Eyewitnesses said that several tourists were seen indulging in dangerous practices, including stunt driving on snow-covered roads, leaning out of windows of moving vehicles, dancing on roads and taking selfies in the middle of traffic. Such actions, officials said, not only endangered the lives of those involved but also posed a grave risk to other commuters and locals navigating the narrow and icy stretches.

A team of traffic police rural led by DySP Traffic Ganderbal Gulzar Ahmad swiftly acted and counselled the tourists and educated tourists about safe driving practices. The traffic police officials counselled tourists who were taking selfies and videos while riding in moving vehicles.  Besides counselling some vehicles were fined for violation of traffic rules. The DySP Traffic advised the visitors that Sonamarg is meant for enjoying its natural beauty in a safe and responsible manner, not for stunt driving or risky activities that could result in loss of life.

Earlier, the tourists were found to be engaging in risky behavior, such as taking selfies while on the move, which can distract the driver and lead to accidents. The traffic police officials explained the importance of road safety and the potential consequences of such actions. Tourists were advised to prioritise their safety and the safety of others on the road. The officer also directed drivers to strictly use anti-skid chains on their vehicles to cope with icy road conditions and avoid mishaps. He warned that failure to follow traffic advisories during winter conditions could lead to strict action under the law.  Traffic police reiterated their appeal to tourists to cooperate with enforcement agencies, follow road safety norms and respect local conditions to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for everyone.

The post Visitors fined for violating traffic norms in Sonamarg appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

These ancient mills, powered by fast-flowing streams and rivers, have been grinding grains into flour for centuries. Due to uneven flow of water owing to climate change, modernisation, and neglect, many are struggling to survive.

The once-thriving mills, which were the heartbeat of community life, now stand idle, their wooden structures worn out, and their wheels motionless. The changing climate has altered the water patterns, causing streams to dry up or become unpredictable, making it challenging for the mills to operate. However, despite the challenges, some mill owners and locals are determined to preserve this traditional practice. They highlight the benefits of Aab-e-Gratta, including the production of chemical-free and healthier flour.

However, with the current state of affairs, it remains uncertain whether these traditional mills can be saved.  The mechanism that utilizes running water to grind wheat, rice, and maize are environment friendly.  People living around the foothills of the valley live in a fresh and peaceful environment, which may in part have motivated them to keep centuries old traditional watermills (Gratta) operational. They use the traditional method of grinding grain into flour because, in their opinion, the flour produced is of better quality and taste compared to mass produced flour.

The environment-friendly watermills are scattered across villages on the outskirts of Ganderbal district dotted with streams and canals.

The traditional water mills are the living proof of how energy can be harnessed without any environmental degradation, and these iconic water mills need a new lease of life. Prospering our traditional water mills will be an integral part of our authentic agricultural elements and cultural heritage, say local residents in Kangan.

One such watermill is operated by Mohammad Iqbal Kasana , 60, in Surfraw vialleg of Kangan in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. He has been operating the watermill since his childhood and is determined to continue his forefathers’ business. ” These mills had a great significance to the village in the old times. A gratta owner had a better social status in the village, for the family could afford both food grains and money, as a service charge on grinding” Kasana said.

He said, “Water mills are environment friendly but they are largely forgotten. With the outset of industrialisation, a gratta is  rapidly losing the demand. The modern have outshined the good old gratta to an extent that we have been dragged out of business and water mills have attained a grinding break as the majority of them have been discontinued for the lack of demand of consumers.”

He explains how the water mill operates. ” These mills are powered by fast-flowing water channeled from streams, which turn the heavy grindstones, producing flour. Traditional watermills do not directly pollute the atmosphere, nor do they require electricity or fossil fuels” he said. Residents of surrounding villages visit Kasana’s ‘ water mill. He charges in kind rather than cash, taking a share of the flour from his customers.

Kasana said, “I wish to keep my family’s traditional business alive and after me, through my children.” He claimed that his family was attached with the business for the past many generations. Before him, his father, grandfather was attached with the business, he said. “The watermill is a symbol of our centuries-old culture, which is gradually disappearing due to the introduction of new technology,” he said.

“There is a need to keep this alive in order to introduce future generations to these environment-friendly mills,” he added.

How a watermill functions:

The water mill uses eco-friendly energy i.e water to function. The water from a nearby stream, water tributary is diverted towards the watermill through a wooden tunnel, a canal that then pushes the turbine fixed in the lower section of the water mill. The turbine is made of wood while the shaft is made of iron. The water mill also contains two grinding stones that remain in a small room of the mill.

