Information & PR Kishtwar

04/09/2026

*DC Kishtwar Inaugurates Hi-Tech Polyhouse Established Under HADP Project*

Kishtwar, 03-09-2026

Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Sh. Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), on 01 September 2026 visited and inaugurated a Hi-Tech Polyhouse established under Project No. 3 of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) in the district.

The polyhouse has been established by Chenab Walnut Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), Kishtwar, with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Kishtwar, as part of the UT Government’s efforts to promote modern, technology-driven, and sustainable agricultural practices among farmers.

During the visit, Chief Agriculture Officer Kishtwar, Sh. Kushal Chandel, apprised the Deputy Commissioner that the polyhouse currently has a full-bloom tomato crop. He informed that the unit is producing around 40–50 kg of organic tomatoes daily.

It was further informed that the 1-kanal polyhouse has generated benefits of approximately ₹80,000 to ₹1 lakh in one month. The organically produced tomatoes are being sold in the local market of Kishtwar at a rate of around ₹40–₹50 per kilogram, providing a viable source of income and demonstrating the economic potential of protected cultivation.

The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the efforts of the Department of Agriculture and the Chenab Walnut FPO in adopting modern agricultural technologies. He stressed the importance of promoting hi-tech and protected cultivation to enhance productivity, improve farm incomes, and encourage farmers, particularly in hilly and challenging agro-climatic areas, to adopt innovative agricultural practices.

DC Kishtwar underscored the significance of HADP interventions in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and directed the concerned officers to continue providing necessary technical guidance and support to farmers and FPOs for successful implementation of such projects.

ADDC Kishtwar Sh. Vinod Kumar Behnal (JKAS), District Agriculture Officer, Sh. Manzoor Ahmed Zarger, SDAO, Sh. Dheeraj Singh, and SMS, Sh. K.K. Koul, were present during the visit.

04/09/2026

*DC Kishtwar Extends Heartfelt Greetings on the Auspicious Occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami*

Kishtwar, September 4, 2026

Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Shri Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), has extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of District Kishtwar in particular and the people of the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in general on the auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami.

In his message, the Deputy Commissioner said that the festival celebrates the timeless teachings and ideals of Lord Shri Krishna and reinforces the belief that a life guided by morality, righteousness and virtue can be pursued even amidst the greatest challenges through devotion, selfless service, commitment and compassion.

“May this auspicious occasion of Janmashtami strengthen our faith in the goodness of humanity, inspire us to lead virtuous and meaningful lives, and usher in peace, happiness, prosperity and well-being for all. Let us also renew our commitment to the timeless ideals and teachings of Lord Shri Krishna,” the Deputy Commissioner said.

He further expressed hope that the festival would foster the spirit of peace, harmony, brotherhood and unity among the people of District Kishtwar and across all sections of society in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

*Block Level Panch Sammelan Held at Marwah to Create Awareness on VB-GRAM-G Act, 2025*

Kishtwar, September 3, 2026

On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Sh. Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), a Block Level Panch Sammelan was organized at BHQ Nowpachi, Marwah, with the objective of sensitizing ex-PRI representatives, BDC, DDC, Panchayat Secretaries, Gram Rozgar Sahayaks (GRSs), field functionaries, and other stakeholders about the provisions, objectives, and implementation framework of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-GRAM-G] Act, 2025.

The Panch Sammelan was organized under the supervision of Block Development Officer (BDO) Marwah, Sh. Irshad Ahmed Waza, with Sh. Yassir Rashid, Master Trainer, serving as the resource person and conducting the awareness and sensitization session.

During the programme, detailed deliberations were held on the transition from the erstwhile MGNREGA framework to the VB-GRAM-G framework, which came into force with effect from July 1, 2026. The participants were apprised of the enhanced statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment for eligible rural households, along with the broader objective of promoting sustainable livelihoods, durable rural assets, and inclusive rural development.

The Master Trainer elaborated upon the major focus areas under the new framework, including water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure, and works aimed at enhancing resilience against extreme weather events. Emphasis was also laid on integrated and convergence-based planning, with the Gram Panchayat playing a central role in identifying local priorities and preparing development plans in consultation with the Gram Sabha.

The participants were further sensitized about the importance of Gram Sabha participation, transparency, digital monitoring, biometric authentication, GPS/mobile-based monitoring, social audit, proper record maintenance, and timely processing of wage payments. The need for maintaining complete and accurate work records at every stage of implementation was also emphasized.

A detailed interactive session was held during the programme, wherein queries, doubts, and concerns raised by the participants were answered and clarified by Sh. Yassir Rashid, Master Trainer. The participants were provided clarification regarding the implementation mechanism, employment provisions, planning process, responsibilities of stakeholders, and other operational aspects of the new framework.

