Says recent snowfall positive sign for record tourist influx
Announces major plan for drug de-addiction
Srinagar, Jan 01: Entering 2026 with renewed optimism after a challenging 2025, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Thursday outlined the administration’s developmental priorities, calling for consolidating growth, reviving tourism, empowering youth, and promoting sustainability across the Valley.
Garg said the recent snowfall in Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam has been a positive sign, with expectations of a record tourist influx this year. He said the administration is fully prepared to support stakeholders in this regard.
Speaking to a select group of media persons at his office, the Div Com, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects. “Key projects under the Public Works Department are progressing rapidly. The Noor Jahan Bridge and Sanat Nagar Flyover have enhanced Srinagar’s connectivity. Work on the Ring Road and the Srinagar–Baramulla–Uri highway is advancing swiftly. The completion of the Awantipora stretch this year will significantly ease travel in South Kashmir,” he said.
He discussed reforms in the water and power sectors under the Jal Jeevan Mission and RDSS. “Many areas in Srinagar are receiving 24×7 power this winter, with metering now complete. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has benefited hundreds of households by reducing electricity bills through solar energy,” Garg added.
Regarding youth and drug de-addiction initiatives, the Div Com announced a comprehensive two-year plan under the Chief Secretary’s guidance. “A dedicated online portal will integrate youth programmes related to sports, culture, and entrepreneurship across all 20 districts, enabling young people aged 16–30 to access opportunities with a single click,” he said.
Garg said an extensive de-addiction campaign is also underway. “Counsellors are being trained at the Primary Healthcare level by GMC Srinagar, SKIMS, and IMHANS. All 72 colleges and schools are appointing nodal teachers for awareness training, and coaching centres are being involved to identify and rehabilitate vulnerable students,” he said.
On food safety, he reaffirmed zero tolerance. “Food safety officers will conduct regular inspections at the block level. We have intensified enforcement, seized unlabelled or unsafe items, and imposed heavy penalties,” he said. Measures such as mandatory glass shields at meat shops are being enforced to prevent contamination, with strict action taken against violators.
Addressing environmental concerns, the Divisional Commissioner called for collective responsibility, saying that maintaining air and water quality is everyone’s duty, as underlined by the Chief Minister. “Proper waste disposal, traffic discipline, and industrial compliance are essential. Industries and brick kilns have been directed to install exhaust treatment systems, and pollution checks for vehicles are being carried out regularly,” he said.
He reiterated the importance of balanced urban-rural development under the ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas’ vision. “Progress depends on societal participation. Our goal is holistic growth across sectors like health, infrastructure, power, and tourism,” he said.
The Div Com urged citizens and media to continue providing constructive feedback. “Every initiative needs refinement, and public input is vital. Our offices are open for all,” he concluded. (KNO)
