Precious Kashmir

Amit Shah reviews long-term comprehensive preparedness on flood situation

National

16/06/2021

New Delhi: Keeping in view of impending flood situation due to Monsoon, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asked the India Meteorological Department(IMD), Jal Shakti Ministry, Central Water Commission and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to work in coordination.
Reviewing the preparedness on the flood situation in the country, he also reviewed the formulation of a long-term comprehensive policy to deal with the problem of floods occurring every year across the country.
Mr Shah directed the officials to continue to strengthen coordination between the Central and State agencies to have a permanent system for forecasting of floods and rise in water levels in major catchment zones/ areas of the country.
Advising the Ministry of Jal Shakti to work out a mechanism for desilting of large dams, which will help in increasing dam storage capacity and help in flood control, the Home Minister asked the specialized institutions like the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Central Water Commission to use state-of-the-art technology and satellite data for more accurate weather and flood predictions and also formation of an SOP immediately to broadcast IMD warnings on lightning strikesto the public at the earliest through TV, FM Radio, SMS and other mediums with a maximum publicity to various mobile apps related to weather forecasting like ‘Umang’, ‘Rain Alarm’ and ‘Damini’, developed by the IMD, so that their benefits reach the targeted population.

Damini app triggers warning about lightning strikes three hours in advance which can help reduce losses to life and property.

Mr Shah also advised that studies should be conducted through satellite application on the increasing strains on our river systems and directed the CWC, IMD and NDRF to continuously monitor the water level and flood situation in rivers and send regular reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

He also directed the DG NDRF to immediately hold meetings with the heads of the SDRF in flood prone states.

Complying with the directions given by the Home Minister’s instruction last year, the CWC has started to issue five-day advance inflow forecast for all the reservoirs in the country.

The decisions taken in the meeting will go a long way to mitigate the sufferings of the lakhs of people in the country who have to face the fury of floods in terms of damage to their crops, property, livelihood and precious lives, the officials in the Home Ministry said.

The meeting was attended by Union Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, Secretaries of Ministries/ Departments of Home Affairs, Water Resources, Earth Sciences, Member Secretary NDMA, Director Generals of IMD and NDRF, Chairman, CWC and other senior officers of concerned Ministries.

Suo-Moto Info Disclosures

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Oped

Precious Kashmir

15/06/2021

The Right to Information (RTI) Act remains a powerful tool even as a lot more is needed to be done to realize its potential for citizen empowerment. There is no doubt about its role in fostering a more informed citizenry and an accountable government. However there have been persistent and growing worries and one such remains non adherence by many departments to Section 4 of Act which makes it binding for all the public authorities operating in the Jammu and Kashmir to make the suo-moto and pro-active disclosure of all the permissible information available with them within a period of 120 days from the date of commencement of the legislation.

The RTI Act of the erstwhile State was repealed by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 passed by the Parliament and Central Right to Information Act, 2005 became applicable from October 31, 2019.

The RTI Act has already come into force, meaning thereby that the public authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are legally bound to comply with the provision of law.

The erstwhile J&K State Information Commission had been persistently requesting for ensuring implementation of the provisions of the Right to Information Act.

Time and again, the GAD had issued circulars and asked such departments who have not so far created their own departmental websites to do so within a fortnight and host the requisite material on the websites under the provisions of the Right to Information Act on regular basis.

The former CIC had shared details with the GAD about the status of different departments regarding creation of websites, disclosure under Section 4 of the RTI Act, appointment of Public Information Officer and First Appellate Authority. Later part of 2005 Act was implemented.

Under Sec 4 of the RTI Act, the departments need to maintain all records in a manner which facilitates the right to information and can be computerised within a reasonable time; provide information suomotu at regular intervals through various means of communications, including internet; publish particulars of its organisation, functions and duties, the decision making process, a statement on its documents, consultation processes on its policies, details of on subsidy programmes, the budget allocated to each of its agency. 120 days time frame has been completed and it is time that all departments disclose the information voluntarily without fail. One also hopes that the disclosures are not made with outdated information. The officials would be advised to provide for greater voluntary dissemination on official websites, which should also ease their load.

Covid SOPs go for a toss as people throng Harwan amid restrictions

Anchor stories

Precious Kashmir

15/06/2021

Covid SOPs go for a toss as people throng Harwan amid restrictions

By: Amjad Hussain

Srinagar: Throwing laid-down COVID-19 protocols to the winds, people from different parts of the City throng Dhara Harwan and Chandpora areas on the outskirts of Srinagar to kill their time amidst ongoing ‘restrictions’ in the summer capital.

