Riyaz Bhat
Srinagar, Sept 15: Jammu and Kashmir government has surrendered over 72 Crore rupees of civil works in the School Education department to the Government of India (GoI)—raising a question on the functioning of the department.
The figures reveal that Rs 72.6 Crore were surrendered by the authorities of Jammu and Kashmir to Human Resource Development (HRD).
Official figures reveal that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has surrendered civil works amounting to a total of Rs 7260.59 lakh including Rs 532.57 lakh for elementary and Rs 6728.02 lakh for secondary level.
In order to strengthen existing elementary schools, the documents reveal that an outlay of Rs. 3133.80 lakh was estimated for various infrastructure interventions for elementary level.
Similarly, to strengthen existing schools at secondary level, “An outlay of Rs. 549.99 lakh was estimated for various infrastructure interventions for secondary level,” it reads.
Likewise, to strengthen existing schools at secondary and higher secondary level, “An outlay of Rs 745.80 lakh was estimated for secondary and higher secondary level.”
The GoI said that this would enable to maintain the enrolment and retention at Primary and elementary level and is covered under PGI Indicators.
The Ministry of Human Resource Development said, “Different reports should be uploaded in the portal from various levels that is principal, headmaster, CRC coordinator and District level officials, will be checked to validate the progress”—(KNO)
School Education Deptt surrenders over Rs 72 Cr to GoI
Saffron growers worried as Valley witnesses hot, dry weather
Sumaya Jan
Srinagar, Sept 15: The saffron growers in Valley are worried in view of rainfall deficit and hot weather conditions in Kashmir.
After witnessing huge losses in 2019 due to untimely snow in November and shutdown for months following abrogation of Article 370, Mohammad Ashraf, a Saffron grower in South Kashmir’s Pampore area was hopeful of good returns in the upcoming season.
But the rainfall deficit, dry spell and hot weather conditions in Kashmir have become a worry for Ashraf.
“We are not able to dig the Saffron fields due to dry and hot weather. The situation has worsened to such an extent that Saffron fields have developed cracks due to hot weather,” he told.
He is cultivating Saffron over one hectare of land. “If there is no rainfall in the next two weeks, we will suffer heavy damages and our Saffron won’t grow,” he added.
Last year, he could grow less than 2 kilogram of Saffron as the production declined due to untimely snowfall in November.
One hectare of land produces around 4 kilogram of Saffron. Each kilogram of Saffron costs Rs 2 to 3 lakh depending upon the demand from the consumers.
He said the government has failed to keep the irrigation facilities available.
“Had there been proper irrigation facilities available, we would not have been dependent on rainfall,” he said.
Saffron flowers are sensitive to vagaries of the weather. Its production depends on the weather conditions and the irrigation facilities.
Abdul Majeed Wani, another Saffron grower from Pampore said the Saffron fields have turned dry due to rainfall deficit.
“We are not able to dig our fields. The production of Saffron will depend upon the weather conditions in the next few weeks. If the dry continues, then there will be heavy damage to Saffron production. I can only pray that there is sufficient rainfall,” Wani said, who is also President Saffron Growers Association.
He said last year the rates of Saffron went down and they sold one kilogram of Saffron for less than Rs 2 lakh.
The harvest season of Saffron begins from ending October. More than 16,000 families are associated with this crop production in the valley.
Kashmiri saffron is of superior quality because of the higher concentration of crocin, a carotenoid pigment that gives saffron its colour and medicinal value.
Saffron, despite its price, is in high demand for its antioxidant properties.
Each year, Kashmir produces 16 tonnes of Saffron.
Saffron is cultivated in three districts: Pulwama, Srinagar and Budgam of the valley.
Pampore, the township in Pulwama district produces the most. (KINS)
R&B engineer arrested for siphoning off Rs 2.67 Cr from Airtel, Reliance: ACB
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Sept 15: J&K Anti Corruption Bureau has arrested a Junior Engineer of R&B department accused of siphoning off over Rs 2.67 crore that cellular companies had paid as penalty for damaging roads.
An ACB spokesperson said the Junior Engineer, Hakeem Imtiyaz, posted in R&B Shopian was arrested for misappropriation of funds deposited by cellular company in lieu of damages caused to roads for laying of telephone cables.
“On the basis of a verification, ACB registered a case FIR No. 06/2020 (U/s 5(1) (c), 5 (d) (2) PC Act Svt. 2006 & 420, 468, 471 RPC r/w section 120-B RP) in Police Station ACB Anantnag. The instant case was registered by ACB during the verification on the allegations of misappropriation of funds received by the R &B Department in Shopian/ Handwara Districts,” the spokesperson said.
