Five new railway surveys underway in J&K, others remain stalled: GoI

Centre says govt dropped Srinagar-Kargil-Leh rail plan over high costs, low demand

Jammu-Poonch line stalled due to feasibility concerns

Doubling of Banihal-Baramulla rail line on govt’s priority list

New Delhi, Mar 12 (KNO): The Union government on Wednesday confirmed that five new railway surveys are underway in Jammu and Kashmir, while other projects remain stalled.

Replying to a question by Member Parliament (MP) Mohmad Haneefa in the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “The Srinagar-Kargil-Leh rail plan was dropped due to high costs and low demand, and the Jammu-Poonch line remains stalled over feasibility concerns. Also, the Banihal-Baramulla rail line doubling has been prioritized by the government.”

The minister, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), clarified that there are no immediate plans to conduct a survey for a rail link between Ganderbal in Kashmir and Kargil in Ladakh, despite the strategic importance of the region.

He said the railway projects are planned and executed based on factors such as traffic projections, operational requirements and overall funding availability rather than on a district or Union Territory basis.

The minister added that a survey for the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh rail line was conducted in 2016-17. “The proposed 480-km route was estimated to cost rupees 55,896 crore. However, the project was not pursued further due to low traffic projections,” he said.

Vaishnaw further informed that another railway project, the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line, has been identified as a strategic line by the Ministry of Defence. He said the survey for this 489-km project has been completed, and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared. The estimated cost of the project stands at Rs 1,31,000 crore.

The Union government also confirmed that Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir continue to remain without railway connectivity, with no immediate plans to construct a rail line from Reasi-Katra to Rajouri on a priority basis.

Replying to another question by MP Mian Altaf Ahmad, the minister said that railway projects are sanctioned and executed based on feasibility, traffic projections and financial viability, rather than on a district or state-wise basis.

“Railway projects are approved based on factors such as last-mile connectivity, missing links, socio-economic benefits and availability of funds. Challenges such as land acquisition, forest clearances, climate conditions, and law and order situations affect the timeline of railway projects in the region,” he said.

The minister said that a survey for a new railway line between Jammu and Poonch via Akhnoor and Rajouri (223 km) had been conducted, and the estimated cost of the project stood at Rs 22,771 crore. However, due to low traffic projections, the project has not moved forward, he added.

Meanwhile, five new railway surveys have been undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir which include Baramulla-Uri New Line (46 km), Sopore-Kupwara New Line (37 km), Anantnag-Pahalgam New Line (78 km), Avantipore-Shopian New Line (28 km), Banihal-Baramulla and Doubling (118 km).

While the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) has been fully completed, connecting several districts in Jammu & Kashmir, railway connectivity to Rajouri and Poonch remains uncertain, with no clear timeline for future expansion—(KNO)

NCDC Core Committee Discusses Summer Health Strategies at Recent Meeting

Srinagar, March 12: The National Child Development Council (NCDC) convened its core committee for an important discussion on strategies to combat the challenges of the increasing summer temperatures and their impact on public health. The meeting, held recently, focused on implementing health initiatives that address dehydration, heat-related illnesses, and the well-being of workers, particularly women in outdoor roles like ASHA workers.

One of the key resolutions discussed was ensuring that children receive nutritious and hydrating meals during summer, especially during pre-noon meals. Committee members proposed that schools should provide adequate drinking water, seasonal fruits, and vegetables, which are essential for maintaining hydration and protecting against summer diseases.

“We need to ensure that children are not only getting enough food but that it’s food that helps their bodies cope with the heat,” stated one member. “Including fruits and vegetables in school meals and offering ample drinking water is crucial.”

Additionally, committee members emphasized the importance of awareness programs focused on managing health during the summer, with a specific emphasis on maintaining hydration, reducing body temperature, and preventing heat-related illnesses. A consensus was reached on including more seasonal health tips in these awareness initiatives.

While the conversation primarily focused on children, there was significant concern about outdoor workers, especially women, and the unique challenges they face in the heat. A committee member Mohammad Rizwan, pointed out that ASHA workers, who work in extreme conditions, need their work hours adjusted to avoid the harsh midday sun. He proposed that the government should change the working hours for these outdoor workers, allowing them to work in the cooler morning and evening hours to avoid health risks.

“ASHA workers and others who work outdoors are at risk of dehydration and heat-related health issues, including urinary tract infections (UTIs),” said Mohammad Rizwan. “The government must ensure they have access to clean drinking water and provide support for these vulnerable workers.”

