Precious Kashmir

Dal Lake all set to have ‘ambulance boat’ for dwellers

Front

16/12/2020

Owais Gul
Srinagar, Dec 15: Tariq Ahmad Patloo, a social activist has come up with a unique innovation by manufacturing an ‘ambulance boat’, which would be witnessed for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir at world famous Dal Lake.
The ‘boat ambulance’ is set to provide a sigh of relief among the Dal dwellers who used to face a lot of hardships while facing any health issue, Patloo said.
“The idea to come up with boat ambulance generated only after I was affected with COVID in August this year. Everybody was scared of the virus and no boatmen used to ferry me to visit the hospital frequently,” he said, adding that many people like him got affected with the virus later on, who faced a lot of hardships as nobody used to ferry them fearing contracting the virus.
“I was thinking only about it since the day I was infected with the virus. Later, I got an idea to come up with a boat ambulance, which would help the people living in Dal Lake,” Patloo, who is also a Dal dweller said.
He said the boat ambulance is almost in the final stage. “I am going to fix the motor tomorrow and will go for a trail to check it. After completing this process, I will seek suggestions from the doctors so that each and every equipment for the patients including the machines will be fixed in the ambulance,” he said.
Patloo further stated that to come up with the boat ambulance, a Delhi based trust namely Satya Rekha trust has assisted him. “We have also contributed in it but the maximum of the share is of trust,” he added.
He said it is for the first time that any such facility will be available for the Dal dwellers, adding that earlier boat akin to this one was in Jhelum in which only patients were being ferried by the boatman in the year 1865.
Patloo said although he would take care of the boat ambulance himself, he is going to hand over the ambulance to the government so that a doctor will be made available round-the-clock for the Dal dwellers especially during the night period. “Unless doctor is made available for the boat ambulance, the boat will never give benefits to the people. Therefore, it is mandatory to ensure presence of doctors in the boat so that the people here could heave a sigh of relief and the innovation would bear fruit,” he said—(KNO)

People continue to suffer as dozens of far flung, remote areas remain cut off in Kashmir

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United News Of India

16/12/2020

Srinagar, Dec 15: People living in far flung and remote villages — including Keran, Machil and Gurez — continued to suffer as these areas remained cut off from the rest of Kashmir valley due to slippery road conditions and accumulation of snow.
However, one-way traffic was plying on Kupwara-Karnah road, which was reopened on Monday after three days following clearing of snow and improvement in weather conditions.
“Traffic to the border town of Keran and adjoining areas remained suspended for the fourth successive day on Tuesday due to accumulation of snow,” an official of Police Control Room (PCR), Kupwara, said.
He said the border town of Machil also remained cut off from the rest of the world for the eighth day on Tuesday due to accumulation of snow.
He said Z gali and Phirkiyan pass on Friday and Saturday received about a foot to 2 feet of fresh snowfall, which has now frozen due to sub-zero night temperature. “Snow clearance operation has been started in these areas following improvement in the weather,” he said, adding traffic will be resumed only after getting a green signal from officials deployed on the ground.
An official of the Police Control Room (PCR) from Bandipora told UNI that Gurez remained closed for traffic since December 8. “Razdan pass, connecting Gurez, Neeru and dozens of other areas near LoC with district headquarters Bandipora, received fresh snowfall on Friday night and Saturday hampering the snow clearance operation,” he said.
He said it is highly unlikely that the traffic will be restored to the border town any time sooner. The border town of Gurez and adjoining areas remain cutoff from rest of the Union Territory (UT) for about six winter months every year.

NITI Aayog lauds performance of B’la admin

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

16/12/2020

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Dec 15: The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has lauded the performance of district Baramulla for the month of August-September 2020, for securing good rank in Financial Inclusion, and Skill Development Sector.
As per a communiqué here, the NITI Aayog State of the Art Resource Centre has informed that by faring well in performance district Baramulla has become entitled to receive additional allocation of Rs. 3 crore.
As per the scheme guidelines, districts are to prepare a Plan of Action/ Project Proposal in consultation with the State and Central Prabhari Officers and send the same to NITI Aayog for final approval of the Empowered Committee of Secretaries constituted for the Aspirational District Programme.
The NITI Aayog has also constituted a Project Management Unit (PMU), comprising of a team of ADB and UNDP experts to assist the district in formulation of the projects.
Meanwhile, the concerned district has been directed to submit the Plan of Action/ Project proposal to the PMU for availing the additional allocation of Rs 3 crore.

