Weather Forecast for Jammu & Kashmir (07-16 February 2025)

The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued a weather forecast for Jammu and Kashmir for the coming days, highlighting variations in weather conditions, including dry spells and light precipitation. Tourists, travelers, and transporters are advised to stay updated and follow official advisories.

Detailed Weather Forecast

7th – 8th February:

The region is expected to experience generally dry weather. No significant precipitation is anticipated, making it favorable for outdoor activities and travel.

9th February:

There is a possibility of light rain and snow at isolated locations. While this is not expected to cause major disruptions, travelers should remain cautious, particularly in higher altitudes.

10th – 11th February:

The weather will be generally cloudy with chances of light rain and snow at scattered places in Kashmir, mainly in the north and central parts of the valley. Jammu division might also witness isolated precipitation. Travelers, especially those heading towards higher reaches, should remain prepared for changing weather conditions.

12th – 14th February:

A dry spell is expected across the Union Territory. Clear weather conditions will prevail, making it an ideal period for travel and outdoor activities.

15th – 16th February:

Cloudy weather conditions are forecasted, with a possibility of light rain and snow at isolated places. Those traveling to higher altitudes should stay informed about any potential disruptions.

Advisory for Tourists and Travelers

• Tourists, travelers, and transporters are advised to follow the administration and traffic advisories issued for the region.
• Those traveling to snow-prone areas should be cautious of slippery roads and possible disruptions in transportation.
• It is recommended to check real-time weather updates before planning trips to higher altitudes.

The forecast suggests no major weather disturbances, but visitors and locals should remain prepared for sudden changes, especially in the hilly and mountainous regions of Jammu & Kashmir. Safe travels to all!

J&K private hospitals threaten to withdraw from SEHAT scheme by March 15

Association writes to CEO SHA, demands adherence to National Health Authority guidelines

Srinagar, Feb 06: The Jammu and Kashmir Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centre Association has raised serious concerns over the future of the Ayushman Bharat SEHAT scheme, warning that they may stop providing free treatment under the programme unless urgent reforms are introduced.

In a letter addressed to the CEO of the State Health Agency (SHA), J&K, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the association said that following extensive deliberations, they have concluded that the current contract—set to expire on March 15, 2025—is no longer viable under existing terms.

The letter highlighted several key grievances arising from the 9th Governing Council Meeting held on January 19, 2025, where certain decisions were made that the association considers detrimental to private healthcare providers.

“The reservation of four surgical procedures for public hospitals, a 10% reduction in UT-specific incentives, and the implementation of HBP 2.2 instead of HBP 2022 are not in our interests. These measures are anti-private sector and will push many hospitals to the verge of bankruptcy, given that we have already been suffering for the past ten months,” the letter stated.

The association also expressed concern that the meeting failed to address long-pending payments, interest on delayed reimbursements, or the review of unjustified deductions and claim rejections dating back to 2022.

A member of the association told KNO that the government’s plan to exclude key surgeries such as gall bladder surgeries, hemorrhoids, appendectomies and fissure surgeries from the scheme and restrict them to government hospitals is a concern.

“These surgeries constitute around 50-60% of total surgical cases. Excluding them from private hospitals will not only defeat the purpose of providing free healthcare but also increase patient suffering, as government hospitals already have long waiting lists,” he said.

He warned that financially stable patients may opt for private hospitals and pay for their treatment, while economically weaker patients would be forced to wait for months for their turn at public hospitals.

Furthermore, he cautioned that staff layoffs would become inevitable as private hospitals experience a 50-60% drop in surgical procedures, worsening the unemployment crisis in the region.

The association has urged the SHA and government authorities to implement the reforms to ensure the sustainability of the SEHAT scheme. These reforms include implementation of HBP 2022 (approved by the National Health Authority in 2022), special rate revision for dialysis patients to reflect rising operational costs, no reservation of surgical procedures for government hospitals so that patients retain the right to choose between public and private healthcare under PMJAY, adherence to National Health Authority guidelines to ensure fair reimbursement practices.

It demanded 1% interest on delayed payments and resolution of past claim deductions and rejections, finalisation of deduction rates before implementation to prevent financial uncertainty, immediate release of pending payments, including Bajaj reimbursements, with 1% interest and continuation of the 10% UT-specific incentive for private hospitals.

