M S Nazki

Poonch, July 21: A young couple was among three persons killed in a lightning strike in a remote village in Poonch district of Jammu, officials told GNS on Tuesday.

They said last night, at around 2330 hours, lightning struck Gumsar Dhoke in Surankote area of the Poonch district, killing three persons including Mohammad Hassiq and his wife Zarina Akther (30) of Lathong and Javied Ahmed (38) of Lassana. All three persons including the husband-wife died on the spot, they said.

Incharge police post Behramgalla Mohammad Rafiq confirmed the deaths. “A police party reached at Dhoke and the bodies have been shifted,” he told GNS. They had gone for grazing animals in the remote area, officials added.

Visits Baramulla, takes stock of people’s grievances

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, July 21: Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu today asked the people to come forward with their developmental needs and participate in Government’s decision making so that the ultimate goal of equitable development is achieved.

The Lt Governor was on his visit to Baramulla where he interacted with around 20 public delegations to get the first hand appraisal of local issues and gather feedback about the developmental aspirations of the people of the District.

Meanwhile, the Lt Governor inaugurated eight developmental projects worth Rs 12 cr and laid foundation stones of three projects worth Rs 14.60 cr for Baramulla district. He also took stock of the progress made on various developmental projects and works under execution.

The Lt Governor was accompanied by Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K. Pole; IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr G N Itoo; heads of various departments, besides district and sectoral officers.

In continuation to his public outreach programme, the Lt Governor interacted with various delegations included BDC Chairpersons, Municipal Committee Presidents, Hoteliers Association Gulmarg, Traders Federation Baramulla, Fruit Growers Association, Sikh Civil Society, Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Kashmir Chamber of Horticulture and Agriculture, All J&K NYC Association, CIC Operators, Civil Society members from various towns, who apprised him about their issues and demands of vital public significance.

The members of these deputations projected various demands pertaining to empowerment of PRIs & their proper security and accommodation; augmentation of healthcare infrastructure; waiving off KCC loans; augmentation of irrigation and drinking water facilities; strengthening road connectivity; establishment of proper dumping sites at Baramulla and Sopore; special economic package for various stakeholders viz traders, transporters, farmers etc who suffered badly due to present circumstances; completion of 4-laning of Narbal-Baramulla stretch of NH44; construction of additional bunkers in border areas; beautification of Jhelum embankment etc.

While interacting with the members of the delegations, the Lt Governor observed that the Government is taking comprehensive measures to cater to the developmental needs of the people of J&K.

Special focus is being laid on prompt service delivery through speedy and timely disposal of public grievances for an effective and citizen centric governance, he added.

The Lt Governor assured the members of the delegations that all the genuine issues projected by them would be reviewed for their early redressal and sought their active participation in the developmental process. He asked the locals to reap maximum benefits out of various welfare schemes and programmes launched by the Government.

He further directed the concerned officers to mobilize all the available resources for completion of all undertaken, incomplete and languishing projects, besides B2V works in a time bound manner.

The Lt Governor also advised the people to take all necessary precautions including wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing and follow all SOP’s issued by the government with regard to the containment of COVID-19 pandemic.

The eight projects inaugurated today included District Veterinary Polyclinic Baramulla; 150 bedded Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostel at Jetty Baramulla; 0.54 MGD RSFP at Rawoocha; 0.16 MGD RSFP at Mongam Wagoora; OHT Kareva Astanpora; OHT Vizer; Administrative Block for PHC Sheeri and Health Infrastructure under CSR.

Whereas, the works for which foundation stones were laid included Sub-district Hospital Sopore, construction of Science block at Women’s Degree College Baramulla and Community Bunker at Uri.

Stresses on speedy completion of under construction projects, strict adherence to Covid-19 SOPs

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, July 21: Lieutenant Governor Shri Girish Chandra Murmu e-inaugurated as many as 48 developmental projects worth Rs. 151.79 crores and laid e-foundation of 21 number of projects worth Rs. 290.80 crores during his recent extensive tour to six districts in Kashmir.

During visit to district Kupwara, Lieutenant Governor inaugurated IPD Block at SDH Kupwara worth Rs. 24.80 crores, Video Conference Hall in District Administrative Complex worth Rs. 23.9 lac, and laid foundation stone for construction of parallel Bypass to Lolab road project worth Rs. 1.88 crores. On visit to Kulgam, Lieutenant Governor laid the foundation stone of 50-bedded integrated Ayush Hospital project worth 7.40 crore at Chawalgam Kulgam.

