Precious Kashmir

Tral youth hurt after mobile explodes in his hand

Jammu & Kashmir

30/07/2020

Pulwama, July 29: A 24-year-old youth from Tral area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district was injured after his mobile exploded in his hands on Wednesday.

An official said a youth identified as Irshad Ahmad Reshie, son of Gulam Rasool Reshie of Main Tral got injured when his mobile exploded at his home.

He said that the youth was playing a game on mobile when it exploded due to which he has sustained injuries on his face.

“The injured youth was shifted to a nearby hospital, wherefrom he was shifted to Srinagar’s SMHS hospital for further treatment,” he added.

Medical Superintendent at SMHS, Dr. Nazir Choudhary said the condition of injured youth is stable—(KNO)

3 drug peddlers arrested, contraband recovered in Budgam

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

30/07/2020

Srinagar, Jul 29: Three drug peddlers were on Wednesday arrested at two separate places along with a huge cache of contraband in central Kashmir district of Budgam.

A police spokesperson said that following specific information about transportation of drug, a checkpoint was established by police at Bugroo Parnewa in Budgam. “Two suspicious persons were intercepted at the checkpoint and during their checking 250 grams of Charas was recovered from them,” they said.

He said both the accused, identified as Abdul Rasheed Bhat and Mudasir Ahmad Mir, were arrested and lodged in Police Station Khansahab.

In another incident, police arrested a notorious drug peddler and recovered 43 kg of poppy straw from him in Budgam.

“Cases have been registered in both the incidents and investigations have been initiated to nab other people involved in drug trafficking,” he said.

He said community members are requested to come forward with any information regarding drug peddlers in their neighbourhood, adding anyone found indulging in drug peddling will be dealt as per law.

“Police has resolved to deal robustly with drug peddlers. Our consistent actions against drug peddlers should reassure the community members that we are making efforts to keep our society free from the scourge of drug menace,” he added.

Prepare for effective home isolation, quarantine of patients: Div Com to DCs

City

Precious Kashmir

30/07/2020

Srinagar, July 29: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole Wednesday chaired a weekly Covid-19 review meeting with all Deputy Commissioners, Health Officers and other concerned.

While taking review of preparations, the Div Com asked DCs and health officers to gear for effective home isolation of asymptomatic patients and home quarantine of their contacts.

He said that home isolation protocol shall throw new challenges to the administration and instructed concerned to put in place all the necessary mechanism to ensure effective treatment to the patients to be put in home isolation.

He emphasized on proper monitoring of patients to be home isolated, their regular thermal check ups and sensitisation on following the Covid-19 protocol religiously.

He directed concerned to place notices outside the patients home for information.

DCs were directed to gear up and strengthen the control rooms besides fill gaps of required infrastructure and manpower for smooth and prompt response to the patients.

The Div Com said that Covid awareness kits shall be provided to the Panchayat who shall help in generating Covid protocol awareness among the villagers.

Directions were given on creating separate testing facility for security forces with separate quota to unburden the daily civilian load.

Meanwhile, Div Com instructed concerned to ensure timely report clearance of pending samples at all testing labs.

Hel also passed directions on strengthening contact tracing to ensure timely isolation or quarantine to reduce mortality.

Div Com asked DCs to raise the number of sample collection and their testing accordingly.

He also took stock of availability of covid medicines, oxygen cylinders, availability of beds and other related facilities in all districts.

Stressing on coordinated efforts by the concerned, the Div Com called for decongestion of 4 tertiary care hospitals in Srinagar and reverse referral of patients to districts for effective containment of Covid-19 infection.

The district health officers were instructed to check bed availability before patient referral to Srinagar.

He stressed on daily up-dation of discharged patients from all districts and proper functioning of dedicated Covid-19 ambulances in all districts.

No takers for rare sheep breed in Srinagar

City

Precious Kashmir

30/07/2020

Srinagar, July 29: A rare breed of sheep from Afghanistan, Turkey and Rajhstan meant for sacrifice on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha are being sold for Rs 2.50 lakh to 1.50 lakh.

The rare breed of sheep is being sold by a Sopore man Ghulam Hasan Ganaie. “A large number of people come here to look at this rare breed but all don’t come to buy them. They come here to have a look at these sheep. These are very expensive,” Ganaie told news agency KNT.

He said he takes care of these sacrificial rare animals like his sons. “One of the sheep weighs more than a quintal and is a rare breed. It is given a diet of ghee, coconut, fruits, milk and dry fruits. There is a special doctor for them and these have to be treated like our own sons,” Ghulam Hasan Ganaie said.

