The first-ever ‘Waste to Wonder’ flower garden located at Polo Ground Park in Srinagar has been thrown open for visitors after its inauguration by CM Omar Abdullah. The ‘Waste to Wonder’ garden, spread over 16 kanals of land, is the unique eco-friendly space that has transformed scrap metal, old vehicle parts, discarded tyres, plastic bottles, and fallen logs into creative floral installations and public art. The garden features a range of attractive installations created from discarded and scrapped materials. These include a vintage Ambassador car, a classic Kashmiri tonga, a floral boat, a floral scooter, a heritage jeep, a floral tractor, old tyres, etc.
Contrary to promise, power to cost more
The ruling National Conference, which had promised 200 units of free electricity in its poll manifesto, is set to increase the power tariff in J&K. The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has approved an average 6.83% increase in the retail supply tariff for the financial year 2026-27. The revised tariff will apply to electricity consumption from September 1. As per the new tariff system, the timing from 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 10 pm will be treated as peak hours. During the period, industrial and commercial consumers will face a 20% surcharge on energy charges, while other eligible consumer categories will face a 10 per cent surcharge.
Govt notifies new land pooling policy
The J&K government has notified the Land Pooling Policy, 2026, establishing a framework for planned urban development through voluntary pooling of land by landowners and development entities. According to the policy, land pooling will be applicable to areas notified under the J&K Development Act, 1970, by the development authority or any other organisation notified by the government. It covers land under unauthorised colonies which is yet to be regularised, land under litigation until the case is settled, forests, grazing areas, natural drains, water bodies, heritage sites, flood and irrigation departments, etc.
Fayaz wani
Our correspondent in Jammu and Kashmir
fayazwani123@gmail.com
