Jammu and Kashmir High Court recently banned constructions within 200 meters from Wular Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes of Asia. The court passed the orders after its visit to check if the garbage was really dumped at its peripheries near Sopore by none other than those responsible to keep a check on it. While the garbage was removed from the spot before court’s visit on October 10, ironically the government admitted dumping the trash there. The “excuse” by the government that it was done “for the want of land” is shocking to say the least. The local laws, as well as the International and National Protocols for such an area, expressly bars dumping of the garbage. A responsibility is cast on the administration to check the activities that threaten the existence of such areas. There is no justification for violating these norms by the officials.
The waterbody is important on countless aspects and protecting it must be a collective responsibility for all of us. The Lake’s associated wetlands support rich biodiversity and provide habitat to migratory birds within Central Asia flyover. It is also the largest fisheries resource in Kashmir Valley, supporting the livelihoods of large human population living along its fringes. Also importantly, the lake and its associated wetlands protect the Valley from floods as well as maintain the flow to support agriculture and hydro-power generation. However, over the past several decades, the water body is progressively shrinking. Unfortunately, it has not attracted the required attention despite the fact that the lake was designated as “Wetland of International Importance” under Ramsar Convention in 1990 in recognizing its importance for its biodiversity and socio-economic values. There are several reasons for ruins and some of them have been even well identified. However there has been little redeeming difference on the ground. Not only have encroachments continued with impunity, the lake has gone through a sustained environmental degradation.
The Wetland Management and Conservation Rules provide that the wetlands shall be conserved and managed in accordance with the principle of “wise use” as determined by the Wetlands Authority. The rules explicitly prohibit activities such as encroachment of any kind, setting up of any industry and expansion of existing industries besides Solid waste dumping including the discharge of untreated wastes and effluents from industries, cities, towns, villages and other human settlements as well as any construction of a permanent nature. There is need to adhere to the ban on illegal constructions within the distance prescribed by the court as also implementing ensuring implementation of laws.
Govt As Violator
CD Hospital: Amid COVID-19 patients at emergency ward left in lurch
No doctor remains available, workload on paramedic staff only, allege attendants
Gul Owais
Srinagar, Nov 8: Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the patients who are admitted in the emergency ward at Chest Disease hospital—designated COVID care facility—here are being pushed to the wall in absence of proper care as well as the lack of basic facilities, attendants alleged on Sunday.
Attendants accompanying the patients here at CD hospital told Precious Kashmir that the hospital administration has failed to keep doctors available round the clock in the emergency ward, saying that the patients are being taken care by the paramedics only.
An attendant said that most of the paramedical staff was not capable of looking after the patients admitted in the emergency ward. “There was a dire need to ensure the availability of at least one doctor at an emergency ward round the clock to ensure the patient who is suffering from serious ailment is not forced to face hardships,” he said.
He added that although some of the paramedic staff are very much capable of performing their duties at the emergency ward, some staff members are not even able to inject a needle at the apt place. “Yesterday, a patient was injected almost seven times when he had to get the blood point. This shows the negligence as well as the incapability of the staff,” he alleged.
The attendant further said that the attendants had to face tremendous hardships whenever their patient’s health gets deteriorated. “We have to move from one room to another in search of the paramedical staff to ask them to check our patient. They too don’t stay in their rooms but usually move from one room to the other,” he added.
He stated that not only the absence of doctors, but the emergency at CD hospital even lacks the basic facilities. “We are being told to conduct a test from outside the hospital and that too at a designated lab. The doctors here are not entertaining the test conducted at other labs except the one advised by them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of Department CD hospital Dr Naveed Nazir Shah didn’t receive the repeated phone calls from this reporter to respond to the queries.
DDC polls: Regional parties prefer participation over boycott
Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Nov 8: Finally, Peoples’ Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), an amalgam of Kashmir based political parties, has decided to contest the forthcoming District Development Council (DDC) elections collectively.
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “It’s for the first time in the history of Kashmir that political parties having different ideologies have come together and will contest any election under a single banner.”
It’s in place to mention here that on October 24 this year seven mainstream political parties had met at PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s residence in Srinagar and had given a formal shape to their alliance – People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration for the restoration of Article 370. The PAGD includes National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party, Communist Party of India, Communist Party (Marxist), Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Movement and Awami National Conference.
“When the alliance was formed its leaders had stated that contesting any elections is not a priority for them and they have come together to fight for the restoration of J&K’s special status, which was abrogated by the Centre on August 5, 2019,” the analyst said, adding, “The PAGD deciding to contest the DDC polls is an indication that regional parties have understood the importance of taking part in the elections. Politicians also seem to have realized that boycott is no solution.”
