Jammu: Director Information and Public Relations, Rahul Pandey and other staff members of the department have condoled sudden demise of Zahoor-u-Din, an employee of the department who passed away today.
In this connection, a condolence meet was chaired by the Director in the Media Complex DIPR in which all the officers and employees participated.
The officers and employees expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of Zahoor-u-Din who was working in RR section of the department.
The officers and employees on the occasion highlighted his contributions in the department and said that his death is a great loss to the department. They added that Zahoor-u-Din was an asset to the department who always performed his duties professionally and diligently.
The officers and employees also offered their deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and courage for the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
Rahul Pandey, DIPR employees condole Zahoor-u-Din’s demise
J&K heading towards new era of development: LG Sinha
Srinagar: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that Jammu and Kashmir is heading towards a new era of development and prosperity.
An official spokesman said this evening that Member Parliament (Lok Sabha) Amroha, Kunwar Danish Ali called on LG Sinha here at Raj Bhavan.
The MP discussed with the Lt Governor about various issues of public importance. He also shared his views on the present development scenario of the UT.
The Lt Governor said that J&K is witnessing a wave of positive change with the Government taking several reformative measures for socio-economic development, besides empowering the people of the UT.
Gulmarg, other upper reaches receive fresh snowfall; rain in plains
Srinagar: World famous ski resort of Gulmarg and other upper reaches received fresh light snowfall while rain lashed plains in the summer capital, Srinagar, and other parts of Kashmir.
However, the mercury during the night improved and settled several degrees above normal across the valley, where sun played hide and seek in plains, including Srinagar, in the afternoon, resulting in some respite from chilly weather conditions.
A Met department spokesperson told UNI that a fresh Western Disturbance (WD), which originated from the Arabian Sea and approached the region through Afghanistan and Pakistan, is active in the region. ‘Under the influence of this WD, light rain and thundershowers would occur on Monday at most places in the valley,’ he said.
He said the system will intensify and would result in moderate rain, snow and thunderstorm with gusty winds (30-40 km/hour) for 48 hours from Tuesday in the valley. ‘The system is likely to cause heavy rain and snow mainly in the upper reaches of Kashmir, including world famous ski resort of Gulmarg, tourist resort of Sonmarg, Baramulla, Gurez and Tulail valley in Bandipora, Karnah sector in Kupwara, Shopian, Qazigund-Banihal axis, Pirpanjal range of Jammu,’ he said.
He said the weather would result in temporary disruption of surface traffic on Kashmir highway, and Sadhna top for three days from Monday. ‘There would be landslides and shooting stones on Srinagar-Jammu national highway,’ he said, adding water-logging would occur in low-lying areas in Kashmir valley.
He said wet weather would also result in suspension of agricultural and horticultural operations.
Much to the delight of tourists, Gulmarg, which is about 55 km from here in north Kashmir, received fresh snowfall last night, resulting in dip in the night temperature. The ski resort was the only place in the valley where the night temperature dipped and settled below freezing point. Against 0.5 degree recorded on Sunday, the night temperature in Gulmarg dipped and settled at minus 0.5 degree, which is still slightly above normal.
‘The weather is cloudy since this morning in Gulmarg, which is covered under several feet of snow. But, despite chilly weather conditions, tourists are out on ski slopes enjoying different snow-related activities,’ a hotelier said.
Razdan top on Bandipora-Gurez road, Sadhna top, Z-Gali and Phirkiyan pass – connecting dozens of far-flung and remote border villages in Kupwara also recovered 6 to 8 inches of fresh snowfall overnight.
After witnessing light rain overnight, people woke up to a chilly and cloudy Monday morning in the summer capital, Srinagar. However, as the day progressed sun played hide and seek, resulting in some respite from chilly weather conditions. The mercury in the city during the night remained constant at 7.2 degree, which is about a degree above normal.
He said the moderate rain and thundershowers would occur during the next 24 hours in Srinagar, where the maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 10 degree and 7 degree, respectively.
World famous health resort of Pahalgam, about 100 km from here in south Kashmir, also received fresh rainfall over night though the mercury improved about 4 degree from Sunday and settled at 4.8 degree, which is 3 degree above normal.
The mercury at Qazigund, gateway to the valley, Kupwara in north Kashmir and tourist resort of Kokernag improved and settled at 7.2 degree, 5.2 degree and 5.7 degree, respectively.
Nowgam militant attack: Police arrest 2 girls
Srinagar, Apr 5: Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested two girls from Central Kashmir’s Budgam district in connection with a militant attack on BJP leader last week. The attack had left one police cop dead while his rifle was also taken away by the militants, although the police claimed the recovery of said rifle from slain militants in Pulwama a day after the attack.
