Precious Kashmir

Ist of multiple SMC COVID wellness centers getting ready in Srinagar

City

16/05/2021

Srinagar: The first of multiple Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) wellness centers with all facilities is getting ready for augmenting the bed capacity of summer capital of Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir.

SMC Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu on Saturday informed that the first of multiple SMC COVID Wellness Centers is getting reader for augmenting the bed capacity in Srinagar to function as adjunct facilities with main COVID hospitals. The centre is equipped with Oxygen Concentrators, Clean Washrooms, Power Backup and round the clock doctors and paramedical staff, he said.

We are working on creating three such facilities in Srinagar to start with and a contingency plan is being put in place to scale up as and when required, Mattu said. He said work on two more COVID wellness centers was in progress.

JKPA reiterates demand for incentives to media houses

City

United News Of India

16/05/2021

Srinagar: Reiterating the demand for incentives to media houses, Jammu and Kashmir Press Association (JKPA) express disappointment over the lackadaisical and non responsive attitude of the government so far.

A spokesman of the JKPA said executive members of the association held an emergency meeting on

Saturday chaired by Ghulam Hassan Kaloo to express disappointment over the non responsive attitude of the government towards the demand for incentive to media houses.

We have written a number of letters and also presented memorandum of demands to Lt Governor of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir in 2020 and again in 2021 without getting any favourable response so far, the meeting said.

A statement issued here this afternoon said that it has been made amply clear that Media Houses have been working under strained circumstances since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic like Healthcare Worriors and Law-enforcing Agencies and braving onslaughts with no sign of fatigue. They have been acting as a strong bridge between the government and general public and suggesting measures to lessen the adverse effects of the Pandemic. Even some Journalists fell victims to the disease and lost precious lives. The role of Media like Co-Worriors was acknowledged by the Central Government and exempted it from the Lockdowns since its promulgation last year.

The meeting said that Media Houses have been undergoing tremendous financial losses as highlighted by the Indian Newspapers Society in detail. It has projected overall picture of newspapers published in India and the adverse effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on all Media Houses. Here in J&K, the Status of the Media Houses is still worse due to geographical conditions and have been countenancing umpteen hardships in one form or the other.

The State Government has been announcing incentives for Co-Worriors but ignoring Media houses to the bewilderment of keen Watchers of the prevailing scenario. Therefore, the government should come out with Financial package like Madhya Pradesh and other States of India for the Media Houses in the UT J&K without any further procrastination.

Two notorious drug peddlers arrested in Bandipora

City

United News Of India

16/05/2021

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police arrested two notorious drug peddlers and recovered charas in north Kashmir district of Bandipora, a police spokesman said.
He said on a tip off police established a naka checking at Bazipora Ajas under Police Station (PS) Sumbal in Bandipora. During the naka two suspected persons were intercepted, he said adding during their search police recovered charas hiddin in maize leafs.
He said both the notorious drug peddlers identified as Mubashir Ahmad Lone and Showkat Ahmad Sheikh resident of Ajas were arrested.
He said FIR has been registered in PS Sumbal and further investigation taken up.

Div Com inspects progress on 100 bedded Emergency block at GMCH Jammu

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

16/05/2021

Work at its final stage; executing agencies directed to ensure completion by May 31, 2021

JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer today inspected the progress on construction of New Emergency Block of Government Medical College Jammu.

He was accompanied by Principal GMC Jammu, Dr. Shashi Sudhan, Medical Superintendent GMC, HOD, Anesthesia besides Engineers of JK Police Housing Corporation, JPDCL, PWD, Mechanical Engineering Department and other concerned.

The Divisional Commissioner took a round of each section of the block and inquired about the work progress. The concerned engineers briefed the Div Com about the work completed so far and ongoing works and expected date of completion. It was informed that the work was in final stage and would be completed in all respects by May 31, 2021.

The Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned executing agencies to work in close coordination and expedite the pace for early commissioning of the new block.

“Expedite the pace of work and complete the project within stipulated time so that the existing ICU bed capacity can be augmented for successful management of Covid patients” the Div Com directed.

Responding to the need for shut downs for electric panel works, the Div Com directed the engineers of JPDCL, R&B electric division and hospital authorities to conduct a joint survey and find out the power back up so that the power supply to the already existing emergency block is not affected. He also passed directions to JPDCL for installation of an independent transformer for the upcoming block and power set up ready before its functioning.

The Div Com took a strong note of delayed work on the lift system. He directed the Mechanical Engineering department to start the work and ensure the functioning of the lift system as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Divisional Commissioner also directed the Engineers of MED to work in double shifts and ensure commissioning of dedicated 2400 LPM oxygen generation plant for the new emergency block within the stipulated time frame.

The Divisional Commissioner also reviewed the status of augmentation of bed capacity (ICU beds) in GMCH. He was informed that the GMC was going to augment the bed capacity for Covid-19 patients by dedicating ward 4 and 5 for positive patients.

The Div Com directed the engineers of MED to expedite the work on installation of oxygen, vacuum pipelines in both the wards to augment the bed capacity with ventilators and oxygen supported beds. Directions were also issued to the JPDCL for completing electric work in both the wards at the earliest.

