Srinagar, Sep 04: After two days of continuous rainfall that triggered flood-like conditions across the Valley, the water level of river Jhelum has finally started to recede on Thursday, providing some relief to residents and authorities battling the situation since Wednesday.

Latest details available with news agency JKNS stated that the Jhelum at Sangam has come down below the danger mark after remaining above it for nearly 28 hours.

The water level is now gradually receding and is expected to fall below the flood declaration mark by around 3 a.m. tonight, details stated.

Authorities, however, maintained that caution is still necessary as several low-lying areas remain waterlogged and embankments continue to be monitored closely.

Relief and restoration measures are being carried out alongside rescue efforts in the affected districts.

Several areas in South and Central Kashmir had witnessed overflowing waters after the Jhelum crossed the danger mark, forcing preventive evacuations in vulnerable localities and activation ofthroughout emergency response teams.

Rescue operations by police, SDRF, NDRF, and Army had been underway throughout the day, while divisional administration issued advisories urging people to stay cautious.

Srinagar, Sep 04: Following breaches in the embankments of the River Jhelum at Zonipora and Shalina in Budgam, which led to flooding in several low-lying areas of Srinagar and Budgam districts, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, visited the affected regions to oversee relief and rescue operations.

Accompanied by IGP Kashmir and the Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar & Budgam, Div Com visited Lasjan and Nowgam to assess the situation and ensure that coordinated efforts were underway to safeguard residents.

Speaking on the occasion, Div Com said, “Early this morning, breaches occurred in the Jhelum embankments at Zonipora in Budgam, resulting in flooding of nearby areas. However, as a precautionary measure, we had already evacuated around 9,000 people last night, which helped in preventing any loss of life.”

He further added that the weather conditions have started to improve, especially in South Kashmir, and most areas are currently experiencing clear skies.

“Water levels at Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh are receding, which is a positive sign,” he stated.

He added that relief and rescue teams including personnel from the SDRF, NDRF, police, and revenue departments are actively engaged in operations in affected low-lying areas, ensuring timely assistance to residents.

“To ensure proper coordination and effective on-ground response, senior officials of divisional administration & district administrations are present on the spots,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of public cooperation, Div Com appreciated the support from the people and said that continuous announcements are being made to keep the public alert and informed.

He also shared updates on evacuation efforts, stating that evacuations have been carried out in six villages of Budgam, while preventive evacuations are underway in Srinagar. He urged people to avoid venturing into low-lying areas as a safety measure.

Later in the day, Div Com along with Deputy Commissioner Budgam visited Shalina to inspect ongoing relief and mitigation efforts, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to supporting all affected residents.

Srinagar, Sept 04: In a significant development, the University of Kashmir (KU) has improved its jumped by 11 notches in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, as announced by the Union Education Ministry on Thursday.

The university, which was ranked 45th in NIRF 2024, has jumped to 34th among overall category of institutions assessed across the country, indicating a noticeable jump. The varsity figures among the top 50 universities for this year as well. The varsity was ranked 33rd best University in overall category of universities in 2023.

The overall category includes universities, colleges, engineering and technology institutions, management schools, research institutions, and pharmacy colleges.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan expressed her happiness over the improvement in the NIRF ranking.

“This improvement in the NIRF ranking is outcome of the team work. I congratulate everyone,” she told Greater Kashmir.

The University has been also secured 8th position in the State Public University category.

“This remarkable achievement reflects the University’s steady upward journey in academic excellence, research output, and innovation,” VC said.

Prof. Khan extended gratitude to the Chancellor J&K Universities Manoj Sinha, Pro-Chancellor Omar Abdullah, Minister for Higher Education J&K Sakina Itoo and Additional Chief Secretary Higher Education (HED) J&K Shantmanu for their support.

“I congratulate all the faculty, scholars, students, and staff whose dedication, hard work, and commitment have made this milestone possible,” she said.

She said the University has consistently maintained top positions in national rankings.

“Together, the university will continue to scale new heights and uphold its legacy of excellence,” she said.

Earlier this year, KU was awarded the prestigious A++ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in its latest re-accreditation cycle.

Jammu, Sep 04: The administration has intensified restoration work and debris clearance in low-lying areas of Jammu city following flooding in the Tawi river, and has considerably restored water and power supply in the affected areas.

Officials said that they have restored 70 per cent of water supply and 80 per cent of the power supply.

Record-breaking rainfall triggered panic as the river Tawi, popularly known as Surya Putri, roared with flood fury on August 26, inundating hundreds of homes and hectares of farmland, washing away structures and livestock, and displacing thousands in Jammu city, particularly Gujjar Nagar and Peerkho.

“Cleanliness operations are being undertaken at a fast pace to remove muck and debris from localities and ensure they are fully cleared of deposits left by the floodwaters of the Tawi. The administration is fully working on this issue,” Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said.

Kumar, flanked by Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas and JMC Commissioner Devansh Yadav, monitored the operations carried out by labourers and machines after weather conditions improved on Thursday.

“A large number of labourers and six JCBs are engaged to ensure the areas are cleaned as soon as possible. Officials are monitoring the process,” he said.

On the morning of August 26, the calm river turned into a raging torrent, submerging low-lying areas, particularly riverbank colonies of Peerkho, Gujjar Nagar, Gurkha Nagar, Rajiv Nagar and others. Streets became waterways, prompting large-scale rescue operations amid panic across the ‘city of temples.’

Peerkho, among the worst-hit areas, was left strewn with half-buried vehicles, debris, boulders and uprooted trees. More than 300 people, including children clinging to their mothers and the elderly too frail to walk, were pulled out in desperate rescue efforts. But fear still lingered like a shadow.

Kumar said the administration is working in a proactive manner. “The Deputy Commissioner, Municipal Commissioner, and MD JPDCL — all are on the ground, working fast to restore essentials. Muck and debris clearance is being carried out in the area,” he said.

The divisional commissioner further said water and power facilities are being fully restored.

“About 70 per cent of the water supply has been restored, and the remaining is being done at a fast pace. Nearly 80 per cent of the power supply has been restored in the area. Work is being carried out on a war footing,” he said.

As far as relief is concerned, he said the assessment is being done by the deputy commissioner.

“Once that is completed, ex gratia will be given to the affected families. All possible support will be provided by the government, as it stands with people in this tough time,” he added.

He further said that full relief will be given to all the flood-affected victims, and all facilities and essential supplies will be restored very soon.

On water supply restoration, the deputy commissioner has procured private water tankers to ensure supply to all affected areas.

“It will take some time, but we are committed to fully restoring the facility,” Kumar added.