An observer said, “The Kashmir based political parties are aware of the fact that the delimitation process is on and after it’s completed there is every possibility about assembly elections being held. Another factor which these political formations have to bear in mind is that the Centre has dropped enough hints about J&K’s statehood being restored soon. And if they have to show their presence these parties will have to remain active politically.”
Another analyst said that since the time the PAGD has announced that it would contest the DDC polls collectively the leaders have already started framing a strategy to ensure that alliance wins maximum number of seats at least in Kashmir. “It appears that in the coming days we are likely to see many political activities and many more promises,” he added.
Infiltration bid foiled in Kupwara, 3 militants, 4 soldiers killed
Srinagar, Nov 8: Three Pakistani militants were killed while four soldiers, including an officer, also died during an encounter along the Line of Control (LoC) in Machil sector in the frontier district of Kupwara in the wee hours of Sunday, a defence ministry spokesman said.
A BSF spokesman said a constable Sudip Sarkar died in the initial exchange of fire.
Defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia giving details about the encounter said troops guarding LoC noticed suspicious movement of three militants near LoC fence in Machil sector in Kupwara at 0100 hours on Sunday.
However, when challenged and asked to surrender, the militants opened fire with automatic weapons, he said adding the fire was retaliated and in the ensuing encounter a militant was killed.
He said one AK rifle and two bags were recovered from the slain militant.
BSF spokesman said constable Sudip Sarkar who continued fighting despite being injured succumbed before he could be shifted to hospital.
He said troops from 15 Corps also joined the operation which was going on when the reports last came in.
Colonel Kalia said two more militants were killed in the encounter. However, he said three soldiers, including an officer also died while two others were injured, who were evacuated to hospital.
He said the operation was going on when the last reports came in.
Meanwhile, senior Army officers and Director General of Police (DGP) have said that there are large number of militants in launch pads at LoC in other Kashmir and are waiting to sneak into this side before the infiltration routes are closed due to heavy snowfall. However, they said, security forces guarding the LoC are already on high alert to foil any such infiltration attempt.
LG pays tributes to slain soldiers
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Nov 8: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha paid tributes to the Security personnel who died during an encounter with militants in Machil sector of Kupwara district.
The Lt Governor saluted the supreme sacrifice of the jawans and lauded the courage and valour displayed by them while protecting the integrity and sovereignty of the country.
“The Nation will always remain indebted to brave hearts who have laid down their lives for providing safe and secure environment to our people,” he said.
The Lt Governor offered his deepest condolences to the families of the slain soldiers and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.
Ladakh Standoff:India, China agree to ensure troops exercise restraint
New Delhi, Nov 8: India and China have agreed to ensure their frontline troops exercise restrain, avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, where forces of two countries are engaged into border standoff since early May.
“The two sides had a candid, in-depth and constructive exchange of views on disengagement along the Line of Actual Control in the Western Sector of India-China border areas,” according to joint statement issued by India and China on Sunday.
The 8th round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held in Chushul on Friday to discuss ways to disengagement and de-escalation of troops and weapons along the LAC. The talks began at 9.30 am and ended at about 7 pm.
This was the first round of talks led by the new 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen PGK Menon. The latest talks took place nearly a month after the previous round.
India has been pressing for withdrawal of soldiers and equipment from all friction points in eastern Ladakh while the Chinese side first want disengagement and de-escalation from south of Pangong Tso.
“Both sides agreed to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, ensure their frontline troops to exercise restraint and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation,” the joint statement said.
Both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels, and, taking forward the discussions at this meeting, push for the settlement of other outstanding issues, so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas, it added.
The Corps Commanders also agreed to have another round of meeting soon.
Srinagar records coldest night at minus 1.4 degree
Srinagar, Nov 8: The summer capital, Srinagar, recorded coldest night of the winter so far after the minimum temperature witnessed further drop and settled at minus 1.4 degree on Sunday which was 3.2 notches below normal.
A Met department spokesman said on Sunday that weather will remain mainly dry in Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and Gilgit and Baltistan divisions during the next 24 hours. There will also be no significant change in the weather during the next 48 hours, he said. However, he said, there is possibility of wet weather on November 13 in Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and Gilgit and Baltistan.
Spokesman told UNI today that the due to open sky during the night in Kashmir, the minimum temperature was recorded below normal.
However, the maximum temperature remained above normal due to open sky and the sun was out though the intensity of the heat was less. The power curtailment for three hours in metered areas and four hours in non metered areas coupled with icy cold winds disrupt the normal life.
He said Srinagar, the capital city of UT of Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed coldest night of the season so far after the minimum temperature recorded further drop and settled at minus 1.4 degree, which was 3.2 notches below normal. Earlier, coldest night was on November 7 when it was minus 0.9 degree. However, the maximum temperature on Saturday in Srinagar was 21.2 degree, 3.3 notches above normal.