He added; “During the course of verification conducted prior to the registration of the case, huge amount of money to the tune of Rs 2,67,31,411/- was deposited by the Private cellular companies in the Arhama (Shopian) Branch of Axis Bank in the fake name of Assistant Engineer R&B Division Shopian opened by Junior Engineer Hakeem Imtiyaz posted at R&B Shopian in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy with Airtel/Reliance authorities and contractors.”
The amount, the ACB spokesperson added, was subsequently withdrawn by Junior Engineer Hakeem Imtiyaz and transferred it to his own personal account and into the account of one Niamat Ali (Niamat Electricals).
“It was revealed during probe that the R&B Department Shopian does not have any account in Axis Bank, and the said department operates only through J&K Bank. In the course of probe it was further revealed that these fraudulent transactions have been handiwork of the Junior Engineer, who in conspiracy with private cellar companies and contractors have inflicted huge loss to state exchequer,” the spokesperson said.
ACB conducted searches in the house of accused Junior Engineer (R&B Division Shopian) at Pinglan Pulwama, Contractor Niamat Ali at Chattabal Srinagar and the residence of the then Junior Engineer in Airtel Company Shahnawaz of Eidgah, during which various incriminating documents having bearing on the case were seized, the spokesperson said.
“Hakeem Imtiyaz, Junior Engineer was subsequently arrested by ACB. Further investigation of the case is going on,” he added.
Advisor Baseer Khan inaugurates hi-tech nursery in Srinagar
‘Will conserve native flora and cultivate rare species’
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Sept 15: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Baseer Ahmad Khan Tuesday inaugurated a Hi-Tech Floriculture Nursery and sale center at Pologround Srinagar.
The Advisor appreciated the efforts of the Floriculture department in developing the hi-tech nursery and directed them to keep high quality seedlings available at affordable prices.
While inaugurating the Hi-Tech nursery, the Advisor directed the concerned to carry out a robust advertisement campaign so that people will come to know about it and will take benefits out of it.
The nursery will help to conserve native flora, introduce exotic ornamental flora and will also serve as a center of learning for florists, field functionaries and flower lovers.
On the occasion, Commissioner Secretary Floriculture Gardens & Parks Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad informed that the Sub-Station Nursery located in the heart of Srinagar City will cater to the requirements of general public where ornamental planting material and different floral arrangements like Flower Bouquets, Floral Baskets, Central table arrangements, car decoration service will be made available on reasonable government approved rates.
Besides, the nursery would be upgraded by way of installation of more Hi-Tech Poly-carbonated Green Houses where large scale propagation/conservation would be under taken, for which the proposal amounting to Rs 5 crore is already under consideration of the Government.
The nursery would also prove useful to commercial Floriculture Growers for training, exposure visits and expansion of their business. It would also cater to their needs of plant material which is not available in the market.
Director Floriculture Farooq Ahmad Rather and other officers and officials were also present on the occasion.
Area around proposed ITI Complex turns into cesspool
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Sept 15: The area around proposed ITI Complex here in HMT area of Srinagar City presents an ugly picture. The enclosed area of the Complex has been turned into a cesspool of accumulated rain water.
Government in 2014 started work on ITI Complex but till date nothing has been done to level the ground around the Complex with earth-filling.
The proposed ITI Complex is located at Rose Coloney HMT area in Srinagar outskirts.
Locals said since 2014 authorities repeatedly tried to level the ground around the Complex with earth-filling but such is the state of affairs that despite earth filling, the whole area has turned into a cesspool of accumulated rain water.
“Why is it taking government so long to complete this building and make it functional and why no action is being taken against those who have befooled government in the name of earth-filling,” the locals questioned.
The locals sought intervention of Lieutenant Governor’s administration and appeal him to look into the matter. (KNT)
Militant module busted in Ganderbal: Police
‘2 militant associates arrested in Awantipora’
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Sept 15: Police on Tuesday claimed that in a series of actions in Ganderbal and Awantipora, cops arrested five militant associates linked to HM and Al-Badar.
A police spokesman said on reliable information, a joint operation was launched by Ganderbal Police & 5RR and arrested three militant associates linked to Hizb.
The arrested persons were identified as Arshid Ahmad Khan son of Mohd Altaf Khan resident of Wayil Wuder Gutlibagh, Majid Rasool Rather son of Gh Rasool Rather resident of Beehama Ganderbal and Mohammad Asif Najar son of Abdul Razaq Najar resident of Beehama Ganderbal.