Sources told Kashmir dot Com (KDC) that two girls were arrested by police station Nowgam in connection with a case FIR number 27/2021 under sections 307, 302, 392 of IPC and 7/27 of Arms Act, which was registered in connection with the attack on Bhartiya Janta Party leader, Anwar Khan last week.
Sources added that one among the arrested girls is a nursing student and is pursuing her studies in Chadoora area of Budgam.
Meanwhile, SSP Srinagar did not respond to repeated calls and texts from this news agency.
Vehicles carrying illegal construction material to face heavy fines, complete seizure: HC
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir High Court has ordered that vehicles seized for carrying illegal construction material along Dal Lake or its adjoining areas shall be released against Rs 50000 fine in the first instance and Rs one lakh for repeating the offence. If the offence is repeated third time, the vehicle shall not be released until completion of trial.
“It is pertinent to mention here that the vehicles are being detained and seized only on the ground of disobedience of an order of the public servant i.e., of the court in the present case under Section 188 of RPC which is pari-materia with Section 188 of IPC. However, Section 188 do not specifically provides for the seizure and therefore the seizure is only on account of the directions given by this Court in the PIL.
PIL,” said a bench of Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul, as per GNS.
“A Division Bench of Jammu Wing of this court has directed that all applications for the release of vehicles (carrying illegal construction material) shall be moved before the competent Magistrate who shall deal with those applications independently on merits on the analogy of the provisions of Section 457 of the Code of Criminal Procedure but shall not release any vehicle without realizing the composite amount of Rs. 50,000/- in the case of first time violation and Rs. 1.00 lacs in the case of second time violation and to confiscate if the offence is repeated for third time and not to release it until the completion of the investigation pursuant to the FIR or the trial thereof.”
Accordingly, the court said that since the matter of release of vehicle is a Magisterial act and is dependent upon the outcome of the FIR lodged against the driver/owner of the vehicle.
“we provide that henceforth all applications for the release of vehicles seized for carrying building material for violation of the directions of this court, would be filed before the concerned Magistrate who is dealing or is supposed to deal with the investigation pursuant to the relevant FIR, but he shall not release it without asking for security of Rs. 50,000/- in the case of first offence, Rs. 1.00 lacs in the case of second offence and that in the event the offence is repeated for the third time, the vehicle shall not be released until and unless the final report is submitted and accepted of the accused is acquitted in the trial.”
BDS recovers ‘suspicious box’ at Khanyar
Srinagar: Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday late afternoon recovered a suspicious box which was lying on road in Khayar area of Kashmir capital Srinagar.
Sources told Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that soon after receiving information about the presence of some suspicious box in Khanyar locality, forces along with BDS rushed towards the spot.
Sources said that the BDS took away with them the suspicious bag for further proceedings. (KDC)
Railways complete Arch closure of world’s highest railway bridge over Chenab in JK
New Delhi: The Indian Railways on Monday said that it has completed the Arch closure of the iconic Chenab Bridge, which is world’s highest railway bridge being constructed over river Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir.
A spokesperson of Railways said the Chenab Bridge, world’s highest railway bridge, which is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project (USBRL) has set an important construction milestone today with completion of the steel arch of the iconic Bridge.
“This was one of the most difficult part of the bridge over Chenab. This achievement is a major leap towards the completion of the 111 km long winding stretch from Katra to Banihal. It is arguably the biggest civil-engineering challenge faced by any railway project in India in the recent history,” the statement reads.
It reads that the 5.6-metre last piece of metal was fitted at the highest point today and joined the two arms of the arch that currently stretch towards each other from both the banks of the river.
“This completed the shape of the arch that will then loom over the treacherous Chenab, flowing some 359 metres below. After completion of the arch work, removal of the stay cables, filling of the concrete in the arch rib, erection of the steel trestle, launching of the viaduct and track laying work will be taken up,” it reads.
The statement further reads that the completion of the historic Arch work was also seen by Shri Piyush Goyal Minister for Railways and Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Suneet Sharma, CEO-cum-Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashutosh Gangal and General Manager Northern Railway through video conferencing.
As per the statement Indian Railways is constructing the iconic Arch Bridge on River Chenab as a part of the USBRL project to connect the Kashmir valley to the rest of the nation.
“This bridge is 1315m long and is the highest Railway Bridge in the world being 359m above the river bed level. It will be 35 meters higher than the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris (France).”
It reads that the construction of Bridge involved fabrication of 28,660 MT steel, 10 Lakh Cum Earthwork, 66,000 Cum Concrete and 26 Km motorable roads.
“Arch consists of steel boxes. Concrete will be filled in boxes of the Arch to improve stability. The overall weight of Arch is 10,619 MT. Erection of the members of arch by overhead cable cranes has been done for first time on Indian Railways.