Spokesman said the sky would be mainly clear to generally cloudy during the next 24 hours when the maximum temperature will be 20 degree and minimum temperature minus 0.1 degree.
World famous health resort of Pahalgam, about 100 km from here in south Kashmir, recorded minus 2.8 degree minimum temperature, lowest in the valley. It was 3.8 degree below normal after recording 17.1 degree maximum temperature which was 2.2 notches above normal.
The water level in river Lidder passing through Pahalgam has also started to drop as snow on upper reaches, main source of the water body, has started freezing due to below freezing temperature.
Interestingly the world famous ski resort of Gulmarg, about 55 km from here in north Kashmir, where light snowfall was witnessed last month, the mercury remained above normal.
The maximum temperature at Gulmarg on Saturday was 12.6 degree which was two notches above normal while the minimum temperature on Sunday was 1.8 degree, 0.6 degree above normal. However, the tourists continued to stay away from the ski resort though locals have started visiting there after the Gandola Cable Car (GCC), connecting highest skiing point from base camp, was made operation after remaining shut for about six months due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, the GCC will operate only on Saturday and Sunday.
In Ladakh region Leh, capital of UT, the majority water bodies were frozen after the minimum temperature recorded considerable drop. It was minus 10.6 degree in Leh while in the upper reaches it was between minus 15 to minus 20 degree.
Met spokesman said the sky would be mainly clear to generally cloudy during the next 24 hours when the minimum and maximum temperatures would be around 10 and minus 10 degree respectively.
At border town of Kargil on the Srinagar-Leh road, the minimum temperature was minus 4.2 degree while it was below minus 8 degree at Drass, the second coldest place in the world after Siberia.
MeT predicts snow, rain in Kashmir plains next week
Srinagar, Nov 8: Weatherman has predicted that plains in Kashmir are likely to receive rain and snowfall next week.
An offcial told GNS that an active Western Disturbance is most likely to affect J&K and Ladakh during 13-15th November with main activity on 14th.
As a result of this, moderate rain /snow (1-2inches snow)is likely in plains of Kashmir and hilly areas of Jammu and Ladakh, especially Drass, Zanskar and some area of Leh Disrict, whereas good snowfall is expected at places like Gulmarg, Gurez etc.
COVID-19: 5 more lose lives, 555 new cases in J&K
Death toll rises to 1536, case tally at 98892
Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Nov 8: Jammu and Kashmir reported five more COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours, while 555 more people tested positive for the virus across the union territory, officials said on Sunday.
They said that the fatality count due to COVID-19 in J&K has mounted to 1536 and 98892 people have tested positive for the pestilence till date.
Giving details of the causalities, the officials said that victims include
one each from Srinagar and Kupwara while three others belong to Jammu division.
The victim from Srinagar was a 70-year-old man from Habbak Naseembagh Srinagar who died five days after he was admitted to SKIMS Soura. Those who died in Jammu region belonged to J&K’s winter capital.
With these deaths, the fatality count has reached 1536 in J&K—1017 in Valley and 519 in the Jammu region.
Srinagar district with 375 deaths tops the list followed by Jammu (269), Baramulla (148), Budgam (94), Pulwama (83), Kupwara (74), Anantnag (76), Rajouri (48), Kulgam (48), Bandipora(47), Doda (48), Shopian (35), Ganderbal (35), Udhampur (32), Kathua (33), Samba (25), Poonch (23), Ramban (18), Kishtwar(15), and Reasi (8).
J&K reports 555 new cases, total 98892
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir reported 555 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours, officials told GNS on Sunday.
They said Srinagar reported 122 cases, Baramulla 42, Budgam 40, Pulwama 19, Kupwara 13, Anantnag 17, Bandipora 24, Ganderbal 46, Kulgam 12, Shopian 7, Jammu 95, Rajouri 7, Udhampur 20, Doda 16,
Kathua 15, Poonch 21, Samba 13, Kishtwar 13, Ramban 7 and Reasi 6.
A number of these cases were confirmed at SKIMS and CD hospital’s diagnostic laboratories and includes from nine army men from BB Cantt Srinagar and six BSF soldiers.
