Army Constructs Bailey Bridge on River Tawi After Collapse; IMD Issues Weather Alerts in Jammu & Kashmir

Bailey Bridge on River Tawi

The Indian Army has begun constructing a Bailey bridge on the River Tawi in Jammu after a portion of the fourth bridge was washed away following heavy rainfall and river swelling earlier this week, said an official.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Farooq Qaiser said the incident occurred on Tuesday, when part of the bridge collapsed due to rising water levels in the river.

“A portion of the bridge (fourth bridge on the Tawi river in Jammu) collapsed on 26th August. One-way traffic is open between Satwari Chowk and Asia Crossing. Many people are on the job here,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the pilgrimage town of Katra, heavy rainfall has led to misty conditions, with the Trikuta Hills–home to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine–covered in a blanket of clouds.

Earlier today, Ramban MLA Arjun Singh Raju met flood-affected families in lower Maitra, Ward 6, and announced financial assistance for the construction of a protection wall to safeguard their homes.

Speaking to reporters, MLA Raju said, “The rainfall has damaged the houses in lower Maitra. We will not be able to fully compensate them. We reached here yesterday. I will deposit Rs. 5,00,000 in MNREGA and contribute Rs. 5,00,000 from my side towards the construction of a protection wall.”

“We will advise the administration to take the advisory seriously…Administration needs to be cautious. The government and administration will support them. We are committed to our people,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) commenced road clearance operations in the Pir Panjal mountain range following rainfall and flash floods that caused landslides and blocked connectivity in Rajouri district. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued weather alerts for several parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather warnings for the region. A yellow alert has been sounded for Friday in Poonch, Reasi, Rajouri, Kishtwar, and Udhampur districts, predicting thunderstorms and lightning. An orange alert has been issued for Saturday and Sunday in Poonch, Kishtwar, Jammu, Ramban, and Udhampur, indicating the possibility of heavier rainfall. (ANI)

All Schools in Jammu Division Closed Till August 30 Amid Heavy Rains and Flood Threat

Students of Kashmir

The Directorate of School Education Jammu on Thursday ordered the closure of all government and private schools across the Jammu division till August 30, 2025, citing heavy rains and the rising flood threat.

The official order stated that continuous downpours have triggered waterlogging in school premises, flooding in low-lying areas, risks of landslides, and road damage, making physical attendance unsafe for students and staff. Parents and civil society members had also urged the administration to suspend classes for safety reasons.

“All government and private schools across Jammu Division shall remain closed up to August 30, 2025,” reads the directive issued by Director School Education Jammu, Dr. Naseem Javaid Chowdhary.

The Directorate has asked school heads to explore the possibility of online classes for students of classes 9 to 12 to minimize academic disruption. Institutions have also been instructed to conduct sanitation and safety checks before reopening.

Chief Education Officers and school heads have been directed to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and remain in close coordination with the local administration while planning the resumption of physical classes.

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Mehbooba Mufti Leads Srinagar Protest Demanding Release and Return of Kashmiri Prisoners

Mehbooba Mufti Leads Srinagar Protest

former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti led a protest march in Srinagar, demanding the release and return of Kashmiri prisoners detained in jails across India. The protesters, carrying placards and raising slogans of “Bail, not Jail,” aimed to highlight the plight of detainees, many of whom Mufti claimed are innocent and denied basic constitutional rights. She accused the government of neglecting these prisoners and urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to raise the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, specifically requesting that detainees held outside Jammu and Kashmir be transferred back to the region for fair legal proceedings and family access. The march, which started at the PDP headquarters and headed toward Lal Chowk, was stopped by police. Mufti emphasized that the protest was a humanitarian effort, not a political one, and called for reforms such as speedy trials, transparent remission policies, and access to medical bail and parole to uphold prisoners’ rights.

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Jammu Police Bust Fraud Marriage Nexus in Chowki Choura, Five Arrested Including Woman Posing as Bride

Fraud Marriage Nexus

Police claimed to have busted a fraud marriage nexus in Chowki Choura, Akhnoor, on Saturday, arresting five individuals, including a woman who posed as the bride.

