The Quick Update

J&K Government Standardises Building Permission Fee, Ends Rate Disparities


₹80/Sq M for Residential, ₹150/Sq M for Mixed-Use & ₹270/Sq M for Commercial Buildings Across UT

Srinagar, July 29: In a significant move aimed at streamlining the building approval process, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has introduced a uniform building permission fee structure across the Union Territory, replacing the varying rates that existed across different urban local bodies and development authorities.

The decision, formalised through an order issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department on July 29, 2026, seeks to ensure greater transparency, consistency and ease of compliance in the building permission process.

Under the revised fee structure, residential houses and housing colonies will be charged ₹80 per square metre, while commercial and institutional buildings, including shops, offices, industrial units, hospitals, schools and other public establishments, will attract a fee of ₹270 per square metre.

Mixed-use buildings combining residential and commercial purposes will be charged ₹150 per square metre, whereas religious structures have been granted complete exemption from the building permission fee.

The government has also standardised construction debris and waste management charges, fixing them at ₹3,000 for residential buildings and ₹10,000 for all other categories. Additionally, any construction undertaken without prior permission will attract a compounding fee equivalent to 40 percent of the applicable building permission fee, over and above the standard charges.

According to the official order, the revised rates will be uniformly applicable across all Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Municipal Committees and Development Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir.

The fee will be calculated on the total approved built-up area and collected exclusively through the online Building Permission System (OBPS).

The order further stipulates that no Urban Local Body or Development Authority shall revise or alter these charges without the prior approval of the Housing and Urban Development Department, ensuring a single, standardised framework across the Union Territory.

The government said the reform is intended to eliminate disparities in fee structures, enhance transparency, simplify the approval process and establish a uniform regulatory mechanism for construction-related permissions throughout Jammu and Kashmir.

Rights Lost on August 5 Can Be Restored Only Through Dialogue, Not Confrontation: Altaf Bukhari

Mehbooba M***i's Apology Should Close Jantar Mantar Row; Scores of Prominent Individuals from Sopore Join Apni Party

Srinagar, July 29: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday asserted that the constitutional and political rights Jammu and Kashmir lost on August 5, 2019, cannot be restored through protests or confrontation, but only through sustained consultation, constructive dialogue and a clearly defined roadmap.

Addressing reporters after a joining programme at the party headquarters in Srinagar, Bukhari reiterated that August 5 remains a "dark day" for Jammu and Kashmir and will continue to be so until the rights of its people are restored. He, however, maintained that the path to restoring these rights lies in meaningful engagement rather than confrontation.

"We firmly believe that the Government of India and the people of Jammu and Kashmir need to engage in dialogue. Genuine public aspirations, including the restoration of statehood, Articles 370 and 35A, the release of prisoners, employment opportunities and other pressing concerns, deserve serious attention through consultation and a well-defined roadmap," he said.

Bukhari also made it clear that Apni Party would support any political initiative that sincerely seeks to address these core public issues, irrespective of political differences.

Responding to a question regarding PDP president Mehbooba M***i's controversial remarks at Jantar Mantar and her subsequent apology, Bukhari said that since she had apologised for her offensive comments, the matter should now be considered closed.

Commenting on the political landscape in Jammu, he alleged that the BJP had mobilised Hindu voters during the 2024 Assembly elections by invoking religious sentiments. He added, however, that a significant section of the Hindu community in the region now appears to recognise that such politics is detrimental to the broader interests of Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, the Apni Party welcomed a delegation of prominent political and social activists from Sopore into its fold. Senior party leader and Chairman of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Mohammad Dilawar Mir, described Sopore as a town of immense historical and political significance whose prominence must be restored.

He urged the youth to play a leading role in reclaiming Sopore's legacy and emphasised that securing a better future for the younger generation remains one of the greatest responsibilities before society. He stressed the need to create opportunities that enable young people to build prosperous and meaningful lives.

Among those who joined the Apni Party were Mohammad Ramzan Malik, Irshad Ahmad Ganai, Javaid Mohammad Mir, Mohammad Hussain Wandru, Mubashir Ahad Wani, Hilal Ahmad Sheikh, Firdous Ahmad Mir and Rifaz Ahmad Lone, along with their supporters and associates.