Public transport poses serious Covid-19 threat
Will intensify drive to enforce guidelines in public vehicles: RTO Kashmir
By: Jahangir Sofi
Srinagar, April 5: Public transport in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir is posing a serious threat to passengers as Covid-SoPs are going for a toss forcing the authorities to issue a serious warning for passengers and drivers. The Srinagar administration has also warned of slapping a fine on the passengers and drivers, who are found violating the Covid-guidelines.
“Simply, Covid guidelines are going for a big toss in Kashmir. People are least bothered about Covid resurgence in Valley, especially Srinagar which is worst hit. This is strange. People are travelling without face masks and there is no monitoring at all,” said Shazia Bashir, who travels regularly to her office in Srinagar from Pampore area. Other frequent travelers echoed similar views and demanded a monitoring mechanism by the transport department or the district administration.
Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Ikram-Ullah Tak said, “we have already deputed our squads to check the Covid -19 Sops violation and fines have also been imposed on the violators.”
He said the district administration Srinagar has already constituted the teams in which “our teams are also part of it and jointly with the magistrates we are doing routine checks to make sure the Covid-19 sops are adhered while using the public Transport.”
He said that in coming days, the drive for the strict enforcement of the Covid-19 SoPs in public transport will be intensified and those found violating will be dealt with strictly.
Interestingly, Covid guidelines read: “Individuals must maintain a base distance of six feet (2 Gaz ki Dori) in public places”. However, this is hardly seen on ground.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Syed Haneef Balkhi said that the Covid-19 SoPs and guidelines are already in place and they have been repeatedly asking people associated with trade or transport, to adhere to the guidelines, and before that people are being penalized for violating the Covid-19 guidelines.
“I appeal people to show a responsible approach and follow Covid-19 guidelines in spirit,” he said. “We conduct random sampling and inspection also in and around the city. People found violating the Covid-19 guidelines are being fined, wearing of masks and maintaining of physical distance at public places is what is need of the hour,” he said—(KNO)
‘Catch the Rain’ program: Plan for holding special Gram Sabhas in Sgr finalised
Srinagar: A meeting to hold special Gram Sabhas under ‘Catch the Rain’ initiative on 7th of April was held Monday under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad.
The DC on the occasion directed the line departments for preparing a comprehensive plan so that the dream and slogan of ‘Catch the Rain’ under Jal Shakti Abhiyan can be achieved.
The meeting was informed by the RDD that the schedule of Gram Sabhas has already been devised to cater to all the 21 Gram Panchayats of the district Srinagar which will be concluded before 11Th of April.
It was also informed by ACD Srinagar that under MGNREGA out of 260 permissible works at least 83 works are related to water conservation and harvesting and the field functionaries of RDD has been already directed to reflect such nature of works in current years plan.
The Department of Horticulture was directed by the DC to make optimal use of schemes looked after by their department to ensure such nature of activities on priority.
The officers from the line departments present in the meeting were also directed to focus on vital areas such as Water Conservation and rainwater harvesting, Renovation of Traditional and other water bodies, Reuse and recharge structures, Watershed Development and intensive aforestation.
The meeting was attended by various officers of District Administration including from I & FC, Jal Shakti( PHE), RDD, Forest, Agriculture and Horticulture.
Peace between India, Pak lies in dialogue: Hasnain
By: Tasaduq Hussain
Srinagar: With the two neighboring countries extending a hand to each other and agreeing to adhere to all ceasefire agreements, a senior defense experts Monday said that there is a peace across the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and dialogue is the way forward to plug all the disagreements besides forgetting about the past.
Addressing the reporters on the sidelines of the event, the former Army officer Lt Gen (Retd) S A Hasnain said, “I am very connected to the peace of Kashmir and with dialogue everything will be good and settled.”
He said that if Pakistan wants to extend peaceful relations with India there will be peace but it must have some clarity about the decisions made there.
Recalling the service days rendered in Baramulla district, the former GoC of Srinagar 15 Corps said that “I was posted in Uri when the two governments of India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire along the borders and even at the time of Karavan -E-Aman between the two nations.”
He stated that Pakistan must be clear about its decision since they extend a hand for peace and trade but within no time the decisions are revered and there is no clarity about who is the decision-maker.
Pakistan talks about forgetting about everything that has happened in the past to develop relations with us but the next minute everything is reversed, the former general maintained.
He maintained that there is peace across Kashmir and everything must start with a dialogue in the valley with a new beginning. He also said that once the confusion about the decision-making ends in Pakistan only then there will be peace.
It may be recalled that in February in a joint statement released the two Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan in a meeting decided to strictly adhere to all the ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control (LoC) and other sectors from the 25th February.