Another committee member Shakkila Wahab, shared the painful experience of a local ASHA worker who developed severe UTI and now requires dialysis. This brought attention to the serious health risks faced by women working in the heat, especially during Ramadan. She suggested providing emergency kits and better facilities for outdoor workers to manage health issues more effectively.

The committee also discussed the broader implications of global warming, which has resulted in increasingly higher temperatures earlier in the year. NCDC Master Trainer Baba Alexander highlighted the rapid changes in Kerala’s climate, which now sees temperatures as high as 36-37 degrees Celsius as early as March. He emphasized that the government must take more proactive measures to combat the rising temperatures, particularly for vulnerable groups like women and children.

“Global warming is a reality, and we must address it by creating awareness, adjusting work schedules, and changing our habits to stay healthy,” said Baba Alexander. He recommended introducing lifestyle and food habit changes that are more suitable for the extreme heat.

The committee proposed several measures, including the construction of homes designed to withstand higher temperatures, improved access to purified drinking water in public spaces and schools, and a more temperature-friendly school menu. There were also calls for public awareness programs about summer health and diet, especially in areas like Kerala, where the once mild climate has become increasingly extreme.

Sheeba P K, NCDC Member said: “As we face rising summer temperatures, it is crucial that we focus on keeping ourselves hydrated. Adequate water supply must be ensured, especially in schools and public areas. The government needs to take proactive steps to provide sufficient drinking water and make it a priority in every school, ensuring that children drink enough water. Awareness regarding seasonal foods and hydration should also be spread, as it plays an important role in maintaining health during this time.”

Reports on New Liquor Vends in J&K Fake, Baseless: CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Mar 12 (JKNS): The office of J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed reports claiming an increase in liquor vends in the region, calling them fake and baseless.

As per news agency JKNS, the CM’s office wrote on X, “No new liquor vends are being advertised or allotted by my government. TV channels & news portals should immediately stop peddling this lie.”

The statement reiterated that the number of wine shops (JKEL-2 vends) remains unchanged at 305 since FY 2023-24, with 291 in Jammu and 14 in Kashmir. It further clarified that the ongoing e-auction process pertains to the existing vends, with 271 already allotted and 34 set for re-auction on March 17, 2025.

The CM’s office urged media outlets to verify facts before publishing such reports and directed the public to refer to the Excise Department’s official website (https://jkexcise.nic.in) for accurate information. (JKNS)

PDP’s Waheed Parra Raises Ban on AAC, JKIM in Assembly, Calls for Reversal

Srinagar, Mar 12, KNT: People’s Democratic Party legislator Waheed Parra on Wednesday voiced concerns in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly over the Centre’s recent ban on Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM), urging the House to intervene and seek its reversal.

During a brief intervention, Parra argued that banning these organisations—led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Masroor Abbas Ansari, respectively—amounts to stifling political dissent. He stressed the importance of dialogue and peaceful engagement to address political issues in Jammu and Kashmir rather than resorting to prohibitions.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently outlawed the two groups under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), citing their alleged involvement in activities that threaten India’s sovereignty. The ban, effective for five years, has sparked debate among political circles in the region. [KNT]

Weather Update for Jammu & Kashmir: March 12-21, 2025

Forecast Overview

The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued a weather forecast for Jammu and Kashmir, predicting intermittent rain and snow over the coming days. Travelers, farmers, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions. Here’s what to expect:

March 12-15: Wet Conditions Ahead

• Intermittent light to moderate rain is expected at many places.
• Higher reaches may experience snowfall during this period.
• Travelers should be prepared for disruptions due to rain, snow, and slippery roads.

March 16: Gradual Improvement

• Light rain/snow is likely at a few places, especially in the morning.
• Weather is expected to improve in the afternoon.

March 17-21: Mostly Dry Weather

• No significant rainfall or snowfall is expected.
• A gradual rise in temperature may occur as the weather stabilizes.

Advisory ⚠

Due to changing weather conditions, the following precautions are recommended:

For Travelers & Tourists

• Follow traffic and administration advisories before planning travel.
• Be cautious in landslide-prone areas.
• Those visiting higher altitudes should be prepared for cold conditions.

For Farmers

• Suspend all farm operations until March 16 to prevent crop damage.
• Avoid working in waterlogged fields.

For General Safety

• Avoid avalanche-prone slopes in hilly areas.
• Be alert for landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones, especially on vulnerable roads.

Stay Updated

For real-time weather updates, follow the Meteorological Centre Srinagar and local authorities. Stay safe and plan your activities accordingly!