The shaft is connected to the turbine that runs and turns the upper section of stone. The lower section is stationary, and grain stored in a wooden case above the stone drops the grain at a slow speed through a hole in the upper stone to lower stone via a feeder mechanism. The grain then is ground in between the two massive round shaped stones. The rotating of stone crushes the cereal to fine powder- the flour, which is later on collected and stored in gunny bags.

The post Kashmir’s traditional water mills on brink, few functional in far-flung areas appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

The fresh snowfall led to the accumulation of a fresh layer of about 1-2 inches of snow.

Sonamarg has been receiving intermittent snowfall since last week, turning the meadow into a winter wonderland.

The fresh snowfall on Sunday brought cheers to hundreds of tourists visiting the health resort.

Tourists, including children, were seen enjoying the snowfall near Sonamarg.

“We are really enjoying the snowfall, we feel lucky that we witnessed it,” said a tourist from Mumbai.

“We were here for our family trip, and this snow has brought so much joy to us,” said another tourist from Bangalore.

Meanwhile, hoteliers and people associated with tourism at Sonamarg are expecting good business after the snowfall.

“Tourists always love snow, and we expect that number of tourists will increase in the coming days after the snow, which will have a good impact on our business,” said a hotelier.

The post Sonamarg receives fresh snowfall appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Locals said the mini bus service currently operates only up to Kullan, leaving Gagangir and adjoining areas without reliable mass transit. “There is no mini bus service in our village. We suffer daily without it,” said Ishfaq Ahmad, a local resident, adding that patients and elderly people are the worst affected.

Residents said most villagers cannot afford high cab fares and appealed to the ARTO Ganderbal for immediate intervention to extend the mini bus route from Kangan to Gagangir, hoping the issue will be addressed without further delay.

The post Residents demand mini bus service to Gagangir appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Once known for its clean waters and aquatic life, the waterbody is now facing pollution as waste continues to be dumped along its embankments. Residents of Hain Palpora and Nunhama said the practice has degraded the surrounding environment and rendered the water unfit for use. They cautioned that continued neglect could have long-term consequences for public health and ecological balance.

Locals pointed out that despite garbage collection vehicles being deployed by the Rural Development Department, many people still dispose of waste directly along the riverbanks, turning them into open dumping sites and spoiling the natural landscape.

They further said the accumulation of garbage has attracted stray dogs, posing a threat to pedestrians. Movement has become particularly difficult for children, elderly persons and women, who fear dog attacks while passing through the area. Residents demanded immediate intervention to ensure regular garbage collection, strict action against illegal dumping and measures to control the stray dog menace.

The post Garbage piles up along Sindh embankments appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

According to official figures 214,181 devotees from across India visited the shrine between January and December 2025.

The data shows fluctuations in attendance throughout the year. In January, the number stood at 4447, gradually increasing to 4722 in February. The figures rose sharply in March and April, reaching 16894 and 22446, respectively. May recorded a slight sharp to 3609, followed by a significant jump in June to 28675 and 30058 in July. Subsequently, the numbers started to decline, with August at 8462 . Attendance continued to decrease in the latter months, with September at 5831, October at 7827, November at 4608, and December closing the year at 4265 .

Notably, thousand of devotees throng Kheer Bhawani temple associated with the Ragnya Devi, a revered goddess of Kashmiri Pandits, located in Tulmulla village of Ganderbal district every year to attend the annual mela and participate in the Kheer Bhawani Mela, which is one of the Kashmiri Pandits’ biggest religious annual events.

Pilgrims from different parts of the country visited the temple throughout the year, especially during major religious occasions. The smooth movement of devotees, peaceful atmosphere, and improved arrangements were widely appreciated. Many visitors described their experience as safe, comfortable, and spiritually uplifting. Local residents are also contributing here, ensuring that pilgrims have the best possible experience, reflecting the selfless service of these individuals to devotees from various parts of the country.

Some visitors even reconnect with those who used to be their neighbours long ago when they lived here. Locals mentioned that the increased number of pilgrims has led to a boost in economic activities around the temple, creating employment opportunities for the local population. The Civil Society Tulmulla warmly welcomed this massive turnout and openly applauded the district administration, police, and all line departments for their dedicated efforts. General Secretary of Civil Society Tulmulla, Manzoor Wani said that the large number of pilgrims reflects the deep-rooted spirit of brotherhood, patriotism, peace, and communal harmony in the area. He added that Tulmulla has once again shown that faith brings people together beyond religion or region.

Chief Patron of Civil Society Tullamulla, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, also shared his views and hopes for the future. He further urged the government to upgrade infrastructure and basic facilities to meet the growing needs of pilgrims and tourists. Zahoor Bhat emphasised that Tullamulla has immense potential to grow as a major tourist and pilgrimage hub.

