Precious Kashmir

Advisor Baseer Khan review Covid containment measures in Shopian

Jammu & Kashmir

10/06/2021

Appreciates district administration for achieving 100% vaccination coverage of above 45 years of age group

SHOPIAN: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan today visited District Shopian and chaired a meeting to discuss the measures to break the chain of Covid-19 pandemic, besides interacting with various deputations.

DDC Chairperson, Bilqees Jan, Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Senior Superintendent of Police, Amritpal, DDC Vice Chairman, Irfan Manhas, DDC and BDC members, Traders Federation, Fruit Growers Association, Transporters, Stakeholders and other officers were present on the occasion.

On the occasion a comprehensive and threadbare discussion was held in which the stakeholders comprising Fruit Growers Association, transporters, traders who in addition to putting forth their suggestions on Covid projected other demands with regard to their issues for early settlement.

Advisor said that the need of hour to get rid of the virus is the cooperation of people in breaking the chain of covid pandemic. He urged the DDCs, BDCs, Sarpanchs and Panchs to play a vital role by motivating the people to come forward and getting themselves vaccinated. Advisor emphasized upon the traders, transporters, fruit growers and others present on the occasion to follow the requisite advisories. He said strict adherence to the measures, SOPs and guidelines issued from time to time hold the key to defeat the virus.

Advisor appreciated the district administration for achieving 100% coverage of vaccination of above 45 years of age group in the district and said that the people of Shopian have always cooperated the district administration in their endeavour to control the pandemic.

Baseer Khan stated that the Administration has sufficient stock of oxygen supply and other essential drugs and said that the people need not to pay any heed to the rumours. The Advisor said, there is no dearth of resources, whether it is oxygen, medical or any other resource. With the active intervention of Prime Minister and Lieutenant Governor, the UT has received 9 high quality oxygen plants from Frankfurt Germany in addition to that 9 more plants have been received just a few days back.

Advisor also emphasised to ensure that the economic activities relating to MGNREGA, Horticulture, Agriculture etc. goes on smoothly provided Covid appropriate behaviour is followed strictly.

While interacting with the DDCs, BDCs and other representatives, Advisor stressed upon them to play a vital role in tackling the situation that has arisen due to the covid-19 pandemic. He appealed them to step forward and aware the common masses about the importance of wearing mask and maintaining social distancing. He also appealed them to get their respective areas well sanitized and well fumigated.

Deputy Commissioner briefed about various initiatives that have been taken by the district administration to break the chain of Covid-19 pandemic.

DC informed that there are 98 panchayat halqas in the district Shopian and all are established with 05 bed capacity Covid Care Centres (CCCs) and are equipped with all the healthcare facilities so that any one of these halqas having any kind of symptoms can get himself isolated and well treated there. He said the people of Shopian district are following all the SOPs and other guidelines.

DC assured the chair that the district administration is fully prepared and has also geared up health functionaries for achieving 100% target in vaccination of 18-44 age group as the vaccine will be available in the district.

Later, Advisor visited Covid Care Centre (CCC) Tukroo and took stock of the facilities put in place for the covid patients. Also, the Advisor inspected several ongoing works of Rural Development Department.

Former MPs, DDC members call on Lt Governor

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

10/06/2021

SRINAGAR: Former Members of Parliament and a delegation of DDC members today called on Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha here at Raj Bhavan.

Former Member of Parliament, Sh. Nazir Ahmad Laway apprised the Lt Governor about various issues pertaining to strengthening of road connectivity including execution of work on various bridges, besides upgradation of health facilities in Kulgam.

Similarly, Sh. Mir Mohammad Fayaz, former Member of Parliament met the Lt Governor and apprised him about various issues of public importance of Kupwara district, including availability of MRI and other healthcare equipment in the hospitals, work on Drugmulla, Tumina and Kunan bridges, sports stadium, macadamization of roads etc.

Meanwhile, a delegation of members of District Development Council including Aijaz Hussain, Manzoor Ahmad Bhat and Ali Mohammad called on the Lt Governor and expressed their gratitude towards the Government for the new 500-bedded DRDO Covid hospital at Khonmoh.

They also projected various issues pertaining to the welfare of youth, besides macadamization of rural roads.

