Latest news with #AtalDulloo
Hindustan Times
15 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
1st batch of pilgrims to leave for Amarnath cave shrine on July 2
Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha will flag off the first batch of the annual pilgrimage to Amarnath cave shrine, amid unprecedented security arrangements, from Bhagwati Nagar base camp on Wednesday morning J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha during 'aarti' of the Tawi river ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra in Jammu on Tuesday. (PTI) The first batch escorted by CRPF's commandos will leave the base camp around 4.30 am. Unprecedented security arrangements are in place this year for the pilgrimage after the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Ahead of the commencement of Amarnath Yatra from July 3, chief secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday undertook a comprehensive visit to Yatri Niwas base camp at Bhagwati Nagar to take stock of the final arrangements being made by various departments for smooth and secure conduct of the pilgrimage. Accompanied by the senior civil and police officers, Dulloo inspected all key facilities at the Yatri Niwas, one of the pivotal base camps in Jammu for the devotees. During his walkthrough of the facility, the chief secretary took a detailed assessment of the arrangements ranging from accommodation, sanitation and power supply to security and registration counters. He asked for increasing the number of registration counters to ease the process for the incoming pilgrims and minimise waiting times. He also reviewed functioning of the dedicated control room set up to monitor yatra-related activities round-the-clock. Highlighting the significance of seamless inter-departmental coordination, he later chaired a high-level meeting of officers. He stressed the importance of ensuring a glitch-free and safe experience for the pilgrims during the entire 38-day yatra period. 'Our goal is not only to ensure their safety and comfort but also to leave them with a memorable experience that they can carry home with joy,' he said. He also directed the information department to run a targeted communication campaign across the social and mass media platforms to provide real-time updates on weather, traffic and yatra advisories. Earlier, Jammu divisional commissioner Ramesh Kumar briefed him about the upgraded infrastructure and support services put in place this year. IGP, Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti, also gave a comprehensive overview of the multi-layered security grid and traffic management plan developed in coordination with other security forces. He assured that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure a safe, peaceful and well-regulated yatra this year as well. The chief secretary said he also assessed health facilities and the implementation of the RFID (radio frequency identification) system. 'All these arrangements are now in place on the ground,' he said. Over 3,500 pilgrims, including sadhus, have already arrived in Jammu city for the yatra. On Monday evening, police conducted a mock drill at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp to ensure a high level of preparedness. The security wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has taken charge of the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, while the Central Reserve Police Force is managing the security around it. Religious fervour has gripped the temple city. 'There is no fear among us. No terror attacks can ever deter us from undertaking Amarnath Yatra', said Bihari Pal, 44, a pilgrim from MP's Chatarpur. Authorities have also opened the token distribution centre at Saraswati Dham for pilgrims undertaking the Yatra by registering themselves through offline mode. 'The registration after getting the token can be completed at the centres at Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan and Mahajan Sabha opens at 7 am,' said an official. He also revealed that per day only 2,000 registrations are to be done, adding, 'The counters will close after the quota is exhausted.' Jammu divisional commissioner Ramesh Kumar had recently said that yatra would not be allowed through railways and 60 RFID centres are also established at five prominent districts in the Jammu region. 'A total of 141 lodgment centres have been established in Jammu division with adequate civic amenities and security arrangements, while 52 langars (community kitchens) and 60 RFID centres will function in Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur and Ramban districts and five registration centres with a token centre at Saraswati Dham are being made functional in Jammu. A 24×7 information help desk has been made operational to respond to queries by pilgrims and assist them throughout their stay.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
LG to flag off first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims
