Srinagar, Jan 8: Weather turned pleasant as bright sunshine greeted people on Friday even as icy winds continued in the summer capital, Srinagar, and other parts of Kashmir valley, where the night chill intensified due to open skies.
Meanwhile, despite major improvement in the weather conditions, life continued to remain crippled in Srinagar for the sixth successive day on Friday as majority of the interior roads, link roads and by-lanes remained under snow, adversely affecting pedestrian and vehicular movement.
A Met department spokesperson told UNI that very light snow could occur during the next 24 hours at isolate places in the valley. “The weather will remain dry for about a week from Sunday onwards. Dry weather would results in further dip in the night temperature though the mercury during the day is expected to improve,” he added.
World famous ski resort of Gulmarg, about 55 km from here in north Kashmir, was the coldest place in the valley even as the mercury about 2 degree from Thursday and settled at minus 10 degree, which is over 2 degree below normal. Gulmarg, where the ski slopes are under several feet of snow, was the only place in the valley where the night temperature settled below normal.
“Despite chilly weather conditions, tourists were out on ski slopes enjoying different snow related activities. The footfall of tourist since Christmas has increased in the Gulmarg due to early snowfall. Most of the hotels are booked and tourists, particularly adventure sports lovers, including skiers, are thronging the resort,” a hotelier from Gulmarg told UNI over the phone.
After witnessing above normal night temperature, people woke up to a chilly Friday morning in this summer capital. However, as the day progressed, the sun came out, improving the day temperature, though cold winds continued. Against minus 0.8 degree recorded on Thursday, the night temperature in the city was minus 0.4 degree, which is 1.5 degree above normal.
However, people continued to suffer as some areas continued to remain under darkness while others witnessed frequent power cuts in the city, where people alleged that garbage has not been picked up by Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) from last over six days. Most of the private vehicles remained off the roads since Tuesday afternoon as snow has not been cleared from interior roads, link-roads and bylanes, exposing authorities, who despite tall claimed have not been able deliver after the city received about 2 feet of snow earlier this week.
The night temperature at world famous health resort of Pahalgam, which received about 2 feet of fresh snowfall earlier this week, dipped and settled at minus 3.3 degree, against minus 2.5 degree recorded on Thursday. The temperature recorded in the health resort was about 4 degree above normal.
The mercury at Qazigund, gateway to the valley, Kupwara in north Kashmir and tourist resort of Kokernag settled at minus 1.8 degrees, minus 1.7 degrees and minus 1.6 degrees, respectively.

Over 95% power supply, 407 WSS out of 441 affected restored within 3 days

Srinagar, Jan 8: Against the target of 22000 kilometres, as many as 18000 kilometre road length was cleared of snow across Kashmir so far.

It was informed by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole that MED working on the war footing, against the target of 9654, has cleared snow from 8645 km, while as R&B department against the target of 8036, has cleared and restored 6063 km road length across the ten districts of Kashmir.

Similarly, PMGSY has cleared snow from 2015 road length  against the target of 3225 across Kashmir so far.

Div Com said that over 80 percent achievement has been also made by the ULBs through 40 number of MCs by clearing snow on 910 road/lane length against the 1134 km length. While as SMC has cleared 825 lanes against 1143 target and 4225 bylanes against 5661 target so far.

The Div Com said that over 97 per cent affected 33KV Feeders, 96 percent Receiving Stations and 90 percent 11KV feeders have been restored so far to ensure scheduled power supply is  restored to the people across Kashmir. Similarly, 89 percent power supply/ transformer  outage has been restored in Kashmir.

The Div Com said there was sufficient stock of food grains available including 78531 MT rice and 1498 MT wheat stocked at various FSD stores in the Valley. He said a huge stock of 246262 LPG cylinders available while as 2616 MS ( in Kls), 9244 HSD (in kls) and 3526 SKO availability also.

The Div Com said that out of 441 affected/ damaged both lift and gravity WSS, 407 have been restored in Kashmir within the period of 3 days only.

He said that the major snowfall had  not only disrupted the traffic movement with snow all across but also affected water and power supply in various areas due to damages to the various WSS and power lines, however, restoration work was launched promptly all across Kashmir and great achievement was made in the restoration process in short period of time.

He said that snow clearance work was taken out all hospitals including, SKIMS, GMC and associate hospitals and roads leading to DHs, SDHs, PHCs and other health institution on priority.