The participants were specifically informed that the VB-GRAM-G framework operates on the basis of normative allocation. It was further apprised that the allocation for the first quarter has already been released, and accordingly, the Gram Panchayats and field functionaries were advised to ensure timely implementation and ex*****on of the approved works in accordance with the prescribed guidelines and available allocation.

During the interaction, Gram Rozgar Guarantee Card (GRGC) holders were particularly encouraged to come forward and seek wage employment under the scheme. They were requested to participate actively in the ex*****on of approved works and avail the employment opportunities available under the new framework, while contributing towards the creation of durable and productive community assets.

The Master Trainer also emphasized that the success of VB-GRAM-G would depend upon active participation of the Gram Sabha, responsible functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions, timely ex*****on of approved works, proper documentation, transparency, and close coordination among all field-level stakeholders.

Speaking on the occasion, BDO Marwah, Sh. Irshad Ahmed Waza, called upon all PRI representatives and field functionaries to work with dedication and in close coordination for effective implementation of VB-GRAM-G at the grassroots level. He stressed that the programme should not be viewed merely as a mechanism for generating wage employment, but as an opportunity to create durable assets, strengthen rural livelihoods, and address the genuine developmental needs of villages.

The BDO further urged the field functionaries to ensure that the benefits of the programme reach the eligible rural households, while maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the implementation process.

The Panch Sammelan also highlighted the larger vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, emphasizing that empowered Panchayats, sustainable livelihoods, improved rural infrastructure, and resilient villages are fundamental to achieving the broader national development goals.

The programme concluded with a collective commitment by all stakeholders to work towards stronger Panchayati Raj Institutions, sustainable rural livelihoods, transparent implementation, and resilient rural communities, thereby contributing meaningfully to the vision of “Strong Village, Strong Panchayat and Viksit Bharat.”

03/09/2026

District Magistrate, Kishtwar, Shri Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS) has issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, imposing prohibition on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) within Jurisdiction of district Kishtwar:

02/09/2026

*MVD Kishtwar Disqualifies Two Driving Licences Under NDPS Act; Cases Recommended by SHO Vijaypur*

Kishtwar, 02-09-2026

In a significant action against drug-related offences, Motor Vehicle Department Kishtwar, led by ARTO Kishtwar Sh. Tasleem Wani (JKAS), has disqualified two Driving Licences under the provisions of the NDPS Act.

The action was taken under the directions and supervision of Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Shri Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), and in close coordination with the Police Department.

The cases were recommended by SHO Police Station Vijaypur, Sh. Parwez Khanday, along with details of FIR No. 144/2026, registered under Sections 8/21/22/29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Vijaypur, District Samba.

Accordingly, the Driving Licences of the following NDPS accused have been disqualified, including Ishtiyaq Ahmed, S/o Nazir Ahmed Hajam, R/o Dool, Tehsil & District Kishtwar, Driving Licence No. JK1720100023569, and Syed Behran Aftab, S/o Syed Anwar Ahmed Aftab, R/o Astan Bala, Kishtwar, Driving Licence No. JK1720160031758.

The action underscores the commitment of the District Administration Kishtwar towards promoting road safety, responsible driving and preventing the misuse of driving privileges by persons involved in unlawful activities.

02/09/2026

*PUBLIC NOTICE*

*Shri Manimahesh Yatra - 2026 (04th to 19th September, 2026)*

As per communication received from the District Magistrate, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh regarding the conduct of Shri Manimahesh Yatra-2026 scheduled to be held from 04-09-2026, and in order to ensure the safety, security and welfare of pilgrims, it is hereby informed to the general public of District Kishtwar and all intending pilgrims that the annual Shri Manimahesh Yatra-2026 is scheduled from 04.09.2026 to 19.09.2026 at Holy Manimahesh Lake, District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh.In order to ensure safety, security and hassle-free management of the Yatra, the Shri Manimahesh Trust, Chamba has made ONLINE REGISTRATION MANDATORY for all pilgrims.

All intending pilgrims are hereby informed as under:

1. Mandatory Online Registration:

Every pilgrim must register online well in advance on the official portal:
https://www.manimaheshyatra.hp.gov.in/register
No Yatri shall be permitted to undertake the Yatra without valid online registration.

2. Daily Limit:
The Trust has fixed a limit of only 5000 Yatris per day. Therefore, timely advance registration is essential.

3. Strict Adherence to Guidelines:
Pilgrims are advised to strictly follow all guidelines, advisories and instructions issued by the District Administration, Chamba and Shri Manimahesh Trust for a safe pilgrimage.

