Srinagar,: Cabinet Minister Javed Dar on Wednesday said the current administration has been in place for six months, and is committed to implementing decisions promptly and effectively.

“Whatever happened earlier is not our responsibility. Now that we are in charge, our focus is on execution,” the minister, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a review meeting for Muharram arrangements in Pattan.

Responding to a query on the status of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Dar said funds have been made available, with only 20 per cent pending. “This is being actively taken up with the Government of India, and the matter will be resolved in the coming days,” he added.

Addressing concerns over the recent hailstorm that caused damage to crops, the agriculture minister said those affected are being compensated under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

He announced that the departments of horticulture and agriculture are now planning to roll out a weather-based crop insurance scheme.

“Unfortunately, there were fewer bidders when this scheme was conceptualised 2–3 years ago. But now we are actively working on it, and by September or October, it will be implemented on the ground,” Dar said.

Regarding the water crisis in several drought-hit areas, the minister said the government is taking a two-fold approach. “Where there’s no source, we are planning community borewells, and where a water source exists, it will be efficiently tapped,” he said.

Minister Dar called for the modernisation of ageing pump stations, some of which are over 20–25 years old and operating below efficiency. “We are preparing new Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to address this issue and mitigate the water scarcity crisis,” he assured—(KNO)

Kashmir braces for heatwave again as temperature surges

J&K sees 26% deficit rainfall this month, MeT issues advisory, predicts heavy rainfall, flash floods at few places

Srinagar, Jun 18 (KNO): The scorching heat has once again hit Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the valley, where the mercury continued to rise for the second straight day on Wednesday.

According to details obtained by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), J&K witnessed 26 per cent deficit rainfall during the ongoing month till Wednesday as against the normal precipitation of 39.7 mm, the region has recorded a rainfall of just 29.5 mm in the last 18 days.

The large deficit of rainfall has been recorded in Samba at 72 per cent and in Kathua at 62 per cent during the period. The majority of the stations across the region, including Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Poonch, Reasi, Shopian and Udhampur have recorded deficit rainfall.

According to the data prepared by the local Meteorological (MeT) department, Rajouri was the only station where large excess rainfall was recorded during the period.

Five stations, including Anantnag, Doda, Jammu, Kupwara and Ramban, have recorded normal precipitation this month so far.

Meanwhile, an Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng said there is a possibility of an intense heatwave for the next three days. “The temperature in Srinagar may go up above 35 degrees Celsius,” he said.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday recorded a maximum temperature of 32.5 degrees Celsius.

Qazigund, a gateway of Kashmir, recorded a maximum temperature of 31.4 degrees Celsius while Pahalgam recorded 27.0 degrees Celsius. In Kokernag, the mercury settled at 30.8 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara and Gulmarg, a famous ski resort, recorded 30.5 degrees Celsius and 22.8 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Jammu city, however, continued to record below normal temperatures, with the winter capital of the region recording a maximum temperature of 37.6 degrees Celsius.

Banihal recorded 29.4 degrees Celsius, Batote 27.8 degrees Celsius, Katra 35.2 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 30.8 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the weatherman here has predicted generally dry weather with the possibility of a brief spell of rain and thundershower with gusty winds at isolated places till June 20.

Between June 21 & 22, Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that generally cloudy weather with intermittent spells of rain and thundershower is expected at many places.

He added that on June 23 & 24, the weather conditions are expected to remain dry with the possibility of a brief spell of light rain and thundershower at isolated places while from June 25 to June 27, generally cloudy weather is expected with possibility of intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershower at many places.

Moreover, the MeT has issued an advisory, advising the farmers to continue farm operations till June 20th.

According to the advisory, there is a possibility of moderate to heavy rain with intense showers at a few places, mainly in Jammu division on June 21 & 22. “Flash floods are expected at a few places with landslides, mudslides & shooting stones,” it added—(KNO)

Timeline Extended for Issuance of Recruitment Rules via Executive Orders

One-Year Extension Approved for Administrative Departments by J&K Govt

Srinagar, June 18 (JKNS): The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has extended the time period for notifying recruitment rules through ‘Executive Orders’ by the Administrative Departments for an additional one year.

According to Government Order a copy of which lies with news agebcy JKNS reads, “In continuation to Government Order No. 635-JK(GAD) of 2024 dated 16-02-2024, read-with Government Order No. 1998-JK(GAD) of 2024 dated 28-11-2024, sanction is hereby accorded to the extension in time period for notification of recruitment rules through ‘Executive Orders’ by the Administrative Departments by another period of one (01) year.” (JKNS)

Weather Update for Jammu & Kashmir – 18 June 2025 | Rain, Thunderstorms, Advisory Issued

The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued a detailed weather forecast for Jammu & Kashmir, covering the period from 18th to 27th June 2025. Here’s what to expect:

Forecast Details

• 18th to 20th June:
  Mostly dry weather is expected. However, there is a possibility of brief spells of rain/thundershowers with gusty winds at isolated locations.
• 21st to 22nd June:
  Weather to remain generally cloudy with intermittent spells of rain/thundershowers at many places across the region.
• 23rd to 24th June:
  Mostly dry conditions, with chances of brief light rain/thundershowers at isolated spots.
• 25th to 27th June:
  Generally cloudy with intermittent light to moderate rain/thundershowers expected at many places.

Advisory Issued ⚠

• Farmers are advised to continue farm operations till 20th June as weather remains mostly favorable.
• Moderate to heavy rainfall is likely over parts of the Jammu Division on 21st and 22nd June, with intense showers at a few places.
• Possibility of flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas during the wet spell.

The public, especially travelers and those residing in landslide-prone areas, are advised to stay updated with local authorities and avoid risky routes during heavy rain periods.