Jammu : The first batch of pilgrims from Jammu will leave for the 38-day Amarnath Yatra amid tight security on Wednesday. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha , who also chairs the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, will flag off the first batch. The pilgrimage will commence on July 3 from the Kashmir Valley via two tracks — the traditional 48km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14km steep route in Ganderbal district. More than 3.3 lakh devotees have already registered for this year's yatra, which will conclude on Aug 9, officials said. Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary Atal Dulloo Tuesday also took stock of the final arrangements at Yatri Niwas, one of the pivotal base camps in Jammu. He also directed the information department to run a targeted communication campaign across social and mass media platforms to provide real-time updates on weather, traffic and yatra advisories. 'The campaign will help allay doubts or apprehensions among devotees and encourage confident participation,' Dulloo said.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Nearly half of bunker funds unspent in J&K despite rising border threats
Almost half of the central government funds meant for building underground bunkers to protect border residents in Jammu and Kashmir have not been spent over the past five years, according to data shared under a Right to Information (RTI) application. The fact was brought to light at a time of growing concern about civilian safety following Operation Sindoor and heavy cross-border firing last month. Details of fund allocation and spending Responding to a Right to Information application filed by Jammu-based activist Raman Kumar, the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department said that an amount of ₹242.77 crore was given to the Union Territory administration headed by the lieutenant governor between 2020–21 and 2024–25. However, 46.58 per cent of the funds remain unspent. According to the figures shared, Rajouri district used the most funds at ₹78.05 crore, followed by Poonch (₹44.56 crore), Samba (₹42.09 crore), Kathua (₹37.20 crore), Jammu (₹17.51 crore), Kupwara (₹14.85 crore), Bandipora (₹4.33 crore), and Baramulla (₹4.15 crore). In February 2021, India and Pakistan agreed to enforce a renewed ceasefire along these borders, bringing relief to people living near the IB and LoC. The original ceasefire agreement was signed in 2003 but was frequently violated by Pakistan, with over 5,000 breaches in 2020 alone. Bunker construction plans and progress In 2018–19, the Centre approved the construction of 14,460 bunkers at a cost of ₹415.73 crore for residents facing Pakistani shelling. Of these, 7,298 were meant for the LoC areas in Poonch and Rajouri, and 7,162 for villages along the IB in Jammu, Kathua and Samba. Later, more than 4,000 additional bunkers were sanctioned for vulnerable areas in north Kashmir districts like Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said that so far, 9,500 bunkers have been built along the India–Pakistan border in the Union Territory. These bunkers have saved lives during recent shelling, although homes and livestock suffered damage. Activist expresses concern over low spending Sharing the Home Department's reply with PTI, activist Raman Kumar expressed surprise at the non-utilisation of funds during the relatively peaceful years along the borders. 'Only 53.42 per cent of the funds were utilised between 2020–21 and 2024–25,' he said. The Home Department explained: 'Total funds amounting to ₹24,277.85 lakh (₹242.778 crore) have been given by the Government of India to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir through the Finance Department, J&K, during the financial year 2020–21 till date for construction of bunkers for civilians in border districts of Jammu and Kashmir.' Funds were released as follows: ₹6,918.31 lakh in 2020–21, ₹4,170 lakh in 2021–22, ₹8,189.54 lakh in 2022–23, and ₹2,500 lakh each in 2023–24 and 2024–25. However, the reply stated that the J&K administration has spent only ₹12,967.869 lakh (₹129.678 crore) on building bunkers for civilians. The yearly spending was ₹4,881.108 lakh in 2020–21, ₹3,318.548 lakh in 2021–22, ₹2,275.313 lakh in 2022–23, ₹846.64 lakh in 2023–24, and ₹1,646.26 lakh in 2024–25. Civilian casualties during recent shelling A total of 27 people, mostly civilians, lost their lives and 70 were injured in intense Pakistani shelling and drone attacks on forward villages in Jammu and Kashmir. This followed missile strikes by Indian armed forces on terror infrastructure across the border during the night of May 6 and 7, under Operation Sindoor, launched to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 25 tourists and a local service provider. Poonch and Rajouri saw most of the civilian casualties, leading to renewed calls for building more safety bunkers along the borders. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited affected areas soon after the ceasefire was restored on May 10. He promised a new policy to build individual bunkers. 'Community bunkers had been built, but they were not used for so long. No new bunker has come up in many years. Wherever I went, people said we should build individual bunkers,' he said. 'The government will frame a policy on that, and a scheme will be formulated for the people in these areas which are closer to the LoC and the border, and that would then be taken up with the central government,' he added. He stressed that community bunkers remain essential. 'We will ensure the construction of more such safer spaces to protect and support our people living in border areas,' he said.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Nearly half of central funds for border bunkers in J&K lie unused, reveals RTI