In a handout to GNS, the police said that on 11.08.2025, Police Station Akhnoor registered FIR No.140/2025 U/S 318(4)/82(2)/61(2) BNS after receiving a complaint regarding fraudulent marriage arrangements. The investigation was taken up by IC PP Chowki Choura, Vinay Kotwal, under the close supervision of SHO Akhnoor and SDPO Akhnoor.

As per the complaint, Deepak Kumar S/o Baldev Raj R/o Dhana Chapri, Chowki Choura approached the complainant Rashpal Chand S/o Chatru Ram R/o Dori Dager, Chowki Choura with a marriage proposal from outside the Union Territory and demanded ₹3 lakh. After the marriage was solemnized, the bride, along with other accomplices, fled within two days, thereby cheating the complainant.

Investigations revealed that the gang was operating a fraudulent nexus under the guise of a marriage bureau. The racket managed everything, including arranging the bride, priest (Pandit), and related formalities. Shortly after marriage, the bride would desert the complainant on one pretext or another.

Due to social stigma, many victims refrained from reporting such incidents. However, in this case, timely reporting led to a major breakthrough.

The five accused who have been arrested are identified as Deepak Kumar S/o Baldev Raj R/o Dhana Chapri, Chowki Choura, Vikas Kumar*S/o Netar Parkash R/o Poonch, Arun Kumar* S/o Raj Kumar R/o Bihar, Istakhar S/o Salim R/o Uttar Pradesh and Kusum Lata R/o Uttar Pradesh (Bride).

The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are not ruled out. Notably, four more similar cases have surfaced,two from Akhnoor and two from Nagrota,where inquiries are currently in progress.

The entire investigation is being closely monitored by SP Rural Jammu & SSP Jammu.

Jammu Police appeals to the public to remain vigilant against such fraudulent activities and to promptly report such incidents to the nearest police station. This nexus primarily targets vulnerable individuals, especially those who are unable to find suitable matches or are overage for marriage, reads the statement.
(GNS)

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Dr Jitendra Singh Announces IMD Regional Centre in Jammu, Reviews Relief After Kathua Cloudburst

IMD Regional Centre in Jammu

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced on Friday that a Regional Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) will soon be established in Jammu to serve the Union Territory.“National Mission has been launched for the sustainability of the Himalayan ecosystem,” the minister said during his visit to the cloudburst-affected areas in Kathua. He instructed officials to restore basic services, including water and power supply, by the evening.During his visit, Dr Singh said that an initial estimate of the losses caused by the cloudburst has been prepared. He assured that additional funds, wherever necessary, would be provided from his MPLAD Fund.The minister directed concerned officials to immediately deploy water tankers, solar lights, and medical ambulance facilities at locations difficult to access following the disaster.

He also met with affected families in Ghatti, Janglote, Bhed Blode, and Dhol Khad, assuring them of financial and material support wherever needed.Expressing appreciation for the swift response, Dr Jitendra commended the efforts of the Armed Forces, including the Indian Army, Air Force, CRPF, and the local administration, which quickly mobilised chopper services to ferry injured persons to Pathankot despite adverse weather conditions.Talking to the media, the minister said the government is committed to rehabilitating the affected families, saying the initial loss has been estimated at approximately Rs 25 crore. “The Centre is ready to extend any assistance required by the UT administration to manage the disaster,” he said.Dr Singh further said that the long-term rehabilitation costs could exceed Rs 100 crore, covering rebuilding damaged houses and providing land to those whose land was washed away in the flash floods.On the occasion, the Union Minister distributed relief materials among the victims to support their recovery efforts.

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JDA Launches Anti-Encroachment Drive in Jammu, 110 Kanal Land Retrieved

JDA Launches Anti-Encroachment Drive

The Jammu Development Authority (JDA), under the leadership of Vice Chairman Rupesh Kumar and in coordination with the District Administration, on Thursday launched a large-scale anti-encroachment operation across key locations in Jammu district. The drive focused on removing unauthorized constructions and reclaiming illegally occupied JDA land, particularly in the Sidhra, Majeen, and Rangoora areas of Tehsil Jammu Khas.

