Precious Kashmir

Army porter slips to death near LoC in Kupwara

Front

01/05/2021

Srinagar: An Army porter died after he fell into a deep gorge near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kernah sector in north Kashmir district of Kupwara.

Official sources said that the porter, identified as Muneer Ahmad, slipped and fell into a deep gorge while he was on way to Natgali from Rawan Gali in Kernah sector.

“A search and rescue operation was immediately launched,” they said, adding that the porter was found in a critical condition.

They said the wounded was rushed to a local hospital from where he was airlifted to Army’s 92 base hospital in Srinagar. However, they said the porter was declared brought dead.

“After completing all the legal and medical formalities, the body of the deceased would be handed over to his relatives for last rites,” they added.

How illiterate people will register online for Covid vaccination: SC asks Centre

National

United News Of India

01/05/2021

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre how illiterate people will register themselves at Covid vaccination application COWIN for inoculation.

“How Centre will ensure registration for vaccines for illiterate people considering the fact that COWIN app registration is mandatory,” Justice DY Chandrachud of a three-judge bench questioned as per LiveLaw.

The court also flagged concerns about SC/STs and disenfranchised people in the Covid vaccination coverage and asked the Centre why it has not following a ‘national immunisation program’.

The bench also raised concerns over the differential pricing of vaccines.

“Manufacturers are charging Rs 150 from the Centre but Rs 300 or 400 from states…The price difference becomes 30 to 40,000 crores. There is no point for the price difference,” Justice S Ravindra Bhat stated.

The court asked the Centre why it is not invoking its powers under Drugs Price Control Act to regulate prices of the Covid vaccines.

It also questioned the Centre for not buying 100 per cent vaccines from the producers.

“Vaccine manufacturing is publicly funded and hence, vaccines become public goods. So, why not Centre buy full doses of vaccines,” the bench stated.

The queries from the Apex Court came during the hearing of suo moto case over the Covid crisis and related issues (In Re Distribution of Essential Supplies and Services during Pandemic).

The Centre has recently announced that it will buy 50 per cent of vaccines from the Centre while the rest can be purchased by States and open markets.

From May 1, all adults are eligible for Covid vaccination.

JK has enough resources to tackle any eventuality: Baseer

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

01/05/2021

‘No dearth of vaccines, drugs or oxygen’

Bandipora: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan, on Friday visited Bandipora district to take stock of Covid mitigation measures being put in place to tackle the global pandemic.

He also had an interactive session with the religious leaders, traders and transporters besides other delegations of the district seeking their complete cooperation in dealing with this pandemic effectively for good of the community.

He urged upon them to ensure strict adherence to all SOPs and guidelines regarding Covid to save precious lives. He sought cooperation from the religious heads, PRI members, transporters, business community and civil society members to use their influence to motivate people to follow guidelines so that the lives are saved.

Baseer said J&K has enough resources to tackle any eventuality as there is no dearth of vaccines, drugs or oxygen.

He later had a detailed review of Corona mitigation efforts being taken up by the district wherein a comprehensive PPT was presented by Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Dr Owais Ahmad, detailing therein various COVID containment measures.

Baseer was informed that 600 beds have been specified for COVID patients besides 14 ICUs are available in the district.

Regarding vaccination, he was told that 69 vaccination centers are functional in the district and more than 2000 samples are being collected on daily basis for testing. Besides, 1000 LPM capacity oxygen plant is also functional at DH Bandipora.

Baseer impressed upon the officers to follow the COVID guidelines in letter and spirit while ensuring that basic services like food, water, medicine etc are provided to the people uninterruptedly. He directed the officers to ensure that all target groups where chances of virus exposure are more should get vaccinated on priority.

He asked the district administration to have resources assessment done in terms of infrastructure, oxygen availability, bed capacity, ventilators, manpower, bed capacity and other infrastructure to tackle any spike in COVID positive cases.

Advisor directed the Deputy Commissioner to conceptualize plans for efficient vaccination, management of containment zones, movement of people, food and supplies, medicine, emergencies, avenues of wages and other aspects that need prime focus at this stage. He directed them to have mobile supply vans ready to suffice to the needs of people at their door steps in the containment zones.

Meanwhile, delegations of religious leaders, Traders and Transporters assured the Advisor their full support towards supplementing administration’s efforts regarding fight against this dreaded monster.

DDC Chairperson Abdul Gani, Vice-Chairperson Kousar Shafi, Director, Rural Development Department, Tariq Ahmad Zargar, Director, Tourism, GN Itoo, Superintending Engineer, PDD, Hilal Ahmad, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Zahoor Ahmad Mir and other senior officers of the district were present on the occasion.

Div Com for comprehensive flood management plan, preparedness

City

Precious Kashmir

01/05/2021

Srinagar: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole Friday called for a comprehensive Flood Management Plan and preparedness to mitigate loss of life and property in case of any flood related exigency or situation.

He said this while chairing a meeting to review the preparedness, arrangements to combat flood like situations in Kashmir.