The joining programme was attended by several senior party leaders, including Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir, Chief Spokesperson and State Secretary Muntazir Mohiudin, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, State Youth President Yawar Dilawar Mir and other office-bearers, who extended a warm welcome to the new entrants.

Muzaffar Shah Condemns Killing of Over 30 Civilians in PoJK, Seeks Immediate GoI Intervention

Calls for J&K All Party Meeting Over PoJK Bloodshed; Says 'Voices Cannot Be Silenced Through the Barrel of a Gun'

Srinagar, July 29: J&K Awami National Conference Senior Vice President Muzaffar Shah on Wednesday strongly condemned the brutal killings of more than 30 civilians and the injuries sustained by nearly 200 others during the ongoing crackdown in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir, describing the violence as a grave humanitarian tragedy and a shocking assault on fundamental human rights.

Expressing profound anguish over the bloodshed, Shah said the continued use of live ammunition, tear gas and pellet guns against unarmed civilians protesting for their economic, political and social rights represents an unacceptable abuse of state power.

He said the systematic suppression of peaceful voices through force has created an atmosphere of fear and repression that demands immediate attention from the international community.

Calling upon the Government of India to take urgent cognisance of the rapidly deteriorating situation, Shah urged New Delhi to intervene through all appropriate diplomatic and humanitarian channels and unequivocally stand with the people of PoJK.

He said India has a moral responsibility to raise the issue forcefully and ensure that the plight of the people across the Line of Control receives the attention it deserves.

The senior ANC leader also called for an immediate All Party Meeting in Jammu and Kashmir, urging political parties to rise above political differences and collectively deliberate on the unfolding crisis.

He said a united political response would send a powerful message of solidarity with the people of PoJK and reaffirm Jammu and Kashmir's commitment to defending human rights and democratic values.

Shah said the killing of more than 30 civilians and the injuries inflicted upon nearly 200 others cannot be viewed as an isolated law and order issue but as a grave violation of the people's fundamental rights. He maintained that every citizen has the right to peacefully express grievances and demand economic justice, political representation and equitable access to local resources without facing violent repression.

Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and those injured in the crackdown, Shah said the people of PoJK have endured prolonged deprivation and deserve justice, dignity and the freedom to peacefully articulate their aspirations.

He asserted that silencing public dissent through violence only deepens public resentment and further undermines the prospects for peace and stability in the region.

Reaffirming the Awami National Conference's commitment to the defence of human rights, Shah urged GoI, the democratic institutions and the international community to closely monitor the situation and ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.

"The brutal killing of more than 30 innocent civilians and the indiscriminate use of force against peaceful protesters is a grim reminder of the suffering being endured by the people of PoJK. The Government of India must intervene without delay and the political leadership of Jammu and Kashmir must come together on a common platform to condemn these atrocities. The voices of the oppressed cannot and must not be silenced through the barrel of a gun," Shah said.

Abhay Bakaya Inspects Ongoing Flood Protection Works in Sidhra

Urges Swift Completion Before Heavy Rains

Srinagar, July 29: Apni Party's District President for Jammu Urban, Abhay Bakaya, on Tuesday visited Ward No. 71, Sidhra, to inspect the ongoing construction of protection walls and crate structures aimed at safeguarding residential areas from potential flood damage.

During the visit, Bakaya interacted with local residents and reviewed the progress of the flood-mitigation works. He noted that the construction of protection walls and crates had been a long-standing demand of the people, particularly after last year's devastating floods caused widespread damage to homes and heightened concerns over the safety of families living in vulnerable areas.

He said the commencement of the protection works has brought a renewed sense of confidence and reassurance to residents who have been living under the constant fear of recurring floods and heavy rainfall threatening their lives and property.

Appreciating the administration and the concerned departments for initiating the project, Bakaya said the creation of durable flood-protection infrastructure is essential to ensuring the long-term safety and resilience of communities residing in flood-prone localities.

"The people of Sidhra suffered immense losses during last year's floods and have since lived with the anxiety that another spell of heavy rain could once again devastate their homes. The ongoing protection wall and crate works will provide them much-needed relief and a greater sense of security," he said.

