KUPWARA, Aug 15 (KNS): As the nation marks its 78th Independence Day, frontier district Kupwara came alive with vibrant celebrations of Independence Day today with great patriotic fervor and enthusiasm.
 The main function of Independence day  was held at District Police Lines(DPL) Kupwara where Chairman District Development Council Kupwara, Irfan Sultan Panditpori unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute at March-past which was presented by contingents of CRPF, Women battalion of JKP,IRP, JKP, Home Guards, FPF, Special Commandos of police, NCC Cadets and school children who performed  synchronized  movements which  reflected discipline and coordination,amid patriotic tunes played by JKP Band dressed in their ceremonial uniforms creating a dignified and inspiring atmosphere.
Vice Chairman DDC, Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Ms.Ayushi Sudan , SSP Kupwara, Shobbit Saxena  ADC Kupwara, Mohammad Rouf Rehman ; DDC Members,  District officers, officials of all departments and a large number of people from different areas were present.
Addressing the Independence Day function, the Chairman ,highlighted the historical background of the Independence Day with special reference to sacrifices made by freedom fighters and the armed forces.The Chairman enlisted the progress of the nation made since independence in areas such as economic growth, education, infrastructure and technology. He highlighted developmental achievements of Kupwara district and said that the district is marching ahead socio-economically in the UT of J&K. He said that during the financial year 2024-25 , the District capex budget of Rs.15734 lakhs was approved .
During the current financial year 41947 works have been approved. 530 works have been completed till date and work is in progress on 3120 works.
Under MGNREGA, out of the target of 33,28000  man days, 5, 80,000  man days have been generated till this date. Chairman while appreciating officers , field functionaries and PRIs of Kupwara district said that  under PMAY(G) 2425 houses were constructed for deserving  and vulnerable families in the district.  
The Chairman congratulated Deputy Commissioner Kupwara and her team of officers for putting best efforts in taking Kupwara district to new heights of development and progress.
He said that for improving connectivity and transportation a road network is being created from Langate to Karnah as better roads facilitate easier movement, boosting trade, tourism and economic activities.
 The Chairman also highlighted the achievements made by  other departments for doing better work in the district which include R&B, PMGSY,Beacon,PDD, Education, Animal Husbandry, Social welfare department, Horticulture,  Agriculture and allied departments.
He said Kupwara district has vast potential for tourism. He added that from Bungas to Karnah, Keran, Mawar, Lolab, Machil and Chowkibal, District  administration is on toes to create and develop  tourism infrastructure and enhance  the tourism activities which will provide  employment opportunities to the youth.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
  Earlier, the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara  and SSP Kupwara paid  floral tributes at Martyr’s Memorial. 
 The best part of the programme was the presentation of Tableaus (Jankis) to showcase various government schemes, initiatives, and achievements.
The tableaus of Horticulture Department, Fire & Emergency service, MC Kupwara, Fisheries department, Sheep Husbandry, Animal Husbandry, Forest department, Health department, Agriculture, RDD, education, ICDS and  Lead J&K bank were beautifully designed to represent the impact and significance of the schemes in a creative and informative manner.
A variety of cultural  and patriotic performances were the highlight of the independence day celebrations ,which captivated the audience with their vibrant displays of national pride, art and cultural richness which inspired collective sense of pride and belonging.
District administration in collaboration with social forestry department Kupwara organized a plantation drive under the theme “Ek Ped Shaheedo Ke Naam”  during the independence day event  to honour the martyrs while contributing to environmental conservation, which served as a powerful tribute ,symbolizing the growth and prosperity that the sacrifices of martyrs  have made possible.
 Awards were also given to various Officers, officials, students and citizens  for their good work.   
      In HANDWARA SUB District , Independence  Day celebrations were  held at District Police Lines Handwara where ADC Handwara, Aziz Ahmad Rather  unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade & took salute at march past presented by contingents from JKP, JKAP ,BSF, CRPF, IRP and Police band, NCC cadets and students.  Cultural programmes were also presented by the school children and awards were given to the achievers. SSP Handwara,Dawood Ayoob , DDC Members, Officers from civil administration, police department and other concerned were present on the occasion.
IN LOLAB SUB DIVISION, independence Day celebration was held at GDC Sogam where SDM Lolab, Javid Ahmed Masoodi   unfurled the National Flag and took salute on the March Past. Meanwhile, school children presented different cultural programmes.
 IN KARNAH SUB DIVISION, Independence Day celebration was held  
at Mini Secretariat Tangdar where SDM Karnah, Zaffar Ahmed Lone  unfurled the National Flag and took salute in March past. Meanwhile, school children also presented colourful cultural programmes. The Republic celebration was also held at all Tehsil ,block Headquarters , Panchayats and  Education institutions of the district where the National Flag was unfurled by the Heads of the institutions.(KNS)