The 48 projects e-inaugurated includes 8-bridges, 5-schools, 2-colleges, 3-receiving stations, 5-hospitals, 4-hostels, 9-Water Supply Schemes, 7-buildings and  5 other works during his visit to Bandipora, Kupwara, Kulgam, Pulwama ,Shopian and Baramulla districts.

Lieutenant Governor also laid e-foundation of  21 mega projects that include,  50-bedded Ayush Hospital at Kupwara, 2-Hospital at Kulgam and Sopore, 2-transit accommodations at Shopian and Kupwara, 5-road projects, 2-Water Supply Schemes, 1-number of 12 Mega Watt Hydro Electric Project, 2 Colleges, 4-buildings and 1-Indoor Stadium and Community Bunkers in these districts.

Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Advisor to LG Baseer Ahmad Khan; Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K. Pole; respective Deputy Commissioners, SSPs and other concerned officers of various departments.

During meeting with DCs, Lieutenant Governor reviewed the pace and progress of ongoing development projects executed by Health, RDD, PWD, Jal Shakti, PDD, Agriculture/ Horticulture   and other departments in all these Districts. He stressed on concerned to expedite the work process on all under construction projects to ensure their speedy completion.

Meanwhile,  Lieutenant Governor also reviewed containment procedures and arrangements put in place by the DCs to control spread of Covid-19 disease in their Districts. He instructed concerned to ensure all procedures and guidelines including use of face mask, social distancing protocol and all other SOPs in letter and spirit. Besides, directed concerned to maintain close vigil in infected areas to contain spread of the infection.

During the extensive tour to 5- districts, as many as 103 delegations called upon Lieutenant Governor and apprised him of their issues and demands. The delegation which met Lieutenant Governor included PRIs, ULB representatives, traders, Civil Society and Youth Organizations, demanding prompt reaction and redressal. The delegations listed 608 demands / issues with Lieutenant Governor in these Districts.

Lieutenant Governor gave patient hearing to the issues and demands raised by the deputations and directed concerned to ensure prompt action and speedy resolution of all demands.

 UT administration owes Rs 9646 crore to CPSUs, other agencies

Nasir Azam

Srinagar, July 21:  In a significant development, the government of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir will get Rs 4580 crore special long term loan from the Government of India for clearing its power purchase liabilities.

Documents accessed by news agency KNO reveal that Power Finance Corporation(PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation(REC) have agreed to grant Rs 2290 crore each as special long term loan to J&K UT to assist it in clearing the power purchase liabilities of different central power generation companies like National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation(NHPC) and charges of transmission companies.

The loan is part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan package, which was unveiled by the Government of India for revival of economy after outbreak of novel coronavirus.

Under the package, the Union government has allocated Rs 90,000 crore financial package to assist power distribution companies (Discoms) who have been under stress during the lockdown caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

The Power Finance Corporation and Rural Electrification Corporation would extend special long term transition loans up to 10 years to DISCOMs. According to the documents, the 10-year loan has three-year moratorium period and is repayable in  84 EMIs (Equated Monthly Installments).

The package has been sanctioned at a time when J&K is struggling to clear liabilities of Central Public Sector Undertakings (generating companies), Transmission Companies and Independent Power Producers. The documents reveal that J&K owes Rs 9646 to them on account of power purchases and transmission charges.

Now, the administration of Union Territory will require to execute Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with PFC and REC to avail the loan.

In 2016, J&K joined Ujjwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) scheme.  Under the scheme, the State Government was permitted to restructure the outstanding debt of Rs.3537.55 crore on account of power purchased from various Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs).

J&K power purchase liabilities are swelling due to massive gap between power purchases and revenue generated from consumers—(KNO)

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, July 21: The Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam today chaired the 3rd meeting of Governing Council of Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB- PM JAY) and reviewed the functioning of the scheme, besides, taking stock of arrangements being made to roll out Jammu and Kashmir Health Scheme (JKHS).

Administrative Secretaries of departments of Finance, Health & Medical Education and Labour & Employment along with CEO Ayuhsman Bharat-PMJAY, Director, SKIMS and Principal, GMC, Srinagar were present in the meeting.