Witnesses said since gardens and parks are closed in Srinagar, masses from morning until late evening throng Chandpora and Dhara areas of Harwan without giving damn to the COVID-19 guidelines.

Hundreds of people including men, women and children visit these places on a daily basis ever since the authorities announced lockdown in Srinagar in the aftermath of a huge surge in COVID-19 positive cases in April this year.

Hundreds throng Dhara and Chandpora Harwan without adhering to laid down guidelines; maximum people could be seen roaming without wearing face masks while tea, beverage and cigarette stalls have also been set up near Chandpora Bridge for the convenience of visitors.

In order to get rid from the scorching heat, people use to bathe in Chandpora stream while stunt bikers and dope heads carry out illegal activities without any fear as the issue of illegal gathering goes unnoticed.

People living around however said they will temporarily shift to their relative’s homes till the issue is resolved as the locality reported hundreds of COVID-19 positive cases and deaths during the second COVID-19 wave.

When contacted, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Sandeep Chaudhary sought details, however, he did not comment on the issue.

“We cannot put ourselves and of our families in trouble and most of the people living here have decided to shift somewhere else till the authorities stop illegal assembly of people at Chandpora stream amid this pandemic,” Ajaz Ahmad, a local resident said.

He said since people from different parts of the city throng there for recreational purposes, the area also witnesses huge traffic jams for hours together.

“Some bikers blow creepy horns and taunts whosoever comes their way irrespective of age and gender, we appeal to the administration to kindly look into the issue as most of the visitors do not even wear face masks not to talk of adhering to other guidelines,” he added.

Since 2nd wave outbreak, Jammu logs lowest-ever Covid cases

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Nadeem Nadu

15/06/2021

Since 2nd wave outbreak, Jammu logs lowest-ever Covid cases

Mere 22 infected with virus in winter capital, Sgr tops at 161

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 599 new covid-19 cases while nine people succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Monday.

They said 161 cases were from Jammu Division and 438 were from Kashmir Valley, taking the total count to 308011.

Regarding the deaths, they said, four were reported from Jammu Division and five from Kashmir Valley, taking the total fatality count to 4195.

Providing district wise details, they said Srinagar reported 161 cases, Baramulla 38, Budgam 60, Pulwama 37, Kupwara 62, Anantnag 33, Bandipora 19, Ganderbal 7, Kulgam 17, Shopian 4, Jammu 22, Udhampur 13, Rajouri 33, Doda 27, Kathua 5, Samba 11, Kishtwar 5, Poonch 15, Ramban 8 and Reasi 17.

Moreover, they said, 2139 more COVID-19 patients have recovered—729 from Jammu Division and 1410 from Kashmir. So far, 290284 people have recovered, they said. There are now 13532 active cases—4974 in Jammu and 8558 in Kashmir.

One new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) has been reported today, bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases to 20 in J&K, they said.

A number of fresh covid-19 cases were confirmed at diagnostic labouratories of CD hospital and GMC Anantnag.

