Bandipora, August 15: District Bandipora came alive with vibrant celebrations and deep patriotic spirit on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, with a series of events held across the district.
At the heart of the celebrations was the main function at Government Higher Secondary School Nadihal, where Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, hoisted the National Flag in the presence of Hon’ble MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat; Principal District and Sessions Judge Bandipora Jeema Bashir; and Senior Superintendent of Police Bandipora, Ajaz Ahmad Zargar.
Following the flag hoisting, the Deputy Commissioner inspected the parade and took the salute from march-past contingents comprising CRPF 3rd Battalion, BSF 62 Battalion, J&K Executive Police, IRP 21st Battalion, J&K Mahila Executive Police, Kashmir Forest Training School Chitternar, J&K Special Police officials, J&K Home Guards, NCC cadets of NM BHSS Bandipora, Higher Secondary School Quilmuqam, High School Bagh Bandipora, Higher Secondary School Mantigam, Higher Secondary School Nadihal, Higher Secondary School Aragam, Army Goodwill School Bandipora, G&B Hostel Bandipora, High School Qazipora, SMS Islamia Model School Garoora and J&K Executive Police Band. The parade was commanded by DySP Syed Dayam Kazmi, with PSI Isha Kumari as the 2nd Parade Commander.
In her Independence Day address, the Deputy Commissioner extended greetings to the people and emphasized the message “Mera Desh, Mera Ghar.” She said that when the nation is respected as one’s home, its protection, dignity and well-being becomes a collective responsibility. She called upon citizens to contribute to nation-building by keeping the country clean, green and drug-free and urged everyone to uphold the spirit of “Nation Before Self.”
Highlighting the district’s achievements, the Deputy Commissioner said that District Bandipora has earned the Best Performer Award in India under the prestigious Adi Karmayogi Abhiyaan, recognising its implementation and on-ground impact.
On infrastructure development, she said that work was underway on three major bridges at Aragam, Tangwani and Naninara, which would strengthen connectivity in the district. She also highlighted the completion of major works including the car parking facility at Gulshan Park and PRI Apartments at Watpora, besides efforts to shift rented health centres and revenue offices to permanent buildings.
Referring to livelihood and tourism initiatives in Gurez, the Deputy Commissioner said that work on the Rural Mart under the Seema Samridh Yojana had commenced, which would provide livelihood opportunities to local people while also facilitating tourists visiting Gurez. She said Gurez had witnessed a significant tourist footfall this year and highlighted the growing tourism potential of Gurez and Tulail. She also stated that, with the support of the BRO and Indian Army, an all-women Gurezi Bazaar had been established in Gurez and was emerging as an important source of income despite the valley’s limited business season. She appreciated the people of Gurez for welcoming tourists and highlighted the availability of campsites, zip lines, Shina Culture Centre and homestays.
On the campaign against drug abuse, the Deputy Commissioner said that the District Administration had worked extensively under the 100-Day Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan to address the menace of drug abuse. She lauded the efforts of District Police Bandipora under the leadership of SSP Bandipora, Ajaz Ahmad Zargar and said that initiatives including Dosti Discussions, Maa Se Guft-a-Gu, conventions and the Rehbar Initiative had strengthened the campaign and would continue beyond the 100-day period. She also highlighted the Knowledge Centre at Mini Secretariat Bandipora and Weekly Nun Chai Talks as initiatives contributing towards education, awareness and sustained efforts against drug abuse.
Referring to enforcement measures, the Deputy Commissioner said that the district had taken various actions in accordance with applicable directions and guidelines, including demolition drives and action concerning driving licences, registration certificates, Aadhaar, passports and contractors’ cards.
On solid waste management, she said the District Administration had taken a series of measures in line with applicable Supreme Court rulings and Government of India guidelines. These included the survey of Bulk Waste Generators, the first-ever Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Convention at Dawar, Gurez, establishment of a plastic check-post and the Swachhta 50-50 campaign. She said these efforts were aimed at ending waste menace including dumping at Zalwan and promoting responsible waste management.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed that from September 1, 2026, BDOs and the Municipal Council would collect only dry waste from households, while households would be responsible for managing their wet waste.
She said School Eco Clubs and Anganwadi workers had been trained and assigned responsibility for 50 households and five shops each under the Swachhta 50-50 approach, with the objective of ensuring equal participation of the community and government in maintaining cleanliness.
The Deputy Commissioner said that Independence Day provided an opportunity to reflect on the future of the coming generations and called upon every citizen to undertake at least one act in the spirit of “Nation Before Self.” She expressed the hope that by the next Independence Day, citizens would have helped at least one person affected by drug addiction, supported the education of a poor student, kept their surroundings clean and adopted measures such as rooftop rainwater harvesting.
The Deputy Commissioner thanked Hon’ble MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat, Principal District and Sessions Judge Bandipora Jeema Bashir, PRI representatives, security agencies, Education Department, Youth Services and Sports Department, PDD, PHE, Health Department, District Police Bandipora, and particularly the local people and students for their contribution to the successful conduct of the celebrations.
The celebrations featured a vibrant cultural programme presented by students from AGS Hajin & KV BSF Bandipora, GHS Sumbal & HSS Hajin, HS Bonakoot, GHSS Bandipora & JNV Bandipora, G&B Hostel Bandipora and GHS Plan. The performances included patriotic, Kashmiri, Shina and Gojri songs, showcasing the rich cultural diversity and talent of the district. A special Assam Bihu dance by CRPF personnel also added to the cultural proceedings.
The event was also attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Bandipora, Nazir Ahmad Mir; Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawl; ASP Bandipora; DPO ICDS Bandipora Yaar Ali Khan; ACR Bandipora, Shabir Ahmad Wani; DIO Bandipora and other senior officers of the civil and police administration, public representatives, students and a large gathering of the public.
At Sumbal, SDM Sumbal Murtaza Ahmad Sheikh hoisted the National Flag, while at Gurez, SDM Gurez Mukhtar Ahmad hoisted the National Flag. Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at various block headquarters.
Independence Day was also celebrated across different parts of the district, with schools, Panchayats and government offices organising flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes and public gatherings, reflecting the spirit of national unity and patriotic participation.
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