LAWDA demolishes illegal structures in Srinagar

City

Precious Kashmir

16/12/2020

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Dec 15: The Enforcement Wing of Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) Tuesday carried out demolition drive in Lalbazar, Saidabagh Saidakadal, Shalimar and Dhobi Mohalla Shalimar areas of Srinagar City.
During the demolition drive, 02 Plinths, Concrete Hutt, Wooden 2nd storey, tin walling and one single storey house that were raised illegally in the prohibited areas were demolished/ removed on the spot.
Meanwhile, people residing within the LDA jurisdiction and in lake have been directed to desist from taking up illegal constructions/ encroachments and in case anybody is found involved in such activity the same shall be dealt as per law.

Matters Of Mind

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Precious Kashmir

15/12/2020

Covid-19 intensified challenges on numerous counts, more so mental health front. Newer forms were found during the course of the pandemic. Raising a firewall against threats to physical health has had adverse consequences for mental health.

Recently, a survey, conducted by a United Kingdom based agency found that 75 per cent of the respondents faced ‘Zoom Anxiety’ this year as the pandemic popularised video-conferencing apps like Zoom to enable working and studying from home.

The agency surveyed 2,000 home workers and found one third of the respondents had ‘Zoom anxiety’— a term which refers to the physical feeling of distress caused by video calls, according to the firm Buffalo 7.

Having technical problems during a call and not knowing how to fix it was the biggest trigger, with more than 80% respondents feeling so. One can predict levels in Jammu and Kashmir where internet speed continues to be restricted to 2G levels barring two districts –Ganderbal and Udhampur. The lack of knowledge to fix the problem adds pressure of holding up clients or colleagues, making users feel incompetent, the survey noted.

All these experiences were not restricted to the United Kingdom as the use of Zoom and other such digital communications by employers, political parties, educational institutions and countless individuals soared across the globe, more so after the lockdowns were enforced to check the spread of Covid-19. Many workers and students were forced to work and study from home, respectively.

Being unable to read the caller’s body language during a video call was the second-biggest trigger. Other reasons include feeling like you’re being unheard, having too many people to focus on, and worrying about how you look in front of the camera.

Mental illness in Jammu and Kashmir is yet to be recognized as a significant contributor to poor health. This is not only reflected in the skewed ratio between patients and mental health professionals but also in the appalling treatment meted out to patients in spite of the concerns expressed by the courts, medical professionals, and the media.

Some ways to overcome Zoom Anxiety include practising presentations, limiting number of daily calls, and being prepared with technicalities beforehand. On a large front, there is need for incorporating provisions for recognizing newer forms of anxiety in the Mental Healthcare laws and fostering public engagement with matters of the mind.

