The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has reported that 315 lakes in Jammu and Kashmir have disappeared since 1967, indicating a decline in water bodies across the region. According to the CAG report, 697 lakes were recorded in 1967, of which 315 are no longer traceable. These covered over 1,500 hectares. The report, which reviewed lake management between 2017-18 and 2021-22, also noted that 203 lakes have reduced in size, losing more than 1,300 hectares of area. In total, 518 lakes have recorded a decline in water spread, affecting the extent of these water bodies and associated systems. The…
Author: KNO
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said that funds under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes (SC) are being disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), with release of central share linked to data submission by States and Union Territories on the National Scholarship Portal. As per official figures accessed, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a decline in central assistance and the number of beneficiaries under the SC Post-Matric Scholarship scheme over the past three financial years. The UT received ₹5.43 crore in 2022-23, benefiting 10,097 students, ₹4.68 crore in 2023-24, benefiting 7,370 students, and ₹4.09 crore in 2024-25,…
Cancer cases continue to rise in Kashmir, reveals the data. It states that as many as 50,551 cancer cases were reported in Kashmir between 2018 and 2024, underscoring the urgent need for early detection, timely treatment, and preventive healthcare measures. According to the data, cancer incidence in Kashmir has shown a steady increase over the years: 2018: 6,649 cases, 2019: 6,374 cases, 2020: 6,113 cases, 2021: 7,090 cases, 2022: 7,846 cases, 2023: 8,124 cases and 2024: 8,355 cases. A Right to Information (RTI) application filed by activist, reveals that 22,130 cancer cases were recorded at Government Medical College Jammu between…
The Legislative Assembly on Saturday witnessed a heated exchange of arguments between National Conference Minister Sakina Masood Ittoo and PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, with the former repeatedly mentioning Mehbooba Mufti’s “milk and toffee” remarks as many as five times. During a tense argument with PDP legislator Para, Sakina Masood Itoo, accused Para of tearing papers in the House for mere show-off. “If we are without power and grappling with challenges today, it is because of PDP. If we are without state, it is due to you. If we are without 370, it is due to you,” the minister shouted at…
With tourist footfall rising and pressure on civic infrastructure mounting, the Traders Association Lal Chowk on Saturday pitched for a comprehensive revamp of the city’s commercial hub during a meeting with the Divisional Commissioner, Srinagar, securing an assurance of phased, time-bound action. The delegation, led by President Mohammad Iqbal Khan and comprising members Jatinder Singh, Naresh Kumar Mehra and Nisar Ahmad Bhat, as per details available, raised a series of issues ranging from urban planning gaps and traffic congestion to sanitation, pedestrian access and overall aesthetics. “Lal Chowk is the face of Srinagar’s economy and culture. But without planned development…
Around 1,436 kilometres of National Highways have been constructed in Jammu and Kashmir since 2018–19, the Centre informed the Lok Sabha. According to official data accessed, the Union Territory witnessed fluctuating highway construction over the years, with 95 km built in 2018–19, 46 km in 2019–20, 234 km in 2020–21, 263 km in 2021–22, 217 km in 2022–23, 243 km in 2023–24, 214 km in 2024–25 and 124 km during 2025–26 till February. The Centre also informed that expenditure on development and maintenance of National Highways in Jammu and Kashmir has seen a steady rise in recent years. The spending…
The Government of India said that over 3.07 lakh drinking water samples were tested in laboratories across Jammu and Kashmir during the current financial year 2025-26 (till March 31). Replying to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Jal Shakti said that under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), water quality testing is being carried out regularly to ensure safe drinking water supply to rural households. As per official data accessed, Jammu & Kashmir recorded testing of 2,53,364 samples in laboratories and 34,793 through Field Testing Kits (FTKs) in 2023-24. In 2024-25, 2,66,547 samples were tested in labs and…
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the Union Territory currently has adequate stocks of essential supplies and fuel, urging people not to panic amid global uncertainties. Speaking to reporters after Assembly proceedings, CM Omar, said global developments remain beyond the control of both Jammu and Kashmir and the country. He said any major global disruption would have a cascading impact across India, which would eventually reflect in J&K as well. He, however, reassured that the situation on the ground remains stable for now. “Essential supplies and fuel are intact. There is no shortage at present and…
A crucial resolution seeking the transfer of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)-owned projects in Jammu & Kashmir to the Union Territory Government is set to be taken up in the J&K Assembly on Thursday. The resolution, submitted by NC MLA Sajad Shaheen has been listed in the business of the House for April 2-one of the two days fixed for Private Member Resolutions. It is among seven resolutions selected through balloting. The text of the resolution reads: “This House resolves to recommend that the Government of India may be urged to consider, in consultation with the Union Territory Government and…
Over the past four years, nearly 3200 schools in Jammu and Kashmir were either functioning with less than ten or zero student enrolment—leaving over 2500 teachers deployed in empty schools. The latest figures revealed in the Legislative Assembly reveal that 3192 schools in Jammu and Kashmir reported less than ten or zero enrolment since 2022 including 1494 schools in Jammu and 1698 in Kashmir region respectively. The house was also informed that 2518 teachers were posted in these schools including 1934 teachers in 1494 schools of Jammu division and 584 teachers in 1698 institutions of Kashmir region. As reported, in…