Baramulla, Aug 23: Authorities have sealed hotel hill top in world famous ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir for allegedly misusing court order.
Officials said that the hotel was sealed on Saturday on the directions of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) after it was found that the owner of the establishment was misusing a 2019 court order for illegal construction. “The hotel was sealed by Law Officer GDA Aijaz Ahmad Monga along with Executive Magistrate and other officers,” they said.
“We on Saturday sealed hotel hill top. The owner of the hotel had in 2019 procured a court order, which he was misusing for illegal construction. After getting information about it, we established a committee… the committee gave its reports after which we issued a show cause notice to him. He had replied to it, but was not satisfactory,” Monga said.
The officer said that following this, an FIR was lodged against the owner of the hotel and he was asked to stop the illegal activities. However, he said as the owner continued to activities, the hotel was sealed on Saturday.
“I want to inform the hoteliers and other people in Gulmarg that no illegal construction will be allowed in the ski resort,” he added.
Hotel Hill Top, Gulmarg sealed for misusing court order
Sopore residents without drinking water
Syed Fayaz
Sopore, Aug 23: The residents of Mohalla Naharpora in apple town sopore on Sunday complained that they are without potable drinking water since long and the concern department is watching as mute spectator.
The locals said that the water pipe line in the area has not repaired in the area since decades nor the new water pipes has been installed and the result the common people of the area are suffering.
The residents said in times of Covid 19 pandemic they are being forced to drink contaminated water which poses them the serious threat to get infected of water borne diseases.
They also said they informed the “jal Shakti Department” several times to install the new water pipes in the area but their plea fell deaf ear every time by the concerned officials the residents alleged.
The aggrieved residents have appealed the Deputy commissioner Baramulla to direct the concerned department to install the new water pipe line in the area so that they will not suffer ahead. (KNS)
Bear attacks duo in Srinagar outskirts
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Aug 23: A wild bear after entering civilian areas of Srinagar outskirts attacked two persons who have been shifted to hospital in critical condition.
Police sources said that a bear entered in Khimber Hazratbal area and attacked two persons.
Both the injured were evacuated to hospital with grievous injuries. They have been identified as 47 year old Ghulam Mohiuddin Sheikh son of Abdul Rehman 30 year old Manzoor Ahmed Dar son of Late Ghulam Qadir Dar, both residents of Munzpora Khimber Hazratbal.
Locals informed Wild Life Department that dispatched a team while efforts are on to nab the wild bear that is still roaming freely in civilian areas. (KNT)
Over a dozen villages in Kishtwar without electricity
Mohammad Abass
Kishtiwar, Aug 23: The residents of Tehsil Warwan and Madwa in Kishtiwar district on Sunday slammed authorities for failing to install the generator in these tehsils despite passage of four years.
The residents of these Tehsils said the the electric poles and electric wire has been installed several places in these Tehsils but no generators has been installed in the area.
The resident told that being back ward is the reason that they are not being provided the electricity in these areas, they said they have promised every time by the authorities that electricity supply will be given to these areas but no steps has been taken by them to provide the electricity to them.
The residents also alleged they are regularly visiting the convener offices but no body is ready to listen them, while appealing the authorities they said the education of their children are getting effected due to non availability of electricity supply in these areas.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtiwar said he would look into the matter (KNS)
LAWDA procures indigenous high-tech equipment to clean Dal Lake
Srinagar, Aug 23: For the first time since 2012, the Jammu and Kashmir Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) has procured new high-tech machines for cleaning up the Dal Lake, said Shafat Ahmed Jeelani, Executive Engineer Mechanical wing LAWDA.
Jeelani said LAWDA has procured indigenously built high capacity equipment needed in the cleaning process of the Dal Lake from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on the recommendations of the committee of experts appointed by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.
“The committee recommended we should have 17 machines, but currently we have only four, and two out of them are almost out of use as their efficiency had gone down. To solve that problem, the committee of experts advised us to get indigenous equipment for the purpose of cleaning the lake,” he said.
According to Jeelani, LAWDA has received one indigenously built high capacity deweeding machine, two 100 tonne capacity dumb barges, one self-propelled barge and one weed transfer crane, while one dumb barge is still on its way.