Shocking! Man puts his kidney on sale to repay debt

Anchor stories

Afaq Bhat

15/12/2020

Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Dec 14: A shocking advertisement in a local daily about a man announcing to sell his kidney to clear his debt sent shockwaves across Kashmir on Monday.
The advertisement stated: “I Sabzar Ahmed Khan son of Ghulam Hassan Khan r/o Nussu Qazigund want to inform the people that I have suffered a huge loss in business and have lost everything. As on date I owe Rs 90 lakh to people. If anyone needs a kidney I am ready to sell mine. The needy can contact me over phone on 94698881804—7006817983.”
Within few hours the advertisement went viral on the social media with netizens expressing shock. “It’s unfortunate that a man wants to sell his kidney to clear his debt,” wrote a netizen.
While talking to a local news agency Sabzar said that though he toiled hard to repay his debt, he still owes around Rs 61 lakh to J&K Bank and Rs 30 lakh to his borrowers.
A businessman, Shahid Ahmed of Rawalpora while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Business across Kashmir has taken a massive hit. Many people have become bankrupt due to the uncertainty which has been prevailing in the Valley for long now.”
Ahmed said, “The outbreak of COVID-19 in March this year proved to be the last nail in the coffin of the business community in Kashmir. One man has mustered courage and has made it public that he is ready to sell his kidney to clear his debt. Many of us are sailing in the same boat but we cannot muster courage like Sabzar and speak up. We have no idea about how to come out of the mess we are in.”
Another businessman, who wished not to be named, said, “We are putting up a brave face but internally we are broken. For things to fall back in place the COVID has to end and the government will have to come up with some concrete rehabilitation plan for the business community in the Valley.”
He said, “We were hoping that the banks will waive off the interest over the loans we have taken but no such step has been taken till date. Our losses have been huge despite that no one has come forward to help us.”
An analyst said, “ From tourism to information technology every sector in Kashmir has taken a hit. In case of Sabzar, he also owes Rs 60 lakhs to J&K Bank. So bank loan in many cases is a reality. A rehabilitation package for the people who have suffered is the need of the hour.”

Ready to counter any eventuality in Ladakh: General Rawat

Front

Precious Kashmir

15/12/2020

Ready to counter any eventuality in Ladakh: General Rawat

New Delhi, Dec 14: Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat today said the Indian forces are ready to counter “any eventuality” in Ladakh, with China’s People’s Liberation Army carrying out developmental activities in nearby areas of Tibet Autonomous Region.
“I don’t think there should be much concern. We on our side are also carrying out similar activity and I wish to assure you we are fully prepared for any eventuality we may face,” he added while speaking at a function in Kolkata.
“You are all aware that we are on a stand-off situation in Ladakh and based on that there is some activity that has been ongoing in Tibet,” General Rawat said.
“Every nation will continue to make preparations to boost its security based on its strategic interests, General Rawat said. The army, he said is on its toes in Ladakh and Sikkim to counter China. India is “fully prepared for any eventuality we may face,” he added.
Vigilance is strong at the Line of Actual Control — the de facto border between the two nations — in Sikkim too, General Rawat said, citing the 73-day face-off in between the troops of the two nations on nearby Doklam plateau.
“Yes, the People’s Liberation Army is carrying out activities. We are watching. I assure that we have also taken action to counter any cause of concern,” he added.
The situation at Doklam had evolved in 2017, the former army chief said, referring to the stand-off. The armed forces, he said, has “taken measures to ensure that the situation does not escalate”.
High resolution satellite imagery accessed by NDTV has indicated that China has not only set up a village more than two kilometers within Bhutanese territory on the eastern periphery of the Doklam plateau, it has also built a road in the area that stretches approximately 9 km inside Bhutanese territory.

It is believed that this road could ultimately give the Chinese forces an alternate route to the Jhompelri ridge, which the Indian Army had prevented Chinese forces from accessing with the face-off in Doklam. (NDTV)

Srinagar, Jammu to get Metro Rail soon

Front

United News Of India

15/12/2020

LG for completion of project within 2- years

Jammu, Dec 14: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Monday held a meeting here at the Civil Secretariat to steer the Light Metro Rail Projects for Jammu and Srinagar.
The representatives of MAHA-Metro gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding the works related to the project, besides highlighting the key issues on the Jammu and Srinagar Metro Rail corridors.
It was informed that the Jammu Light Rail System will have a 23-kilometer stretch with 22 stations between Bantalab and Bari Brahmana; whereas the Srinagar Light Rail System will have a 25-kilometer stretch, including a 12.5-kilometer stretch from Indira Nagar to HMT Junction and 12.5-kilometer stretch from Hazuri Bagh to Osmanabad with 24 stations (12 stations on each corridor).
The Lt Governor stressed upon the speedy implementation of the project and directed that the projects once approved should be completed within two years from the date of commencement.
The Lt Governor observed that the elevated metro rail system will not only facilitate the movement of the people but also have a positive impact upon the economy and quality of life.
He said that the metro project for the two cities will be cost-effective and a leap towards sustainable public transport.
Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam, Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development, Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor, Nitishwar Kumar, MD/ CEO, Jammu/Srinagar Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, Ankita Kar, besides representatives from MAHA-Metro and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

