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POONCH, NOVEMBER 12: The District Administration Poonch organized a mass singing of “Vande Mataram” at Parade Park, celebrating the spirit of patriotism and unity.

A large number of people from various walks of life participated in the event, including members of the Bar Association, business community, government employees and civil society representatives.

The event was held under the supervision of the Additional Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Poonch, who represented the administration and led the proceedings.

Participants enthusiastically joined in the rendition of the national song, creating a vibrant and emotional atmosphere across the park.

Speaking on the occasion, the ACR appreciated the active participation of citizens and emphasized the importance of such events in promoting harmony and national pride.

He urged everyone to uphold the values of peace, brotherhood, and unity.

The event concluded with cheers of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, reflecting the patriotic fervor of the gathering.

The District Administration thanked all participants and contributors for making the program a grand success.

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POONCH, OCTOBER 14: The Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) Poonch successfully hosted the Inter District Division Level Competitions in the disciplines of Hockey (AAG Boys & Girls) and Under-17 Girls Football as part of the YSS Activity Calendar 2025–26. The Hockey events were held at the Hockey Astro Turf, while the Football matches took place at the Sports Stadium.

The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik who formally declared the competitions open. 

Addressing the young athletes, he motivated them with the inspiring message, “Say no to drugs, yes to sports,” and praised the Department for its continuous efforts in promoting youth engagement and sportsmanship across the district.

The competitions were organized under the leadership of Director General Youth Services and Sports, J&K Anuradha Gupta and the guidance of Joint Director DYSS Jammu Vinakshi Koul. The entire event was conducted under the supervision of District YSS officer Mohammad Qasim. 

The Directorate had constituted a selection Committee for both Hockey and Football events. The Committee maintained a transparent and confidential selection process, ensuring that the best-performing players were chosen to represent at the next level of competition.

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POONCH OCTOBER 14:  Government Degree College (GDC) Surankote in collaboration with the Land Resources Division of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi organized a One-Day National Seminar on Disaster Risk Reduction on the college campus today. The event, held in hybrid mode with online and offline participation marked the observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR). The seminar aimed to raise awareness among youth about disaster resilience, preparedness and environmental sustainability. 

The seminar, themed “Youth for Resilient Pir Panjal: Reducing Disaster Risks through Awareness, Action and Preparedness,” focused on engaging students and academic professionals in proactive measures for reducing disaster risks in the Pir Panjal region. The event encouraged youth to act as advocates of climate action and sustainable living, aligning with the national vision of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). 

   Member Legislative Assembly Er Chowdhary Mohammad Akram was the Chief Guest. The programme featured lectures by distinguished speakers including Dr. Arif Wali (Associate Director, Land Resources Division, TERI), Prof. Shabir Hussain Shah (retired college Principal) and  Jhanghir Hussain Mir (Environmental Thinker and Activist). Several members of the local community and social organisations were also present, with students actively engaged in discussions, made the sessions interactive and impactful.

The seminar started with the recitation of the National Anthem, followed by a welcome address by Prof. Fateh Mohammad Abasi, Head of the Department of Zoology. He welcomed guests and participants, while lauding the joint efforts of GDC Surankote and TERI for promoting academic exchange and community awareness on disaster management and environmental resilience.

In his address, the Chief Guest   Chowdhary Mohammad Akram, an engineer by profession, analysed the root causes of frequent landslides and erosion hazards in the Pir Panjal region. He highlighted the impact of deforestation, poor drainage and unscientific urban planning on terrain instability. He advocated for slope strengthening, eco-friendly infrastructure and resilient land-use strategies. The Chief Guest appreciated Prof. (Dr.) Rani Mughal, Principal GDC Surankote for hosting such a significant seminar on disaster risk reduction and ensuring that the college continues to engage in meaningful environmental discourses. He assured full governmental support in strengthening community-based disaster preparedness and integrating scientific inputs into local development planning. 