While interacting with the visiting representatives, the Lt Governor assured them that all issues projected by them would be taken up meticulously for early redressal and genuine demands would be looked into earnestly.

J&K Government is working with the agenda of holistic and equitable development of the UT, besides concerted efforts are being made to meet the developmental aspirations of the people, observed the Lt Governor.

Several officers assigned charge of CEOs subject to no-adverse report

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

10/06/2021

‘Officers should have clearance from GAD, Vigilance and Dept Inquiry Heads’

By: Bhat Imran

Srinagar: The government on Wednesday assigned several officials of School Education Department look-after charges of Chief Education Officers (CEOs) with the conditions of not having any sort of adverse report from General Administration Department, vigilance or the departmental inquiry.

The Department of School Education in the various orders issued on Wednesday said that is assigning look-after charge of the CEOs and equivalent posts in the interest of administration.

An order states that the officials shall look-after the work of office of the respective principal District Institute of Education and Trainings (DIETs) till the posts are filled up on regular basis, with immediate effect.

The government also said that in case of any adverse report from GAD (Vigilance) or Departmental enquiry, the order shall be withdrawn immediately.

“The arrangements are purely temporary and shall not confer any preferential right on the nominated officers to hold these posts on substantive basis or claim promotion, which shall be made in accordance with the rules and shall be subject to the outcome of writ petitions, if any, pending in the court of law,” it reads.

The government in this regard has issued a total of 17 different orders across Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)

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Violation of Covid-19 SOPs will be dealt strictly: DC Srinagar

City

Precious Kashmir

10/06/2021

Srinagar: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar today said that the recovery rate of Covid-19 positive cases has touched 94 percent in the district and Covid positivity rate has also dipped to below 6 percent.

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

Giving details, the DC said that Srinagar has recorded 94 percent recovery rate and there are about 2824 active Covid positive cases against 13500 cases in mid May in the district.

Regarding strengthening of healthcare infrastructure to fight Covid-19 pandemic, the DC said that the commissioning of 500-bedded COVID Hospital at Khonmoh, Srinagar, which was inaugurated today by Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has increased Covid bed capacity besides upgraded healthcare facilities in the district to tackle any exigent situation.

He further said that work on 5 Model Primary Health Centers termed as STAR PHCs at different locations in the district has started to ensure decentralized healthcare facilities with equal and fair access to the patients.

Regarding relaxation 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.

He said protection of precious human lives 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.

The readers can also reach on the official Twitter account of DC Srinagar: @srinagaramin and official Twitter account of DDPR Srinagar: @ddprsrinagar.

Expedite demarcation to launch anti encroachment drive around water bodies: DC Sgr directs officials

City

Precious Kashmir

10/06/2021

SRINAGAR: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammed Aijaz Asad today chaired a meeting to review the progress on restoration of historical water bodies in Srinagar including Nigeen, Khushaal sar, Gil sar and Anchar lakes besides water bodies of Baba demb and Nalah-e-Amir Khan.

On the occasion, the DC was informed about the pace of work being carried out for demarcation of water bodies and identification of illegal constructions, besides measures taken for restoring and cleaning of all water bodies in the district.

The Executive Engineer Irrigation & Flood Control apprised the chair that work is going on for the restoration of the water bodies in Srinagar. He put in demand for additional funds to achieve the target.

He further informed that an amount of Rs 15 lakh have been provided by Srinagar Smart City for restoration of Gil Sar water body so far. He said more funds are required to complete the work and also demanded for providing more water masters to carry on the restoration works.

With regard to demarcation of water bodies, the DC directed the concerned Tehsildars to expedite demarcation process of all water bodies immediately . He also asked them to ensure identification of encroachments within these water bodies so that major anti enchrochment drive is launched to remove all illegal constructions along water bodies in Srinagar.

The DC enjoined upon the officers to take all necessary measures for cleaning the accumulated waste to make all water bodies navigable to pave way for starting in land water transport along these bodies.

He said one of the purposes of the restoration measures is to restore original water navigation circuit in Srinagar district.

The DC also said that for restoring glory of water bodies in Srinagar, Community participation is must and local communities who are actual guardians have a vital role in identification of encroachments and in conservation of these historical water bodies.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Khurshid Ahmad, Chief Planning Officer, Mohammed Yaseen Lone, SDM East, Owais Mushtaq, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Rayees Ahmad Bhat and concerned Tehsildars, besides officers from SMC, SDA, PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control and other departments were present in the meeting.

