Kolkata: At least seven people were killed and two other people went missing in a major fire at the 13th floor of the Eastern Railway’s office at Strand road in Central part of the city on Monday evening.
The fire was detected around 6.10 pm. The high rise called Koilaghata Building, is located beside the Hooghly river.
The 13th floor houses the accounts office, said ER employees who evacuated the building. The person who was hurt did not sustain any major injury, they said.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee reached the spot at 10.15 pm.
Ms Banerjee who are supervising the rescue operation said seven people were burnt alive and two others went missing.
The Chief Minister said that the fire was now under control.
She announced Rs 10 lakh each and a government job to the kin of family.
The Chief Minister elaborated that the deaths happened when the victims were using lift which got electrecuted and caught fire.
“Seven people including four fire fighters, two Railway Protection Force(RPF) personnel and an assistant sub-inspector of the Kolkata Police died while fighting a massive blaze, the fire at a high rise building that houses the offices of the Eastern Railway at Kolkata’s Strand Road,” state Fire Minister Sujit Bose said.
Seven killed, two missing in a fire at the Eastern Railway’s office at Strand road
Boy’s Killing By Dogs Horrific
In a horrific incident, an 8-year-old boy was mauled to death by stray dogs in Pulwama district.
The appalling incidents are not rare and keep continue to be repeated.
Earlier a young lawyer from North Kashmir lost battle for life in a hospital after having been mauled by the stray dogs. In between, many people were bitten and miraculously survived.
It is a frightening sight to see pack of dogs on the prowl in streets of city and villages across Kashmir Valley.
The canines have been storming streets, chasing cars, pulling down bicycle riders and often attacking pedestrians and children in the Kashmir.
Amid this, there is also extreme polarisation on this issue between the advocates of human rights versus animal rights. The lack of a critical and scientific analysis is glaring.
Despite lockdown amid covid-19 and even tougher clampdown post abrogation of special status in 2019 leading to the reduction of availability of energy rich food, the number of the canines seems to be only growing. It rather debunks calls by some experts who voiced concern against culling and called for reducing availability of the energy rich food to reduce the numbers.
Every year, hundreds of people are bitten by dogs. Around 98% of rabies cases are due to dog bites globally, about 40 percent of the victims being children, according to the World Health Organization, which has announced a campaign to reduce human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies across the globe to zero by 2030.
For rabies, the link is direct. Wherever there are people, there are dogs. If dogs are suffering and dying from rabies, humans will also suffer and die. Dogs also contribute to deaths involving road accidents besides direct attacks.
The dog population has grown rather than reduced in the Kashmir in recent past, notwithstanding some surveys which restricted their domain to a few areas of Srinagar.
Sterilization has also proved ineffective. Based on the estimation of 300 working days, approximately 27000 sterilization were to be carried out in 2019. However, the results never turned out to be at par with the desired objective. In contrast, stray dogs have only grown in number. There is no word about it recently and in all probability it seems the process has been halted. There is a need to get serious on the issue. While animal birth control measures have proven ineffective, there is a need to look for alternatives. Human life is precious and there is need to take a call in this regard.
Where there is a will there’s a way: COVID didn’t stop Shalimar man from chasing his dreams
Srinagar: Sameer Fayaz Pandit, the founder of Bloom Bakers, is making his best efforts to grow his start-up after restoration of high speed internet in the Valley.
His online business that had come to a standstill after suspension of high speed internet is slowly picking up with better network facilities.
The 32-year-old entrepreneur from Srinagar’s Shalimar area had to juggle between so many places before finally settling down in Kashmir.
He started his career immediately after doing his bachelors from Institute of Hotel Management, Srinagar.
Big brands like Papa John’s Pizza, Radisson Hotels, The Khyber Resort and Spa, are some of the world-class names Pandit has been associated with.
Pandit started his business in Valley at a time when the coronavirus had spread in the Valley. There was chaos everywhere, global economy had shaken up on a massive scale, people had forgotten to come out of their homes and opening a bakery shop at that time was near to impossible. But that didn’t stop the young businessman from chasing his dream. He took the risk and came off with flying colours.
“After outbreak of Covid, we were not sure whether to start our bakery or not but thank God we did! Initially, the response was low. People were afraid of ordering. And sometimes they would order and later on cancel it. But with time, we overcame those difficulties also,” Pandit said.
“We started getting so many orders, especially birthday cakes, during pandemic as everything was shut and I think that’s when people got to like us. I can say it was luck by chance for me”, he said.
Today, the bakery venture supplies cakes and other items to almost all the supermarkets in Srinagar.
The team visits the stores personally, makes them taste their bakery items and then take feedback for improvement.
Pandit recently participated in a cake competition organised by the Department of Tourism at SKICC and won 4th price and since then there is no stopping.
He has made three cakes, one for Khelo India festival that was held at Gulmarg, and another two on the occasion of Winter Festival at Pahalgam and Doodhpathri.