In his virtual address, Dr. Arif Wali offered an in-depth overview of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and discussed the growing impact of greenhouse gases on global ecosystem. He highlighted the concept of carbon trading and shared successful community-led resilience stories from the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve.

Dr. Wali emphasised that investing in prevention and preparedness is far more beneficial than post-disaster recovery, urging young people to adopt science-based climate solutions and become leaders of local adaptation initiatives. 

Prof. Shabir Hussain Shah discussed the growing environmental challenges in the Rajouri-Poonch region, particularly illegal mining, poor land management and unplanned urbanization. He drew special attention towards the Surankote river belt, where increasing soil erosion has turned river water red, posing a grave threat to future agricultural productivity. He stressed that soil conservation must be prioritized to prevent long-term ecological decline. Prof Shah urged the policymakers and intellectuals to collaborate for sustainable development and environmental protection across the Pir Panjal range. 

Er. Zia Ur Rehman, an expert in Soil Mechanics and Foundations, elaborated on soil stability and consolidation, citing case studies from Kalaban and Mendhar. He explained that unchecked deforestation and unregulated construction weaken soil cohesion, increasing the risk of landslides. He asserted that scientific land-use planning, environmental impact assessments and soil testing must become mandatory before any developmental project in mountainous areas. 

  Nazir Hussain Qureshi emphasized the need for conserving natural resources-especially water-and promoting sustainable housing designs suited to local topography. He called for responsible use of resources, proper watershed management and environmentally conscious construction practices to ensure harmony between human development and nature. 

Students presented their papers on the theme “Youth for Resilient Pir Panjal: Reducing Disaster Risks through Awareness, Action and Preparedness”, addressing environmental conservation, climate change adaptation and community-based disaster management. 

The panel of judges included HOD Geography Dr. Ashfaq Mughal; HOD Physics Prof. Rizwan khan; Assistant professor Department of Zoology Dr Prince Sharma.

 First Position was bagged by Syed Tahir Sajad from semester first while second and third positions were secured by Adrees Ahmed Rather and Asma Badar respectively.  Moreover, Kalam of Alama Iqbal also added a cultural and thoughtful dimension to the day’s proceedings. 

  Jhanghir Hussain Mir in his talk linked environmental consciousness with moral and spiritual responsibility, drawing inspiration from the story of Hazrat Nuh (A.S.). He urged the audience to adopt sustainable lifestyles and pressed for investing in renewable energy-particularly solar and wind power projects at Pir Ki Gali.  He also paid tribute to late M.B Mughal, describing him as “a great environmentalist” and a lifelong inspiration for community service and environmental preservation. 

Delivering the closing address, Prof. (Dr.) Rani Mughal, Principal of GDC Surankote, expressed her delight over the active collaboration with TERI and the enthusiastic participation of the participants. She remarked that disaster management should move “from a reactive response system to a proactive culture of learning, awareness and preparedness.”

Prof. Abdul Karim delivered the Vote of Thanks, extending gratitude to all dignitaries, guests and participants for their valuable contributions.

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DC, SSP join celebrations at Sports Stadium

  POONCH, OCTOBER 2: On the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, a grand celebration was held at the Sports Stadium Poonch. Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police Shafaket Hussain Bhat, Additional Superintendent of Police Mohan Lal along with several other civil and police officials attended the celebration.

The event began with a special Pooja in reverence of the cultural and spiritual essence of the festival, which was followed by the ceremonial burning of the effigy of Ravan, symbolizing the eternal victory of good over evil.

The Deputy Commissioner and SSP extended warm wishes to the people of Poonch. They highlighted the significance of Dussehra in promoting unity, peace and the rich cultural heritage of the Country.

The celebration drew large crowds from across the district, with families and friends coming together to witness the vibrant festivities. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm, joy and community spirit marking a successful and memorable Dussehra celebration.

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POONCH, SEPTEMBER 26: As part of the ongoing “Sewa Parv” celebrations (17th September to 2nd October), the Municipal Council Poonch in collaboration with the Forest Protection Force organised a plantation drive, here at the Children’s Municipal Park.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from officers, staff, media colleagues and members of the public.

Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Pankaj Magotra was the Chief Guest. He lauded the initiative and emphasized the importance of people’s involvement in creating and preserving green spaces for the community.

Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Mohammad Sayeed along with the government functionaries from the Forest Protection Force also took part in the drive and highlighted the significance of such activities in combating environmental challenges.

 At the end, Executive Officer MC Khalil A. Banday expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, officers, media representatives and citizens who joined the effort and urged everyone to nurture the saplings planted during the drive.

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Shobha Yatra Reflects Cultural Heritage of Poonch

POONCH, AUGUST 16: Krishna Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, was celebrated with devotion in Poonch today.

The celebrations were attended by Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Shafket Hussain Bhat, along with senior district officials.

Addressing the gathering at Geeta Bhavan, the Deputy Commissioner extended greetings to the people of Poonch. He praised the spirit of harmony and brotherhood among the devotees and emphasised the importance of unity during culturally significant events.

Prominent citizens, religious leaders and SSP Poonch Shafket Hussain Bhat also addressed the gathering, appreciating the peaceful and joyous environment of the celebrations.

A Shobha Yatra was taken out from Shree Geeta Bhavan, featuring tableaux and traditional performances reflecting cultural heritage and devotion to Lord Krishna. The Deputy Commissioner, SSP and other officials joined the procession, expressing solidarity with the community.

The day’s festivities began with a sacred pooja followed by an Akhand Kirtan, where devotional hymns echoed throughout the temple premises. The Shobha Yatra passed through the main streets of Poonch city, drawing large crowds. Local residents lined the route, offering refreshments to participants.

Thousands of devotees from across the district and neighbouring areas joined the celebrations, making the occasion spiritually significant for the community.

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POONCH, AUGUST 14: District Poonch today witnessed a grand Tiranga rally under the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. The rally was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma from the Natu Auditorium, with participation from people from all walks of life.

The rally followed a route through DC Office Chowk, Purani Poonch, Bus Stand and Nakha Wala Chowk, concluding at the Sports Stadium, Poonch. Participants waved the Tricolour and chanted patriotic slogans throughout the march.

The event was attended by the Additional District Development Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, senior district officials, police and security personnel, students from various institutions, prominent citizens and members of the public.

The Deputy Commissioner praised the enthusiasm of participants and highlighted the role of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign in instilling patriotic values among youth and the wider community.

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Mankote Block in Poonch Secures National Rank


POONCH, AUGUST 01: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today lauded the district administration Poonch and the local community including PRIs for their collective efforts in driving remarkable development in Block Mankote, which has earned national recognition under NITI Aayog’s flagship Aspirational Block Programme (ABP).

Addressing a felicitation ceremony organized by the district administration at Dak Bungalow, Poonch, Rana celebrated the transformational achievements of Mankote Block, which, he said, has emerged as a leading example of successful grassroots governance and community-driven development.

The Minister underscored that Mankote’s rise, from a remote, underserved block to one of the top-performing blocks in the country, epitomizes the power of focused implementation, responsive administration and local participation.

“Mankote’s journey is not only a story of impressive rankings, it is a story of determination, of resilience and of belief. It reflects the commitment of our frontline workers, the synergy between the departments and the faith of the people that development must be inclusive, equitable and far-reaching,” the Minister said.

He highlighted that the transformation was significantly accelerated during the 90 days focused saturation campaign that aimed to achieve key development milestones across priority sectors such as health, nutrition, education, agriculture and financial inclusion.

The campaign was marked by high-level interdepartmental coordination and robust community engagement, resulting in measurable improvements on the ground.

Rana proudly noted that Mankote Block had secured the 9th rank among 500 Aspirational Blocks across the country and the top position in the Jammu Division, a feat that can be described as a “milestone in Poonch’s development trajectory.”

However, the Minister cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that the recognition should serve as a springboard for deeper and more sustained development.