LAWDA suspends 4 officials for non-reporting of illegal constructions

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

10/06/2021

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (JK-LAWDA) on Wednesday suspended its four officials for non-reporting of illegal constructions in their respective areas and has ordered an enquiry into the matter.

The enquiry officer has been asked to submit the factual report within a period of 15-days.

According to an Order No. 61-LDA of 2021 dated 09.06.2021, pending enquiry regarding illegal construction coming up in the areas including Saidakadal, Ashaibagh and northern Foreshore Road (Lashkari Mohalla), LAWDA has ordered suspension of four employees for dereliction of duties who failed to report illegal constructions going on to their higher officials in their respective jurisdictions.

The suspended employees have been attached with head office J&K LDA and an enquiry to furnish the factual report in this regard within 15-days has also been ordered.

The VC LAWDA, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat emphasized upon field staff to ensure zero tolerance on part of illegal constructions. The Enforcement officer has been asked to keep a strong vigil over the area so that illegal constructions should not come up.

The VC urged the field staff to take strong cognizance of violations and report it to higher officials instantly and also initiate action then and there. Besides, the violators will be dealt strictly as per law.

He also reiterated his appeal to the people living in the jurisdiction of Dal and Nigeen Lakes to refrain from indulging in illegal construction and any sort of encroachment.

Cabinet approves MSP for Kharif Crops for 2021-22

National

United News Of India

10/06/2021

New Delhi: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Kharif crops for marketing season 2021-22.

Government has increased the MSP of Kharif crops for marketing season 2021-22, to ensure remunerative prices to the growers for their produce. The highest absolute increase in MSP over the previous year has been recommended for sesamum (Rs. 452 per quintal) followed by tur and urad (Rs. 300 per quintal each). In case of groundnut and nigerseed, there has been an increase of Rs 275 per quintal and Rs 235 per quintal respectively in comparison to last year. The differential remuneration is aimed at encouraging crop diversification.

Under this approval, the MSP of common paddy has been increased from Rs 1868 to 1940 while price of grade ‘A’ paddy has been increased from Rs 1888 to Rs 1960.

Similarly, the MSP for hybrid Jowar has been increased from Rs 2620 to Rs 2738 whereas for Bajra, it is Rs 2250 from 2150, for Maize, the MSP is fixed to Rs 1870 with a slight increase of Rs 20 per quintal.

There has been an increase of Rs 300 per quintal in pulse like Urad and Arhar while Rs 79 has been increased for Moong pulse for the procurement of 2021-22.

Prevent Road Accidents

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Oped

Precious Kashmir

09/06/2021

After another accident on Jammu-Srinagar highway near Ramban claimed five more lives last weekend, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed the departments concerned to carry out road safety audit and rectification measures within a week. The deadlinesso set ends on June 12.

Mr Sinha also in a right direction called for launching road safety awareness campaigns on such stretches to check accidents caused due to human errors.

One hopes that the deadline is met and flaws, if any, are discovered and measures taken to rectify them are taken with reasonable haste. Delays could prove costly as has been the case previously and that too umpteem times.

Hardly any day passes when one does not come across tragic news about an accident happening in Jammu and Kashmir. Road accidents are a major cause of deaths, and injuries every year. As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, in 2019, at least 4,37,396 road accidents were recorded in India, resulting in the death of 1,54,732 persons and injuries to another 4,39,262 persons. Jammu and Kashmir has gained the notoriety of being amongst the states or UTs having the highest percentage of unnatural deaths including due to accidents in the country. 1009 people died in 5839 road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir last year. As per the latest NCRB report, 364 people died in 2140 road accidents on highways followed by 118 deaths elsewhere.

While some general causes like error attributed to drivers including reckless driving, overloading, poor condition of vehicles, etc. are prevalent almost across the country, the accidents in J&K can be attributable to factors like dilapidated and narrow roads, common ignorance about traffic laws and lack of knowledge about safe driving principles. Historically, people and administration has been quite slow in taking effective steps to improve the engineering of roads

There is a need for the transition to a professional road environment which requires the implementation of first-tier reforms that deal with the quality of road infrastructure, facilities for susceptible users and zero-tolerance enforcement of rules by a trained, professional and empowered machinery.