“These machines cost around Rs 4 crore, and this is the first time after 2012 that we have procured new machines,” he added.
Locals of Srinagar are hailing the decision of LAWDA to use high-tech machines for clearing the lake.
A local resident, Muveez Ahmad said that though it is not the first time that the lake is being cleaned, machines are being used now which will bring efficiency into the process.
“LAWDA used to clean the lake manually. The process was slower and lesser area was covered. But now with these high-tech machines, a larger area will be cleaned at a faster pace. This will add to the beauty of the lake and attract tourists,” said Ahmad.
Some members of the mechanical staff have also accompanied the machines to help local staff with fitting and to train them in their operation.
Vishnu, a technician from Kerala who accompanied the machines told ANI that similar machines are used in Kerala to clean the lakes in the state.
“We are in the process of installing them, and after two to three days, we’ll start the work in full force,” said Vishnu.
LAWDA initiated a massive mission to clean the Dal Lake in July after the revised Corona-induced lockdown guidelines.
One of the most noteworthy tourist destinations, the Dal Lake attracts a large number of tourists from across the world every year and contributes majorly to the economy of the area. (Agencies)
Lockdown Not Only Option
Jammu and Kashmir continue to struggle with the rising number of covid-19 cases and deaths attributed to it. The number has fast approached 32000 with the death toll at more than 600. From the past many days now, on average 500 cases are added to the tally. It should be worrying for people as well as the administration especially when the number of tests conducted are not as much as it ought to have been. So far 855991 tests have been conducted in the J&K. Fortunately, the number of recoveries have grown substantially. As on August 22, the number of officially declared active cases stands 6975 among 31981 confirmed cases.
However, this hardly detracts from the challenge of the fast-spreading pestilence especially when many states and UTs in India are finding it difficult to stand up to contain it. Defeating the virus is obviously impossible till the time there is an effective and affordable vaccine or medicine to treat the disease. In other words, the contagion seems here to stay. While need for aggressing testing and contact tracing has been emphasized time and again, the lockdown strategy should be used sparingly as the situation over the past four months had underlined. The success of the lockdowns has been modest especially when the livelihood of people stands deeply affected. For lack of the survey as regards impact of the latest lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir, one cannot precisely say what is otherwise visible on the ground as some people struggle to even make both ends meet. The country’s economy has contacted, ranging from 14 to 26 percent, according to a rough estimate. The recent gradual unlocking of the economy has brought back some economic activity and beyond doubt, generous government support is needed to bring it back. While almost all sectors of the economy have been drastically affected, the frequent locking down, especially by some districts, does not help. It is true that the administration cannot allow the infection to spread as economy will continue to struggle as a consequence of it. Luckily there are some good vaccine candidates and fingers are crossed for their success very soon. Until the time affordable vaccine or medicine becomes reality, there is a need to create more awareness among the people and ensure people take preventive efforts including wearing mask and continue with social distancing and hand washing etiquettes. While there is need to encourage preventive measures, the lockdown has to be the last resort.
Foes turn friends, bury hatchet; pitch for collective mechanism to get everything back
Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Aug 22: Political rivals in Kashmir seem to have buried the hatchet and are trying to put up a collective front to challenge Centre’s last year’s decision to abrogate J&K’s special status.
National Conference president and former J&K chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah has become active and is trying to bring everyone together. “It seems Dr Farooq has decided to spearhead the campaign to revive the political activities in Kashmir,” a politician said.
PDP president and former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, who is serving detention under Public Safety Act (PSA) at her Gupkar residence here, took to the twitter to appreciate the NC president. “Appreciate the statesmanship shown by Dr Farooq sahib in forging a collective response to Delhi’s onslaught on J&K’s special status. It’s time we forgo political differences and stand together,” Mehbooba wrote on twitter.
Chairman of the Peoples Conference and former minister in PDP-BJP regime Sajad Gani Lone also took to the twitter and wrote: “A very satisfying day. We firmly believe that a collective mechanism is the only way out. It’s no longer about power. It’s about a struggle to get back what rightfully belongs to us. Thanks Dr Farooq sahib, Mehbooba ji and Tarigami sahib.”
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Kashmir based politicians have realized that they will have to bury the hatchet and move forward as they can no longer tread on different paths. Putting up a collective front is a compulsion for them.”
