Most of the sand mining contracts have gone to the outsiders in Kashmir this year through a bidding process done via online medium.
As per reports, it includes all contracts over 10 mineral blocks in the river Jhelum in Srinagar, 26 out of 38 mineral blocks in Baramulla, and seven out four in Budgam.
As far as South Kashmir goes, over 60% of mining contracts have also gone to the outsiders.
The bidding by the Geology and Mining Department happened while ongoing high-speed internet ban continues in J&K. There are many apprehensions regarding the consequences. One of them is as regards the affect on the livelihood of thousands of people in the region from contractors to sand diggers, labourers to transporters, who are directly or indirectly associated with the extraction of minerals. Many politicians, on both sides of the political spectrum in the Valley, voiced concerns through press statements.
Importantly, a traders body described the policy adopted with regard to allotment of mining and extraction contracts as “alarming and against public interest”.
According to it, the auction bid for 15 blocks in Pulwama has jumped from the previous Rs 2 crore to Rs 17.82 crore. There is no way that the local contractors can compete and thus are disadvantaged, thus believed the trader’s body.
There are not the concerns over the livelihood of the people alone but there reports that the Geology and Mining Department has done the bidding on the basis of particular stretch and a uniform depth of excavation in these stretches. It is surely going to have an adverse impact on a number of lift Irrigation and Water Supply Schemes on River Jhelum and rivulets which are subservient to a fixed bed level to operate. These levels can get disturbed through uncontrolled and unregulated extraction, thus can jeopardize these schemes. Also, it is important to keep in mind the rivers flow dynamics and sediment transportation which is a very complex process and the same shall be factored in these operations. Any bulk or unplanned extraction can prove disastrous as the same threaten embankments of the river. Even a slight rise in the water level could become catastrophic. The government must be alive and shall take all measures in preserving the water bodies, especially the Jhelum, the lifeline of Kashmir.
New Mining Contracts
COVID-19: 4 more die in Kashmir, JK toll mounts to 131
Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, July 5: Kashmir recorded four more COVID-19 deaths on Sunday taking
overall death toll due to pandemic to 130 in Jammu and Kashmir.
The latest fatalities include a 70- year- old male from Wantang Anantnag, a 60- year- old female from Shadipora, both died at SKIMS and 40 -year -old male from Sangrama Baramulla who died at CD hospital .
Dr Farooq Jan, Medical Superintendent at SKIMS told KNO that a 70 -year -old male from Anantnag who was admitted on July 3 died at SKIMS last night at around 10 pm.
“Sample of the patient was taken on July 3 which came positive on July 4”, he said, adding that patient was suffering from bilateral pneumonia and was on NIV support but his attendants had given negative consent for intubation.
He said that a 60 -year -old female from Shadipora Bandipora who had tested positive for COVID-19 died at SKIMS on Sunday at 9:15 am due to cardiopulmonary arrest with azotemia and sepsis.
“Patient was known case of hypertension, diabetes, CKD, ESRD admitted with pneumonia and encephalopathy, “he said.
Dr Saleem Tak, Medical superintendent at CD hospital said that a 40 -year -old male from Sangrama Baramulla who had tested positive for Covid-19 and referred from SMHS to CD on June 27 died today
“The patient was suffering from bilateral pneumonia and died on Sunday,” he said.
A 54-year old man from Baramulla died at SKIMS Soura here on late Sunday evening. “He was declared COVID positive on Saturday night. He died this evening,” MS SKIMS Dr Farooq Jan said.
With four more deaths, the death toll in J&K has reached to 131 including 117 from Kashmir and 14 from Jammu division.
JK reports 183 fresh cases, tally reaches 8429; 5255 recover
Jammu, July 5: One hundred and eighty three more people tested positive for COVID-19, 51 from Jammu division and 132 from Kashmir division, taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 8429.
Moreover, 112 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 23 from Jammu Division and 89 from Kashmir Division.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 8429 positive cases, 3042 are Active Positive, 5255 have recovered and 132 have died; 14 in Jammu division and 118 in Kashmir division.
The Bulletin further said that out of 399385 test results available, 390956 samples have been tested as negative till July 5, 2020.
Additionally, till date 296591 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for surveillance which included 40149 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 42 in Hospital Quarantine, 3,042 in hospital isolation and 45780 under home surveillance. Besides, 207446 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Bandipora has 307 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 25 Active Positive, 279 recovered (including 05 cases recovered today) and 03 death; Srinagar has 1151 positive cases (including 59 cases reported today) with 697 Active Positive, 423 recovered, 31 deaths; Anantnag district has 720 positive cases (including 03 cases reported today), with 145 Active Positive, 564 recovered (including 10 cases reported today), 11 deaths; Baramulla has 1023 positive cases (including 17 cases reported today) with 561 Active Positive, 439 recovered (including 18 cases recovered today), 23 deaths; Shopian has 849 positive cases (including 01 case reported today) with 225 Active Positive, 611 recovered and 13 deaths; Kupwara has 604 positive cases (including 20 cases reported today) with 168 Active Positive, 429 recovered (including 11 cases recovered today) and 07 deaths; Budgam has 486 positive cases (including 19 cases reported today) with 203 Active Positive and 274 recovered cases (including 33 cases recovered today) and 09 deaths; Ganderbal has 119 positive cases (including 01 case reported today) with 44 active positive cases and 74 recoveries (including 12 cases reported today) and 01 death; Kulgam has 859 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today), with 245 Active Positive and 598 recoveries and 16 deaths and Pulwama reported 538 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 267 active positive cases and 267 recovered and 04 deaths.