While reviewing the processes involved in the roll out of JKHS on the lines of AB-PMJAY, Chief Secretary approved the extension of existing guidelines, IT eco system, hospital network, price packages, Transaction Management System to the new scheme.

During the meeting, it was informed that the envisaged health scheme will provide free of cost universal health coverage to all residents of Jammu and Kashmir, who are presently not covered under AB-PMJAY. It will provide an annual health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family on a floater basis to the beneficiaries including Government employees/ pensioners.

Chief Secretary maintained that to establish first point contact with beneficiaries availing the benefits under both the schemes, empanelled hospitals will be required to hire Pradhan Mantri Arogya Mitras (PMAMs). “PMAMs will guide them in claiming cashless treatment through the Government sponsored health cover”, he added.

Further, decision was also taken to depute adequate staff to the J&K Health Agency for efficient roll out of JKHS and subsequent hassle-free settlement of claims.

Approves 10 High Value 30% CCIS cases of industrial units worth Rs 19.65 cr

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, July 21: Union Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Dr Guruprasad Mohapatra, today chaired a meeting of Empowered Committee for Sanctioning of High Value Central Capital Investment Subsidy cases on Plant and Machinery under Special Package of Industrial Incentives for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K Package-II).

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Director Industries & Commerce Kashmir, Mehmood Shah, General Manager, JKDFC, Gowhar Arif and General Mangers of concerned DICs through Video Conferencing from Srinagar while Director Industries & Commerce Jammu, Anoo Malhotra, Director Finance Industries & Commerce, R.C Kotwal and General Mangers of concerned DICs participated in the meeting through video conferencing from Jammu.

During the meeting, 10 High Value 30 per cent CCIS cases on Plant and Machinery of Industrial Units of Jammu, Samba and Kathua amounting Rs 17.40 crore were placed before the Empowered Committee for approval, of which, 9 cases were cleared. Besides, the Committee also gave nod to one High Value 30 per cent CCIS case on Plant & Machinery worth Rs. 2.25 crore for Industrial Unit of Pulwama District, Kashmir.

Srinagar, July 21:  Water level in river Jehlum and its tributaries has witnessed increase due to rainfall during the night, ending the long dry and humid weather in the Kashmir valley, where Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) department and other officials were directed to strengthen the Flood Control Rooms (FCRs) and properly equip them for prompt relief and rescue operation in case of any exigency.

The officials were also directed the use of advance warning system for issuing weather alerts and disseminating evacuation and flood related information through Radio and Television (TV) channels.

There is no immediate threat of flood as the water level was still flowing at normal level on Tuesday at Sangam in south Kashmir, Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar city and Asham in north Kashmir, they said.

Official sources told UNI on Tuesday that due to moderate to heavy rainfall in south Kashmir, the water level in river Jehlum and its tributaries has witnessed increase. Water level will further increase as it take 12 to 24 hours to reach river Jehlum, which originates from Verinag in south Kashmir, from hilly areas and tributaries.

A Met department spokesman said Pahalgam, about 100 km from here in south Kashmir, received highest 26.2 mm rainfall during the past 24 hours ending 0830 hrs. Qazigund the gateway of Kashmir on Srinagar-Jammu highway received 14.4 mm rainfall during the same period followed by Kokernag 11 mm rainfall, he said.

He said there could be scattered rainfall on Tuesday followed by isolated rain tomorrow in Kashmir.

The summer capital, Srinagar also recorded 3 mm rainfall, ending the long dry and humid weather.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, July 21: Putting at rest all speculations surrounding the annual pilgrimage to holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) on Tuesday decided to cancel the pilgrimage due to COVID-19 pandemic, official sources said.

They said the SASB took this decision at a meeting chaired by Lt Governor Murmu, who is also chairman of the board, here this evening.

However, all traditional rituals associated with the pilgrimage will be performed as per age-old traditions. The “Chhari Mubarak”, the holy silver Mace of Lord Shiva, will be taken to the holy cave on August 3 where poja will be held by Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the holy mace.

Giving details, an official spokesperson said that Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu, chairman of the SASB, presided over 39th Board meeting of the Board on Tuesday in which the members participated virtually through video conference to discuss the conduct of the Yatra 2020.