He said that all health institutions with facilities of Electricity, Water Supply, Heating, POL, LPG, adequate Oxygen,  Gensets and backups available are working smoothly besides all  essential medicine and other life saving drugs are available in hospitals.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Jan 8: Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) on Friday voluntarily provided machinery to the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to clear snow from emergency roads, so that snow can be removed from sensitive roads on priority basis and transportation can be made possible.

In a statement a KEA spokesman said  that the Alliance co-chairman Farooq Ahmad Dar formally presented the machinery to municipal officials in the presence of the SMC Mayor in Srinagar on Friday.

Senior leaders of the alliance Haji Nisar and Central Contractors Coordination Committee Secretary, Arshad Ahmed Bhat were also present on the occasion.

Dar said that the Kashmir Economic Alliance, playing the role of a dynamic civil society to remove snow from sensitive and emergency roads, presented the machinery to the administration as promised.

He said that in this regard the Chief Engineer Mechanical had already been given this offer on telephone.

The Co-Chairman of the Alliance said that the roads of emergency nature especially roads leading to hospitals should be cleared on priority basis. He said that the responsibility of clearing snow on major roads and highways has been maintained so that patients and themed people do not face any difficulties.

He said that the Srinagar Municipal Corporation was still visible on the streets and did what it could despite having less staff. Dar said that in the past, the officers of the concerned departments used to assign work to the contractors on such occasions and the work was done, however, strict guidelines also tied the hands of the officers and the contractors owed money that had not been released for years.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Jan 8: A fresh avalanche warning has been issued on Friday afternoon for higher reaches in Jammu , Kashmir and Ladakh regions.
Director Disaster Management, J&K, Aamir Ali said there is a threat of low level avalanche in higher reaches of Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar in Jammu region.
Similar threat has been issued for Anantnag, Kulgam in south Kashmir, Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora in north and Ganderbal in central.
Low level avalanche has also been issued for border district of Kargil in Ladakh region on Srianagar-Jammu national highway, which has been closed for winter months due to heavy snowfall from January 1.
He said people are urged to remain indoors and not to venture in avalanche prone areas. However, in case of any emergency, people could contact local administration.

30% decrease in special forces fatalities
Tasaduq Hussain
Jammu, Jan 8: The Home Union Home Ministry (MHA) in its annual review report termed the recently concluded District Development Council (DDC) elections as the landmark decisions and said the militancy incidents have decreased by 63.93 per cent if compared with 2019 figures.
Also, there is a decrease in fatalities of special forces personnel by 29.11 per cent.
In the annual review report the Home Ministry said that “The number of militant incidents in 2020 (up to 15 November) decreased by 63.93 per cent as compared to the corresponding period in 2019.”
“There was also a decrease in fatalities of special forces personnel by 29.11 per cent and a decrease in casualties of civilians by 14.28 per cent in 2020 (up to 15th Nov) as compared to the corresponding period in 2019”, the report reads.
The MHA report said that one-time financial assistance of Rs. 5.5 lakh per family provided to 36,384 displaced families from PoJK and Chhamb under Prime Minister Development package.
It said that a one-time financial assistance at the rate of Rs.5.5 Lakh per family for the 5,764 families of West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs) in Jammu & Kashmir state is also be provided at par with displaced persons of PoJK and Chhamb.
The report said that GoI has taken further steps towards Integration of the new UTs with the Union.
“Adaptation of central laws and state laws in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh. Orders were notified for adaptation of 48 central laws and 167 state laws in respect of UT of J&K. Orders relating to adaptation of 44 central laws and 148 state laws in UT of Ladakh were also notified.” the annual review report said.
The report said that the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Removal of Difficulties) order, 2020 was notified on 31.03.2020.
“It removes difficulties with regard to section 75 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 for administering oath to new judges appointed to the common High Court for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh”, it said.

“A bench of central administrative tribunal was established at Jammu on 08.06.2020”, it said.
“The Jammu and Kashmir official languages Act, 2020 was notified on 27.09.2020. The Act came into force w.e.f. 29.09.2020. Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, Hindi, and English have now become official languages of UT of J&K.”