Indian Army on front foot in J&K to assist, police, admin in fight against COVID-19

Jammu & Kashmir

United News Of India

16/05/2021

Jammu: As the nation battling against the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indian Army like other parts of the country, is on the front foot to assist police and administration in fighting against the killer virus by taking various measures and making people aware across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Defence sources in the Northern Command told UNI that since the day the second wave of COVID has started, the Indian Army along with Jammu and Kashmir Police and the respective District Administrations have been contributing their role in fighting against the pandemic.
They said that the Nagrota based White Knight Corps has distributed Covid Kits in the Kishtwar district, spread awareness through medical patrolling in Rajouri while a high-level meeting was also called for an audit of Ventilation and oxygen availability.
However, District Magistrate Kishtwar inspected Covid Care Centre in the Palmar- Chatroo area in Kishtwar along with the Army officials.
Meanwhile, at Doda, White Knight Corps organised Health Assistance Camp for Ex-Servicemen whereas setting up of new oxygen plant, modalities for the formulation of Capex budget was also reviewed besides interactions with Imans and other religious scholars to seek their cooperation for covid management.
The DC Doda and SSP visited various areas along with the Army and took stock of the implementation of the corona curfew.
Similarly, the Srinagar based Chinar Corps, Defence sources said that special initiatives like necessary assistance were provided to the team of engineers establishing an Oxygen Generation plant in GMC, Anantnag.
“EME Team from Anantnag high ground provided necessary tools and engineering advice in establishing the plant. As a backup measure a mob generator has been placed on 10 minutes notice to be shifted to civil hospital as and when required,” they said.
Moreover, food and sweet packets were also distributed to COVID warriors besides spreading awareness by Patrol parties, pasting posters, holding lectures, distributing face masks in various parts of the Kashmir valley.
Sources said that the Army in Tulail valley of Gurez Sector also joined hands with Borderless World Foundation and organised a medical camp at Hasangam for the local populace of Sarodab, Hasangam and Baraub.

DC B’la inspects GMC, takes stock of Covid-19 control measures

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

16/05/2021

So far over 65% eligible beneficiaries vaccinated in the district: Bhupinder Kumar

BARAMULLA: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Bhupinder Kumar accompanied by Principal GMC, Medical Superintendent Associated Hospital and other concerned officers today inspected Covid-19 wellness center established in GMC Baramulla where he took review of the mitigation measures besides taking the firsthand appraisal of various necessities associated with the pandemic.

On the occasion, the DC took a detailed review of various related aspects including the supply position of Oxygen, availability of necessary facilities for the patients, implementation of SOPs and other advisories.

The DC directed the concerned authorities to ensure that all the required medicare and other necessary facilities are provided effectively and efficiently. He also directed to scale up anti-corona activities by taking all the stakeholders on board.

Meanwhile, the DC informed that, in view of the present circumstances an additional medical Ward is being established at GMC which shall be made operational shortly. He added that best and qualitative Medicare facilities shall be made available in the Ward which is need of the hour.

Kumar also took stock of the Covid-19 vaccination programme undergoing in the district during which he informed that over 2.5 lakh eligible beneficiaries comprising 65 percent of the total, population has been so far vaccinated. He emphasized upon the concerned authorities to work in coordination and synergy so that the coverage is enhanced in the shortest possible time.

Moreover, the DC stressed for following all the requisite SOPs and guidelines adding that only the strict adherence of related advisories can avert any kind of health emergency. He also said that strict legal action shall be taken against those who violate any kind of advisory.

Arjan Bhullar becomes first Indian-origin fighter to win top-level MMA title

Sports

United News Of India

16/05/2021

New Delhi: Arjan Bhullar on Saturday defeated Brandon Vera in the second round of a five round contest of the Singapore-based One Championship to become the first Indian origin fighter to win a world title in a top-level MMA promotion.

With the historical victory, the 34-year-old Indian star ended the Filipino-American’s five-and-a-half-year World title reign and became just the second ONE Heavyweight World Champion.

Bhullar completely dominated in the second round of the fight.

‘It’s the first time in my entire career that I felt gassed in the first round. I’m in shape, we’ve been training, we’ve been working with the best people in the world. This is new for me,’ Vera said in the postmatch interview.

Bhullar has his ancestry to Billi Bhullar village near Jalandhar in Punjab. A former wrestler, Bhullar had won the Commonwealth games gold medal in 120kg freestyle wrestling in New Delhi in 2010.

At the 2012 London Olympics, he became the first Indian-origin freestyle wrestler to represent Canada at the Olympics Games.

After his wrestling career, when he won his UFC debut against Luis Enrigue Barbosa de Oliveira in UFC 215, he had become the first Indian origin fighter to win a UFC fight.

Cyclone Tauktae: Navy teams deployed to aid rescue ops in Kerala, IAF aircraft on standby

National

United News Of India

16/05/2021

New Delhi: In wake of impending cyclone Tauktae, the Indian Navy on Saturday said that the relief team from Southern Naval Command has undertaken the rescue operations in the area of Chellanam coast of Kerala.