“The Board discussed the Supreme Court order dated July 13, 2020 in which, the decision to conduct the Yatra was left to the Administration/ Government after assessing the ground realities prevailing in Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.

He said the Board was informed that the arrangements were on track since February 2020, but due to nationwide lockdown and pandemic, State Executive Committee, J&K has still continued to keep religious places and places of worship closed for the public, adding these prohibitions would continue till July 31.

“The Board further discussed that pandemic has put the health administration system to its limit. The spike has been particularly very sharp in July. Health Workers and Security Forces are also getting infected and the focus of entire Medical, Civil and Police Administration at the moment is on containing the local transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic. The health concerns are so serious that the strain on the health system, along with the diversion in resources to the Yatra, will be immense. This would also unnecessarily put the Yatris at risk of catching the COVID-19,” he said.

He said the Board also discussed the decision of High court of J&K in Writ Petition (No CM No. 3022/2020 in WP(C) PIL No 5/2020 in which the Court directed SASB to take a final view in light of order of the SC dated July 13, 2020 and keeping in view the compliance of all healthcare protocols, Standard Operating Protocols notified by the Central Government as well as by the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

“The Board further deliberated the considered views of the Government. The Government made reasoned observations supported by facts which suggested that it   would not be advisable to conduct Amarnath Yatra 2020 and it would be advisable to cancel it this year in larger public interest,” he said, adding this would enable the Health, Civil and Police Administrations to focus on the immediate challenges facing them rather than diverting resources, manpower and attention to the conduct of the Yatra.

“Based upon the circumstances, the Board decided with heavy heart that it is not advisable to hold and conduct this year’s Yatra and expressed its regret to announce the cancellation of Yatra 2020,” he said.

He said the Board is aware of and respects the sentiments of millions of devotees and to keep the religious sentiments alive, the Board shall continue the Live Telecast/ Virtual Darshan of the morning and evening Aarti. “The traditional rituals shall be carried out as per past practice. Also, the Chhadi Mubarak shall be facilitated by the Government,” he said.

“The meeting was attended by B V R Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Bipul Pathak, CEO SASB; Anup Kumar Soni, Additional CEO SASB & senior officers of Shrine Board. Threadbare discussion was held on the current circumstances of COVID-19 pandemic and its likely impact on the Yatra,” he added.

Srinagar, Jul 21:  Traffic was on Tuesday suspended on Srinagar-Jammu national highway, connecting Kashmir valley with the rest of the country, due to shooting stones, triggered by rain.

However, only one-way traffic continued on 434-km-long Srinagar-Leh highway, connecting Ladakh with Kashmir valley, and 86-km-long Mughal road, connecting Shopian in south Kashmir with Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu region.

“The 270-km-long Kashmir highway was closed for traffic on Tuesday evening due to shooting stones at Panthyal, triggered by moderate to heavy rain,” a traffic police official told UNI.

Hundreds of vehicles, including passenger vehicles and trucks, which were on way to Kashmir valley from Jammu, were stranded at various places on the highway due to the shooting at Panthyal and adjoining areas.

Traffic will be resumed only after receiving a green signal from National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and traffic police officials posted at different places on the highway, he said.

Nasir Azam

Srinagar, July 21: Kashmir’s grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Tuesday said that Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir on August 1 while as people should follow proper guidelines and maintain highest level hygiene while performing Qurbani.

Mufti Nasir told KNO that COVID-19 should in no way be made an excuse for not sacrificing animals. “All who have a financial capacity to perform sacrifice of animals on the eve of Eid, must do it. Covid should not be made an excuse,” he said. Mufti Nasir said that Eid-ul-Adha, or the festival of sacrifices will be celebrated on August 1 (Saturday).

He urged people who intend to perform sacrifices of animals—sheep, goat, chow, buffalo, camels etc to maintain proper hygiene and not to sacrifice animals on roads or open fields. “The person who sacrifices the animals should wear gloves and mask and maintain proper social distancing. People should also wear gloves and pack mutton pieces in polythene while distributing the same,” Grand Mufti told KNO.

He said that Eid prayers should be offered in Eidgah and proper social distancing should be maintained.

“I urge the people while celebrating Eid, give a share of sacrificial meat to downtrodden, poor and orphans besides helping them financially. Don’t forget the poor on this Eid eve,” he said in his appeal to people.