By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Thursday reported five deaths and 1,966 fresh positive cases of COVID-19, thus taking the number of total active cases in the Union Territory to 7,932.

With five more deaths, the death toll in J&K has reached to 4,552 and 1,966 fresh positive cases reported on Thursday have pushed the tally of positive cases to 350,167.

Of the exact number of 350,167 cases, 219,317 are from Kashmir division and 130,850 from Jammu division.

Officials said that among 1,966 new cases, 1,077 belong to Kashmir division while as 889 are from Jammu division, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir division have reached to 219,317 including 213,128 recoveries and 2,339 deaths while as total number of positive cases in Jammu division have reached to 130,850 including 124,555 recoveries and 2,213 deaths.

The officials said that the total number of active cases in Jammu and Kashmir are 7,932 including 3,850 from Kashmir division and 4,082 from Jammu division.

With 271 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in Jammu and Kashmir has reached 337,412 which is 96.43 percent of the total cases.

“Cases tested positive in J&K include 416 from Srinagar, 311 from Baramulla, 159 from Budgam, 12 from Pulwama, 26 from Kupwara, 39 from Anantnag, 53 from Bandipora, 07 from Ganderbal, 52 from Kulgam and 02 Shopian in Kashmir division while as 889 from Jammu division include 434 from Jammu division, 136 from Udhampur, 55 from Rajouri, 21 from Doda, 49 from Kathua, 36 from Samba, 19 from Kishtwar, 26 from Poonch, 06 from Ramban and 107 from Reasi,” officials disclosed.

Meanwhile, authorities said that no fresh cases of Mucormycosis popularly known as black fungus was reported in the UT and the tally stands at 51.

As per officials figures, 80,693 positive cases including 885 deaths and 78,014 recoveries are from Srinagar, 26,921 including 292 deaths and 25,736 recoveries are from Baramulla, 25,068 including 24,383 recoveries and 220 deaths are from Budgam, 15,855 including 15,575 recoveries and 195 deaths are from Pulwama, 15,162 including 169 deaths and 14,840 recoveries are from Kupwara, 16,877 including 16,554 recoveries and 208 deaths are from Anantnag, 10,331 cases including 10,082 and 111 deaths are from Bandipora, 11,093 including 10,941 recoveries and 82 deaths are from Ganderbal, 11,691  including 11,444 recoveries and 118 deaths are from Kulgam and 5,626 including 5,559 recoveries and 59 deaths are from Shopian.

In Jammu division, 56,740 including 53,155 recoveries and 1,166 deaths are from Jammu district, 11,862 including 11,366 recoveries and 140 deaths are from Udhampur, 11,573 including 11,156 recoveries and 240 deaths are from Rajouri, 8,171 including 7,938 recoveries and 138 deaths are from Doda, 9,733 including 9,264 recoveries and 153 deaths are from Kathua, 7,329 including 7,072 recoveries and 120 deaths are from Samba, 4,915 including 4,815 recoveries and 44 deaths are from Kishtwar, 6,799 including 6,545 recoveries and 102 deaths are from Poonch, 6,148 including 6,037 recoveries and 67 deaths are from Ramban and 7,580 including 7,207 recoveries and 43 deaths are from Reasi.

As per the daily information bulletin 5,474,555 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 7,320 persons have been kept under home quarantine besides that 7,932persons are in isolation.

According to the bulletin, 5,020,816 persons have completed the surveillance period and 433,935 persons are under home surveillance besides that so far results of 20,079,830 samples are available. Out of 20,079,830 the number of samples tested negative stands at 19,729,663 while as 350,167 have tested positive, among them 7,932 persons are active, 337,683 persons have recovered and 4,552 persons have died. (KNO)

Srinagar: Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole Thursday held virtual meet with Imams, Khateebs, Ulemas, Mutwalies of Mosques and Shrines of Waqf Board regarding reinforcement of Covid-19 guidelines at religious places besides creating mass awareness among people.

The meeting was also attended by all Deputy Commissioners, Director Health, Director Tourism, Chairman Waqf Board, Epidemiologist DCCRK and other officers.

On the occasion, Div Com appreciated the role of Imams, Ulemas and Khateebs during the 1st and 2nd waves of Covid-19 Pandemic.

Meanwhile, he reminded them about their  religious and social responsibility to play even much  better role in educating people by reiterating the covid precautionary messages frequently on loud speakers besides strictly enforce observance of SOPs including physical distancing, wearing of masks, use of sanitizers, avoiding physical contacts and discouraging crowds.  Further, Pole asked them to use their moral authority to sensitize people.

Div Com asked them to use electronic and social media to disseminate awareness regarding Covid Appropriate Behavior and  its  compliance. He said that we are going through a third wave which may last for about one hundred days.

Pole stressed on involving more efforts to tackle the emerging situation effectively and efficiently. He said we need to take responsibility at individual and collective level to overcome the challenges of the third wave.