4. Maintain Cleanliness & Protect Environment:
Pilgrims must maintain cleanliness throughout the Yatra route and strictly refrain from littering plastic or any other waste, thereby preserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

5. Prohibition of Animal Sacrifice:
It is reiterated that animal sacrifice at religious places is prohibited in the State of Himachal Pradesh. Pilgrims travelling with goats and sheep for the purpose of animal sacrifice will not be permitted.

01/09/2026

*District Administration Kishtwar Finalises Arrangements for Shri Krishna Janmashtami & Shobha Yatra*

Kishtwar, 01-09-2026

On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Sh. Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), a meeting was held today in the Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat, DC Office Complex, Kishtwar, under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Sh. Pawan Kotwal (JKAS), to finalise the arrangements for the upcoming festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami and Shobha Yatra falling on 4th September 2026.

During the meeting, the Additional Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to make adequate arrangements for security, sanitation, medical facilities, drinking water, transportation, and other basic amenities to ensure the smooth and successful culmination of the festival.

The ADC, Kishtwar, directed the Police Department, Kishtwar, to ensure adequate security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival at all temples across District Kishtwar and its suburbs.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for a foolproof traffic management plan and directed the concerned authorities to identify alternate routes for traffic diversion to provide smooth passage for the Shobha Yatra.

The ADC directed the ExEn, JPDCL, Kishtwar, and CEO, MC Kishtwar, to ensure the repair and proper functioning of streetlights wherever required, especially at dark spots in the town, to avoid public inconvenience during the festival night.

Furthermore, the PHE and PDD departments were directed to ensure uninterrupted water and electricity supply in Kishtwar town and its suburbs during the festival, with water tanker supply arranged at identified locations.

The AD, FCS&CA, Kishtwar, Tehsildar Kishtwar, AC, Legal Metrology, Kishtwar, EO, Municipal Council Kishtwar, DF&SO Kishtwar, and SHO Kishtwar were tasked with conducting market checks along with enforcement teams to monitor overcharging and food quality and to take action against defaulters charging exorbitant rates and selling sub-standard items.

The EO, MC Kishtwar, was directed to ensure proper cleanliness of all lanes and drains and line-lining during the festival in Kishtwar town and its suburbs, besides ensuring the removal of heaps of dust, material, or dirt, if any, in and around the temples.

The ADC, Kishtwar, also directed the Fire and Emergency Department to remain prepared to handle any fire-related incident or eventuality.

The Health Department, Kishtwar, was directed to keep medical facilities and paramedical staff ready at all PHCs and hospitals across the district, besides deploying an ambulance and medical staff equipped with first-aid facilities during the procession from Shri Gauri Shankar Mandir, Sarkoot, to Shri Ram Mandir, Semna Colony, Kishtwar.

Sanatan Dharma Sabha, Kishtwar, led by its President, Mahant Ram Saran Dass Ji Maharaj, along with other members, also raised several issues and grievances. The ADC gave them a patient hearing, issued necessary directions on the spot, and assured every possible support from the District Administration Kishtwar.

The meeting was attended by PO ICDS Kishtwar, Sh. Rishi Kumar Sharma (JKAS); CEO KDA Kishtwar, Sh. Kaiser Bhawani; ASP Kishtwar, Sh. Pardeep Singh (JKPS); ACR Kishtwar, Sh. Idrees Lone; ACP/ACD Kishtwar, Sh. Neeraj Sharma; DIO Kishtwar, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar; EO MC Kishtwar, Sh. Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal; CMO Kishtwar, Dr. Sanjay Bhat; ExEn Jal Shakti Kishtwar, Sh. Rohit Wadera; ExEn JPDCL Kishtwar, Sh. Abdul Hamid; ExEn PWD R&B Kishtwar, Sh. Shamis Din; DNO Ayush Kishtwar, Dr. Vikram Singh Jamwal; Designated Officer D&FCO Kishtwar, Sh. Farooq Ahmed; besides other officers and representatives from various departments, CRPF, and others.

01/09/2026

*DC Kishtwar Reviews Road Connectivity Proposal for Right Bank Villages of River Marusudar*

Kishtwar, 01-09-2026

Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Shri Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), today chaired a meeting to discuss and review the proposal for the construction of a road along the right bank of River Marusudar to provide road connectivity to the villages of Khraipakhnoo, Tunder, and Prangus of Tehsil Dachan falling in the vicinity of the Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Power Project.

During the meeting, detailed discussion was held regarding the proposed road alignment, its technical feasibility, and other issues related to the implementation of the project. The status of existing road connectivity and the requirements of the affected villages were also reviewed.

