Jammu, June 10 -- Er Javid Iqbal Bandipora

Jammu and Kashmir occupies a strategically vital and geographically diverse expanse within the western Himalayas. Characterised by its mountainous terrain, forested valleys, glacial rivers, and high-altitude plains, the region is both ecologically rich and geologically vulnerable. At its heart lies the Kashmir Valley-the most prominent and densely populated part of the union territory. Nestled between the Pir Panjal and Greater Himalayan ranges, the valley is celebrated for its scenic beauty, yet it sits precariously within Seismic Zone V, the highest earthquake risk classification in India. This seismic exposure stems from its location along a major fault line, where the Indian and Eurasian tec...