While referring to the successful outcome of administrative efforts in J&K particularly in the valley during the last two phases of the virus as compared to other parts of the country, he said that administration needs to be fully prepared besides seeking simultaneous support of religious influencers and the general public.

He added that the third wave is highly contagious but patients mostly develop mild symptoms so maximum affected persons would require home isolation. In this regard, Div Com reiterated for adopting self restrictions, regulations and isolation to contain spread of virus.

He emphasized on sensitization of people five times a day by Imams and khateebs of Mosques and Shrines.

On the occasion, the religious leaders assured the Divisional Commissioner of their support and cooperation during this difficult phase of pandemic like before to make efforts of the government successful.

Srinagar: Director Health Services Kashmir on Thursday made RAT testing and wearing of face mask mandatory for entry into hospital premises for patients and attendants.

“In view of the recent surge of Covid-19 cases in the country & detection of some cases of Omicron in J&K as well, all the Chief Medical Officers/Medical Superintendents/Block Medical Officers are hereby enjoined upon to get COVID-19 SOP’s/Guidelines properly implemented in all the Health Care Institutions falling under their Administrative Control,” reads a circular issued by DHSK.

“Besides, they will ensure that no patient/attendant is allowed to enter in the hospital premises unless & until RAT testing is undertaken & masks are put on face by them properly. However, in case of emergencies protocols should be followed.”

Srinagar: Amid alarming surge in Covid-19 and Omicron Variant cases, the Chief Justice of High Courts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh directed that the hearing and filing of cases in the Union Territories and other subordinate courts and Tribunals shall be conducted through virtual mode.

However, physical hearing in respect of any listed matter will be at the discretion of the Bench, Registrar General Jawad Ahmed said in an order.

He said, for smooth hearing of the cases through virtual mode, the Registrars Judicial of both wings of the High Court in coordination with the CPC e-Courts shall create a link for each Bench in their respective wings and provide the same to the advocates/litigants by making it available on the official website of the High Court or through any appropriate electronic mode.

The filing of cases shall be in accordance with the Electronic Filing (e-Filing) in the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and in Subordinate Courts and Tribunals of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Rules, 2021 either through e-Filing portal of the High Court https://efiling.ecourts.qov.in/ ik/ or through e-mail address.

The entry of litigants and public into the Court premises from the very outer gate shall be strictly prohibited.

Entry of lawyers in the District Courts/Subordinate Courts premises is not required unless any advocate is permitted for physical hearing in any extremely urgent matter. These directions shall remain in force till January 31. 2022 unless reviewed earlier. (UNI)

Srinagar/Jammu: Police on Thursday identified militant killed along with a policeman in Pariwan Kulgam as a Babar Bhai “linked of JeM and a resident of Pakistan.” in an encounter in Kulgam.

Based on specific input regarding presence of a (militant) in Pariwan area of Kulgam, a joint cordon and search operation was launched yesterday evening by Police and Army (34RR) in the area,” a police spokesman said in a statement.

During the search operation, he said, as the joint search party approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated, leading to an encounter.

“However, while evacuating the civilians from the encounter site to safer places, one police personnel, three Army soldiers and two civilians got injured. All the injured were immediately shifted to the hospital for treatment however police personnel SgCt Rohit Chibb succumbed to his injuries”.

The condition of other injured including two civilians is stated to be stable, he said.

“In the ensuing encounter, one top Pakistani JeM (militant) Babar Bhai was killed and his body was retrieved from the site of encounter.”

As per police records, Babar was a categorized militant active since year 2018 in the areas of Shopian-Kulgam and its adjoining areas. He was wanted by law in several cases, he said.

“One AK-47 rifle, one Pistol and two grenades were also recovered from the site of encounter.”

Srinagar: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir zone, Vijay Kumar on Thursday directed officers to intensify naka checking and frisking ahead of Republic Day in Jammu and Kashmir.

The top police officer of Kashmir passed the direction while chairing a security review meeting in south Kashmir after conducting extensive tour along with DIG SKR Anantnag Abdul Jabbar.

Earlier, both the officers along with SSP Kulgam visited to SOG Camp Nillow Kulgam and paid tributes to SgCt Rohit Kumar of SOG Camp Nillow who was killed in an overnight encounter at Pariwan Kulgam, a police spokesman said in a statement.

“He also interacted with officers and personnel of Police, Army & CRPF and also reviewed security and operational aspects. Moreover, IGP Kashmir also visited the encounter site.”

Later on, IGP Kashmir and DIG SKR Anantnag visited Shopian, Pulwama and Awantipora and chaired meetings with District SSsP and other officers.

“In view of upcoming Republic Day Celebration functions, IGP Kashmir while reviewing the security scenario directed the officers to intensify naka checking and plug the gaps with strict security measures so that no chance is provided to elements inimical to peace,” he said, adding, “Besides, he also directed to enhance frisking of suspected vehicles/persons at such naka points and increase night patrolling along with CAPFs and Army in all the sensitive areas in their respective districts.”