“The price I seek from the customers for one of the sheep is Rs 2.50 lakh. Another sheep is for Rs 2 lakh and the third category fetches Rs 1.50 lakh,” he said while caressing these sheep.

He said due to Covid-19 pandemic, there is financial crunch and people prefer local breed. “I have sold these sheep in this Eidgah ground and at Bypass Srinagar earlier as well. There are believers who willingly pay for these sheep,” he told Kashmir News Trust.

Eid-ul Azha will be celebrated across Kashmir on Saturday.

Ghulam Hasan breeds goats and sheep for Eid every year. This year, he had planned to sell all the rare breed sheep but Covid pandemic dashed his hopes. “Covid-19 has broke of back of economy but still i am thankful to Almighty and I am hopeful things will improve,” he said.

He said last year he sold a sheep for Rs 3 lakh in Srinagar. (KNT)

GI Certification: Let Saffron Spice Flourish

Edit

Precious Kashmir

29/07/2020

GI Certification: Let Saffron Spice Flourish

Nature has gifted Kashmir with some rare crops and Saffron is one among those topping the list.

The world-renowned spice, known for exceptional health and medicinal benefits, recently got unique recognition and protection for its geographical and human factors. The GI certification is a moment of satisfaction for people of the Valley, particularly saffron growers. This will help them to access markets, national and global, for its sale. It is tipped to be a first major step to put the Kashmiri saffron on the world map with authentication that would acquire more prominence and ensure better remunerative prices for the growers.

The Kashmir Saffron has gained its name over the ages due to its unique qualities such as high Aroma, Deep Colour, Long and Thick Threads (Stigmas). Its uniqueness is directly attributable to the geographical and climatic conditions of growing areas. It is the only saffron in the world produced, grown and cultivated at an altitude of 1,600m to 1,800m AMSL (above mean sea level), which adds to its uniqueness and differentiates it from other saffron varieties available the world over. It grows because of the altitudinal effect whereas in other places saffron is grown because of longitudinal effect.

One more unique attribute to the saffron in Kashmir is that it is grown in temperate climatic conditions while it is grown in other places in arid or semi-arid climatic conditions.

Its longer and thicker stigmas, natural deep-red colour, high aroma, bitter flavour, chemical-free processing, and high quantity of crocin (colouring strength), safranal (flavour) and picrocrocin (bitterness) makes it unique.

The Kashmir Saffron also has the distinction of being the purely chemical-free, organic and safest as well as the preferred choice of the consumers.

The certification will also help in curtailing the unapologetic and insensitive practice of adulteration. Confronted with a host of problems, mainly stiff competition from other countries in the international market, the GI registration would increasingly take care of the problem for the saffron growers.

While certification is welcome, the government needs to take steps that will ensure better production. One of the areas to look at would be to ensure sufficient irrigation of the saffron fields which as per experts cut the chances of disease to the crop and also improve the seed quality. The spice also faces peril due to environmental pollution. It is a very sensitive crop and even a slight increase in atmospheric pollution has a negative impact on its production. Dust and other pollutants coming from the cement plants impact the chemistry of the soil and its fertility. Measures should be taken which take care of all threats so that saffron flourishes.

Frontline warriors falling prey to COVID-19 sends alarm bells ringing

Anchor stories
Front

Afaq Bhat

29/07/2020

Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, July 28: Doctors falling prey to COVID-19 in Kashmir has sent alarm bells ringing as they are the frontline warriors and are working very hard amidst the pandemic.
A 40-year old doctor from north Kashmir’s Bandipora dying due to COVID-19 has added to the prevailing fear psychosis. “Kashmir is witnessing COVID deaths daily and the virus has started taking toll on the medicos. The doctors, who have been at the front, turning positive is a dangerous sign,” said an observer.
He said, “We have to find out the reasons about why doctors are turning positive. The administration needs to see whether they are properly equipped or not. Are they being provided with the protective kits or not? Are they taking enough precautions to remain safe?”
“The divisional administration in Kashmir is working overtime to fight COVID-19 for the past 6-months. Doctors have been a part and parcel of the fight against COVID-19. They have stood against all the odds and have worked without any specific medicines to save the precious human lives. They have to be protected and provided all the facilities,” the observer added.
There are reports that doctors working in Primary Health Centres in far flung areas are trying their best to handle the crisis. These PHCs are not COVID centers and anyone can come for treatment. “These PHCs have to be equipped so that doctors and paramedical staff remains safe,” said an analyst.
He said that COVID-19 is prevalent everywhere and we never know who can act as a carrier and infect the other person. “Doctors working in far-flung areas are the most vulnerable lot. They too have to take care of themselves. When patient comes to them they are unaware about his ailment,” the analyst added.
“We need to look at the places where COVID had spread before reaching Kashmir. The first thing which the first world countries did after the outbreak of pandemic was that they secured their first line of defence. They went out of way to protect the medicos. It seems that time has come for us to act on the same lines. We cannot afford to lose the doctors. After Almighty we pin all our hopes on them,” he said.
“These are tough times. Instead of criticizing we need to support each other. COVID is at its peak. We have to cooperate with the administration to prevent situation from turning more deadly. We have to take precautions to keep the virus away. We are being repeatedly told to maintain social distancing, wear masks and use sanitizers. By not following the guidelines we are putting our lives and the lives of other people, including the doctors, who are treating us, at stake,” the analyst added.