Scientific road system marked by good engineering, strict enforcement, appropriate technology use and respect for all road users is the need of the hour and steps should be taken towards achieving it.

There is also a need to carry enquiry into the exact cause of accidents along the strategic highway, more so in the areas prone to it.

After Budgam, leopards appear in Shopian village

Anchor stories

Precious Kashmir

09/06/2021

After Budgam, leopards appear in Shopian village

By: Sameer Showkin Lone

Shopian: After Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, the presence of leopard has created panic among the masses in Heff Shirmal village and its adjoining areas in South Kashmir’s Shopian district.

According to the reports, the villagers have spotted two to four leopards in the belt on Tuesday, thus creating panic among the people in the belt.

Soon after the news spread about the movement of leopards in the apple orchards of the area, the teams of Wildlife department have started the search to trap the dangerous wild animal.

The officials of Wildlife department also announced on Masjid loudspeakers about the presence of leopards and have cautioned the locals from going to the fields for farming.

“If you go to apple orchards or other farms, please go at least a group of four people. People should avoid going to fields alone,” a wild life official announced on a Masjid loudspeaker in Heff Shirmal.

The official also shared his contact number and asked people to call in case they spot any movement.

The Wildlife department team has also kept some sheep’s in some orchards as a means of tactic to trap the leopard.

“We are not sure about the number of leopards roaming in the area. But the number is more than two, since we got reports from different spots in the area,” an official told Precious Kashmir.

The official on the loudspeaker also told the locals to stop rearing chicken for a while for large safety reasons. They also appealed people to not let the children move out of houses.

Locals also said that they spotted a leopard in the area last night.

They said that the presence of the leopard had created panic among the residents.

The entry of leopards into residential parts of Kashmir Valley has become a concern over the months. Last week a 4-year old girl was mauled to death by a leopard in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

3 years on, GMC Anantnag canteen awaits completion

Anchor stories

Ahmed Shabir

09/06/2021

3 years on, GMC Anantnag canteen awaits completion

Refectory functions from unhygienic cramped tin shed, patients, attendants suffer

By: Ahmed Shabir

Anantnag: Three years elapsed since the authorities started work on construction of canteen at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, the cafeteria at the hospital continued to function in an unhygienic cramped tin shed, thus leaving patients as well as their attendants to lurch at large.

The functioning of canteen from an unhygienic tin shed comes at a time when the doctors have been advising people to maintain hygiene in wake of the deadly pandemic.

The government had sanctioned a canteen for the hospital four years ago and allotted the contract for the same to JK housing board. The estimated cost of the two-storey canteen is Rs one crore. However, the construction of the canteen has not moved beyond the erection of concrete pillars and some brick work in the last nearly three years.

For last several months, the work on the canteen is at complete halt due to the paucity of funds.

The GMC authorities, sources said, many a time had reminded the executing agency to complete the construction but there was no response on their part.

Even as the new canteen that was supposed to be constructed on modern lines for both attendants and staff remains far from completion, sources said, the GMC authorities have not taken any measures to improve the hygiene of the existing canteen running from a tin shed.

The canteen has very little space with very poor hygiene and no ventilation from any side. The canteen is so unhygienic that majority of the doctors and Para-medics, a doctor said, avoid having even a cup of tea.

Sources said that the person who has been running the canteen even after the expiry of the contract was many a time asked to make some repairs of the temporary canteen and ensure hygiene but he continues to carry on his business in the same conditions.

“After his contract expired last time he has been running the canteen on extension granted to him by the top GMC authorities,” a source said.

Now that the authorities have floated new tenders for the same and the contract has been allotted to some other person but despite that the canteen continues to be run by the one allotted the contract previously. No top official from housing board respond to calls from Precious Kashmir for their version. However, Medical Superintendent, GMC Anantnag, Dr Iqbal admitted that the condition of the existing canteen is unhygienic.

“I many a time had asked him to improve the hygiene and repair the accommodation but he did not listen. Now the contract for running the canteen has gone to another person and I won’t allow him to run the canteen in same unhygienic conditions,” MS said.

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