The association warned that if their concerns are not addressed, they will be forced to withdraw from the scheme by March 15, 2025, which could severely impact thousands of patients relying on private healthcare facilities under Ayushman Bharat SEHAT—(KNO)

ACB arrests RDD employee from Gbl for accepting bribe

Srinagar, Feb 06 (KNO): Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday said to have trapped and arrested a Computer Operator of Rural Development Department, Block Gund, Ganderbal while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 3000.

“Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau received a written complaint wherein it was alleged that Mohammad Ashraf Malik R/o Shahpora Ganderbal, Computer Operator (presently assigned the job of MIS Operation) in the office of Rural Development Department Block Gund is demanding Rs 10,000 as bribe for uploading required documents regarding the bill for release of payments due to the complainant in respect of completion of a work under MGNREGA Scheme at Kulmohar Qalwat near Masjid Sharief Chohan Mohalla, Harri Ganwan, Gund, Ganderbal,” a spokesman said in a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

He said that the pre-trap verification revealed that Mohammad Ashraf Malik is asking bribe of Rs 10,000 which the complaint did not want to pay and after negotiations the matter was settled at Rs 3000 to be paid as 1st instalment.

The pre-trap verification established the demand and accordingly FIR No 03/2025 U/S 7 of Prevention of Corruption act 1988 was registered at PS ACB Srinagar and investigation has been taken up, it reads.

“During the course of investigation a trap team was constituted. The team laid a successful trap and caught the accused public servant Mohammad Ashraf Malik of RDD Block Gund, Kangan, Ganderbal red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount of Rs 3000 from the complainant,” the statement added.

After completing all formalities, the accused Public Servant was taken into custody, it said, adding that further investigation into the case is going on—(KNO)

CUK extends winter vacation till Feb-14

Srinagar, Feb 06 (KNO): The Central University of Kashmir (CUK) on Thursday announced extension of winter vacation till February-14.

“Due to inclement weather conditions and ongoing student internship programs outside Jammu & Kashmir, the university has decided to resume its offline classwork from February 17,” reads a communique of CUK.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the notification further states that the regular classwork will be conducted online from February 10 to February 14.

The decision was taken following a meeting of Deans and Heads of Departments (HODs) with an approval from the competent authority to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.

Meanwhile, all Heads and Coordinators of Departments have been directed to structure the academic timetable efficiently so that the syllabus for the even semester is completed before the End Semester Examinations (ESE).

Earlier, university was scheduled to re-open on February 10, after a long winter break—(KNO)

2 doctors suspended, barred from private practice after medical negligence in Sopore

Srinagar, Feb 06 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday suspended two doctors after alleged medical negligence at a private hospital in Sopore, where a woman, admitted for ear surgery, reportedly had her uterus removed instead. Earlier, operation theatre of the hospital was also sealed after the incident.

According to an order, a copy of which lies with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr Anjum Nazir, Consultant Gynaecologist, SDH Sopore and Dr Tariq Ahmad Dar, Medical Officer (Diploma in Anesthesia), DH Bandipora have been suspended.

They have also been banned from engaging in any form of private practice across Jammu & Kashmir until further orders.

The order also stated that the operation theatre of Hakeem Sonuallah Hospital has been sealed until the completion of the investigation—(KNO)

Sopore hospital’s operation theatre sealed after alleged medical negligence

Probe on, strict action will be taken against those found guilty: ADC Sopore

Sopore, Feb 06 (KNO): Authorities have sealed an operation theatre of a private hospital in north Kashmir’s Sopore following a case of alleged medical negligence, where a woman, admitted for ear surgery, reportedly had her uterus removed instead.

Sources told news agency— Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the woman was getting treatment at Hakim Sonuallah hospital by a doctor and was scheduled for an ear surgery at the hospital. But, in absence of the doctor, the procedure was allegedly carried out another doctor, who mistakenly performed a hysterectomy.

Following public outcry, authorities sealed the hospital’s operation theatre, citing severe lapses in medical protocols.

“We are investigating the matter thoroughly and have served notices to the hospital management, doctors, and staff to explain their position. Preliminary inquiry and evidence suggest that this operation theatre should not have been operational in the first place, and therefore, we have sealed it,” additional deputy commissioner Sopore SA Raina said.

He said that a thorough probe is underway and strict action will be taken against those who are found guilty—(KNO)