Date wise orders issued by MHA
6 March: CISF takes over the security of Jammu Airport Security of Srinagar Airport was handed over to the CISF on 26th February, the report said

4 April: MHA issued an order to make domiciles of J&K eligible for all government posts in the UT.

14 October: Union Cabinet approved a Special Package worth Rs 520 crore in the UTs of J&K and Ladakh for a period of five years till FY 2023-24 and ensure funding of DeendayalAntyodayaYojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) in the UTs of J&K and Ladakh on a demand-driven basis without linking allocation with poverty ratio during this extended period.

21 October: Cabinet approved the extension of the Market Intervention Scheme for procurement of apples in J&K for the year 2020-21 on the same terms and condition as was done last season i.e. 2019-20.

26 September: Delegation of Ladakhi veteran leaders met Union Home Minister, Amit Shah in New Delhi.”Union Home Minister assured the delegation that the Government of India was committed to empowering the LAHDC of Leh and Kargil and would safeguard interests of the people of the UT of Ladakh. Following the assurances, the delegation agreed to withdraw its call for the boycott of the ensuing LAHDC, Leh elections,” the report said.

About the District Development Council (DDC) Elections in UT of Jammu & Kashmir MHA said that “The Government of India amended the Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 on 16.10.2020 to set up District Development Councils (DDCs) in each district of Jammu & Kashmir. In a landmark decision for the first time, West Pakistan’s refugees were entitled to exercise their franchise.”

“The creation of this was the last and final step in establishing a fully functional Panchayati Raj System in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir as mandated under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, 1992,” the report reads.

For the first time in history, DDC elections were held in the UT of J&K. The elections were held in eight phases from the last week of November to the third week of December.

“2,178 candidates contested for 280 constituencies. Out of a total of 58,34,458 eligible electors, 30,00,185 cast their votes accounting for a net turnout of 51.42 per cent,” the report said, while stating that it reflects the commitment of the Prime Minister of India to strengthen grassroots democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO)

LG Sinha for promoting J&K’s young talent
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Jan 8: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today participated in the National Youth Festival celebrations here at Teachers Bhawan, Jammu.
The Department of Youth services and Sports is organizing various events under the 24th National Youth Festival through physical/virtual mode, celebrated every year to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor called for creating a robust ecosystem to promote the young talent of J&K.
Underscoring the significance of the event, the Lt Governor said that the aim is to provide a platform to bring the youth of the country together, giving opportunities to showcase their talents in various activities, promoting the spirit of communal harmony and brotherhood among the youth.
The National Youth Festival is not any other programme, but rather a festival in my opinion. Youth is a major driving force of a nation. It is to acknowledge this force, that we celebrate the National Youth Day, observed the Lt Governor.
Youth of J&K needs opportunities to showcase their capabilities. UT Government provides handholding to the talented youth of J&K for the promotion of their talent at national and international level, the Lt Governor said.
Terming Youth as one of the greatest gifts to Jammu & Kashmir, the Lt Governor observed that 70 percent of the population is below the age of 35 years, giving a great demographic dividend, and the Youth of J&K are capable of producing nectar of growth and development.
“Development and growth is nothing but creative refinement of youth energy. The energy that is being manifested in our education, sports, skilling and creativity ultimately transforms into the development of the region”, said the Lt Governor.
“Socio-economic landscape of J&K is transforming. There is a new hope of jobs, hope of equitable development, hope of a vibrant society, hope of a modern- industrialized UT and this hope is going to become bigger every day because of the immense contribution of our youth, our talent pool”, the Lt Governor observed.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, the Lt Governor said that a youngster must not dwell in the past and make his own destiny. “Only with sheer will and determination, the youth of Jammu & Kashmir would be able to shape the future of the region and the nation”, he added.
Swami Vivekananda believed that the world needs to build on character. He believed that the world needs selfless individuals to make a change. The future of Jammu & Kashmir is also dependent on such individuals, observed the Lt Governor.
Highlighting Government’s initiatives for skill development of youth, the Lt Governor said that in the coming days, hundreds of skill centres are going to be started in J&K which will impart skill training in innovative ways keeping the evolving industry demands in consideration. The work on a modern skill centre at Jammu is almost done and it is about to start operations very soon. Film maker, Imtiaz Ali is planning to do a workshop for our youngsters. Similarly, some major players from the music industry are also going to work on honing the skills of our youth, in association with the Cultural Academy. Talented youngsters would be encouraged to write and perform in any of the regional languages, he added.
Prime Minister has given a priceless gift to the people of J&K in the form of a New Industrial Development Scheme for J&K worth Rs 28,400 crore that will lead to rapid industrialization, development and generation of 4.5 lakh jobs, the Lt Governor maintained.
The Government has provided assistance and handholding to the aspiring entrepreneurs during the Back to Village programme and the same youth is emerging as a job provider. More than 12 thousand of those young entrepreneurs are earning their livelihood while fulfilling their dreams, said the Lt Governor.
Citing obstacles created due to the global pandemic, the Lt Governor said that sometimes we did overcome several obstacles of lockdown, closure of educational institutions, because our youth is progressing in leaps and bounds, our workforce, our farmers and administration is stronger than ever.
More than 5 lakh young sportspersons participated in various activities last year. 100 students from Jammu division were given skiing courses at Gulmarg, and another 200 are going to be trained soon. More than 10 thousand students from Jammu division went on inter-district trekking expeditions last year. More than 44 thousand students participated in the Back to Village and My Town My Pride programmes. This data itself speaks about the efforts of the J&K Government to promote the young talent of the UT, said the Lt Governor.
Farooq Khan, Advisor to the Lt Governor, while speaking on the occasion, emphasized on nurturing the skills and talent of the youth, besides developing the sense of excellence among them to channelize the young energies in a right direction.
In his welcome address, Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary to the Government, Youth Services and Sports Department recounted the activities undertaken by the department for promotion of sports and other allied activities in J&K.
It was informed that during the National Youth Festival, cultural activities like, Music, Dance, Theatre, Visual Art, Expression Art, Knowledge sessions, Indigenous games etc were displayed on Common Platform.