He said, “Once the delimitation process is completed Jammu and Kashmir will have equal number of assembly seats and it won’t be a cakewalk for the regional parties to stake the claim to form the government on their own. They need each other’s support to remain relevant.”
The analyst said, “It’s clear that the Kashmir based parties have made demand to get J&K’s special status back as their slogan. They are sending a message that they are fighting for a common cause. The most experienced and the veteran leader of J&K Dr Farooq Abdullah is acting as a patriarch and in coming days we may see many more developments taking place.”
He said, “Whether J&K will get back its special status or not remains to be seen but one thing looks inevitable that Kashmir based politicians will take collective decisions in days to come. What would be more interesting is will these parties contest the assembly elections under one banner or will these formations boycott the polls? In coming days many things will unfurl. For time being it’s clear that the political parties in Kashmir have decided to share a common platform to make their presence felt on the ground.”
COVID-19 claims 17 more lives, J&K toll mounts to 619
Teenage boy, 24-yr old youth, pharmacist among victims
Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, August 22: Two persons aged 16 and 24 years respectively were among 17 more COVID-19 positive patients who died since overnight in Jammu and Kashmir, taking the fatality count to 612.
Among those who succumbed to the virus include thirteen from Kashmir including a 56-year-old pharmacist and four others from Jammu division.
Official sources told GNS that a 60-year-old woman from Kishtwar, a 70-year-old man Marh in Jammu district, a 70-year-old man from Samba and a 24-year-old man from Surankote area Poonch died at GMC Jammu where they were admitted.
Regarding the 24-year-old, they said, he was admitted on July 24 and was detected covid-19 positive August 14 and died at 1.30 a.m.
As regards septuagenarian from Jammu, they said, he was suffering from bilateral CAP with acute respiratory distress. “He died at 2.45 a.m.”
Regarding the sexagenarian woman, they said, she was referred from Kishtwar on 21 August to GMC as a case of “covid-19 positive with fever and breathlessness for three days.”
Subsequently, they said, she was diagnosed with bilateral CAP and died at 10.30.p.m last night.
Regarding the five deaths from Kashmir Valley, they said, one among them a 79-year-old woman from Kralgund Kupwara died at SKIMS Soura, a day after she was admitted to the hospital.
A 75-year-old man from Bemina Srinagar also died at the hospital, more than two weeks after he was admitted there.
Also, the pharmacist from Ashmuqam area of Anantnag died at the hospital, three days after he was admitted. He was posted at Sub District Hospital Seer Anantnag and had tested positive for the novel coronavirus recently.
A 63-year-old woman from Bemina died at SKIMS Bemina, twelve days after she was admitted to the hospital, one of the exclusive facilities for the management of the covid-19 patients in the Valley, they said.
A 40-year-old man from Chanapora also died at a hospital here, hours after being admitted and diagnosed with bilateral community acquired pneumonia, they said. “His sample for rapid antigen came positive,” the sources added.
A 16-year-old teenager from Devsar Kulgam died at SKIMS Soura, 20 days after he was admitted, the official sources said.
A 73-year-old-man from Sopore Baramulla, they said, also died at SKIMS Soura, 13 days after he was admitted
An 82-year-old man from Nalabal Nowshera died three days after he was admitted to the hospital, they said.
The other deaths include an 80-year-old man from Alamgari Bazar and a 40- year-old woman from Harwan Sopore, they added.
With these deaths, 574 people in Kashmir Valley and 45 in Jammu division have succumbed to the virus so far in the J&K.
J&K reports 610 fresh cases, tally nears 32000 mark
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Aug 22: As many as 610 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday thus taking the total number of infected cases in the Union Territory to 31981, officials said.
They said that of the fresh cases 492 were reported in Kashmir and 118 in Jammu.
Moreover, 593 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 141 from Jammu Division and 452 from Kashmir Division.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 31981 positive cases, 6975 are Active Positive, 24398 have recovered and 608 have died; 45 in Jammu division and 563 in Kashmir division.
The Bulletin further said that out of 855991 test results available, 824010 samples have been tested as negative till August 22, 2020.