COVID-19: Doctor among 13 die, J&K toll 341

Front

Jahangeer Ganaie

29/07/2020

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, July 28: Thirteen more patients including a National Health Mission (NHM) doctor died due to COVID-19 infection in J&K Tuesday, taking the total number of people who fell to the deadly pandemic in the UT so far to 341.

Officials told KNO that 13 patients who died include a 60-year-old woman from Nowhatta Srinagar, a 62-year-old man from Batamaloo Srinagar, a 59-year-old man from DH pora Kulgam, a 75-year-old man from Noorbagh Srinagar, a 60-year-old man from Nagbal khag Beerwah Budgam, a 75-year-old man from Sumbal Bandipora, a 40-year-old doctor from Bata Mohalla Sumbal, a 25-year-old youth from Suligam Ramban, an elderly lady patient from Rainawari, a 70-year-old male from Zaina Kadal Srinagar, a 68-year-old male from Pahalgam area of Anantnag, a 55-year-old woman from Zaina Kadal Srinagar and a 70-year-old male from Pattan Baramulla.

An official from SKIMS said that a woman from Nowhatta was admitted on July 27 while a patient from Batamallo was admitted on July 17, who were suffering from multiple ailments, died on Tuesday.

He further added that a patient from Yarikah DH Pora Kulgam was admitted on July 11 while a patient from Noorbagh Sopore was admitted on July 25 with Pneumonia and other ailments and both died on Tuesday.

He also said that a 60-year-old man from Khag Budgam was admitted on July 22 and died on Tuesday morning.

An official from SMHS said that a 40-year old NHM doctor who was tested positive for COVID-19 on July 04 and recovered on July 15, suddenly fell ill on July 27 and was shifted to SKIMS where his sample was collected, which came positive again after his death, however, doctor died at SMHS hospital where he was shifted from SKIMS.

He said that a 75-year-old man from Nesbal Sumbal who was admitted ten days before, died on July 26 and was tested positive after death.

He added that an elderly lady patient from Rainawari who was suffering from bilateral Pneumonia also died on Tuesday morning and was tested positive after death at SMHS.

He further added that a 70-year-old male from Zaina Kadal Srinagar who was suffering from bilateral pneumonia and was admitted on 26 July died on Tuesday and was tested positive after death

“A 68-year-old male from Pahalgam who was admitted a few days before, died on Tuesday afternoon and was tested positive after death,” he said.

“A 55-year-old woman from Zaina Kadal Srinagar who was admitted on 22 July with bilateral pneumonia who died on 26 July and was tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday evening,” he said.

He further added that a 70- year-old male from Pattan Baramulla who was admitted on 25 July and died on Monday evening and was tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday.

An official from GMC Jammu said a 25-year-old youth from Suligam Ramban who was referred from CHC Batote to GMC Jammu on July 21 died on Tuesday at 5:30 am.

He said the patient was suffering from multiple ailments including right sided thigh and gluteal abscess, spinal tuberculosis and jaundice.

With thirteen more deaths, the death toll in Jammu and Kashmir due to COVID-19 has reached to 341 including 317 from Kashmir division and 24 from Jammu division.

COVID-19: JK reports 489 new positive cases, tally at 18879; 10,885 recover

Front

Precious Kashmir

29/07/2020

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, July 28: As many as 489 more persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday taking the number of positive cases to 18879, officials said.
They said of 489 positive cases 134 are from Jammu division and 355 from Kashmir division

Moreover, 483 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 46 from Jammu Division and 437 from Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 18879 positive cases, 7661 are Active Positive, 10885 have recovered and 333 have died; 24 in Jammu division and 309 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 603728 test results available, 584849 samples have been tested as negative till July 28, 2020.