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has not utilised nearly half of the central funds allocated for building underground bunkers for border residents over the last five years, according to information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application. The revelation comes amid heightened calls for civilian safety, following last month's Operation Sindoor and the intense cross-border shelling. Responding to the Right To Information application filed by Jammu-based activist Raman Kumar, the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department said, an amount of ₹242.77 crore was given to the Union Territory administration headed by the Lt Governor between 2020-21 and 2024-25. However, 46.58% of the money remains unspent. It said Rajouri district accounted for the highest utilisation of funds to the tune of ₹78.05 crore followed by Poonch (₹44.56 crore), Samba (₹42.09 crore), Kathua (₹37.20 crore), Jammu (₹17.51 crore), Kupwara (₹14.85 crore), Bandipora (₹4.33 crore) and Baramulla (₹4.15 crore). India shares a 3,323-km border with Pakistan, of which 221 km of the International Border (IB) and 744 km of the Line of Control (LoC) fall in Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre initially sanctioned the construction of 14,460 individual and community bunkers for ₹415.73 crore for border residents facing Pakistani shelling along the LoC and the IB in 2018-19. While 7,298 bunkers were sanctioned for the population along the LoC in the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri, 7,162 underground bunkers got approved for villages along the IB in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts. Later, the government sanctioned more than 4,000 bunkers to cover a more vulnerable population, including the areas falling in the north Kashmir districts of Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara. According to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, so far, 9,500 bunkers have been set up along the India-Pakistan border in the Union Territory. The bunkers proved to be a lifesaver for the border residents during the intense Pakistani shelling last month, minimising human loss, even as massive damage was caused to residential houses, besides the loss of livestock. Sharing the reply of the Home Department with PTI here, Mr. Kumar expressed surprise over the non-utilisation of funds during the relatively peaceful years along the borders. "Only 53.42% of the funds were utilised between 2020-21 and 2024-25," he said. The Home Department said, "Total funds amounting to ₹24,277.85 lakh (₹242.778 crore) have been given by the government of India to the government of Jammu and Kashmir through the Finance Department, J&K during the financial year 2020-21 till date for construction of bunkers for civilians in border districts of Jammu and Kashmir." It said, an amount of ₹6,918.31 was released for 2020-21, ₹4,170 for 2021-22, ₹8,189.54 for 2022-23 and ₹2,500 each for 2023-24 and 2024-25. However, the reply said that the J&K administration has only spent ₹12,967.869 lakh (₹129.678 crore) for the construction of bunkers for civilians -- ₹4,881.108 lakh in 2020-21, ₹3,318.548 lakh in 2021-22, ₹2,275.313 lakh in 2022-23, ₹846.64 lakh in 2023-24, and ₹1,646.26 lakh in 2024-25. A total of 27 people, mostly civilians, lost their lives and 70 were injured in intense Pakistani shelling and drone attacks on forward villages in Jammu and Kashmir after Indian armed forces launched missile strikes on terror infrastructure across the border during the intervening night of May 6 and 7 under Operation Sindoor to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 25 tourists and a local service provider dead. Poonch and Rajouri accounted for most of the civilian casualties, prompting requests for the construction of more safety bunkers along the borders. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the shelling-hit areas in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions within two days after India and Pakistan reached an understanding to halt military actions with immediate effect on May 10. He asserted that his government will formulate a policy to build individual bunkers for the people. "Community bunkers had been built, but they were not used for so long. No new bunker has come up in many years. Wherever I went, people said we should build individual bunkers," he said. "The government will frame a policy on that, and a scheme will be formulated for the people in these areas which are closer to the LoC and the border, and that would then be taken up with the central government," he added. He said the community bunkers are a lifeline during moments of crisis. "We will ensure the construction of more such safer spaces to protect and support our people living in border areas," he said.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Nearly half of ₹243 crore bunker funds in J&K lie unused, RTI reveals alarming gaps