Three naval diving teams and one Quick Reaction Team from the Southern Naval Command swung into action to provide assistance to flood-hit villages of Malaghapadi, Kampanipadi and Maruvakad in Chellanam, the officials in Navy said.

The teams undertook the provisioning of food and water and shifting of people trapped in houses to the relief camp at the St Mary’s High School in Chellanam in harsh weather conditions.

Keeping its aircraft on standby, the Indian Air Force has readied 16 transport aircraft and 18 helicopters on standby to deal with the aftermath of cyclone Tauktae, which is predicted to bring very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall along the western coast of India in the next few days.

The IMD on Saturday said that they cyclone is to turn into a ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storm’ during the subsequent 12 hours. It is very likely to move north northwestwards and cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Naliya around May 18 afternoon/evening.

As part of its relief and rescue operation, the IAF’s IL-76 transport aircraft has airlifted 127 personnel and 11 tonnes of cargo from Bhatinda in Punjab to Jamnagar in Gujarat.

Another IAF transport aircraft C-130 aircraft airlifted 25 personnel and 12.3 tonnes of cargo from Bhatinda to Rajkot in Gujarat while two more C-130 aircraft airlifted 126 personnel and 14 tonnes of cargo from Bhubaneswar in Odisha to Jamnagar in Gujarat.

According to the weather department, the impact of the cyclone will be felt in the southeast, east-central and northeast Arabian Sea. Heavy rainfall is expected in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Additionally, IAF Covid relief operations have also been focusing on Covid management as well in these coastal areas for the coming few days.

Nurses: Valuable Resources

Edit
Oped

Precious Kashmir

13/05/2021

Covid-19 has been spreading like wildfire and caught everybody including those supposed to be responsive unawares. Around 50000 cases were added to Jammu and Kashmir’s burgeoning tally in 12 days while over 800 people were claimed as victims by the ravaging virus during the time. The situation everywhere is gloomy. Amid all this, nurses and other healthcare workers continue to be at the forefront of the fight against the virus.

Since the first case of novel coronavirus infection in Jammu and Kashmir was reported in March last year, these healthcare workers have been discharging their duties untiringly. And at times, unfortunately, they even had to bear abuses and violence in the line of duty. Without much complaint, they endured the fear of stigma and isolation and carried on with their work.

On May 12, the world celebrates International Nurses Day and theme for this year was Nurses: A Voice to Lead – A Vision for Future Healthcare. Along with others, nurses are at the forefront of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Like doctors and other healthcare workers, nurses are continuously providing high quality care often working without a break.

Without a doubt, on this International Nursing Day people across the world could not be more grateful to the nurses as during present horrific pandemic. Nurses continue to be the backbone of the hospitals and clinics, taking care of the millions of Covid-19 patients without even thinking much about their lives. Alongside concerns for their personal safety, health-care workers are anxious about passing the infection to their families.

Everyone must express gratitude towards all the doctors, nurses and other frontline health workers for making untiring efforts in the fight against the pandemic and rendering continuous services day and night.

They are an inspiration for all and continue to serve the people. Their dedication, courage, and patience remains to be praise worthy. With their support, the people can effectively control the spread of Coronavirus in the J&K. However it is imperative to understand that fight can be only won when there is united fight against it.

At the same time, it is imperative that safety of the healthcare workers is always maintained. Apart from PPE kits, other practical measures must be considered including family and psychological support. The healthcare workers are every nation’s most valuable resource and their protection must be the priority.

New Covid cases show decline, but deaths rise in J&K

Front

Precious Kashmir

13/05/2021

New Covid cases show decline, but deaths rise in J&K

Srinagar: Despite the number of new cases showing decline during the last three days, Covid-related deaths in J&K kept rising on Wednesday as 65 fatalities were reported in the last 24 hours.

Of the 65 new deaths due to Covid, 46 were from the Jammu region and 19 from Kashmir, taking the toll to 2,912.

About 3,603 patients were discharged from different hospitals after recovery while 4,509 new cases — 1,759 from the Jammu division and 2,750 from the Kashmir division — were reported in last 24 hours.

So far, 229,407 people have been infected with coronavirus in J&K out of which 174,953 have recovered.

The number of active cases is 51,542, out of which 18,438 are from the Jammu division and 33,104 from the Kashmir division.

Of the total number of 229,407 cases, 141,412 are from Kashmir and 87,995 from Jammu division.

Of the 4509 new cases, 2,750 were from Kashmir while as 1,759 are from Jammu division. The total number of positive cases in Kashmir have reached to 141,412 including 106,693 recoveries and 1,615 deaths while as total number of positive cases in Jammu division have reached to 87,995 including 68,260 recoveries and 1,297 deaths.

The officials said the total number of active cases in Jammu and Kashmir are 51,542 including 33,104 from Kashmir division and 18,438 from Jammu division.

With 3,603 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in Jammu and Kashmir has reached 174,953 which is 76.26 percent of the total cases.

As per the daily information bulletin 1,932,873 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 84,984 persons have been kept under home quarantine besides that 51,542 persons are in isolation.

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