While welcoming the progress made so far, Bakaya urged the administration to accelerate the pace of work and ensure that all remaining vulnerable stretches are secured within days and well before the possibility of any fresh spell of heavy rainfall. He stressed that timely completion of these critical works is imperative to prevent residents from once again facing the uncertainty and destruction caused by floods.

Emphasising the importance of disaster preparedness, Bakaya said flood-prevention projects must always remain a top priority in areas that have previously witnessed severe damage. He also called upon the executing agencies to maintain the highest standards of quality so that the protective structures offer durable and effective long-term security.

Reaffirming Apni Party's commitment to the welfare of the people, Bakaya assured residents that the party would continue to raise their genuine concerns and work towards ensuring comprehensive measures for the protection of their lives, homes and property.

"Our ultimate objective is to ensure that the people of Sidhra can live without the constant fear of floods. Their homes and livelihoods must remain protected, and the remaining protection works should be completed on an urgent basis," Bakaya added.

11 Lakh Tonnes of Legacy Waste Pile Up at Achan, NGT Questions SMC's Cleanup Timeline

March 2028 Waste Clearance Target Comes Under NGT Scanner, Tribunal Seeks Concrete Action Plan

Srinagar, July 29: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has questioned the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) over delays in clearing legacy waste at the Achan landfill site, directing the civic body to submit a detailed account of the progress made and the measures being adopted to address the mounting solid waste crisis.

The directions came during the hearing of a petition filed by environmental activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat before the NGT Principal Bench, headed by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. Afroz Ahmad.

The Tribunal expressed concern over the SMC extending its deadline for clearing legacy waste by another year. In September 2025, the civic body had submitted an affidavit committing to complete the clearance of accumulated waste by March 2027. However, a compliance report filed on March 27, 2026, revised the target timeline to March 2028 without submitting a fresh formal affidavit.

Seeking greater accountability, the NGT has directed the SMC Commissioner to file a comprehensive affidavit detailing the exact quantity of legacy waste cleared since September 2025, the treatment methods being used, utilisation of processed material such as compost and inert waste, and the daily gap between waste generation and processing capacity.

The Achan landfill site currently holds an estimated 11 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste, posing a major environmental challenge for Srinagar. So far, only around 40,000 metric tonnes have reportedly been processed through bio mining.

The figures presented before the Tribunal highlight the scale of the crisis. Srinagar generates approximately 520 to 550 tonnes of municipal solid waste every day, while the existing processing infrastructure can handle only about 150 tonnes daily through a 100 tonne Material Recovery Facility and a 50 tonne composting unit.

As a result, nearly 320 to 350 tonnes of waste continues to remain untreated every day, adding further pressure on the already burdened landfill site.

The SMC, while acknowledging deficiencies including uncapped waste cells and earlier setbacks in waste to energy initiatives, informed the Tribunal that corrective measures are underway. The civic body stated that one trommel machine and a ballistic separator are operational, while another trommel machine is being installed to enhance bio mining capacity.

To address the long term waste management challenge, the SMC has proposed an 800 tonne per day Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility, with the Detailed Project Report awaiting Cabinet approval.

The civic body also informed the Tribunal that the previously non functional Effluent Treatment Plant at Achan has been upgraded with bio enzymatic systems to improve leachate management and control toxic runoff.

The SMC Joint Commissioner appeared virtually before the Tribunal and sought three weeks’ time to submit the required affidavit from the Commissioner. The NGT granted the request and fixed the next hearing for October 7, 2026.

The proceedings have once again brought the spotlight on Srinagar’s unresolved waste management challenges and the urgent need for sustainable solutions to prevent further environmental degradation around the Achan landfill site.

Farooq Abdullah Urges Centre to Raise PoJK Issues, Says Silence Is Not an Option

Says If PoJK Is Part of India, New Delhi Must Speak for Its People

Srinagar, July 29: National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday called on the Central Government to raise the issue of the people of Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) at national and international forums, asserting that New Delhi cannot remain silent if it considers the region an integral part of India.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar, Dr. Farooq said he had urged both the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister to take up the concerns of the people living in PoJK. He maintained that the Government of India must voice its position on the developments unfolding across the Line of Control and called upon the United Nations Human Rights Commission to take cognisance of the situation.