“This is not the end, it’s the beginning of a renewed mission. Let this achievement inspire us to push further, reach higher and ensure that every household, especially in border and far-flung areas, feels the impact of governance. We must carry forward this momentum with greater integrity, inclusiveness and innovation,” he said.


Reiterating the Omar Abdullah-led Government’s unwavering commitment to rural transformation, Rana called for strengthening the institutional support for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), fostering convergence among line departments and investing in long-term sustainable livelihood models.

He affirmed that his ministries would provide full support in scaling up such transformative efforts to other underdeveloped blocks in the district.

The felicitation event was not only a celebration of Mankote’s accomplishments but also a moment of reflection and commitment, a call to uphold the spirit of participatory governance and citizen-centric development.

The Minister personally acknowledged the contributions of frontline workers, PRIs, departmental officials and civil society leaders who played a pivotal role in the block’s rise.

District Development Commissioner Poonch, Vikas Kundal, appreciated all the stakeholders and assured to continue building upon the momentum generated through the Aspirational Block Programme.

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Rana launches Akaanksha Haat in Poonch


POONCH, AUGUST 01: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated the Akaanksha Haat, a landmark initiative aimed at fostering rural enterprises and empowering grassroots communities across the region.

The launching event saw enthusiastic participation from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), local artisans, government officials and members of the public, marking a significant stride towards inclusive and sustainable rural development.

Established under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), the Akaanksha Haat has been conceptualised as a dedicated platform for SHGs and rural artisans to display, promote and sell their products.

The initiative is rooted in the core objectives of promoting rural entrepreneurship, advancing women’s empowerment and enhancing livelihood opportunities in border and tribal areas.

During the inaugural ceremony, the Minister visited a diverse range of stalls showcasing handmade textiles, eco-friendly crafts, organic produce and processed local foods.

Rana appreciated the creativity, craftsmanship and cultural richness reflected in the exhibits and commended the artisans for their dedication towards preserving regional traditions.

Reaffirming the Omar led government’s commitment to grassroots economic development, the Minister emphasized the importance of creating sustainable market linkages for rural producers, particularly women-led SHGs. He observed that such efforts are vital for achieving long-term economic self-reliance among rural households.

He said Akaanksha Haat is envisioned not merely as a physical marketplace but as a dynamic and sustainable ecosystem that directly connects the rural producers with consumers and institutional buyers.

By offering a permanent marketing platform, the government aims to reduce dependency on intermediaries, broaden income streams and foster financial inclusion at the grassroots level.

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POONCH, MAY 04: In a significant gathering aimed at fostering community engagement, the Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Vikas Kundal and Senior Superintendent of Police Shafakat Hussain chaired a meeting with civil society members in  Sub Division Surankote to discuss pressing developmental issues and promote communal harmony.

In the meeting, SDM Farooq Khan, Tehsildar,  Akbar Hussain, SDPO, Aijaz Choudhary besides Executive Engineers and other concerned officers were present   to address the local issues.

The meeting served as a vital platform for community feedback, where local leaders and residents called for effective implementation of social welfare schemes, measures to augment water supply, improvement of medical facilities, upgrading of roads and blacktopping.

The Deputy Commissioner patiently listened to the issues raised during the meeting and issued on-the-spot directions to the concerned officers to resolve all genuine concerns. He assured attendees that their issues would be prioritized and addressed promptly.

Deputy Commissioner, Vikas Kundal emphasized the importance of unity among community members, urging them to collaborate with the administration to tackle challenges effectively. 

SSP Shafakat Hussain highlighted the need for safety and security, calling for collaborative efforts to build a peaceful community. He encouraged residents to report any untoward incidents to the authorities, so that proactive measures can be taken.

This meeting marks a step forward in strengthening the relationship between the administration and the public, fostering a cooperative spirit to enhance local conditions and maintain communal harmony.

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POONCH, MAY 03: A meeting was convened today by Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Vikas Kundal and Senior Superintendent of Police Shafakat Hussain, bringing together civil society members to discuss pressing developmental challenges in the Sub Division Mendhar. The gathering served as a platform for community feedback and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing local conditions.