During the operation, more than 20 illegal permanent and semi-permanent structures were demolished, including newly constructed buildings and boundary walls erected without permission. Authorities noted that the targeted areas had recently seen a rise in encroachments, necessitating swift action.

As a result, approximately 110 kanal of land was successfully retrieved and brought back under official possession. To prevent fresh encroachments, fencing and warning signboards are being installed on the reclaimed land.

The demolition activities were executed smoothly with the full support of the District Administration, ensuring coordinated action across multiple sites.

Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards illegal encroachments, the JDA warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators. Citizens were strongly advised to refrain from unauthorized construction or occupation of government land.

The Authority also urged the public to verify land ownership and obtain proper approvals before initiating any construction activity, reaffirming its commitment to safeguard public land across Jammu.

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Omar Abdullah Says Survival Chances Slim in Kishtwar Cloudburst; 61 Dead, 116 Rescued as Massive Operations Continue

CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that it might be impossible to find anyone alive in the Kishtwar incident, stating that the disaster took place due to cloudburst rather than a breach of glacial lakes.

“Finding the missing persons alive now looks nearly impossible. In these circumstances, we will try to retrieve as many bodies and hand them over to their loved ones. According to the information we have received so far, the disaster that happened in Kishtwar was due to a cloudburst and not a glacial lake breach,” Omar Abdullah told reporters.

The J-K CM stated that the government will now appoint a team of experts to find out the other affected areas in the region and sought a report from them so that such incidents do not take place in the future.

“Now we have to appoint a team of experts to identify areas which might be in danger. A few months ago, the same thing was seen in Ramban, at that time the financial loss was more and the loss of life was less. This time the loss of life was more, but to avoid such a situation in future or if it arises, what steps can be taken by the government to reduce the loss, for this we will have to appoint some experts and ask for their report,” Abdullah said.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo confirmed that 61 people have lost their lives in the cloudburst and flash flood incident that occurred in the Kishtwar district, while 116 individuals have been rescued so far.

Addressing mediapersons, Chief Secretary Dulloo said, “61 people have lost their lives in the incident. Security forces and various agencies have launched a collective search and rescue operation. CISF, J&K Police, CRPF, BRO, Indian Army, and NHPC were present at the spot immediately after the incident. Almost 450 people are working there day and night in a rescue operation. 116 people have been rescued so far.”

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Deputy Inspector General (DIG) MK Yadav stated that the rescue operations are ongoing and efforts are being made to locate and save those still missing.

“Rescue operations are ongoing here, and JCB machines are also working continuously. SDRF, NDRF, local police, and CISF have all been divided into teams, zoning up the area. All agencies are working here. We are hopeful of saving more people. Other people who are missing, who are trapped inside boulders, muddy areas, we are trying our best to get them out. The situation here is better than before,” Yadav said while speaking to ANI. (ANI)

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Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary Visits Kathua Relief Camp, Assures Full Support to Cloudburst-Affected Families

Surinder Choudhary

Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary today visited the relief camp established at SIDCO Ghati Industrial Estate, Kathua to take stock of arrangements being extended to the families affected by the recent cloudburst.

The Deputy Chief Minister interacted with the displaced families, heard their concerns and assured them of full government support.

“The government stands shoulder to shoulder with the affected families in this hour of crisis. Every possible measure will be taken to ensure their immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation,” the Deputy Chief Minister said while addressing the victims at the relief camp.

During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister also inspected the nearby bridge connecting the adjoining villages of Ghati which was damaged in the incident. He directed the concerned authorities to take up immediate restoration work. “Restoration of connectivity is the top priority and the administration has been directed to execute works on war footing,” he asserted.

The Deputy Chief Minister also visited the Military Hospital Pathankot where he enquired about the well-being of the injured admitted following the Ghati cloudburst. He appreciated the timely response of the medical staff and instructed them to provide best possible treatment to the injured till their full recovery.

Later, the Deputy Chief Minister visited Government Medical College Kathua where he met the injured and families affected by cloudbursts and flashfloods at Jakhole and Janglote. He assured them that all necessary assistance including medical care and rehabilitation support, will be extended without delay.

