Excelsior Correspondent
HARIDWAR, May 1: The two day camp organised by the officers of Union Tribal Affairs Ministry at Patanjali University here for the empowerment of tribal communities culminated today.
Experts in the camp discussed socio-economic development of tribal communities and threw light on the importance of their health and education.
The camp had started with the recitation of a group song by Dr. Archana Tiwari and her team.
Representative of the Government of India, Manish Tiwari gave detailed information on the livelihood model in rural society.
He shared the developmental works accomplished on ground for the welfare of tribal communities and for improvement of their economic status.
On this occasion schemes for the welfare of tribal communities were discussed and stressed was laid on strengthening the planned schemes for the welfare of tribal communities.
Renowned Sanskrit Scholar, Dr. Jay Madan recited the Vedic hymns to throw light on the subject.
While speaking on the occasion, representative of the Ministry, Atul K Shah, said, “We should avoid unwanted thoughts and use self-confidence to live our lives in a better way.”
He also said that solutions to the problems can also be reached by showing empathy and peace.
Dr. Varnali talked on the topics of health, culture and digital empowerment.

Orders restoration of dug well

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1:- In a significant outcome of the strong protest led by MLA Nagrota, Devyani Rana, against the acute water crisis in the constituency, the Jal Shakti Department has accorded administrative approval for the restoration of the long-defunct dug well at Hurlani (Kapotha) in Dansal.
The dug well had remained non-functional since August 2025 following flood damage, causing severe hardship to local residents who have been grappling with an acute shortage of drinking water for months.
Taking serious note of the situation, Ms. Rana had raised the issue during her protest and demanded immediate restoration of all defunct water supply systems, particularly highlighting the plight of people in the adjoining areas.
Responding to the pressure created by the public outcry and the MLA’s intervention, the Department has now sanctioned the required funds and initiated steps for the restoration of the dug well. The repair work has been directed to be taken up on priority.
Ms. Rana welcomed the move but stated that such urgent actions should not require public protests. She stated that the Government has allocated nearly Rs 3500 crore to the Jal Shakti Department in the 2026-2027 budget. The J&K Government has also received flood restoration funding from the Centre up to nearly Rs 3000 crore. However the funding is not reflecting on the ground in Jammu division which was adversely impacted during the floods.
She reiterated that the ongoing water crisis is a result of prolonged negligence, lack of planning, and failure in timely maintenance by the Department.
“This action clearly shows that when issues are raised strongly, the administration is compelled to respond. However, people should not be forced to come on roads for their basic rights like drinking water,” she said.
She further emphasized that while the approval for Hurlani dug well is a positive step; many other PHE stations and dug wells across Nagrota constituency are still lying defunct and require immediate attention.
Ms. Rana urged the Department to ensure quality repair works, proper technical supervision, and accountability to prevent recurrence of such failures.
“The people of Nagrota deserve reliable access to drinking water, and I will not allow administrative lapses and lethargy that has crept into the system to deprive them of this basic necessity,” she asserted.

Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 1: In continuation of Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan, Udhampur Police has attached immovable property worth Rs 40 lakhs belonging to drug peddler Rafiq Ahmed, son of Abdul Karim of Haji Basti, Sainik Colony, Jammu, under NDPS Act.
The attachment has been made in connection with FIR number 49/2026, under section 8/21/22/29 NDPS Act of Police Station Rehambal.
During the course of investigation, it came to fore that the accused had acquired a residential house from the proceeds of illicit narcotics trade. Accordingly, the said property has been attached/seized under the provisions of Section 68-F of the NDPS Act for further legal proceedings, Police said.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: The Scientists, Engineers and Architects (SEA) wing of the Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation (RERF), in collaboration with the Brahma Kumaris today organized a function to mark the conclusion of its “ECO Care and Disaster Management” campaign at the Om Shanti Meditation Centre here.
The event began with a silent meditation session followed by a cultural welcome dance. The function was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by chief guest Dr S P Verma, president of Gandhi Global Family (GGF) along with other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Verma emphasized the relevance of Gandhian philosophy in today’s environmental challenges, stating that sustainable development requires a balance between spiritual awareness and scientific advancement to ensure a disaster-resilient future.
National Coordinator of SEA Wing, BK Bharat Bhushan, highlighted that the ecological crisis is deeply rooted in human consciousness and stressed the need for value-based living and meditation to promote environmental responsibility.
Chairperson of Brahma Kumaris J&K, Rajyogini BK Sudershan, underlined the connection between inner well-being and environmental health, noting that a purified mindset leads to a healthier planet.
Delhi Zone Coordinator BK Piyush presented an overview of the campaign’s impact, citing increased awareness across the region.
The event was attended by several prominent guests, including Rajeev Gupta, Suresh Gupta, Ankush, and Punit Choudhary, who shared insights on water conservation, research and disaster preparedness.
The campaign focused on promoting environmental sustainability and strengthening disaster management awareness through a blend of scientific knowledge and spiritual practices.
The event was managed by BK Ravinder.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Home for Aged & Infirm, Ambphalla was held here today under the chairmanship of Pankaj Gupta, president.
At the outset, Dr. Dinesh Gupta, secretary, welcomed all the participants and after this agenda items were discussed and decisions were taken.
The members deliberated upon key administrative, financial and welfare-related matters. The income & expenditure account for March, 2026 and details of major donations received during the month were reviewed and approved.
The members also took a note of new admissions and approved action.
The House appreciated the continued support and visits by various institutions and dignitaries, acknowledging their encouraging observations regarding the facilities and services provided at the Home.
Approval was accorded for the enrolment of new life members during the month under review.
The Committee also reviewed the progress regarding installation of lifts in the Home.
A detailed discussion was also held on the existing scheme of providing financial assistance to the poor and needy beneficiaries. The House resolved to review and rationalize the scheme to enhance its effectiveness and outreach.
During meeting, members also interacted with the inmates and staff to personally assess the quality of services and facilities being provided and to address any concerns related to their welfare.
Those present in the meeting were Prem Gupta, IGP (retired), patron along with Vijay Gupta, joint secretary and members of the Managing Committee-S. Rattandeep Singh Anand, Satpal Sharma, S. Rajinder Singh, Dr. Surinder Kumar and Vijay Dhawan.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks.

Sawalkote Hydel Project row

* Opposes road connectivity via Pancheri
Excelsior Correspondent
RAMBAN, May 1: Sawalkote Joint Action Committee (SJAC) today declared to hold grand rally at Ramban on May 3 in connection with submergence of over 88% area, non-payment of compensation to the people as per normal rate and road connectivity through Udhampur instead of Ramban.
Addressing a press conference here today, SJAC president, Advocate Fairoz Khan, alongwith other members- Muzaffar Lone, Mohd Akhtar, Sadam Bali, Mohd Irshad Rather, Wakeel Singh, Surjeet Singh and others raised serious concerns over the continued uncertainty surrounding the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project.
The Committee highlighted the persistent lack of clarity regarding the proposed road diversion. It noted that the matter has already been formally escalated through communication dated April 13, 2026, wherein Member of Parliament Dr Jitendra Singh forwarded a proposal submitted by MLA Udhampur (West), Pawan Kumar Gupta, to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The proposal reportedly suggests routing road connectivity to the project through Pancheri in Udhampur instead of Ramban. The SJAC stated that such developments have created confusion and anxiety among the residents of Ramban regarding their rightful stake in the project.
The Committee also expressed concern over reports indicating a possible shift of the project site by 2–3 kilometers away from Ramban. It warned that such a move could reduce Ramban’s role to that of a reservoir zone while the district continues to bear the environmental and social costs. The SJAC stated that if the project is shifted in this manner, Ramban will face a disproportionate burden of submergence, with an estimated 88% of the affected land falling within the district.
Further, the Committee questioned the continued delay in the opening of tenders and the absence of a clearly defined and time-bound execution plan. It emphasized that prolonged ambiguity undermines public confidence and adversely impacts local development planning, livelihoods, and economic expectations.
The SJAC also raised the issue of land acquisition and compensation, stating that several affected families have either received inadequate compensation or have had their land acquired but left unused for years. The Committee demanded that all compensation be ensured strictly in accordance with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
JAC demanded official clarification regarding the road diversion plan, declaration of the tender opening schedule and a fixed project execution timeline, fair and lawful compensation in accordance with land acquisition laws and return of unused acquired land or revised compensation as per law, comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement policy for all affected families and guaranteed wage security for workers and affected families.
Committee declared that on May 3, the grand rally will commence from Dak Bungalow Ramban and proceed via Bus Stand Ramban to Bali Bazar, and culminate back at Dak Bungalow, Ramban.