Young artists from far flung areas also showcased their talent through the presentation of cultural programmes. Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman, Director General, Youth Services and Sports, J&K presented Vote of Thanks.
Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Dr. Naseem Javaid Choudhary, Secretary, J&K Sports Council and scores of prominent artists were present on the occasion.

Urges scientists to take farm technology from lab to fields
Precious Kashmir News
Samba, Jan 8: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today paid a visit to Samba district and inaugurated Krishi Vigyan Kendra building complex. He felicitated the progressive farmers who were trained by the SKUAST and are earning a sustainable livelihood, besides involving other farmers in agricultural activities.

The Lt Governor also released publications and Newsletter on agriculture sector and allied activities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor, who is also the Chancellor of SKUAST-Jammu, observed that agriculture and allied sectors are key focus areas of J&K Government and laid special emphasis on providing sustained handholding to the farmers, besides giving a determined push to these sectors.

The UT Government is taking comprehensive measures for the development and growth of priority sectors like Agriculture, Horticulture, Dairy and Poultry and is making interventions by identifying scientific and technological needs of the farming community to achieve desirable results, he added.

The Lt Governor urged the scientists to take the farm technology from the lab to the fields for extending maximum benefits to the farming community.

“J&K Government is creating an institutional mechanism by leveraging available technology for the efficient delivery of various rural services, in a transparent manner and with public participation and ownership. Through Krishi Vigyan Kendra, we can successfully bridge the gap of connectivity between farmers and scientific methods & technology”, said the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor directed Divisional Commissioner Jammu to identify land for establishing KVKs in the remaining three districts of Jammu Division.

He said that the progressive farmers who were felicitated today have set an example for others, especially for the young generation to make farming & allied activities as preferred choice for a successful career.

Highlighting various initiatives taken by the J&K Government, the Lt Governor said that the UT administration has signed an MoU with NAFED to bring reforms in the horticulture sector, for high density plantations, cold storage cluster, market linkage and GI tagging of local products. High Density plantation of Apple, Walnut, Cherry, Flowers etc would increase the income of farmers by 3 to 4 times, observed the Lt Governor.

NAFED will cover 5500 Hectares of land at a cost of Rs.1700 Crore in the next five years with major focus on Apple, Walnut, Cherry, Pear and other significant horticulture produce, and will set up 20 Farmer-Producer Organizations, one in each district, besides three cold storage clusters, costing Rs.500 Crore, and ensuring Geographical Indications tags (GI Tags) for all premium/niche horticulture produce, he added.

“We are working on various levels to ensure that our farmers get three to four time returns of their hard work and investment. All possible help from the administration is being assured for the benefits of farmers. With latest interventions by the government, the farm produce would be able to reach worldwide markets and for empowerment of the farmers”, the Lt Governor maintained.