The CD cases include male (70) from Nowshera, female (24) from Fatehkadal, male (35) from Hawal, female (21) from Zakura, female (75) from Botakadal, two males (32, 28) from Zoonimar, female (33) from Hawal, male (70) from Nowshera, two males (48, 60) from Zoonimar, male (17) from Zadibal, female (36) from Buchpora, male (29) from Shahbada, female (28) from Dangerpora Shadimarg, male (23) from Naira Pul, male (32) and female (05) from Bagh Sangerwani, female (60) from Hall Pul, male (36) from BB Cantt Srg, female (13) from Srinagar, male (75) and female (60) from Budgam, female (60) from Rainawari, male (50) from Barzulla, female (70) from Pulwama, male (38) and female (33) from Awantipora, female (16) from Kadalbal Pampore, female (33) from Kanjinag, male (42) from Frestbal Pampore, female (23) from Zewan, male (23) from Shar, male (37) from Kadalbal Pampore, female (35) from Zaffron Colony, female (10) from Marvel, male (38) from Kadalbal Pampore, female (45) from Pulwama Gudroo, male (25) from Nawakadal, two males (22, 40) from Noorbagh, female (48) from Chattabal, male (31) from HMT, female (55) from Noorbagh, female (12) from Bemina, male (06) from Noorbagh, male (25) from Lal Bazar, female (29) from Karanagar, male (39) from Elahibagh, male (30) from Aalikadal, male (38) from Nawakadal, male (49) from Bemina, female (50) and male (35) from IMHANS, male (30) from Rainawari, female (50) from Habakadal, female (26) from Karanagar, two males (50, 36) from NA, female (29) from KP Road, female (NA) from Qamarwari Srg, female (30) from Kishtwar, two males (60, 24) and female (30) from Nowgam Srg, male (23) from Bemina Srg, female (30) from Safakadal Srg, male (70) from Saderbal Srg, male (44) from Kupwara, two females (27, 40) from Barzulla Srg, male (21) from Noorbagh, female (27) from Baghi Mehtab, female (70) from Qamarwari, male (65) from Shopian, male (NA) from Chattabal Srg, male (78) from Nowgam Srg, female (65) from Shopian, male (50) from Rajouri, male (50) from Rainawari, male (35) from Pulwama, male (47) from Natipora, female (30) from Chanapora, male (30) from Bemina, male (60) and female (52) from Batmaloo, male (35) from Malaroo, female (30) from Nawakadal, female (23) from Alochibagh, male (23) from Balgarden, female (29) from Mehjoor Nagar, male (30) from Alochibagh, male (32) from Batmaloo, male (34) from Bemina, female (19) from Eidgah, female (60) from Batmaloo, female (22) from Jahangir Chowk, two females (30, 55) from Qamarwari, female (15) from Batmaloo, male (61) from Bemina, female (28) from Pampore, female (12) from Khanyar, female (50) from Bemina, male (65) from Batmaloo, female (06) from Habba Kadal, female (47) from Magarmal Bagh, male (30) from Gangbugh, female (60) from Bemina, male (64) from Alochibagh, two females (55, 45) and two males (10, 30) from Batmaloo, male (53) from Baghat, female (23) from Tengpora, female (43) from Khanyar, female (30) and two males (47, 42) from Safakadal, male (42) from Bemina, male (40) and two females (42, 22) from Batmaloo, male (45) from Bemina, male (47) from Rainawari, female (45) and male (55) from Fateh Kadal, female (45) from Safakadal, male (60) from Habbak, male (20) from Umer Colony A, female (35) from Harwan, female (38) from Batpora, male (30) and female (32) from Nishat, female (50) from Alamdar Colony, female (50) from Habak Shanpora, NA (NA) from Hazratbal, female (25) from Habak Crossing, male (34) from Amda Kadal, male (23) and three females (60, 22, 21) from Lal Bazar, three females (17, 14, 40) from Nowshera, male (60) from Botakadal, male (25) from Awanta Bhawan, female (40) from Nowshera, female (14) from Fatehkadal, male (38) and female (37) from Ompora Budgam, female (65) from Noorbagh, male (80) from Budgam, male (31) from Kupwara and female (75) from Baramulla.

The GMC Anantnag cases include male (45) from Manzgam, female (30) from Batapora, male (28) from Tungdanoo, female (65) from Katapora, male (61) from Yaripora, male (36) from Badroo, female (80) from Katapora, two females (45, 26) from Frisal, female (40) from Aachal, female (36) from Kaddar, male (15) from Parigam, two males (70, 65) from Kokergund, female (29) from Yamrach, female (35) from G Devsar, female (39) from Matibugh, male (42) from Katapora, female (45) from Hanger, male (40) from Turigam, two males (18, 40) from Kaddar, male (28) from Brinal, female (65) from Ashmuji, male (22) from Herman, male (33) from Kulpora, male (80) from Awgam, male (65) from Ruhu Ang, female (30) from Nai Basti, female (23) from Gohan, female (40) from Pouru and male (41) from Bidhard. (GNS)

India logs lowest infections since April 2

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United News Of India

15/06/2021

New Delhi: India logged 70,421 new cases of coronavirus infections, lowest since April 2, and 3,936 deaths in the past 24 hours, Union Health Ministry updated on Monday.

With this, the nationwide figure of infection has 2,95,10,410 cases and 3,74,305 deaths.

India’s daily test positivity rate – the number of positive cases identified per 100 – continues to decline. For the seventh straight day, it was below the 5 per cent mark at 4.71 per cent.

More than 119,000 people were discharged in the same period, taking the cumulative figure of recoveries in the country to 28,162,947, the health ministry further said. This is the 32nd day where the daily recoveries continued to outnumber the new cases. The active cases, meanwhile, have declined to 973,158 and constitute 3.49 per cent of the caseload.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 37,96,24,626 samples tested for Covid-19 till June 13, 2021. Of these, 14,92,152 samples were tested yesterday.