LG for comprehensive Master Plan to restore cultural heritage

Front

Precious Kashmir

15/12/2020

LG for comprehensive Master Plan to restore cultural heritage

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Dec 14: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today visited the Mubarak Mandi complex and took a first-hand appraisal of the status of conservation and restoration works being undertaken at the heritage complex.
The Lt Governor was accompanied by Raghvendra Singh, Secretary/CEO Development of Museums, Ministry of Culture GoI, BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary, and Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor took an extensive tour of various segments and sections of the Mubarak Mandi Complex and sought a detailed briefing on the progress of the ongoing restoration and renovation works of the heritage complex.
Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society, Deepika Sharma informed the Lt Governor about the status of ongoing restoration work, besides several other important issues pertaining to the restoration of Dogra Art Museum, preservation of historical records, and important components.
Later, a high-level meeting was held at Raj Bhavan to discuss the restoration, preservation, and conservation of Mubarak Mandi Jammu.
A comprehensive plan for the preservation and restoration of heritage sites and places of historical importance has already been given in-principle approval during the first meeting of the National Implementation Committee (NIC) for commemorating the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence, chaired by Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah. Mubarak Mandi Jammu, Shergarhi in Srinagar, both cultural heritages will be taken up for comprehensive conservation and restoration, it was briefed.

The Lt Governor asked Secretary Culture, Government of India to send a team of experts from the Ministry of Culture in the next 10 days, so that a Comprehensive Master Plan for Conservation and Restoration, including lighting system, could be prepared for the heritage site.

The Lt Governor observed that some piecemeal restoration work has been done at Mubarak Mandi but this architectural heritage requires a comprehensive plan involving experts, conservationists, and round-the-clock monitoring to restore its glory in a time-bound manner.

It was informed that the lighting experts working in the cultural heritage sector will also visit Mubarak Mandi soon to prepare and execute a comprehensive plan for facade illumination. This will enhance the heritage character of Mubarak Mandi through world-class architectural lighting illumination to produce a brilliant aesthetic and extraordinary look at these historic buildings.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment towards conservation and protection of the rich culture and heritage of J&K, the Lt Governor observed that the Government is putting untiring efforts for restoration of places of historical importance and has fast-tracked the work on the areas that need immediate attention in order to preserve the glory of our rich heritage.

Sanjeev Verma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Sushma Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary Tourism; Munir-ul-Islam Director, Archives, Archaeology & Museums; ASI officials; consultants; members of the executing agencies and other senior officers were present during the visit.

PDP leader’s PSO killed in Srinagar

Front

Precious Kashmir

15/12/2020

Hundreds attend funeral
Srinagar, Dec 14: Personal Security Officer of a PDP leader was shot dead by militants at Natipora here on Monday.
Official sources told GNS that the militants fired upon PSO of PDP leader Haji Parviaz Ahmad at Asthan Mohalla Natipora at about 1050 hours.
The injured PSO, SgCt Manzoor Ahmad of 11th BN Security, was evacuated to nearby hospital for the treatment where he succumbed to his injuries, they said.
A police spokesperson said that a case has been registered in this regard under relevant sections of law.
“Investigation is in progress and officers continue to work to establish the full circumstances of this crime,” the spokesperson said. Area has been cordoned and search in the area is going on.

A wreath laying ceremony led by DGP Dilbag Singh (IPS) was held at DPL Srinagar, where floral tributes were paid to slain, a resident of Nagam, Chadoora in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district. IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar-IPS, DIG CKR Amit Kumar-IPS, SSP Srinagar, SSP Security besides, other officers and officials besides family members of Manzoor also laid floral wreaths on the mortal remains, the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people participated in the funeral prayers of the cop at his home town of Nagam Chadoora. Manzoor is survived by wife and two children. (GNS)

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