“I am thankful to the department for supporting the young talent. They gave us space to set up our stall at different venues and showcase our talent,” the baker said.
One of the interesting things about Bloom Bakers is that 80 percent of their products are eggless, making it more likeable option for customers. They are committed to tour operators and hotels also and even get orders from them since many tourists don’t prefer egg in their food.
“We believe in quality and that’s our USP. We want to be known as the best Bakers in the Valley in next five years. That is our sole motive”, Pandit said.
Parents in distress as schools record Covid cases
Srinagar: With upper primary classes set to resume from Monday, the parents are worried about sending their wards to the schools after several teachers or staff have so far tested positiv for deadly COVID-19 in last one week.
Notably, Jammu and Kashmir is one among the States and Union Territories, where offline classes resumed after one year of pandemic. Bihar, Meghalaya, Haryana are also among the States where offline classes have resumed.
The varsities and colleges have already reopened in Jammu and Kashmir while high and higher secondary level schools are reopened from March 01.
The parents have raised questions about starting the offline classes at a time when the pandemic still exists and affect nearly 100 people per day.
They said soon after the colleges, high and higher secondary schools were reopened, many cases of COVID-19 were detected in the educational institutions here, thus causing worry among the parents about the wellbeing of their wards.
“Several States are still going ahead with the online classes. One fails to understand why the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are in a hurry rush to reopen the schools for physical classes,” they said.
They added that it seems attending classes where huge gathering of students will be recorded, would be risky and may infect many people including the students,” they said, adding that the major Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to ensure no mass gathering is allowed, but with the reopening of schools, the gathering is inevitable.
Sources in the education department, meanwhile said that the decision to reopen the primary and upper primary classes in phased manner was taken in wake of the COVID cases in the schools.
However, a top official said Precious Kashmir that they haven’t received any complaint or even a phone from any parent in this regard so far.
“Some elements are out to create panic for their vested interests. The situation is not like what is being pretended,” he said, adding that the situation is being monitored while teams have been formulated by the government for testing facility for students and staff as well.
Covid-19 fallout: 3 schools closed in Budgam
Islamia Colleges to remain closed for 5 days
Budgam: The authorities in Budgam on Sunday ordered closure of three schools for at least three days after some teachers and students were tested positive for Covid-19.
According to a letter, Nodal officer Covid-19 mitigation cell Budgam, Aadil Bashir has asked the heads of these three educational institutions to close down the school premises’ immediately for a period of not less than 3 days after detection of Covid-19 positives cases in these schools.
“In view of detection of COVID-19 positive cases from your schools in mass/random sampling and as a prophylactic measure you are advised to close the school premises immediately for a period of not less than 3 days,” reads the letter.
It further states that moreover, all the primary and secondary contacts of the affected teachers/students are advised to self-isolate/quarantine themselves.
“Testing for all the contacts will be undertaken in due course of time,” it further reads.
Meanwhile, an official said that the schools which have been closed include government middle school Hanjiguru Budgam, IEI school Budgam and Mazaharul Haq high school Budgam.
He said that in government middle school Hanjiguru and IEI school a few teachers have tested positive while in Mazaharul Haq high school a teacher and a student has tested positive for Covid-19.
Meanwhile, Islamia College of science has ordered closure of the institution for five days afte two faculty members tested positive for covid-19, officials said on Sunday.
“In view of the two faculty members reporting covid-19 positive, College will remain closed for the students from March 8th to 13th. During this period all UG and PG classes will be conducted in online mode only through LMS,” reads an order issued by the institution.
It said the normal offline classwork will start from 15 March onwards.
Lt Governor advocates freedom, opportunities to women
Pride of Nation Excellence Award-2021
Delhi: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Sunday advocated the freedom and opportunities to women all over the world to develop their potential to the fullest.
Women are not just a shadow of men, they have their own existence, own individuality, power, and soul,” Sinha said while speaking at the Pride of Nation Excellence Award-2021, being organized by Respect India, Delhi on the eve of International Women’s Day.
OM Brila, Speaker Lok Sabha was the Chief Guest on the occasion, while B.P Singh, former Governor Sikkim and Shri Manoj Tiwari, Member Parliament were also present on the occasion.
On the occasion, the dignitaries felicitated the women achievers from various fields.
During his inaugural address, Sinha congratulated the distinguished women from India and abroad who were conferred awards on the occasion.
He termed this year’s International Women’s Day campaign theme “Choose to Challenge” as absolutely accurate given the current circumstances. Today’s world is full of challenges that need caution and can be managed only by women.
Giving them encouragement and opportunity is constantly needed so that women can contribute to their potential and strength to the fullest, he said.
He laid special emphasis on promoting the women work force in the economy and to recognize and respect women’s ability, contribution, freedom, ambitions, and self-respect. He further stressed on the need to raise awareness about women’s equality and women power.
“We have to create a world where there is no discrimination, no comparison and develop a new civilization, in which balanced representation of men and women can lead to development”, observed Sinha.