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has not utilised nearly half of the central funds allocated for building underground bunkers for border residents over the last five years, according to information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application. The revelation comes amid heightened calls for civilian safety, following last month's Operation Sindoor and the intense cross-border shelling. Responding to the Right To Information application filed by Jammu-based activist Raman Kumar, the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department said, an amount of Rs 242.77 crore was given to the Union Territory administration headed by the Lt Governor between 2020-21 and 2024-25. However, 46.58 per cent of the money remains unspent. It said Rajouri district accounted for the highest utilisation of funds to the tune of Rs 78.05 crore followed by Poonch (Rs 44.56 crore), Samba (Rs 42.09 crore), Kathua (37.20 crore), Jammu (17.51 crore), Kupwara (Rs 14.85 crore), Bandipora (Rs 4.33 crore) and Baramulla (Rs 4.15 crore). India shares a 3,323-km border with Pakistan, of which 221 km of the International Border (IB) and 744 km of the Line of Control (LoC) fall in Jammu and Kashmir. Live Events On February 25, 2021, India and Pakistan announced the implementation of a renewed ceasefire along the borders of Jammu and Kashmir, which came as a major relief to the people living along the IB and the LoC. India and Pakistan had initially signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but Pakistan frequently violated the agreement, with more than 5,000 violations reported in 2020 -- the highest in a single year. The Centre initially sanctioned the construction of 14,460 individual and community bunkers for Rs 415.73 crore for border residents facing Pakistani shelling along the LoC and the IB in 2018-19. While 7,298 bunkers were sanctioned for the population along the LoC in the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri, 7,162 underground bunkers got approved for villages along the IB in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts. Later, the government sanctioned more than 4,000 bunkers to cover a more vulnerable population, including the areas falling in the north Kashmir districts of Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara. According to Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary Atal Dulloo, so far, 9,500 bunkers have been set up along the India-Pakistan border in the Union Territory. The bunkers proved to be a lifesaver for the border residents during the intense Pakistani shelling last month, minimising human loss, even as massive damage was caused to residential houses, besides the loss of livestock. Sharing the reply of the Home Department with PTI here, Kumar expressed surprise over the non-utilisation of funds during the relatively peaceful years along the borders. "Only 53.42 per cent of the funds were utilised between 2020-21 and 2024-25," he said. The Home Department said, "Total funds amounting to Rs 24,277.85 lakh (Rs 242.778 crore) have been given by the government of India to the government of Jammu and Kashmir through the Finance Department J&K during the financial year 2020-21 till date for construction of bunkers for civilians in border districts of Jammu and Kashmir." It said, an amount of Rs 6,918.31 was released for 2020-21, Rs 4,170 for 2021-22, Rs 8,189.54 for 2022-23 and Rs 2,500 each for 2023-24 and 2024-25. However, the reply said that the J&K administration has only spent Rs 12,967.869 lakh (Rs 129.678 crore) for the construction of bunkers for civilians -- Rs 4,881.108 lakh in 2020-21, Rs 3,318.548 lakh in 2021-22, Rs 2,275.313 lakh in 2022-23, Rs 846.64 lakh in 2023-24, and Rs 1,646.26 lakh in 2024-25. A total of 27 people, mostly civilians, lost their lives and 70 were injured in intense Pakistani shelling and drone attacks on forward villages in Jammu and Kashmir after Indian armed forces launched missile strikes on terror infrastructure across the border during the intervening night of May 6 and 7 under Operation Sindoor to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 25 tourists and a local service provider dead. Poonch and Rajouri accounted for most of the civilian casualties, prompting requests for the construction of more safety bunkers along the borders. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the shelling-hit areas in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions within two days after India and Pakistan reached an understanding to halt military actions with immediate effect on May 10. He asserted that his government will formulate a policy to build individual bunkers for the people. "Community bunkers had been built, but they were not used for so long. No new bunker has come up in many years. Wherever I went, people said we should build individual bunkers," he said. "The government will frame a policy on that, and a scheme will be formulated for the people in these areas which are closer to the LoC and the border, and that would then be taken up with the central government," he added. He said the community bunkers are a lifeline during moments of crisis. "We will ensure the construction of more such safer spaces to protect and support our people living in border areas," he said.