State-wise, Tamil Nadu added 14,016 cases to the country’s daily numbers. It was followed by Kerala (11,584 cases) and Maharashtra (10,442 cases).

Meanwhile, a total of 253,195,048 beneficiaries have been vaccinated against the Covid-19 disease in India till now of which 3,484,239 were inoculated in the last 24 hours. Of these, 3,103,522 received the first dose while 380,717 received both doses.

Globally, there have been 17,53,06,598 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 37,92,777 deaths, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) with the USA accounting for the highest number of coronavirus infections followed by India and Brazil. (UNI)

Take care of patients: CS tells medicos at SMHS

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Precious Kashmir

15/06/2021

Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta along with Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department Monday visited the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital and took stock of medical facilities being provided, especially to COVID patients.

During the visit, the Chief Secretary inspected various medical wards and checked availability of necessary equipment and other facilities at the tertiary hospital.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed the status of bed occupancy and availability for isolation and treatment of COVID patients; oxygen demand and supply, and duty roster of medical professionals to cater to COVID/non-COVID patients.

The hospital administration was directed to optimally utilize the available human and material resources for treating COVID and non-COVID patients and ensure that high-quality medical care is provided to patients round-the-clock.

The Chief Secretary further directed doctors and paramedical staff to make frequent check-up rounds to monitor patients’ health conditions and take timely measures to prevent health deterioration of critical patients as a part of robust healthcare system.

Vaccination drive: Health workers face ‘rude behaviour’

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Jahangeer Ganaie

15/06/2021

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: As the door- to- door vaccination drive across Jammu and Kashmir is going on in full -swing, health workers at several places are facing rude behaviour as many people are still hesitant to take the vaccine.

During the last few days, many videos of confrontation between health workers and the public have gone viral on social media, indicating the hesitancy and fear among people to take the jab.

A video which is said to be from North Kashmir went viral on Monday in which health workers are persuading a family to get vaccinated, however, hesitant to take the dose, the family members start misbehaving with them.

The video has got a mixed response from netizens as many believe health care workers shouldn’t compel anybody to take the vaccination as around 15 percent health workers are yet to take the dose, while some commented that vaccination is the only way to beat the deadly pandemic.

“Unable to understand why medical teams are insisting to vaccinate and make videos to defame any one, rather they should follow the protocol to get their written consent for not opting to vaccinate (sic),” Mudasir Ahmad said.

“It is utterly unethical to behave like this with our Medical Nurses who are doing a great job of vaccinations. This women should never forget that the health and the lives of those who are trusted to their care depends on his skill and attention of a doctor, we must respect our medical facilities (sic),” wrote another person on his Facebook handle.

“Medical staffs are given targets regarding vaccination. They have to cover up the whole population above 18. If few of them don’t want to get themselves vaccinated, it’s fine… But employees are making them secure by filming, so that if their higher ups will ask them about the shortfall of targets, employees will be having a proof to justify their position (sic),” wrote Dr Ajay on his Facebook page.

Meanwhile, a top health official said that vaccination is the only way to beat Covid-19 and people should shun the hesitancy and get the jab at the earliest. (KNO)

Won’t de-notify containment zones till satisfactory vaccination: DC Sgr

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Precious Kashmir

15/06/2021

Srinagar: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar Monday said that no Containment Zone shall be de-notified till satisfactory vaccination. He said protection of public health is priority and no laxity on Covid-19 SOPs will be tolerated and action as per law will be taken against Covid-19 lockdown violators.

DC said this while briefing media on the present Covid-19 situation and containment, mitigation measures taken in the district.

Giving details, the DC said that district Srinagar has recorded a total of 68,228 Covid-19 positive cases, out of which 65,220 patients have recovered so far, while 2194 Covid-19 positive cases are presently active in the district.

He informed that district Srinagar has recorded a recovery rate of 95.5 percent while the positivity rate has declined to 5.6 percent.

DC further said that Mega anti Covid-19 vaccination drive has been started today by organizing Vaccination Melas at prime City locations in coordination with Trade bodies and Civil Society members which witnessed huge response from general public including trader, transporters, street vendors, shopkeepers who were inoculated anti Covid-19 vaccine.