“3 hand grenades besides, incriminating materials including electronic gadgets have been recovered from their possession,” the spokesman said.
He said preliminary investigation revealed that the trio have come in contact with a Pak-based militant Fayaz Khan R/o Gutlibagh ( at present Pakistan) who tasked them to join militant ranks and undertake militant attacks on forces in the area.
The spokesman further said on a specific information Police along with forces arrested two militant associates at Ladhoo crossing in Awantipora while travelling from Shopian to Khrew on Scooty bearing registration number JK01AC- 4035.
The arrested persons were identified as Rayees-ul-Hassan resident of Gadikhal Awantipora and Mushtaq Ahmad Mir resident of Dadsara Awantipora.
“Incriminating material of Al-Badar and cash amount of ₹600,000 meant for militant funding of Al-Badar was recovered from their possession. The Scooty used in the commission of crime has also been seized,” he said.
Stray dogs maul 4 in Sopore village
Suhail Khan
Sopore, Sept 15: A woman and her two daughters were among four persons attacked and injured by stray dogs in north Kashmir’s Sopore village on Monday evening.
Reports said that a pack of stray dogs appeared in Botingoo area of Sopore town on Monday and attacked four persons including three members of a single family.
Reports adding that the canines have spread reign of terror among the residents especially old aged persons and children in the area.
All the injured were taken to nearby hospital for treatment.
The Hospital authorities confirmed the incident and said all the victims are stable. He identified all Injured as Arfat daughter of Fayaz Ahmad , Khushboo daughter of Fayaz Ahmed , Posha wife of Fayaz Ahmad and Haseena wife of Mushtaq Ahmad.(KINS)
Stray Dog Menace
It is a frightening sight to see pack of dogs on the prowl in streets of city and villages across Kashmir Valley. Despite lockdown amid covid-19 and even tougher clampdown post abrogation of special status last year 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.
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.
The Supreme Court, in connection with the canine problem in Kerala and Mumbai, had observed that though culling of stray dogs was permissible, there has to be a balance and a proper method for this.
The J&K High court had directed increasing the animal birth control measures to curb the menace. Subsequently, the government set up two centers for the purpose—one at Shuhama and the other at Tengpora. The objective of the centers was controlled birth of dogs. The government had said that there would be a total of 90 sterilizations per day.
Based on the estimation of 300 working days, approximately 27000 sterilization was to be carried out in a year. 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. It seems animal birth control measures have proven ineffective. True, the dogs are needed for scavenging but the numbers are huge. For example, around five thousand dogs are needed as per the experts in Srinagar city for scavenging but its canine population is far greater and a huge threat to people. Rural areas are also similarly placed.
Amid surge in cases, COVID-19 protocol thrown to winds
No SOPs followed while using public transport, attending weddings
Srinagar, Sep 13: Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, people seem least bothered about following the protocol while using the public transport and organizing the wedding ceremonies.
People are seen boarding the vehicles without maintaining social distance. The COVID-19 protocols are being violated openly too under the very nose of the authorities.
A commuter said, “The overcrowded mini buses and Tata Sumos could be seen plying everywhere. It’s unfortunate that we do not understand the gravity of the situation and have resumed our lives believing that nothing will happen.”
He said, “One can understand that transporters have suffered massive losses during the COVID-19 times but that doesn’t mean that for making up their losses they will put the lives of people at stake.”
He said that enforcement agencies should act and ensure that these violations are stopped forthwith. “Officials cannot just turn a blind eye towards these violations and allow transporters to have a field day.”
On the other hand people during the past month have been organizing “fat weddings” and it seems there is no one who can tell them that holding large gatherings amid the COVID-19 pandemic could prove deadly. “When the lockdown was lifted that time administration had set the limit of 30 to 50 people for a marriage party. But that’s not happening. Hosts are inviting people as per their wish and will,” said a senior citizen.
He said that the COVID-19 cases increasing at an alarming rate should have opened our eyes and we should have become more careful and cautious. “But it’s hardly making any difference. We are not following the SOPs. We are putting our lives and the lives of other people at stake by behaving irresponsibly. Fear seems to have disappeared. All of us should bear in mind that we cannot take this virus for granted. It has behaved in a very erratic way during all these months.”
The senior citizen said, “People should bear in mind that weddings can be held simply and this is not the time to throw ostentatious parties.”
An official while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Administration is trying its best to help the common man. But people have to help themselves and take precautions. As far as the overloading in public transport is concerned, the officials have been directed to take strict action against the transporters who are violating the SOPs.”