At the outset, CE I&FC, deliberated upon the measures, works carried out and infrastructure put in place across the Kashmir, through a powerpoint presentation.

The meeting was informed that I&FC has installed Automatic Water Level Recorders (AWLRs) on River Jhelum and Automatic Rain Gauges at different locations for prompt information about the water level.

Stressing on all arrangements put in place, the Div Com emphasized on District wise Flood Preparedness plans and identification of rescue centres. He said that all required facilities including water and power supply are made available at these centres.

He reviewed the status of updating of inventory on Indian Disaster Response Network by all DCs. Besides establishment of control rooms and database updation of population and rescue centre in low lying areas.

The Div Com instructed concerned to hold mock drills and carry out flood related rescue operation trainings.

He directed concerned to carry out restoration and strengthening works of all vulnerable and weak spots of river Jhelum and embankments of all tributaries.

Meanwhile, the DCs have been asked to ensure regular revision of Disaster Management plans, up-date the same on a regular basis and send the copies to the Div Com for further action. They were also asked to designate nodal officers who will update the inventory of disaster resources and equipment on the IRDA website regularly.

The I&FC authorities department have been directed to update and list all its available tools and plants and upload it on the IDRM network besides preparing a list of boats available with government agencies and private Shikara owners along with their locations.

He directed concerned to conduct a mega cleanliness drive of all drains in urban areas besides start de-silting process at the earliest.

The Div Com also reviewed the status of availability of geobags, sandbags, dewatering pumps, DG sets, water tankers, running of non-stop dipper radar and its integration with IOFS (IMD Srinagar- JTFRP-ERA), machinery , equipments including satellite phones, establishments dedicated flood forecasting, EOCs and establishment of control rooms.

The meeting among others was attended by all DCs, CEs from all engineering wings and officers from all concerned departments.

IPL 2021: Rahul, Brar help PBKS stun RCB by 34 runs

Sports

United News Of India

01/05/2021

Ahmedabad: Fantastic performances by KL Rahul (91 off 57) and Harpreet Brar (3/19) led Punjab Kings to a 34 run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match, here on Friday.

Put into bat, skipper KL Rahul’s unbeaten fifty (91 off 57) propelled Punjab Kings to 179/5 in 20 overs.

Rahul’s biggest partnership of the innings was with Chris Gayle (46 off 24) as the pair added 80 off 45 deliveries. However, Punjab’s middle order collapsed as Harpreet Brar was the only other batsman to manage a double-digit score.

The duo of Rahul and Brar added 61 runs for the unbeaten eighth wicket to take Punjab to a competitive total.

For RCB, Kyle Jamieson (2/32 ) was the most successful bowler for RCB, while Daniel Sams (1/24), Yuzvendra Chahal (1/34) and Shahbaz Ahmed (1/11) took one wicket each.

During the chase, Punjab Kings were off to a great start as Riley Meredith cleaned up Devdutt Padikkal.

Left-arm spinner Brar then produced an exceptional spell, dismissing AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, and Virat Kohli in two successive overs as Punjab restricted RCB to 145 for 8 in 20 overs.

Virat Kohli (35), Rajat Patidar (31) and Harshal Patel were the main scorers for RCB.

Ravi Bishnoi (2/17), Riley Meredith (1/24) and Chris Jordon (1/31) were the other wicket takers for Punjab.

The win propelled Punjab to fifth place behind Mumbai Indians in the points table, while RCB (10) remained at number three.

DGP sanctions financial assistance of over Rs 73 lakh for 81 cops

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

01/05/2021

Jammu: Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh has sanctioned over Rupees 73 Lakh welfare loan/relief in favour of 81 Police personnel of J&K Police vide Police Headquarters order number 1494 of 2021.

Under this order, over Rs 57 lakh has been sanctioned in favour of 69 personnel to meet the expenses of self-treatment or for treatment of their dependents. The welfare loan given for the treatment purpose varies from rupees 50000 to rupees 200000. Rupees one lakh each has been sanctioned in favour of 19 personnel for their own marriage, and marriage of sons/daughters. Loan of rupees one lakh each has been sanctioned in favour of 11 police personnel for higher education of their wards. Rupees 50 thousands each have been sanctioned in favour of 07 persons for performing rituals like circumcision/mundan of their wards.

Among 69 personnel who have been given welfare loan for the treatment purpose, rupees 2,40000 has been sanctioned as welfare relief in favour of thirteen personnel. The welfare relief ranges from rupees 10000 to rupees 25000 which is non refundable.

The welfare loan sanctioned to the Police personnel is refundable and will be recovered in monthly installments from their salaries without any interest. The amount has been sanctioned out of the Central Police Welfare Fund.

NC welcomes quashing of re-registration circular by HC

City

Precious Kashmir

01/05/2021

Srinagar: National Conference on Friday welcomed the order of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir quashing the circular issued by RTO, Kashmir, mandating the vehicle owners to re register their vehicles purchased from outside J&K, saying the measure has brought respite to people.

