from Kausarnag-Aharbal in Kulgam and serves as a major feeder to the Jhelum, Brengi in Kokernag, Sandran and Veth-Vethastu in Verinag, Aaripal in Tral, and  Tongri and Romshi Nallahs in Pulwama ó are also flowing well below normal levels for early July, a time when glacial melt typically sustains their discharge.

Wular Lake, Asiaís largest freshwater body, has also fallen below the seasonal average. As of July 2, its level stood at 1574.97 meters, compared to a normal of around 1578.00 meters.

The dry spell has already begun affecting day-to-day life. Irrigation networks across the valley, dependent on the Jhelum and its tributaries, are under severe strain. In Pulwama, a farmer, Mushtaq Ahmad said canals feeding farmlands are ìalmost dry,î leaving crops to wither.

Being the main source of water for irrigation and drinking purposes, the Jhelum is considered to be the lifeline of Kashmir. The river is facing a serious ecological threat due to unabated pollution, siltation besides flow of sewage and dumping of garbage. Originating from Verinag in south Kashmir, Jhelum spans over 175 sq Kms, meandering in a serpentine way from south to north Kashmir

The drinking water supply has been severely affected due to the ongoing dry spell and receding water levels in rivers and streams.

ìThough we receive potable water, the pressure is low, and it just dribbles from the taps. If the situation continues, we might face a drinking water crisis,î said Muhammad Shaban, a resident of uptown Srinagar.

However, an official from the Public Health Engineering (PHE)ís, Jal Shakti Department said the situation is not critical yet.

Experts attribute the sharp drop to early snowmelt in March-May and over 50% seasonal rainfall deficit.

ìThere is less than 25% water in the Jhelum right now,î said Peer Manzoor, a senior official in the Irrigation Department. ìIn some places, the river is just 6 inches deep, and dropping fast. Just five days ago, it was 13 inches. Three weeks ago, it was 20 inches.î

The early glacial runoff occurred months before peak irrigation demand, worsening the crisis in the critical sowing season.

Precipitation remains at its lowest, with the Meteorological Department in Srinagar forecasting light to moderate rainfall at scattered locations between July 2 and 5, followed by rain or thundershowers between July 6 and 8. However, no strong or sustained monsoon system is in sight.

With the water levels breaking historical records and the immediate forecast offering limited relief, officials warn that Kashmir could be staring at one of its worst water crises in recent history. Department data reveals just how drastic the drop has been in 2025 compared to the past four years.

Srinagar, July 02:  (PTI) Senior police and CRPF officers on Wednesday held a meeting for taking steps to reinforce safety measures at Gulmarg in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir during peak tourist season in the wake of April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

A police spokesperson said senior officers from the J&K Police, Army, CRPF and civil administration attended the meeting.

“DIG North Kashmir Range Maqsood-ul-Zaman and DIG North Kashmir Operations Range (CRPF) Raghuvansh Kumar jointly convened an urgent high-level security coordination meeting in Gulmarg, Baramulla to reinforce safety measures across the Gulmarg Bowl and its environs during the peak tourist season,” the spokesperson said.

The objective of the meeting was to ensure a robust and seamlessly integrated security grid and tourist activities.

During the discussion, DIG Maqsood-ul-Zaman underscored the pressing need for coordinated, multi-layered security across vulnerable zones including cable car terminals, forest tracks, densely populated tourist spots and major access routes.

He stressed the importance of maintaining continuous surveillance, real-time intelligence exchange and synchronized patrol efforts that unite the capabilities of all uniformed forces.

He also emphasized adherence to the highest standards of professionalism and readiness in response protocols.

Both DIGs affirmed their commitment to enhancing security coverage, refining emergency and incident response systems, and optimizing crowd and vehicle check mechanisms.

The security grid was expanded to incorporate strategically positioned checkpoints and the activation of rapid response teams.

Communications channels between field units and command centres have been fortified to enable instantaneous reporting and coordination.

Acknowledging the sensitive security climate post-Pahalgam incident, participants concurred on the necessity of sustained inter-agency cooperation, public awareness outreach, and improved emergency preparedness.

Kargil , Jul 2: Pursuant to putting in place a comprehensive legal framework to ensure fair, inclusive, and transparent recruitment to public services, the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has initiated a large-scale recruitment drive for 359 Gazetted posts through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This marks the first-ever recruitment of Gazetted posts through UPSC since the formation of the Union Territory, officials said.

This follows the establishment of a unique and dedicated legal framework specifically designed for Ladakh. The framework ensures maximum local representation in public employment, while aligning with the aspirations of the people of Ladakh for responsive and inclusive governance.

Developed in consultation with public representatives through a high-powered committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the framework includes robust definitions of domicile, enhanced reservation provisions, and clearly outlined recruitment procedures.

To enable this, the Government of India notified the Ladakh Civil Services Decentralization and Recruitment (Amendment) Regulation, 2025 on June 2, 2025. This was followed by the Ladakh Grant of Domicile Certificate (Procedure) Rules, 2025, notified on June 3, 2025, and the requisite formats for domicile certificates issued on June 27, 2025 through S.O. 76.

The Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, notified on June 2, 2025 and the corresponding Ladakh Reservation Rules, notified on June 27, 2025 increased the reservation cap from 50 percent to 85 percent. This includes 80 percent reservation for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 04 percent for Areas Adjoining the Line of Control (ALC), 01 percent for Scheduled Castes (SC), and 10 percent for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), with 5 percent unreserved. The vacancies under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category, if remaining unfilled, shall be treated as unreserved and shall be filled under the same select list from among candidates belonging to the unreserved, ST, SC, and ALC categories, in order of merit. The list of ALC areas in Leh and Kargil districts has also been notified under S.O. 75.

To accommodate those who may have become overage during the period and to compensate the loss on account of no recruitment being made, one-time age relaxation of five years has been approved for recruitments to be held during 2025 and 2026.

This is in addition to the standard relaxations of five years for SC/ST/ALC and up to 15 years for PwBD – SC/ST/ALC candidates, with the maximum age limit fixed at 56 years. This special provision reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring fair opportunity for all eligible aspirants who have waited for formal recruitment processes to commence under the new rules. The UT administration has also requested UPSC to include Ladakh in its Single Window e-Appointment System for streamlined requisition processing. Recruitment shall strictly follow the notified Recruitment Rules, covering qualifications, eligibility, and service conditions. Aspirants are advised to regularly check the official websites of the UT Administration and UPSC for updates.

In parallel, the Chief Secretary, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, who is also the Chairman of the Ladakh Subordinate Services Staff Selection Board (LSSSSB), reviewed the recruitment process for non-Gazetted posts, including Group B (non-Gazetted) and Group C positions. These will be filled through the LSSSSB and the District Subordinate Recruitment Boards of Leh and Kargil. The Chief Secretary instructed all departments to immediately submit requisitions for sanctioned and anticipated vacancies, particularly in critical sectors such as health, education, engineering, and frontline administration. He emphasised that all vacancies must be referred as per the updated reservation rosters and revised legal rules. Departments have also been asked to finalise syllabi and eligibility conditions for technical posts in consultation with the recruitment boards.

Dr Kotwal reaffirmed that the recruitment process must be transparent, timely, and strictly as per rules. The administration remains committed to building a governance structure that truly reflects the merit, diversity, and aspirations of the people of Ladakh.