He said, “We are looking into the reports about wedding parties witnessing gatherings. Appropriate action will be taken against the people who are inviting more than the permitted number of guests.”
COVID-19: 17 more die,1229 fresh cases in J&K
Fatalities near 900 mark; 55325 test positive
Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Sep 14: Jammu and Kashmir recorded 17 more COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours, while 1229 more people tested positive for deadly virus on Monday, officials said.
The fresh casualties have taken the death toll due to virus to 897, while the number of people who have tested positive till date in J&K has mounted to 55325.
Official sources said that nine persons died due to the virus in Jammu while eight others passed away in Kashmir.
Ones who died in Jammu include a 63-year-old man from Digiana Camp, a 70-year-old from C. Kana Chak Jammu, a 62-year-old from Muthi Jammu, a woman resident of Upper Roop Nagar, 50-year-old from Gorkh Nagar and a 60-year-old from Greater Kalaish.
Among the victims from Kashmir include two residents from Budgam and Pulwama while one each was from Srinagar, Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal.
Two of the deaths in the Valley were reported from SKIMS Soura and includes a 70-year-old man from Lalbazar Srinagar who was admitted on September 13 and diagnosed with “bilateral pneumonia, hypertension, T2DM and CKD.”
“He had cardiopulmonary arrest,” said, a doctor at the tertiary care hospital.
The other victim was a 70-year-old woman from Lalpura Kunzar Tangmarg Baramulla who was admitted on September 8 and was diagnosed with “HTN with OLD STROKE with Severe Covid Pneumonia.”
The victim from Kupwara was a 70-year-old woman from Hyhama Kupwara who was admitted to SMHS hospital on September 10 and diagnosed as a case of bilateral community acquired pneumonia, officials said.
Regarding fatality from Ganderbal, they said, a 90-year-old woman died at her home, two hours after she tested positive. “She was contact of a positive person who informed the authorities that there was woman at her home whose condition is very serious. Her sample was taken and she died after two hours while her test came out to be positive for the virus.” The other victims were two residents of Budgam and Pulwama, they added. With these deaths, 897 people have died in Jammu and Kashmir.
J&K records 1229 fresh cases, tally at 55325
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir reported 1229 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking its count to 55325, official said on Monday.
It is for the 12th consecutive day that daily caseload has exceeded one thousand. Among the infected includes two IAS officers besides at least nineteen army soldiers, twenty paramilitary CRPF men, three doctors and 15 minors.
With 84 travelers among them, official sources told GNS 837 cases were from Jammu and 392 from Kashmir Valley.
Giving breakup of the cases, they said Srinagar reported 119, Budgam 78, Baramulla 14, Pulwama 40,
Anantnag 24, Kupwara 17, Bandipora 45, Kulgam 2, Ganderbal 43, Shopian 8, Jammu 392, Udhampur 54, Rajouri 87, Kathua 27, Samba 38, Poonch 57, Ramban 14, Doda 113, Reasi 29 and Kishtwar 26.
A number of these cases were confirmed at CD and SKIMS hospitals.
The CD cases include female (32) from Awantipora, three males (29, 26, 34) from RR Panzogam Red Zone, male (45) from Khygam, male (31) from Bagh Sangerwani, female (20) from Pattan, male (50) from Beerwah, female (45) from Beeru, male (65) from Astan Mohalla Tral, female (40) from Gamraj,, male (25) from SMHS, male (66) and female (65) from Hutmurah, female (23) from Nambal, female (42) from KP Road Mattan, male (22) from Mattan, two females (50, 40) from Anchidora, male (30) from Krangsoo, female (30) from Akoora Mattan, male (40) from Nai Basti Anantnag, male (46) from MC Pulwama, female (60) from Gopalpora, female (45) from Batmaloo, male (50) from Vailoo, male (60) from Kadipora, male (45) and female (38) from Heewan Baramulla, female (47) from Kanthbagh Baramulla, female (38) from Hygam Baramulla, male (75) from Pattan Baramulla, female (70) from Aloosa Bandipora, female (40) from Noorbagh, male (61) from Zakura, male (45) from Chanapora, two NA (19, 40) and female (35) from Barbarshah Srg, two males (40, 08) from Bemina Srg, female (55) from Eidgah Srg, female (90) from Natipora, male (60) from Beeru, female (58) from Srinagar, eight males (22, 37, 26, 27, 22, 27, 39, 25) from BB Cantt Srg, two males (72, 45) from B K Pora, female (NA) from Nowshera Srg, male (47) from Bemina, female (NA) from Baghi Mehtab, male (26) from Kishtwar, female (28) from Chanapora, male (30) and female (40) from Malabagh, male (28) from Tangpora, female (25) from Qamarwari, female (30) from Gangbugh, male (53) from Rajbagh, NA (30) from Safakadal Srg, male (35) from Nowgam, female (40) from Rambagh Srg, male (07) from Solina Bund Srg, male (57) from Khrew, male (28) from Drangbal Pampore, female (57) from Shivpora Srg, female (60) from Magam, male (36) from Naseem Bagh Srg, two females (40, 21) from Tengpuna, female (25) from Samboora, male (65) and three females (60, 36, 08) from Arihal, female (26) from Bellow, female (47) from Khayam Srg, male (25) from Bemina Srg, two males (45, 50) from Kupwara.