Welcoming the order, the party Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said, “The government circular on re registration was an unnecessary burden imposed on people. Our party had sought exception of toll tax on re registration of outside vehicles, urging the government to address the actual road blocks towards ensuring hassle free traffic on roads in Jammu and Kashmir. However the administration had turned blind eyes to our pleas ignoring the enormous burden that the circular would have put on people. The court in its capacity as the guardian of constitution and individual rights has made a valid and accurate observation and quashed the circular.”

He said from shouldering the burden of people to tide over the rampage induced by the COVID-19 crises since 2020, the government has left no stone unturned to burden people with taxes and tolls of different hues.

“Such irrational circulars won’t help the government deal with the traffic mess but would only amplify the already existing traffic chaos,” he said adding that the best way to deal with the traffic mess is to augment the existing road infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir to meet the ever increasing demands of the people.

3 smugglers arrested, illicit timber recovered in Baramulla

Jammu & Kashmir

United News Of India

01/05/2021

Baramulla: Three smugglers were arrested and illicit timber was recovered in this north Kashmir district, a police spokesman said.

He said on a tip off a police party from Police Station (PS) Panzla, Sopore, arrested three timber smugglers. He said 120 feet of illicit timber has also been recovered.

A case FIR number 34/2021 under relevant sections of law stands registered in PS Panzla and investigation taken up .

Availability Of Key Drugs

Edit
Oped

Precious Kashmir

30/04/2021

The mounting distress caused by the covid-19 pandemic’s second surge is actually a necessary reminder of what governance must be in a crisis. More than forty thousand cases and over 250 deaths in J&K is only a grim milestone reached this month. The J&K is not the only place ravaged by the pandemic at present but compared to some states in India, the situation is not all that bad. At the same time, the situation could turn more precarious if the wherewithal to contain the contagion were not available and more importantly at appropriate time. Unfortunately, reports continue to pour in that there is a shortage of Tocilizumab and Remdesivir, both considered important drugs against covid-19. According to Doctors Association Kashmir, Tocilizumab reduces the risk of death when given to hospitalized patients with severe Covid-19 disease. The drug, as per a study also shortens the hospital stay and reduces the need for a mechanical ventilator. Its availability seems imperative especially in view of the health infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. Indeed, the ability to face up to dire news and then, to take corrective action is essential to defusing a crisis and the government must be at the forefront.

Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha’s statement that the Government is better equipped to handle the ongoing pandemic and that the people of J&K need not panic, is reassuring. He said one crore twenty lakh doses are ordered for vaccination of 18 to 45 age-group. Many Oxygen generation plants have become operational and remaining will also start functioning soon. The availability of oxygen is more than double the requirement, he said. However, pressing demands as regards the key drugs has started to take proportion which could be equated with crisis of sorts. The government must press for availability of the drugs such Tocilizumab and Remdesivir to meet the demand on the ground.

Drug Control department, as per the official communiqué, has served notices to all the stockiest authorized to procure injection Remdesivir from different pharma houses with the strict directions to supply the same to Government and Private Covid Designated Hospitals only and that too against proper supply orders and indents. The step is in the right direction and may prevent hoarding or sale to any other non-designated health institution, but more needs to be done to ensure the availability to every patient who needs the drug.

2.58 % doses of Covid vaccine wasted in JK

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

30/04/2021

2.58 % doses of Covid vaccine wasted in JK

Only 65273 doses available with UT out of 2381840

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: Amid shortage of COVID-19 vacancies in Jammu & Kashmir, it has come to fore 2.58 percent doses of the vaccine have been wasted in the Union Territory so far.

Official data released by the Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare reveals that J&K has wasted 2.58 percent of COVID-19 doses till Thursday 8:00 am.

Officials told The Precious Kashmir that the vaccine wastage is primarily due to low turnout of beneficiaries.

“Each Covishield vial has 10 doses in total— each dose being 0.5 ml (for one person). Once opened, all doses have to be administered within four hours, otherwise, it goes waste and the remaining doses have to be destroyed,” they said.

According to the ministry’s data, 23,81,840 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were received by Jammu and Kashmir till date. Of which, 23,16,567 doses have been used so far, leaving J&K with mere 65, 2,73 doses.

Jammu and Kashmir’s projected population as on October 1, 2020 is 1, 33,65, 000.

It is worthwhile to mention that Centre has asked States to minimize wastage of COVID-19 vacancies.

Last week, the Delhi High Court pulled up the Centre for “criminal wastage” of vaccines, and said “whomsoever you can vaccinate” should be vaccinated, regardless of age, to ensure “all doses are fully utilised”.

Blaming the wastage on bad planning, the bench said, “We cannot make an app to deal with this situation? You should have known that there would be a situation that people may not turn up, because if a person turns up and you have to open a new vial, you will not tell him to come tomorrow.”

1...4,1894,1904,191...5,085 Page 4,190 of 5,085