Baramulla, Jun 14: In an effort to address urban traffic congestion and streamline vehicular movement, Municipal Council (MC) Baramulla has developed and macadamised five dedicated parking areas across the town during the year 2024ñ25.

These facilities have been set up at Parking near Noor-ul-Huda Market, parking facility in front of Government Womenís College, parking in front of Town Square Shopping Complex, parking near Irrigation and Flood Control Department and Dedicated Space for Sumos at Azad Gunj, with a combined capacity to accommodate around 650 vehicles, mark a crucial step towards enhancing urban mobility and providing structured parking solutions for both residents and visitors.

These parking areas open to the public use, have been developed at strategic locations in the town to ease the mounting pressure on existing roads and reduce the practice of haphazard roadside parking.

Moreover, to further address the parking issue, authorities are actively exploring a multi-level car parking project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. This project is envisioned to accommodate at least 1,500 vehicles in a vertical format, optimizing land use and significantly transforming urban mobility. In parallel, MC authorities are also in the process of identifying land for another ground-level parking facility near Main Chowk, one of the townís busiest junctions, to ensure smoother movement and ease of access.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, highlighted the development as a well-planned and timely intervention to deal with the townís increasing traffic challenges and noted that the establishment of these dedicated parking zones will go a long way in relieving congestion.

Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Council Baramulla, Naveed Aijaz Khan, underscored the long-term benefits of the project, pointing out that the newly created parking spaces cater to the growing volume of vehicles in the town while also improving pedestrian safety and overall traffic management.

Meanwhile, administration has appealed to the public to make effective use of these spaces and cooperate in the broader mission of creating a clean, organized and commuter-friendly Baramulla.

Sopore, Jun 14: To mark World Blood Donors Day, Civil Society Sopore, in collaboration with the Sub District Hospital Sopore, organised a blood donation camp at Dak Bungalow Sopore. The event drew enthusiastic participation from voluntary donors, healthcare professionals, and members of civil society, highlighting a shared commitment to humanitarian service. Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of Civil Society Sopore, Aashiq Hussain Zaki, remarked, “Through this blood donation camp, we are paying tribute to our unsung heroes the blood donors. They are the true lifeline of humanity, donating blood to save lives selflessly and silently.”

Tehsildar Sopore, Sheikh Tariq, also addressed the gathering on behalf of the Sopore Administration. He commended the initiative and stated, “Such noble efforts are always welcomed and supported by the Sopore administration. Initiatives like these foster a deeper connection between the community and healthcare institutions.”

As a gesture of appreciation, 25 voluntary blood donors were felicitated for their generous contributions to society. The camp not only aimed to bolster blood reserves for medical emergencies but also sought to raise awareness about the life-saving impact of regular blood donation. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Sahil Muzaffar, Spokesperson of Civil Society Sopore, who expressed gratitude to all the donors, medical teams, and volunteers whose dedication ensured the success of the programme.

Srinagar, June 14: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday applauded the Lieutenant Governor’s administration for its decision to reopen tourist destinations that were closed as a precautionary measure following the tragic terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) Bukhari said: “Reopening some of the tourist destinations that had been closed in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack is a welcome step. It is hoped that the Lieutenant Governor’s administration will soon take steps to reopen the remaining sites as well.”

He further said, “While it is quite understandable that these destinations were closed as a precautionary measure, the reopening of some of them sends a clear message to fellow citizens across the country that the Valley is once again safe for visitors. This step can help rebuild confidence and bring hope for the fresh arrivals of the tourists to the Valley.”

Srinagar, June 14: Police in Handwara booked a habitual drug peddler under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act and lodged him in jail.

A police spokesperson said that the accused Feroz Ahmad Khan, son of Late Abdul Ahad Khan, resident of Panditpora Kralgund, has been repeatedly involved in narcotics trafficking despite facing multiple FIRs. His persistent criminal activities posed a serious threat to public safety, particularly endangering the youth of the area.

Following the due procedure, competent authority after perusing the material evidences brought on record for its analysis, the detention of the accused under PIT NDPS Act was subsequently approved by the competent authority. This preventive detention is a targeted measure to incapacitate chronic offenders and disrupt the local narcotics supply chain, the spokesperson said.

He said the fresh action reflects police’s firm resolve to dismantle the drug ecosystem and protect the future of our younger generation. The police continue to pursue a multi-faceted strategy—combining preventive detention, strict law enforcement, and active public engagement—to build a drug-free Handwara.

Meanwhile in separate action against drug trafficking, police have arrested drug peddler in Budgam and recovered a significant quantity of contraband substance from his possession.

A police spokesperson said that a police team from Police Station Khansahib during patrolling in Dreygam village, intercepted a suspicious person carrying a nylon bag. During search, 14.7 kgs of poppy straw-like substance was recovered from the bag. Besides, a personal search further led to the seizure of ₹18,640 in cash and two mobile phones. He has been identified as Ghulam Rasool Beigh, son of Mohammad Abdullah Beigh, resident of Dreygam. He has been arrested and shifted to police station where he remains in custody.

Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 111/2025 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Khansahib and further investigation is underway, he added.

Pahalgam, June 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday announced reopening of eight tourist destinations in Kashmir.

Talking to reporters here in south Kashmir, LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Few tourist destinations were closed after April 22 terror attack as a precautionary measure. After assessing the situation it has been decided that the closed destinations will be reopened for tourists in phased manner.”

LG Sinha said that to begin with it has been decided that Betab Valley, Verinag, Kokerrnag and Achabal gardens, parks in Pahalgam market will be thrown open for public in Anantnag district.

While in Srinagar, Badamwari, Duck Park and Taqdeer Park near Hazratbal will be reopened, he said.

LG Sinha exuded hope that the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra will help in reviving tourism in Kashmir. “I urge people to come forward and make annual Amarnath pilgrimage successful,” he said.

“This is your Yatra. It will help in improving your economy and reviving tourism,” he added.