Additionally, till date 360761 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation which included 45651 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 12 in Hospital Quarantine, 7661 in hospital isolation and 41025 under home surveillance. Besides, 266079 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Bandipora has 675 positive cases (including 23 cases reported today) with 238 Active Positive, 427 recovered (including 09 cases recovered today) and 10 deaths; Srinagar has 4273 positive cases (including 138 cases reported today) with 2458 Active Positive, 1717 recovered (including 62 cases recovered today), 98 deaths; Anantnag district has 1233 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 288 Active Positive, 924 recovered, 21 deaths; Baramulla has 1815 positive cases (including 30 cases reported today) with 471 Active Positive, 1280 recovered (including 112 cases recovered today), 64 deaths; Shopian has 1412 positive cases (including 21 case reported today) with 336 Active Positive, 1056 recovered (including 122 cases recovered today) and 20 deaths; Kupwara has 1066 positive cases (including 28 cases reported today) with 311 Active Positive, 735 recovered (including 06 cases recovered today) and 20 deaths; Budgam has 1183 positive cases (including 32 cases reported today) with 499 Active Positive and 660 recovered cases (including 10 cases recovered today) and 24 deaths; Ganderbal has 384 positive cases (including 33 cases reported today) with 135 active positive cases and 243 recoveries (including 44 cases recovered today) and 06 deaths; Kulgam has 1475 positive cases (including 07 cases reported today) with 429 Active Positive and 1019 recoveries (including 35 cases recovered today) and 27 deaths and Pulwama reported 1296 positive cases (including 39 cases reported today) with 619 active positive cases and 658 recovered (including 37 cases recovered today) and 19 deaths.

Similarly, Jammu has 940 positive cases (including 43 cases reported today) with 410 active positive cases and 515 recoveries (including 20 cases recovered today) and 15 deaths; Udhampur has 417 positive cases (including 08 cases reported today) with 114 active positive cases, 302 recovered (including 3 cases recovered today )and 01 death; Samba has 392 positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 170 Active Positive and 221 recoveries (including 09 cases recovered today) and 01 death; Rajouri has 600 positive cases (including 23 cases reported today) with 416 active positive cases and 182 recovered (including 02 cases recovered today) and 02 deaths; Kathua has 494 positive cases (including 19 cases reported today) with 169 Active positive and 324 recovered (including 09 cases recovered today) and 01 death; Kishtwar has 129 positive cases with 78 active positive cases and 51 recovered; Ramban has 525 positive cases (including 23 cases reported today) with 272 active positive and 252 recoveries and 01 death; Reasi has 119 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 63 active positive and 56 recovered (including 01 case recovered today); Poonch has 192 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 52 active positive and 139 recoveries (including 02 cases recovered today) and 01 death while Doda has 259 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 133 active positive cases and 124 recoveries and 02 deaths.

According to the bulletin, of the total 18879 positive cases in J&K 4137 have been reported as travelers while 14742 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 metre 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 handwashing 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 dialling 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).

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.

Family of COVID positive doctor thank Div Com, CMO for prompt response

Front

Precious Kashmir

29/07/2020

Srinagar, July 28: Divisional administration Kashmir on Tuesday responded promptly to the distress call of a doctor, who had tested positive for COVID-19.
The doctor was shifted to a health facility near her home just within an hour she approached the authorities.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jehangir Bakshi, arranged an ambulance without wasting any time and ensured that the doctor is provided all the facilities.
Family members of the doctor have thanked the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole and the CMO for their help.

‘Pre-emptive, proactive measures helped in controlling COVID-19; Health Minister

Front

Precious Kashmir

29/07/2020

Srinagar, July 28: Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the pre-emptive and proactive measures have helped in controlling the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

He also said, the Coronavirus fatality rate has reduced to 2.25 per cent and most cases are largely asymptomatic.

According to the news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), while participating in the World Hepatitis Day, 2nd Empathy e-Conclave, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, “it is important to create awareness about the higher risk of morbidity and mortality faced by people with co-morbidities like diabetes, obesity, fatty liver and chronic liver diseases”.

He said, the theme of this year’s conclave is “Keep your Liver Safe in COVID times”, which is important in these testing times. Stressing on the mass awareness and community mobilisation, the Minister said, “Hepatitis has become a global health problem and viral Hepatitis is a very common and serious disease in India. He said, individuals with viral B and C hepatitis are at increased risk for liver cancer and chronic liver disease”.

He said, Talk, Test and Treat is the mantra to create awareness in the society. “This e-Conclave was attended by Speaker of Lok Sabha, Om Birla and Union Minister of Law and Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad. On this occasion, Mr. Birla said, India is committed to the World Health Organisation’s goals of elimination of Hepatitis C and B,”.(KINS)

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