Articles by "KATHUA"
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KATHUA, APRIL 27: In a swift and compassionate response to a tragic fire incident at Ward No. 21, Kathua, the District Administration, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Kathua Dr. Rakesh Minhas extended immediate relief to the affected families. The devastating fire led to the complete destruction of twelve jhughis (makeshift dwellings), leaving families homeless and in urgent need of assistance.

Recognizing the critical situation, the District Administration promptly organized and distributed essential supplies to each of the twelve affected families.

The team of District Administration Kathua extended solidarity with the affected families and assured them of continuous support from the administration. "The loss faced by the families is heartbreaking. We stand with them in this hour of need and will ensure that all necessary support is extended to them” official said. 

 

Kathua Admin’s collaboration with Agriculture Dept. and BSF brings record yield to Border farmers

KATHUA, APRIL 25: Marking a significant milestone in the district’s agricultural landscape, the harvesting of ripened wheat crop commenced today across the fence in Chak Changa village, along the Zero Line of Chandwan Border Outpost in the Hiranagar IB sector. The initiative, carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas, is a result of the seamless coordination between the Agriculture Department, Border Security Force (BSF), and local farmers.

The harvesting process was formally launched by Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) Sanjeev Rai Gupta, along with Company Commandant BSF, Insp. Mahesh Kumar.

It marked a remarkable achievement for farmers of the border belt, who are celebrating a bumper wheat harvest this season. Expressing their gratitude, the farmers acknowledged the District Administration, Agriculture Department, and BSF for their unwavering support in ensuring security and providing essential logistical assistance.

The Agriculture Department has deployed 15 tractors and 2 combine harvesters to facilitate the swift harvesting of wheat crops sown over 350 acres across the fence during the Rabi 2024–25 season.

The initiative, which began as a pilot project in Rabi 2021–22, has now expanded significantly, with 90 farmers from villages including Chak Changa, Chak Tanda, Krol Krishna, Karol Maithrain, and Maniyari actively participating in cultivation beyond the fence.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Agriculture Officer Sanjeev Rai Gupta, stated, “Our persistent efforts, coupled with technical assistance and the security support of BSF, have resulted in a successful harvest this year. We are committed to empowering border farmers and ensuring they receive the necessary resources for sustainable agriculture. The harvesting operations will be completed in the next 2–3 days.”

A local progressive farmer, Ram Raj, shared his achievement, stating, “This season, I have reaped an impressive 240 quintals of wheat from 12 acres of cultivated land. The Agriculture Department, especially CAO Kathua, has been instrumental in guiding and supporting us from sowing to harvesting.”

The occasion was also attended by SMS Hiranagar, Tejinder Sharma, AEO Marheen, Jamshed Andotra, along with JAEOs and AEAs from the Marheen zone, who remained active in assisting farmers throughout the cultivation process. 

 

Seeks coordinated efforts to tackle water, power challenges

KATHUA, APRIL 18: In light of the intensifying heat wave conditions, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas today chaired a crucial meeting to assess the preparation of departments to meet the challenges of summer season, with a focus on provisions made for adequate water and power supply in the district.

At the outset, the DC underlined the need for meticulous planning and coordinated execution to effectively meet the enhanced demand of water and electricity during the summer season. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures to minimize public inconvenience amid soaring temperatures.

A detailed sub-division-wise review of water and power supply was conducted, with special attention given to areas identified as vulnerable due to prevailing weather patterns. Officials were directed to flag and prioritize critical areas for immediate intervention.

The meeting was informed that water levels in the Ranjit Sagar Dam Lake are comparatively low this season, which could affect the drinking water supply in Basohli and adjoining regions. Besides, the DC took stock of the water-deficit conditions in the kandi belt and hilly terrains of the district.

To bridge the supply gaps, it was decided that water tankers and trollies would be deployed in the vulnerable areas based on local requirements, ensuring timely delivery of drinking water.

The DC was also briefed about the progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), with over 10 schemes set to be commissioned by the end of this month, bringing much-needed relief to water-stressed regions.

In a citizen-centric move, Dr. Minhas announced the establishment of a 24x7 Combined Control Room/Helpline. The facility will serve as a unified platform for residents to register complaints related to water and electricity supply, as well as report forest fire incidents.

Besides, the DC directed the Executive Engineer Ground Water to prioritize the repair of non-functional hand pumps to augment local water accessibility.

The DFOs of all forest Ranges were directed to remain vigilant and proactive in responding to forest fire incidents. To support the watering of plantations under Social Forestry, the XEN PHE was instructed to ensure timely water supply through tankers and Trolleys.

Executive Engineer PDD was also directed to ensure round the clock availability of technical assistance in view of snag in power supply especially dedicated feeder set up for PHE Water Supply.

Dr. Minhas called upon all departments to maintain close coordination and work collectively to address public concerns swiftly and efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption to daily life during the summer season.

The meeting was attended by ADDC, Surinder Mohan, ADC Vishawjeet Singh, CPO Ranjit Thakur, Executive Engineers of PHE, PDD, DFOs and officials from other concerned departments. 


 KATHUA, APRIL 7: As part of the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir” campaign, a series of impactful awareness and outreach activities were organized across various locations in Kathua district to educate communities, especially the youth, about the dangers of drug abuse and promote a drug-free society.

An Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign was conducted in Panchayat Gurah Kalyal where a community awareness session was held. Local residents, including youth and elders, actively participated in the session aimed at sensitizing people to the growing threat of substance abuse. Resource persons from health, social welfare and other departments highlighted the social, psychological, and physical impacts of drug addiction and emphasized the need for community vigilance and support systems.

In another significant outreach initiative, an awareness program was organized at Government School Gurha Mundian. The session, conducted under the aegis of Nasha Mukt campaign, featured informative talks by educators and counselors, who discussed the importance of making informed life choices and resisting peer pressure. Students were encouraged to become ambassadors of change in their communities by spreading awareness among their peers and families.

Recognizing the power of sports in channelizing youth energy positively, various sports were organised at Panchayat Bhaddu Lower. The event drew enthusiastic participation from local youth and featured friendly competitions in volleyball, kabaddi, and athletics. The event served as a reminder of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the role of physical activity in building resilience against substance abuse.

An IEC campaign was also held at Government School Jandore, Block Keerian Gandyal. The initiative included poster displays, awareness talks, and interactive sessions with students and faculty. The campaign reinforced the message that preventive education is key in curbing drug abuse and fostering a safe, healthy environment for future generations.

These activities are part of the larger goal of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir campaign, which aims to create drug-free communities through education, engagement, and empowerment. The District Administration Kathua, in collaboration with local institutions, continues its commitment to the cause with active participation from civil society.

 


JAMMU, MARCH 31: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha visited the families of J&K Police Martyrs - SgCT Balvinder Singh Chib, SgCT Jaswant Singh, HC Jagbir Singh, and SgCT Tariq Ahmed, at their native villages in Kana Chak, Londi, Mattu Khour and Chamba Katra.

The Lieutenant Governor offered his condolences to the bereaved family members and paid homage to the valiant martyrs who made supreme sacrifice for the nation while fighting the terrorists in Kathua.

He assured all assistance and support to the families of the martyrs.

The Lieutenant Governor has posted on X:

“Visited the families of our Brave Sons of Maa Bharti, who attained Martyrdom while fighting the terrorists in Kathua. The supreme sacrifice of SgCT Balvinder Singh Chib, SgCT Jaswant Singh, HC Jagbir Singh, and SgCT Tariq Ahmed, will never be forgotten”.

This grateful nation salutes their unwavering courage & valour. We stand firmly with the bereaved family members in this hour of grief. I assure that the government will extend all assistance and support to the families of our martyrs”.

 


KATHUA, MARCH 12: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Dr. Rakesh Minhas today convened a meeting with officers from different departments and representatives of religious organizations to review the arrangements for the ongoing Ramzan and upcoming Holi and Navratri festivals.

The meeting focused on ensuring smooth celebrations of these festivals, with discussions on various aspects such as security measures, provision of safe drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, medical aid services, sanitation, and availability of fire safety measures, street lighting, cleanliness and smooth transport management across the district.

To ensure the success of the festivals, the Deputy Commissioner issued directives to the heads of different departments, emphasizing meticulous planning and execution in their respective areas of responsibility. Particular attention was given to security to mitigate any potential untoward incidents during the festive period.

The Jal Shakti department was entrusted with ensuring a consistent supply of potable water, while the Power Development Department (PDD) was directed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the festival duration.

Civil society's cooperation was encouraged to uphold cleanliness standards in the town.

To prevent profiteering and black marketing, the Food Safety department was directed to conduct market checks across all markets of the district to ensure essential commodities are sold at government-approved rates and meet quality standards.

The Tehsildars were directed to deploy an adequate number of personnel in areas prone to traffic congestion, ensuring smooth traffic flow during the festivities.

During the meeting, representatives of religious institutions apprised Deputy Commissioner about various issues, in response to which the DC assured their resolution on priority basis.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, harmony and brotherhood during the festivals and appealed to the people to cooperate with the administration in ensuring smooth celebrations.

The meeting was attended by SSP Kathua Shobhit Saxena, ADC Kathua Ranjit Singh, RTO Kathua, ACD Kathua, CEO Kathua, Executive Engineers and other concerned stakeholders. 

 


KATHUA, MARCH 04: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), in collaboration with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Services Department and other stakeholders, conducted a mock exercise on flood water rescue in the district, here today.

The exercise aimed to check the preparedness and coordination of the stakeholder agencies involved in disaster management.

Led by Assistant Commandant, 13 BN NDRF Praveen Singh, the Special Rescue and Response teams of NDRF and SDRF demonstrated various techniques and skills of flood water rescue at a pond in Pathwal, Dayala Chak. The exercise was witnessed by around 200 people, including students, BMO Hiranagar, Tehsildar Hiranagar and other officials.

The mock exercise showcased the NDRF team's expertise in boat operation, life jacket use, rope rescue, casualty evacuation, first aid, and other critical skills required during flood rescue operations. The exercise also created awareness among the public about the dos and don'ts during floods, and the NDRF team interacted with the students and the public, answering their queries regarding disaster management.

The successful conduct of the mock exercise enhances the capacity and response of the district administration and other agencies in case of any flood situation. The NDRF's efforts to promote disaster preparedness and awareness among the public are commendable, and this exercise is a significant step towards building a resilient community.

The Mock exercise was witnessed by School, college students besides a large number of people of peripheral villages.