The cases confirmed at SKIMS include male (72) from Danla Anantnag, male (50) from Kp Road Anantnag, male (78) from Anchidora Anantnag.
The Budgam cases include two females (60, 34) from Mehdi Colony Main Budgam, male (35) from Sheikhpora, male (43) from Ichgam, male (24) from Main Chowk Ompora, female (30) from Ustad Mohalla, male (47) from Soibugh, two males (31, 20) from Malpora, male (22) from Khanpora, thirteen males (35, 05, 23, 22, 17, 26, 16, 18, 19, 22, 15, 37, 61) and four females (35, 06, 28, 80) from Malpora, female (26) and male (75) from Gurwaith Kalan, male (40) from Arigam, female (82) from Hushroo, female (26) from Charisharief, female (58) from Ahmadpora, male (52) from Goom Ahmadpora, male (52) from Chichilora, male (35) from Ahmadpora, female (60) from Habak, female (02) and male (06) from Chaira, male (42) from S K Bagh Kanipora Suthoo, male (65) and female (25) from Shankerpora Nowgam, male (29) from Nagabal Budgam, male (54) from Lal Gund Budgam, male (24) from Laroo Budgam, female (16) from Charish, male (40) from Wahabpora Budgam.
The Ganderbal cases include male (60) from Athama Ganderbal, male (72) from Kangan Ganderbal.
The Srinagar cases include male (28) from Rose Lane Colony Chanapora, male (14) and three females (43, 10, 13) from Bemina, male (56) from Srinagar, two females (26, 53) from Ahmadnagar, male (67) from Rainawari, female (24) from Nowshera, female (35) from Alamgiri Bazar, two males (75, 35) and female (60) from Lal Bazar, male (28) from SKIMS, male (73) from Nowshera, male (40) from Dalgate, female (53) from Lal Bazar, female (27) from Alamgiri Bazar, male (52) from Lal Bazar, male (65) and female (50) from Nishat, female (47) from Nowpora, female (01) from Sherbutt, female (53) from Hyderpora, two females (06, 75) from Hawal, female (30) from Bemina, female (36) from Srinagar, two males (70, 50) from Hawal, male (30) from SKIMS, male (70) from Lal Bazar, two females (15, 44) and male (03) from Nowshera, female (30) from Bemina, male (62) from HMT, female (48) from Kentana Nowgam, female (64) from Nishat, male (60) from Shivpora, male (60) from Shalimar, male (65) and female (62) from Eidgah, female (69) from Basant Bagh, female (45) from Gulab Bagh Srinagar.
The Bandipora cases include female (50) from Sumbal Bandipora.
The Kulgam cases include female (50) from Brazloo Kulgam, female (50) from D K Marg Kulgam.
The Pulwama cases include female (55) from Tral, male (49) from Ping Pulwama.
The Baramulla cases include two females (40, 40) from Tangmarg, female (42) from Sopore Baramulla, male (55) from Baramulla.
The Kupwara cases include six females (52, 25, 02, 48, 43, 42) and nine males (05, 40, 28, 26, 14, 45, 38, 17, 58) from Kandi, two males (24, 58) from Dildar Kupwara.
The Ramban cases include male (45) from Hijwan Khan Ramban , female (70) from NA.
The BB Cantt cases include five males (48, 29, 21, 32, 34) from BB Cantt Srinagar.
The CRPF cases include sixteen males (58, 34, 38, 28, 36, 40, 30, 39, 36, 38, 52, 39, 24, 53, 52, 50) from 117 Bn Crpf Alochibagh Srg, two males (33, 50) from 161 Bn Crpf Dalgate Srg, male (40) from 54 Bn Crpf Nishat Srg, female (40) from Shivpora Batwara Srinagar.
Moreover, they said, 644 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals— 231 from Jammu Division and 413 from Kashmir Valley.