Speaking on the constitutional rights of the women in India, Lt Governor observed that the Indian Constitution has put women on equal footing with men and has given them equal rights along men without any condition or discrimination.
“The Prime Minister has given priority to schemes related to the empowerment of women, and today we are seeing the results of that as well,” he said.
Throwing light on the great legacy of the women folks in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, he said that the abilities of women and the merit of their great leadership have a rich history.
Be it Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon, Usha Kashyap, Krishna Mistri, or Begum Zainab’s first woman force in the world, which fiercely fought Pakistani tribes in 1947, if you look at the history and present of Jammu and Kashmir, you will find that the women have raised the pride of our tricolor all over the world and left an enduring mark in every field, the Lt Governor maintained.
The Lt Governor made a special mention of Ms. Arifa from Srinagar who was among the seven women achievers to whom Prime Minister had dedicated his Social Media account on the occasion of International Women’s Day last year.
While mentioning the recently held Convocation of Islamic University of Science & Technology, the Lt Governor observed that out of 163 Gold medalists, 105 were girls. It is a matter of pride for me as a Chancellor of the University, he added.
No night-long Shab-e-Meraj prayers at Hazratbal shrine
Holy relic to be displayed after every prayer on March 12, 13
Srinagar: There will be no night-long prayers on the eve of Shab-e-Meraj (March 11) at the revered shrine of Hazratbal, Srinagar, the Shrine Management officials said Sunday.
They said that second round of deliberations took place on Saturday in which it was decided that in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, it won’t be feasible to allow night-long prayers at the shrine on the eve of Shab-e-Meraj.
“There will be no Shab (night long prayers) at Hazratbal shrine on March 11,” they said.
“However, the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) will be displayed after every prayer for the devotees on March 12 and 13 (Friday and Saturday). The holy relic will also be displayed to devotees on March 19 after every prayer,” senior administrator of the shrine Muhammad Shafi said.
Officials said Chief Executive Officer (Hazratbal shrine Management) Mufti Fareedudin had in an interview to a news channel clarified that there will be no night-long prayers at the shrine on Shab-e-Meraj eve but holy relic will be displayed for devotees after every prayer on March 12 and 13 and also on the Friday following Shab-e-Meraj i.e. March 19.
Pertinently, the Hazratbal shrine management body will also meet the district and divisional administration tomorrow and apprise it about the decision of not holding night-long prayers on Shab-e-Meraj eve—(KNO)
Will push Govt’s dev agenda through Media: Dir Info
Srinagar: The newly posted Director Information Rahul Pandey said that media is the fourth pillar of democracy and development agenda of Government can be pushed through it.
“I will ensure that things, which are happening through DIPR, are done in a better way. I will work together with media fraternity. I will stay in touch with all journalists,” Pandey said.
He said Department of Information is a very important department and all the employees will ensure that good work done by the government is propagated properly.
“I expect all of them to co-operate,” he said.
Pandey has been given inter cadre deputation from Uttar Pradesh cadre to UT of J&K for a period of two years. Before his deputation he was holding important post of Vice-Chairman Varanasi Development Authority.
Pandey underscored the need for involving modern and new media platforms to spread awareness about Government activities and its welfare programmes.
The Director Information also inspected different units of the Department and interacted with the officers and employees.
The employees of the Department on the occasion pledged their support to the Director Information in running affairs of the Department.(KNS)
JK records 112 new cases, one death
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday recorded 112 new Covid-19 cases and one death.
Of the 112 new cases, 19 were from Jammu division and 93 from Kashmir division. With fresh cases, total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 127044.
Also one death has been reported from Kashmir.
Moreover, 101 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals including 26 from Jammu Division and 75 from Kashmir Division.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 127044 positive cases, 892 are Active Positive, 124190 have recovered and 1962 have died; 727 in Jammu division and 1235 in Kashmir division.
The Bulletin further said that out of 5389798test results available, 5262754 samples have been tested as negative till March 7.
Till date 1353650 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 31911 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 892 in isolation and 111674 in home surveillance.
Besides, 1207211 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Govt again reverts to one-way traffic on highway
Srinagar: After allowing two-way Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) on Saturday, the authorities on Sunday reverted to one-way traffic again on the 270-km-long Srinagar-Jammu national highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir valley with the rest of the country.
“No fresh Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) will be allowed from Srinagar or Jammu as only stranded HMVs between Jawahar tunnel and Banihal will be allowed to move towards Jammu,” a traffic police official said.
He said Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only link between the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh and Kashmir remained shut due to the accumulation of snow and avalanches since January Ist, this year.
Meanwhile, there is also no change on the historic 86-km-long Mughal road which remained closed since December last year though the Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) has started snow clearance operation despite the threat of avalanches.
Traffic officials said there is a forecast for rain and snow which could trigger landslides and shooting stones on the highway during the next 24 hours.
He said LMVs were allowed from both sides on Saturday on the highway.