Prime Minister has taken many decisions for the betterment of farmers. Many farmers’ welfare schemes like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Soil Health management, Neem Coated Urea, National Food Security Mission, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, One Nation One Market and many other such schemes have been devised and their benefits are being delivered to the community directly. Efforts are being made for 100% saturation of every scheme so that the maximum beneficiaries can reap the benefits out of these schemes, the Lt Governor observed.

“I have always stressed on the need to increase agricultural production and its diversification. Some farmers in J&K are working to achieve desired goals and are proud beneficiaries of such an approach. Better techniques and extension support are imperative to achieve these goals for which the administration and KVK are doing well”, the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor asked the VC SKUAST- Jammu to make continuous improvements in University’s functioning and work as a knowledge and resource centre of agricultural technology for supporting initiatives of public, private and voluntary sector. He also advised the VC for release of agriculture related books in local language for better understanding to the farmers.

He said that establishment of KVK Samba is a great initiative for the farmers of the area and Scientists should work as per the mandate with new innovations in agriculture, which must benefit the end users, that is, the farmers.

Mentioning the reforms in land laws, the Lt Governor informed the farmers that now permission is not required for the establishment of apple orchards which otherwise was compulsory before.

The Lt Governor also spoke on the apprehensions created around the Agricultural Reforms. He said that the Agricultural Reforms by the Union Government are for the betterment of the farmers and the latter would be free to cultivate their land and sell their produce according to their wish, he added.

The Lt Governor assured that the farmers are equally allowed to sell their produce at their own price as they are to sell at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The trade at agriculture markets throughout the country has increased after implementation of the latest reforms, and there has been no shutdown, he added.

Speaking on ‘contract farming’, the Lt Governor said that a fear has been created by some vested interest about contract farming. He further assured that the contract is limited to exchange of goods and not the land. There is no mention of land in these reforms, he maintained.

The Lt Governor appreciated the KVK Samba for researching on the local agro-climatic conditions and identifying possible crop variety for successful diversified farming in the region, besides creating 35 entrepreneurs who are working and earning in diversified farming, mushroom cultivation, organic vegetables, bee keeping, bamboo crafts, poultry farming and other fields.

Farooq Khan, Advisor to the Lt Governor, during his address, urged the farmers to take advantage of KVK for linkage with progressive farmers of the country for adoption of best agricultural practices. He asked SKUAST and line departments to converge at a single platform for the benefit of farmers.

While speaking on the occasion, Sh. Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Government, Agriculture Production Department stressed upon SKUAST-Jammu to frame Annual Calendar of KVK activities so that farmers may know in advance about the various training programmes being organized for them. He also urged the farmers to take full advantage of various schemes under AatmaNirbhar Bharat and schemes initiated by the UT Government.

Earlier, Prof. J.P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, in his welcome address, gave a detailed briefing about the various activities being undertaken by the University for the welfare of farmers. Vote of thanks was presented by Dr. S. K. Gupta, Director Extension, SKUAST Jammu. Dr. Vinod Gupta, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK, Samba conducted the proceedings of the program. Dr. Rajbir Singh, Director ATARI-ICAR Zone-I was the special guest during the occasion.

A cultural programme focusing on different activities promoted by KVK, Samba was also presented on the occasion.

Earlier, the Lt Governor inspected the Laboratory of KVK and was briefed in detail about various innovations, initiatives and models in farming, agriculture and allied sectors. He further inspected units of advanced farming techniques, hybrid seeds, organic products, live samples and different schemes.

While inspecting stalls of different line departments related to farming, agriculture and allied sectors, the Lt Governor enquired about the targets to be achieved by line departments, stressed upon the benefits, uses and affordable availability to farmers. The Lt Governor also planted a sapling to mark the occasion.

Prominent among others present on the occasion were Prof. Ravindra Kumar Sinha, Prof. M. K. Dhar and Prof. Ashok Aima, Vice Chancellors- SMVDU, University of Jammu and Central University of Jammu; Sh. Sanjeev Verma, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Rohit Khajuria, Deputy Commissioner, Samba; SSP Samba; HoDs of various departments; officers of the University, and a large number of farmers.
Former Ministers- Chander Prakash Ganga and Dr DK Manyal and representatives of PRIs were also present.