Additionally, till date 430647 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation which included 43363 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 6975 in isolation and 42948 under home surveillance. Besides, 336753 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 7821 positive cases (including 211 cases reported today) with 1249 Active Positive, 6378 recovered (including 190 cases recovered today), 194 deaths; Baramulla has 2606 positive cases (including 20 cases reported today) with 563 Active Positive, 1950 recovered (including 41 cases reported today), 93 deaths; Pulwama reported 2278 positive cases (including 42 cases reported today) with 437 active positive cases, 1798 recovered (including 17 cases recovered today), 43 deaths; Kulgam has 1812 positive cases (including 17 cases reported today) with 226 Active Positive, 1555 recoveries (including 26 cases recovered today), 31 deaths; Shopian has 1622 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 107 Active Positive, 1488 recovered (including 22 cases recovered today), 27 deaths; Anantnag district has 2040 positive cases (including 48 cases reported today) with 428 Active Positive, 1567 recovered (including 52 cases recovered today), 45 deaths; Budgam has 2089 positive cases (including 42 cases reported today) with 567 Active Positive and 1470 recovered (including 31 cases recovered today), 52 deaths; Kupwara has 1780 positive cases (including 27 cases reported today) with 531 Active Positive, 1208 recovered (including 09 cases recovered today), 41 deaths; Bandipora has 1794 positive cases (including 46 cases reported today) with 835 Active Positive, 936 recovered (including 62 cases recovered today), 23 deaths and Ganderbal has 1145 positive cases (including 34 cases reported today) with 576 active positive cases, 555 recoveries (including 02 cases reported today) and 14 deaths.
Similarly, Jammu has 2262 positive cases (including 66 cases reported today) with 633 active positive cases, 1599 recoveries (including 88 cases recovered today), 30 deaths; Rajouri has 808 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 64 active positive cases, 741 recovered (including 33 cases reported today), 03 deaths; Ramban has 634 positive cases with 25 active positive, 608 recoveries, 01 death; Kathua has 718 positive cases (including 12 cases reported today) with 123 Active positive, 594 recovered (including 04 cases recovered today), 01 death; Udhampur has 705 positive cases (including 12 cases reported today) with 90 active positive cases, 613 recovered (including 06 cases recovered today), 02 deaths; Samba has 616 positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 183 Active Positive, 431 recoveries, 02 deaths; Doda has 368 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 58 active positive cases, 308 recoveries (including 03 cases recovered today), 02 deaths; Poonch has 343 positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 64 active positive, 276 recoveries (including 06 cases recovered today), 03 deaths; Reasi has 349 positive cases (including 07 cases reported today) with 196 active positive, 153 recoveries (including 01 case recovered today) and Kishtwar has 191 positive cases with 20 active positive cases and 170 recoveries and 01 death .
According to the bulletin, of the total 31981 positive cases in J&K 5840 have been reported as travelers while 26141 as others.
The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.
The bulletin has informed the people that, the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 meter from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water and following good respiratory etiquette and hygiene.
As a measure for social distancing in public places and workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.
The bulletin again explained that early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice”.
Advisory has further exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent hand washing with soap and water.”
In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialing toll-free number 102.
People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Corona virus Disease (COVID-19).
The bulletin has informed that the Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine, J&K is distributing AYUSH Medicines having immunity boosting, immuno-modulator, anti-oxidant, rejuvenator, anti-stress, metabolism regulator, anti-allergic, anti-pyretic, anti-tussive, bronchodilator, etc properties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department so far has provided medicine to 8.18 lakh people that include various frontline workers, senior citizens, PRIs, police/paramilitary personals and general masses. Moreover, preventive measures and Yoga therapies are also being advised to the people to take care of lifestyle/mental disorders so that physical and mental health is ensued during this pandemic.
Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.
People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time.
India records 70000 cases, 945 deaths in 24 hours
New Delhi, Aug 22: India recorded 69,879 COVID-19 cases and 945 more deaths from the virus in the past 24 hours, as per an update from Union Health Ministry on Saturday.
With the new additions, the case tally zoomed to 29,75,701 and death toll to 55,794.
In the same time, 63,631 more patients recovered, taking to the total number of recoveries to 22,22,577 in numbers and 74.69 in percentage.
The fatality rate stands at 1.87 per cent.
The active cases increased by 5,302 and reached 6,97,330.