"If PoJK is an integral part of India, then the Government must speak about what is happening there. I have not heard it raising its voice on the issue. The UN Human Rights Commission should also take note of the developments there," he said, stressing that sustained intervention was necessary until the grievances of the people were addressed.

Responding to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's remarks regarding the alleged proliferation of over 5,000 illegal hotels in Jammu and Kashmir, the NC president defended the growth of private accommodation, describing it as a reflection of rising tourism and local entrepreneurship.

Dr. Farooq said the expansion of hotels had created livelihood opportunities for thousands of families while helping accommodate the growing number of visitors.

Recalling earlier decades, he said tourists were often forced to spend nights in vehicles or on roads due to a shortage of accommodation, adding that the hospitality sector had enabled many people to become self reliant instead of depending solely on government employment.

On reports of action against students in Delhi, Dr. Farooq expressed concern over what he described as the harassment of families of those booked in different cases. He termed the matter serious and urged the authorities to address it with the attention it deserved, saying the issue should not be ignored.

Centre Enforces 'One Officer, One Official Car' Rule to Curb Government Expenditure

Srinagar, July 29: The Union Ministry of Finance has introduced a stringent new policy restricting the use of official vehicles by senior central government officers, mandating that each entitled officer shall be allotted only one government staff car irrespective of the number of additional positions they hold.

Under the revised directive issued by the Department of Expenditure, officers already assigned an official vehicle for their primary post will not receive another staff car upon being entrusted with additional charge of a ministry, department or Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). Instead, they will be required to use the same vehicle for all official responsibilities.

The memorandum also bars officers from using vehicles belonging to PSUs, autonomous bodies or quasi-government organisations for their regular use. Such vehicles may now only be utilised during official tours or specifically authorised assignments.

The Finance Ministry has further directed that all surplus or unused government vehicles be kept in safe custody to prevent unauthorised use.

The move is aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline, streamlining the management of official transport, curbing misuse of public resources and reducing avoidable government expenditure.

Newly Released Fauci Notes Emphasize COVID Lab Leak Scenario, Describe Wuhan Market Just an 'Amplifier'

Srinagar, July 28: Newly released private diaries of Dr. Anthony Fauci have reignited the debate over the origins of COVID-19, revealing that the former U.S. infectious disease chief privately questioned the widely cited Wuhan wet market theory while also considering the possibility of a laboratory related origin during the earliest days of the outbreak.

The 1,141 page collection of Fauci's typewritten daily notes was made public by Senator Rand Paul as part of a Senate Homeland Security Committee investigation ahead of Fauci's scheduled congressional testimony.

According to a diary entry dated January 26, 2020, Fauci concluded that the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan was "not the source" of the virus but rather "the amplifier." He nevertheless maintained at the time that the virus had most likely crossed naturally from animals to humans at an earlier location.

Just days later, on January 31, 2020, Fauci documented a conference call with leading scientists who expressed concern that certain features of the novel coronavirus appeared difficult to explain through natural evolution alone. His notes recorded that several participants believed "deliberate insertion" followed by an accidental laboratory release was a plausible scenario, while others argued the observed mutations could still have arisen naturally.

Fauci wrote that although some experts later leaned towards a natural explanation, others continued to view deliberate insertion as a possibility.

The disclosures have intensified scrutiny because they appear to contrast with Fauci's subsequent public messaging. While his private notes reflected uncertainty and consideration of multiple hypotheses, he later publicly emphasised a natural origin linked to the Wuhan wet market.

Earlier released emails have also been cited by critics who argue Fauci helped shape scientific discussions surrounding The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2, a paper that became central to dismissing the lab leak hypothesis in public discourse.

The diaries further note that in July 2022 Fauci recorded a conversation with Fox News anchor Bret Baier, writing that Baier had acknowledged to him that newer scientific studies had persuaded him the lab leak theory was not supported.

The release has drawn sharply divided reactions. Senator Rand Paul and other critics contend the documents indicate Fauci downplayed alternative theories and misled both Congress and the public.

Others argue the diaries simply reflect the evolving nature of scientific inquiry during an unprecedented global health emergency, where preliminary assessments changed as additional evidence became available.

