Govt Forms Steering Committee for Promotion of Emerging Tourist Destinations in J&K

Chief Secretary J&K to head 13-member panel under SPREAD initiative

Srinagar, July 18 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday constituted a high-level Steering Committee for the SPREAD initiative Sustainable Promotion and Revamping of Emerging Alternate Destinations aimed at strengthening and diversifying tourism prospects in the Union Territory.

According to Government Order a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, the committee will be chaired by the Chief Secretary of J&K, while 12 other senior officials have been appointed as members.

The members include Administrative Secretaries of the Jal Shakti, Tourism, Planning and Development, Public Works (R&B), Power Development, Finance, Agriculture Production, Housing & Urban Development, Forest & Ecology, Industries & Commerce, and Rural Development Departments. The Chief Executive Officer of the J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency is also part of the committee, order reads.

The key objectives of the Steering Committee are to provide strategic direction, ensure inter-departmental coordination, monitor the progress of the SPREAD initiative, and facilitate policy approvals and resource allocation for emerging tourist destinations.

The committee will also focus on problem-solving at the highest level and ensure smooth execution of the programme across departments.

As per the order, the Tourism Department will service the committee, which is expected to play a crucial role in boosting local tourism infrastructure while preserving ecological balance in less-explored destinations across J&K. (JKNS)

Land Fraud Case: CBK raids 7 locations, registers FIR against Tehsildar, 6 others

Accused linked to false mutations, forged sale deeds: SSP Abdul Wahid Shah

Srinagar, Jul 17 (KNO): The Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir on Thursday said to have conducted searches at multiple locations in Srinagar and Budgam districts and registered an FIR against seven individuals in a land fraud case.

They said that among the accused persons, one is a former Tehsildar, who is ‘allegedly involved in a land fraud case’ related to cheating, corruption and tampering with revenue records.

In a press conference held today at Crime Branch headquarters in Srinagar, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Crime Branch Abdul Wahid Shah, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the agency has booked the accused in connection with fraudulent land deals in Balhama area.

He said the complaint was filed by a woman, who alleged she was deceived by the accused, who manipulated khasra numbers in the sale deeds and carried out false mutations in connivance with revenue officials.

The SSP said the complainant stated she had purchased 5 kanals and 4 marlas of land from one Mohammad Shafi Lone alias Shafi Cheeni for Rs 88.4 lakh and also exchanged 2 kanals of land in Gooripora Rawalpora.

“After the accused took back the original sale deeds for ‘record updation,’ they returned them with forged khasra numbers,” he said, adding that later, part of the land was forcibly occupied by another individual claiming it had been sold to him.

The SSP added that during the preliminary investigation, Crime Branch Kashmir found that the sale deeds had been tampered with to reflect incorrect survey numbers.

He added the then Tehsildar and Patwari of Balhama had allegedly facilitated these changes to confer illegal ownership to one of the accused, Riyaz Ahmad Bhat. “The accused named in FIR No. 14/2025 registered at Police Station Crime Branch Kashmir include: Nusrat Aziz, the then Tehsildar Balhama; Ashiq Ali, the then Patwari Balhama; Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, resident of Nowgam Srinagar; Mohammad Shafi Lone alias Shafi Cheeni, resident of Peerbagh; Shamima Akhter, wife of Shafi Lone; Shahnawaz Ahmad Rather, resident of Padshahi Bagh; and Shabir Ahmad Wani, resident of Bagander Lasjan,” said the SSP.

He added the case has been registered under sections 167, 120-B RPC read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. SSP Shah also said that searches were underway at seven locations in both Srinagar and Budgam following search warrants issued by the competent court.

He further added that Tehsildar Nusrat Aziz is already facing trial in another case (FIR No. 08/2021) for similar charges including forgery, cheating and corruption.

“This indicates that the individuals involved may be part of an organized network deceiving innocent land buyers in Srinagar and adjoining areas,” the SSP said. Meanwhile, authorities said more arrests and legal action could follow as investigations progress—(KNO)

J&K Weather Forecast: Heavy Rainfall, Flash Floods, and Landslide Risk from July 17 to 23

Srinagar:
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued an important weather update for Jammu and Kashmir, warning of heavy rainfall and potential flash floods over the coming days. The forecast outlines a series of wet weather spells starting today and continuing through July 23.

Weather Forecast Details:

🔹 17th July:
Generally cloudy skies with one or two spells of light to moderate rain/thundershowers are expected at many locations across J&K. There is a possibility of intense showers at a few places and heavy rainfall at isolated locations.

🔹 18th – 19th July:
Brief spells of light to moderate rain/thundershowers are likely to occur at scattered to fairly widespread places across the region.

🔹 20th – 23rd July:
The weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain/thundershowers at many locations. Intense showers and isolated heavy rainfall are likely at a few places during this period.

⚠ Advisory Issued:

• Intense showers and heavy rainfall are possible at isolated locations between July 17 and July 23.
• There is a risk of flash floods, particularly in vulnerable areas, along with potential landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in hilly terrain.
• Farmers are advised to complete spraying and fieldwork between July 18 and 20, when rainfall is expected to be comparatively lighter.

The MeT department urges the public to remain vigilant and follow official weather alerts and safety advisories.

📍Stay connected for more weather updates.