The ExEn, PMGSY, Marwah, apprised the Chair that road connectivity to Tunder and Prangus village habitations is expected to be taken up under the PMGSY-IV Scheme.

The DC directed the PWD (R&B)/PMGSY, Marwah, to prepare a DPR for the remaining road stretch leading to Khraipakhnoo village and to propose the already submitted DPR for Lopara to Tunder-Prangus under PMGSY Phase-IV for the current financial year.

It was noted that road connectivity to these three villages is expected to be cut off upon completion of the dam reservoir.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the importance of ensuring proper road connectivity to these right-bank villages and called for close coordination among all concerned departments and agencies for the timely finalisation of the proposal and its submission.

Various issues concerning land acquisition, forest clearance, road alignment, technical feasibility, funding, and other matters were also discussed in detail.

The concerned officers apprised the Chair of the current status of their respective departments and shared their observations regarding the proposed project.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to work in a coordinated and time-bound manner and to submit the requisite details, reports, and proposals at the earliest.

He stressed that all necessary aspects of the project should be examined comprehensively to ensure the development of a viable and sustainable road connectivity plan for the area.

The meeting was attended by SDM Marwah, Dr. Mohd. Ashraf (JKAS); HoP, Pakal Dul HEP, Sh. Vishal Anand; ExEn, PMGSY, Marwah, Er. Tilak Raj Rajwal; besides other officers and representatives from concerned departments.

31/08/2026

*DC Kishtwar presides over Final Training Session on Digital Crop Survey–Kharif 2026*

Kishtwar, August 31 2026

The final training session of Surveyors, Verifiers and Supervisors on the Digital Crop Survey (DCS)–Kharif 2026 was held today at the Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat, New DC Office Complex, Kishtwar, under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Sh. Pankaj Kumar Sharma, JKAS.

The training session was aimed at sensitising field functionaries and equipping them with the requisite knowledge and skills for the smooth, accurate and timely conduct of the Digital Crop Survey across the district.

Addressing the participants, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised the importance of proactive participation, accurate field-level reporting and effective utilisation of the digital application for successful implementation of the Digital Crop Survey.

He stated that all concerned officials and field functionaries have been provided access to the requisite software application and directed them to ensure its proper utilisation during field visits. He explained that the digital system has been designed to capture the actual ground position, thereby enhancing accuracy and transparency in crop inspection and land records.

Highlighting the need to address shortcomings associated with the conventional physical Girdawari process, the DC observed that records may, in some instances, be carried forward from previous years without adequately reflecting the actual status of crops on the ground. Such practices, he noted, can lead to ambiguity regarding the crop actually being cultivated, land ownership and other related particulars.

He further explained that under the digital system, the geographical coordinates of the field are matched through the application, enabling the field functionary to capture and record the actual crop and field status on the spot. This, he said, would significantly enhance the reliability and authenticity of crop and land-related data.

The Deputy Commissioner informed that the maps pertaining to 50 villages have already been authenticated and uploaded. He directed the field functionaries to carefully verify the mapped plots and immediately identify and report any discrepancy relating to the number of plots, allocation of plots to individuals or assignment of plots to the concerned officials.

He specifically directed that even a single missing plot or discrepancy should be brought to notice immediately through the existing WhatsApp group, enabling timely intervention and corrective measures.

Emphasising the need for a proactive and result-oriented approach, the DC urged all participants and field functionaries to work with dedication, consistency and a sense of responsibility. He expressed confidence that sustained efforts during the coming week would lead to substantial progress and facilitate timely completion of the survey.

The Deputy Commissioner further stressed that any issue encountered during the survey must be immediately brought before the competent authority, escalated wherever required and resolved without delay, ensuring that there is no ambiguity or confusion in the implementation of the Digital Crop Survey.

He called upon all concerned to put in their best efforts to make the Digital Crop Survey–Kharif 2026 accurate, transparent and successful across the district.

The final training session was imparted by Master Trainer and Naib Tehsildar, Pakalan Thakrie, Sh. Subhash Kumar, who provided detailed demonstrations and practical guidance on various components and procedures involved in the survey.

The participants were apprised of the methodology to be followed for recording crop details, capturing field-level information, correctly identifying land parcels and addressing technical issues that may arise during the course of the survey.

The Master Trainer also provided hands-on guidance on the use of the Digital Crop Survey application and Newly introduced AI enabled Features to the participants.

The participants actively engaged in the session and raised queries seeking clarifications on various technical and procedural aspects of the survey.

ACR Kishtwar Sh. Idrees Lone (JKAS), District Manager CSC Kishtwar Sh. Suman Kapoor besides other officers and concerned staff were present on the occasion.