“It Was a Slip of Conscience, Not Slip of Tongue”: Inam-un-Nabi Censures Mehbooba M***i Over ‘Banta Hai’ Remarks

AIP Accuses PDP of Damage Control; Says “No Apology With an ‘If’ Can Be Genuine”

Srinagar, July 28: The Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) on Tuesday intensified its attack on Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba M***i over her controversial “Banta Hai” remarks, with Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi terming her conditional apology a mere attempt at damage control following widespread public criticism.

Inam Un Nabi said the controversy had deepened after PDP leaders initially claimed that the viral video was either fabricated or AI-generated, while Mehbooba M***i later acknowledged its authenticity and sought to explain the remarks as a “slip of the tongue”. He asserted that the issue was not a verbal mistake but a “slip of conscience”.

“An apology qualified with an ‘if’ cannot be considered a genuine apology. It reflects arrogance rather than remorse. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve an unconditional acceptance of responsibility, not carefully worded explanations,” he said.

Taking strong exception to Mehbooba M***i’s remarks about not inheriting power or accumulating wealth, Inam Un Nabi said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were fully aware of the political journey of the M***i family.

He said it was the people who elevated late M***i Mohammad Sayeed to the position of Chief Minister and later entrusted Mehbooba M***i with the same responsibility.

“Instead of acknowledging the trust placed in her by the people, she is attempting to portray herself as someone who owes nothing to them,” he said.

The AIP spokesperson also attacked the PDP government under Mehbooba M***i, alleging that her tenure witnessed one of the most difficult phases in Kashmir’s recent history, marked by civilian casualties, pellet injuries, detentions and widespread public distress.

“These were not minor mistakes that can be brushed aside. Every family that suffered during that period continues to remember those painful experiences. Political narratives cannot erase the memories of those who endured the consequences,” Inam Un Nabi said.

He further accused Mehbooba M***i of presenting a misleading picture of political privilege, alleging that her family had benefited from political influence. Referring to the appointment of her brother as a Cabinet Minister during the PDP government, he said the move had raised questions about dynastic politics in the region.

The AIP Chief Spokesperson also demanded an apology from PDP MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Parra for defending the controversial remarks by claiming that the viral video was AI-generated. He said those who promoted the AI explanation owed an apology to the public after Mehbooba M***i herself accepted the authenticity of the video.

“People of Jammu and Kashmir are politically aware and cannot be misled through explanations crafted after public backlash. Accountability cannot be avoided through semantics. Leaders are judged by their actions in power, not by excuses offered afterwards,” Inam Un Nabi added.

Rouf Bhat Backs Mehbooba M***i, Says True Leadership Is Defined by Humility, Not Ego

Stressed Silencing Dissent Weakens Democracy, Says Mehbooba Continued to Speak for Kashmiris

Srinagar, 28 Jul: Political and social activist Rouf Ahmad Bhat has said that true leadership is defined not by infallibility but by the humility to acknowledge public sentiment, clarify intentions and place people above personal pride.

Reacting to the recent political discourse, Bhat said leadership in public life should never become a contest of egos but must remain rooted in humanity, compassion, dignity and accountability. He observed that expressing regret when words are misunderstood or cause hurt reflects maturity and respect for the people rather than weakness.

Referring to PDP president Mehbooba M***i, Bhat said she has remained one of the most prominent political voices on issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir. While political opinions may differ, he said her willingness to respond to public concerns, clarify her intent and engage with criticism deserves recognition in a democratic society.

In a separate statement, Bhat asserted that his remarks were not driven by partisan affiliation but by his belief in the importance of protecting democratic dissent. He said that since 2019, during some of Kashmir's most challenging periods marked by demolitions, detentions, legal action against journalists, restrictions on religious organisations and job losses, Mehbooba M***i consistently continued to raise issues affecting the people and question those in power.

He maintained that democracy is strengthened by safeguarding dissent rather than silencing it, warning that attempts to marginalise voices questioning authority ultimately diminish the democratic space available to the people they represent.

Bhat said one may agree or disagree with Mehbooba M***i's politics, but her consistency in speaking on public issues despite sustained criticism and political pressure cannot be ignored. He urged that democratic values demand respect for differing opinions and the right to dissent, adding that societies grow stronger when courageous voices are heard rather than suppressed.