“The safety and well-being of the people is our foremost concern. The Government will leave no stone unturned in providing relief and rebuilding the damaged infrastructure,” the Deputy Chief Minister reaffirmed.

He also directed the district administration to maintain round-the-clock monitoring in all calamity-hit areas and ensure timely assistance to the affected population.

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Indian Army Leads Swift Rescue After Kishtwar Cloudburst Hits Machail Mata Yatra Route, Over 45 Lives Lost

Machail Mata Yatra Route

In a swift and coordinated humanitarian response, the Indian Army, in close synergy with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Civil Administration and State Disaster Response Force, launched an extensive Search and Rescue Operation following a devastating cloudburst at Village Chisoti, Kishtwar, Indian Army said on Friday.

The incident occurred at about 12:45 am along the route of the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra, causing flash floods and widespread destruction in the area, which resulted in casualties of yatris and locals.

On receiving information, rescue columns from the Indian Army were immediately mobilised to the affected site. Despite the treacherous terrain, rising water levels, and debris-laden flows, troops moved with urgency to reach stranded civilians and provided lifesaving assistance, as per an official statement issued by Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, PRO and Spokesperson

Ministry of Defence, Jammu.

The Army rescue teams, equipped with specialist gear and supported by vehicles and medical personnel, evacuated survivors to safer locations and provided immediate first aid. Food, drinking water, blankets and emergency medical care were made available on the spot. Search efforts are ongoing to locate the missing, and engineering assets have been deployed to clear blocked approach routes to ensure uninterrupted relief operations, the press release stated.

A massive cloudburst on Thursday triggered a flash flood in the Chashoti area of Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, along the route of the Machail Mata Yatra, which led to the loss of over 45 lives. Rescue operations are in full swing in the area, and the victims of the tragedy are being treated in District Hospitals. (ANI)

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LG Manoj Sinha Hoists Tricolour in Srinagar, Pays Tribute to Freedom Fighters, Martyrs, and Kishtwar Cloudburst Victims

Manoj Sinha Hoists Tricolour

On the occasion of 79th Independence Day, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha hoisted and saluted the National Flag at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar. He conveyed his heartiest greetings and good wishes to all.

The Lieutenant Governor paid tributes to the freedom fighters and brave hearts of Police, Army and CAPFs. He also paid homage to the citizens who lost their lives due to the tragic cloudburst in Chashoti, Kishtwar.

“On this Independence Day, let us take a pledge that no individual or village is left out of this historic journey of peace and progress. As we watch tricolour flying high, let us look ahead with pride, confidence and hope towards a better and brighter future for UT of Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said:
“Hoisted our National Flag at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar on the occasion of 79th Independence Day. I convey my heartiest greetings and good wishes to all. This is a day we salute our tricolor and feel pride in watching it fly high in the sky.

I join every citizen in paying homage to our freedom fighters, whose undying love for Motherland secured us our freedom. I pay tribute to civilian martyrs, who were brutally killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Pahalgam on April 22.

I also thank our armed forces, our brave soldiers, security, intelligence agencies Jammu Kashmir Police and every personnel involved in ‘Operation Sindoor’ & ‘Operation Mahadev’ for their bravery and commitment to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack.

My heart also goes out to the families affected by cloudburst in Chashoti, Kishtwar. I am devastated by this natural calamity and express my condolences to the bereaved families. Relief Operations are underway on war footing.

It is our duty to wipe out every single terrorist from our sacred Motherland. While armed forces, CAPF and J&K Police are working with commitment to crush terrorism, the patriotic fervor and society’s collective effort will definitely make Jammu Kashmir terror-free.

We must work with one single aim, with one single purpose to make Jammu Kashmir strong and self-reliant in every sector. We must dedicate ourselves to attain the goal of equality and prosperity for all.

Let us rededicate ourselves to build a better life for our farmers, youth and women. Let us work towards building a prosperous rural economy and empower the working classes for societal transformation.

On this Independence Day, let us take a pledge that no individual or village is left out of this historic journey of peace and progress. As we watch tricolour flying high, let us look ahead with pride, confidence and hope towards a better and brighter future for UT of Jammu Kashmir.”

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