In attendance were local SDM Imran Kataria, Tehsildar Rahul Basotra, Executive Engineers, SDPO, SHO and  other officers.

Participants voiced a range of concerns, seeking augmentation of water supply, rationalization of ration depots, adequate medical facilities, and other developmental needs.

The meeting emphasized the importance of unity and communal harmony, with attendees reaffirming their commitment to support the administration in addressing these challenges. Deputy Commissioner attentively listened to the concerns raised, assuring participants that their issues would be prioritized. He highlighted the administration's dedication to the district’s development and the critical role of cooperation in fostering communal harmony.

SSP stressed the importance of safety and security for all residents, calling for collaboration as a fundamental element in building a peaceful community.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to work together for the betterment of the district ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and acted upon.

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POONCH, MAY 02: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Vikas Kundal today interacted with top scorers of class 12 and class 10 Board exams, the results of which were recently declared.

The students with 95% marks met with DC at his office. He congratulated the students for their exceptional academic achievements and praised their dedication and hardwork.

The DC lauded the government schools in providing quality education and nurturing the potential of students, even in the face of various challenges. He acknowledged the efforts of teachers and parents who supported the students throughout their academic journeys.

In Class 10th exams, the toppers included Shabana Mirze from GHSS Girls Surankote, who scored 491 marks (98.2%); Tabassam Latief Paswal, also from GHSS Girls Surankote, with 485 marks (97%) and Arzoo Asif Manhas from GHS Jaranwali Gali, who achieved 483 marks (96.6%).

The Class 12th toppers include Mohammad Motayoub from GHSS Fatehpur with 478 marks (95.6%); Iqra Qureshi from GHSS Girls Surankote with 477 marks (95.4%); and Vanshika Bali from GHSS Girls Poonch, with476 marks (95.2%).

District Education and Planning Officer (DEPO) Mukhtar Manhas announced that a formal felicitation ceremony will be held soon to honor these outstanding students.

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POONCH, APRIL 20: To strengthen the delivery of agricultural services  at the grassroots level, District Development Commissioner  Vikas Kundal today inaugurated  Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) established under Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) in five panchayats of Kanuyian, Dara Dhullian Lower, Bhainch, Sathra, and Ajote.

A total of 100 Kisan Khidmat Ghars have been approved for Poonch district under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme project  ‘Innovative Extension in Agriculture Approaches’. 

These newly inaugurated centres are poised to serve as vital touch points for the farming community thus bridging the gap between the Agriculture Department and farmers paving further reinforcement of the extension framework in the district.

While 2 KKGs at Jhullas (Poonch) and Dhrana (Mendhar) were established in the Phase-I, the remaining 98 are being set up in the Phase-II. The randomly selected 5 KKGs inaugurated today form the part of the second phase. These KKGs will act as one-stop facilitation hubs for the farming community offering timely and seamless delivery of agriculture-related services, including registrations on Kisan Sathi, Daksh Sathi enrolment, e-KYC, soil health advisory, farmer and farm registration, scheme guidance, weather-based advisories,  training support etc.

 Speaking on the occasion, the District Development Commissioner commended the Agriculture Department for successfully operationalizing the Kisan Khidmat Ghars in the far flung and remote panchayats ensuring easy access to vital services for farmers. He underscored that the initiative is not just about service delivery but also for promoting entrepreneurship and creating employment avenues for rural unemployed youth.

He encouraged the Krishi Udyamis to work with dedication and zeal as they  serve as the first point of contact for farmers seeking agriculture services. He further instructed to facilitate the issuance of Input Licences of seed, fertilizer and pesticide to them on priority basis. This will enable Krishi Udyamis to operate as authorized input dealers at the doorstep of the farmers thereby promoting agri-based entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.

The District Development Commissioner was accompanied by District officers of Agriculture, Horticulture and Allied Departments. Sub Divisional Agriculture officer Poonch and concerned Agriculture Extension Officers were also present during the inauguration.

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