The post Almost 1.5 lakh pilgrims visited Kheer Bhawani last year appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

An official said that the machinery was pressed into work for snow clearance on the Zojilla pass which experiences about 1-2 ft  of snow on Monday.

The road was closed as a precautionary measure and the road clearance work was started early Sunday morning with the improvement in weather. An official said that after the road was cleared the traffic movement was restored on the highway from Kargil side . The authorities have urged the drivers to take precautions while travelling on the road.  Meanwhile, as per the traffic police advisory, after getting green signal from BRO traffic from Sonamarg side towards Kargil will be allowed on Sunday.

The post Traffic resumes on Srinagar-Leh NH after snowfall appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

An official said that the machinery was pressed into work for snow clearance on the Zojilla, which experienced over 1 foot of snow on Monday.

The road was closed as a precautionary measure, and the road clearance work was started early Friday morning with the improvement in weather.

An official said that once the road is cleared, the traffic movement would be restored on the highway from the Kargil side after assessing the road conditions.

The authorities have urged the drivers to take precautions while travelling on the road.

Meanwhile, Sonamarg tourist destination also received snowfall, which draped the picturesque resort in a white blanket besides a dip in the temperature.

The post BRO starts snow clearance on Zojila appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta approved the exemption from entertainment tax, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor announced in an official statement on X. The decision comes after the film’s strong box office performance since its early December release.

“Lt Governor Shri @KavinderGupta declares Bollywood film Dhurandhar tax-free in UT #Ladakh. Shot extensively in the region, the film spotlights Ladakh’s cinematic landscapes, signalling strong support for filmmakers and reinforcing the UT’s push to emerge as a preferred [filming destination],” the post read.

The film was shot extensively across Ladakh, showcasing its breathtaking mountain landscapes and high-altitude terrain. The tax-free status is seen as both recognition of the film’s promotion of the region and an incentive for future productions to choose Ladakh as a shooting location.

Industry experts view the move as a strategic win for local cinema tourism, potentially opening doors for more high-budget productions to explore Ladakh’s unique topography.

Dhurandhar has set new records at the box office, crossing Rs 1000 crore worldwide in just 21 days. The film has earned over Rs 650 crore domestically, driven by its high-octane action sequences and real-life-inspired espionage narrative that have pulled massive crowds.

Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film has maintained strong momentum weeks after its premiere, defying the typical theatrical slowdown.

Directed by National Award-winner Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role of a covert operative. The ensemble cast includes Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal.

The plot focuses on large-scale espionage operations based on true events, with Ranveer Singh’s intense performance as a spy winning praise for its grit and emotional depth.

The Ladakh administration’s decision to make the film tax-free underscores the region’s ambition to position itself as a key hub for the Indian film industry, leveraging its stunning natural beauty and unique locations to attract major productions.

The post Ladakh declares Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar tax-free appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

The delegation, which extends to administrators and LGs of other Union Territories including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Lakshadweep, was notified through an official order issued on Friday.

The order comes a month after the MHA had withdrawn the existing delegated powers of the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh to approve schemes and projects up to Rs 100 crore, as well as the powers of Administrative Secretaries to approve projects up to Rs 20 crore.

On November 28, 2025, the ministry had centralised high-value financial approvals in Ladakh for projects up to Rs 100 crore, significantly reducing the discretionary powers of the LG. The move drew sharp criticism from various political parties and civil society groups in the Union Territory.

In the fresh official order, Under Secretary to the Government of India (MHA) Lendup Sherpa stated that the competent authority has approved “the delegation of powers for appraisal and approval of projects up to Rs 100 crore under Delegation of Financial Powers Rules (DFPRs), 2024, to the administrators and LGs” of union territories without legislatures, including Ladakh.

However, the restored powers come with specific conditions. The Lieutenant Governor must exercise these powers “in consultation with the Secretary (Finance) or the Financial Advisor equivalent of the respective union territory,” and subject to the availability of adequate budgetary provisions.

The ministry also clarified that “the delegated powers shall not be further re-delegated.”

Details of all proposals approved under the delegated powers must be furnished to the Department of Expenditure through the MHA every quarter, the order stated.

The ministry added that the powers of the Lieutenant Governor to sanction expenditure on schemes—from in-principle approval to final approval—would continue under Rule 16 of DFPRs, 2024, but “only after appraisal and approval of schemes by the concerned authorities” in accordance with existing finance ministry guidelines.

The order stated that the delegation of powers has been issued “in supersession of earlier order” dated September 19, 2025, and has been approved by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.

The post MHA restores Rs 100 Cr project approval powers to Ladakh LG appeared first on Greater Kashmir.