The CD cases include female (57) and male (59) from NA, female (14) from Hyderpora, male (60) from Safakadal, nine males (25, 44, 27, 25, 35, 23, 52, 44, 46) from BB Cantt Srg, female (25) from Rajbagh, male (37) from Elahibagh, male (40) from Eidgah Srg, female (45) from Chattabal, male (38) from Srinagar, male (26) from Eidgah Srg, male (60) from Shivpora, six males (70, 70, 65, 48, 75, 55) and four females (72, 72, 72, 75) from NA, male (60) from Hawal, female (50) from Padshahi Bagh, female (32) from Gulposh Colony, female (58) and two males (65, 35) from Rajbagh, male (52) from Ahmadnagar, female (40) from Budgam, female (22) from Hawal, female (22) from Hyderpora, male (22) from Soura, two females (18, 16) from Chattabal, female (37) from Bemina, two males (31, 58) from Chanapora, male (16) from Gojwara, two females (27, 55) from Gogjibagh, male (30) from Chattabal, female (47) and male (22) from Rajbagh, male (60) from Chattabal, male (85) and two females (78, 09) from Nawabazar, male (33) from Kanimazar, male (60) from Nowpora, male (52) from SMHS Srg, male (68) from Batwara, two males (51, 14) and three females (15, 12, 50) from Bemina, female (65) from Harna Budgam, male (13) from Buchpora, male (NA) from Nawakadal, two males (NA, 26) from Srinagar, male (62) and female (NA) from Tulsibagh Srg, male (56) from Lethpora Awantipora, male (NA) from Bemina, male (56) from Kupwara, four males (42, 48, 50, 18) and two females (16, 50) from Zoonimar, female (75) from Lal Bazar, female (NA) from The BSF cases include six males (53, 53, 36, 52, 55, 35) from Ch BSF Humhama Srinagar.
The Budgam cases include male (65) from Lasjan, male (55) from Ladden, male (45) from Shrine Charisharief, male (21) from Talabikalan, male (44) from Sozeith, male (56) from Rathsun, male (72) from Aripanthan Beru, male (18) from Palpora Magam, male (35) from Nowgam Naik Bagh, male (60) from Chrali Pora Nowgam, female (35) from Sheikhpora Chattergam, male (30) from Dangerpora Chattergam, male (30) from Baghi Mehtab Budgam.
The Ganderbal cases include female (33) from Barwulla, two males (54, 28) and female (58) from Kangan, two males (85, 12) and two females (83, 35) from Waskura, female (70) and three males (75, 28, 70) from Ahan, male (86) from Malshahibagh, male (56) from Search, female (33) from Fatehpora, female (33) from Saloora, male (82) from Ganderbal, female (27) from Saloora, female (50) from Saloora, female (42) from Takya Khalamulla Alusteng, male (60) from Nunner, female (85) from Gund, female (48) from Kurhama, male (45) and female (42) from Lar, male (58) from Chundina, male (33) from Kangan, male (60) from NA Ganderbal, male (60) from Choont, female (65) from Kangan Ganderbal.
The Srinagar cases include male (36) from Wanabal Rawalpora, two males (30, 60) and female (30) from Nowhatta, male (30) from Kullmulla, female (60) from Hajibagh, male (62) from Lal Bazar, male (62) from Eidgah, female (60) from Buchpora, male (40) from Lal Bazar, two males (28, 28) from Soura, male (58) from Batamaloo, male (65) from Alamgiri Bazar, female (65) from Nowshera, male (28) from Lal Bazar, female (28) from Alamgiri Bazar, male (65) from Jawahar Nagar, male (67) from Hawal, male (28) from Hyderpora, male (70) from Soura, male (50) from Dalgate, female (70) from Buchpora, female (44) from 90feet Road, female (55) from Rainawari, female (75) from Kawdara, female (68) from Nowshera, male (55) from Dalgate Srinagar. The Baramulla cases include male (25) from Sopore, male (60) from Fatehpora Baramulla. The Poonch cases include male (40) from Sorankote Poonch.
Moreover, they said, 456 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals— 171 from Jammu Division and 285 from Kashmir Valley. (GNS)
COVID-19: India’s tally surges past 85 lakh
New Delhi, Nov 8: India’s COVID contagion tally on Sunday surged past the 85 lakh mark after the nation clocked a single day spike of 45,674 fresh infections during the past 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry update said here.
The case count of the country has now surged to 85,07,754 after the rise registered in cases, while the death toll has mounted to 1,26,121 after 559 more lives were claimed by the virus since Saturday.
Active case-load on the country has further come down by 3,967 on Sunday and now the country houses 5,12,665 active patients of COVID 19.
Meanwhile, the recoveries have now reached 78,68,968 after 49,082 patients were cured in the past one day time.
In percentage, active cases presently stand at 6.03 per cent of the total case count till date, the cured at 92.49 per cent and the deaths at 1.48 per cent, as per the government data.
According to the Indian Council for Medical Research, till date 11,65,42,304 COVID tests have been done so far in the country.