IGP Kashmir also directed the officers to pay special attention and focus on generating preventive intelligence besides enhancing anti-militancy operations.

Keeping in view the surge in Covid cases, IGP Kashmir also directed the officers to implement Covid SOPs and CAB in letter and spirit so as to contain the further spread, the spokesman added.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir administration on Thursday reviewed the pace and progress of the work of 500- bedded pediatric Hospital which will come at the cost of Rs 114.81 crores at Bemina, Srinagar.

The Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Aijaz Asad chaired a meeting in this regard here.

The meeting was also attended by the Chief Planning Officer, Srinagar, Yasin Lone, Medical Superintendent G B Panth Hospital Dr Nazir Choudhary, Superintendent, Head of Pediatrics, G B Panth, Engineers of R&B, PDD, PHE and MED, besides other officers concerned.

During the meeting, the officers apprised the Deputy Commissioner about the component wise status of works in the Hospital.

The Deputy Commissioner was informed that most of the civil, electric and mechanical works have been completed and the project is in the final and finishing phase.

With regard to the civil works, the Superintendent Engineer Roads and Buildings (R&B) informed that 90 percent works have been completed and remaining civil works will be completed by the end of this month.

The Superintendent Engineer Mechanical Engineering Department apprised the chair that all mechanical components including 3 Medical Oxygen plants of 1000 pm capacity each, Lifts, Central Heating System, Fire Fighting equipment and Laundry unit are already in place and tested successfully, while work on STP is being carried out which shall be completed within next two months.

The DC directed the Mechanical Engineering Department to speed up the pace of work to ensure Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP) in the hospital is completed within the set deadline. He also directed them to make some immediate interim arrangements for STP till the main work on STP is completed.

While taking stock of electric supply to the hospital, the DC was informed that a 1.6 MVA transformer is being installed in the hospital premises and shall be made operational by February 15, 2022 to ensure uninterrupted reliable power supply.

On the occasion, the Medical Superintendent, G B Panth Hospital requisitioned for additional 40 kanals of land for housing residential quarters of Doctors and other paramedical staff of the Hospital, besides for parking facility.

He also demanded that an overhead footbridge be constructed near the hospital site to ensure safety of the visiting patients and attendants while crossing the bypass road.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed all the concerned to work in proper coordination to ensure vital pediatric facilities on modern lines are made available in the District which will be equipped with all modern equipment for managing the high risk pediatric cases.

He said once the Hospital is made operational it will strengthen the pediatric care facilities in Kashmir division, ease the burden of patient load on the existing tertiary level hospital, and ensure quality maternity, neonatal and pediatric care to the patients.

New Delhi: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav on Thursday informed that there is an increase of 2,261 sq km in the total forest and tree cover in the country in the last two years.

“The total forest and tree cover of the country is 80.9 million hectare which is 24.62 per cent of the geographical area of the country.

As compared to the assessment of 2019, there is an increase of 2,261 sq km in the total forest and tree cover of the country,” the Minister said after releasing the ‘India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021’ prepared by the Forest Survey of India (FSI).

The ISFR-2021 provides information on forest cover, tree cover, mangrove cover, growing stock, carbon stock in India’s forests, forest fire monitoring, forest cover in tiger reserve areas, above ground estimates of biomass using SAR data and climate change hotspots in Indian forests.

As per the report, out of 2,261 sq km, the increase in the forest cover is 1,540 sq km and that in tree cover is 721 sq km, a statement said.

“Top three states showing increase in forest cover are Andhra Pradesh (647 sq km) followed by Telangana (632 sq km) and Odisha (537 sq km). Area wise Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in the country followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra,” the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said in a release.

In terms of forest cover as percentage of total geographical area, the top five states are Mizoram (84.53 per cent), Arunachal Pradesh (79.33 per cent), Meghalaya (76.00 per cent), Manipur (74.34 per cent) and Nagaland (73.90 per cent), it said quoting the findings of report.

Elated over the report, the Minister said the focus of the government is not to just conserve forests quantitatively but to enrich it qualitatively.

“The focus of the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not just to conserve the forests quantitatively but to enrich it qualitatively,” Yadav said.

Among other major findings, 17 states/union territories have above 33 per cent of the geographical area under forest cover.

“Total mangrove cover in the country is 4,992 sq km. An increase of 17 sq Km in mangrove cover observed as compared to the previous assessment of 2019. Top three states showing mangrove cover increase are Odisha (8 sq km) followed by Maharashtra (4 sq km) and Karnataka (3 sq km),” the release said.

Total carbon stock in country’s forest is estimated to be 7,204 million tonnes and there an increase of 79.4 million tonnes in the carbon stock of country as compared to the last assessment, it said.

The annual increase in the carbon stock is 39.7 million tonnes, it added. (UNI)