Till date 304672 persons have been covered under ongoing vaccination process, DC said. He further said Srinagar is the 3rd district after Jammu and Baramulla districts where the highest number of Covid-19 doses were administered.

He reiterated his appeal to the general public to get vaccinated at the earliest for safety and protection of themselves, family and whole society.

Regarding partial relaxations in Covid-19 lockdown, the DC said business establishments have been allowed to carry out their activities on alternate basis with strict adherence to Covid-19 Appropriate Behavior. He said strict adherence to Covid-19 SOPs is must at this stage to improve parameters and to prevent further spread of Covid-19 infection in the district.

Equitable development of all regions Govt’s priority: LG

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Precious Kashmir

15/06/2021

DDC Chairperson, former Dy CM, others call on Sinha

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that the Jammu and Kashmir government is working on many fronts for equitable development of all the regions of the Union Territory.

DDC Chairperson, former Deputy Chief Minister, former Secretary JKAACL, President JKNPF, Political leader, young entrepreneur called on the Lieutenant Governor here at Raj Bhavan.

Muzaffar Hussain Baig, former Deputy Chief Minister accompanied by Safina Baig, DDC Chairperson, Baramulla apprised the Lt Governor about various developmental and other issues of public importance.

The DDC Chairperson projected various developmental demands of her constituency, besides several welfare issues of DDC members.

The Lt Governor, while interacting with the former Deputy CM, and DDC Chairperson, observed that the J&K government is working on many fronts for equitable development of all the regions of the UT.

He assured them to take up their genuine issues for consideration and urged them to continue working for the promotion of public welfare.

Meanwhile, Dr. Aziz Hajini, former Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages met the Lt Governor and expressed gratitude on behalf of language and literature lovers of J&K for granting the status of official languages of the UT to Kashmiri and Dogri.

Dr. Hajini also put forth issues pertaining to implementation of New Education Policy in respect of Kashmiri and Dogri languages; revival of Academy of Art, Cultural and Languages, extension of assistance to artists and writers; promotion of local languages through regional channels etc.

The Lt Governor observed that the UT Government has taken various reformative measures for the promotion of local art and languages of J&K, besides imparting education in all the official languages.

Similarly, Sheikh Muzaffar, President, Jammu & Kashmir Nationalist Peoples’ Front also called on the Lt Governor and discussed various developmental and youth related issues.

Political leader and former Vice Chairman, JK Cements, Er. Nazir Ahmad Yatoo submitted a memorandum of demands regarding the development of Yusmarg from a tourism point of view. He also demanded the strengthening of road connectivity and communication networks in the area.

Later, Waleed Khalid, Young entrepreneur apprised the Lt Governor about various concerning issues of the Business community, especially the young entrepreneurs.

The Lt Governor gave a patient hearing to the visiting deputations and assured them that all the genuine concerns and demands put forth by them would be looked into meticulously.

On the development of potential tourism places, the Lt Governor observed that the Tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir is being developed as per the vision of sustainable development goals.

Addressing the issues of young entrepreneurs, the Lt Governor said that the Government is working on inclusive socio-economic development by providing ample livelihood opportunities, enhancing skills, and extending assistance to the budding and young entrepreneurs of the UT.

Induction of locals officers in IAS under process: J&K Admin

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Precious Kashmir

15/06/2021

By: Faizan Wani

Srinagar: In a significant development, the administration of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory on Monday said that the induction of local officers in the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is under process.

“Stagnation of Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Service officers is being addressed. In last 2-3 months 200+ have got promoted. More in offing. Their induction into IAS is under process. In return all should dedicate themselves in the service of people wherever they are posted,” senior bureaucrat and commissioner secretary, General Administration Department, Manoj Dwivedi, tweeted.

The induction process in IAS has come to halt since 2013 due to multiple issues including seniority dispute and litigation.

The Centre’s indecisiveness over whether J&K will have 50 percent promotion quota or 33 percent at par with other States in the prestigious All India Services affected determination of vacancies for induction since 2014.

In 2020, the Government of India decided that J&K will have a 67:33 formula for All India Services, which means J&K will now get 67 percent IAS officers from direct recruits and 33 percent from promotion quota through induction of local officers in these services.

The authorized strength of erstwhile J&K cadre of IAS was 137. Of which 75 were direct recruitment posts and 62 promotion quota.

It is erstwhile to mention that Central Government promulgated an ordinance on January 7 this year to merge J&K cadre of IAS, IPS and IFS with Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre, popularly known as the UT cadre. (KNO)

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