Similarly, Jammu has 397 positive cases (including 09 cases reported today) with 88 active positive cases and 301 recoveries and 08 deaths; Udhampur has 290 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 82 active positive cases, 207 recovered (including 12 cases recovered today) and 01 death; Samba has 186 positive cases (including 18 cases reported today) with 66 Active Positive and 120 recoveries; Rajouri has 124 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 55 active positive cases and 68 recovered and 01 death; Kathua has 249 positive cases (including 07 cases reported today) with 60 Active positive and 188 recovered (including 11 recoveries today) and 01 death; Kishtwar has 29 positive cases with 08 active positive cases and 21 recovered; Ramban has 236 positive cases (including 10 cases reported today) with 49 active positive and 187 recoveries ; Reasi has 45 positive cases with 13 active positive and 32 recovered; Poonch has 124 positive cases with 10 active positive and 113 recoveries and 01 death while Doda has 93 positive cases (including 03 cases reported today) with 31 active positive cases and 60 recoveries and 02 deaths.
According to the bulletin, of the total 8429 positive cases in J&K 2481 have been reported as travelers while 5948 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 Coronavirus 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.
US sees whooping 45,283 COVID-19 cases in one day
Washington, July 5: The United States recorded 45,283 new COVID-19 cases during the past 24 hours, bringing the total confirmed count to 28,39,917.
According to John Hopkins University’s data, the COVID-19 related death toll in the country is close to 130,000, while 242 people lost their lives in the same period.
On the bright side more than 8,94,000 patients have recovered in the US till date.
The University’s report said that on the global scale, there are more than 11.2 million coronavirus cases, and more than 5,31,000 people have succumbed to the virus.
2 militants killed in Kulgam encounter test positive for COVID-19: Police
Srinagar, July 5: Police on Sunday said the two militants, who were killed in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir district of Kulgam on Saturday, tested positive for COVID-19.
A police spokesperson said two militants were killed on Sunday in an encounter which ensued after security forces launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at Arreh in Kulgam on Saturday. A Junior Commissioned officer (JCO) and two other soldiers were injured in the encounter.
He said while carrying out the medico-legal formalities, the samples of the killed militants were taken and sent for COVID-19 test. “Today, the reports were received from Chest Disease (CD) Hospital Srinagar and both the killed militants tested positive for Coronavirus,” he said.
He said since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the safety of people from inherent risk of contracting the infection, the burial of the killed militants is carried out at designated places. “Medico-legal formalities are strictly followed in respect of such killed militants, which includes post-mortem, DNA and Covid-19 tests,” he said.
He said the bodies of the militants will be carried through protective care ambulance and buried strictly as per Covid-19 protocol at Baramulla.
DC Srinagar concerned over rise in COVID-19 cases
Srinagar, July 5: Asserting that the number of COVID-19 cases in three weeks post-unlock is more than cumulative numbers in three months of lockdown in this summer capital, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary on Sunday said the surge is reflective of adherence to precautions.
The DC Srinagar reiterated the need to follow the guidelines, including wearing masks, social distancing and hygiene to curtail the spread of the virus that has so far claimed 130 lives in J&K.
‘In three weeks post-unlock Covid-19 cases account for more than cumulative numbers in 3 months of lockdown, despite thousands of travelers too coming in. Reflective of adherence to precautions, & reiterates indispensable need of wearing Masks, Physical distancing & hygiene,’ Dr Choudhary wrote on micro-blogging site twitter.
The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Srinagar has swelled from 537 on June 8 to 1091 on July 4.
Srinagar is the worst affected district in J&K in terms of casualties with 30 deaths, followed by Baramulla with 23 fatalities. The number of death has swelled to 16 in Kulgam while 11 people have lost their lives to the disease in Anantnag. Shopian with 13 deaths is at number four. Nine people have lost their lives in Budgam, seven in Kupwara, four in Pulwama and two in Bandipora.
Ten districts of Jammu have reported 14 fatalities while 116 people have lost their lived due to COVID-19 in ten districts of Kashmir.
COVID-19: India nears third spot globally among worst hit countries
Positive cases mount to 673165, death toll 19268
New Delhi, July 5: India’s case count owing to the ‘millennium scourge’ mounted to 6,73,165, just 7000 behind Russia’s 6,80,283 cases, as the peninsular nation reported whopping 24,850 new cases in the past 24 hours.
According to the Health Ministry, 613 deaths were also recorded in the same time period, taking the pandemic fatalities count to 19,268.
The recovery front tends to show an upward tick with total recoveries from Covid contagion across the country reaching four lakh as 14,856 patients were cured and discharged in the past 24 hours. The current recovery rate stands at 60.77 per cent.
The testing facility has also been increased in the country with the number of Covid labs reaching 1100, after 13 more were added in the past one day, further speeding up the testing.
As per the ICMR, till Saturday, 9789066 samples have been tested for the virus across the nation.
The highest recovery rate in the country is of Chandigarh at 85.9 per cent, followed by Ladakh at 82.2 per cent, Uttarakhand 80.9 per cent, Chattisgarh 80.6 per cent, Rajasthan 80.1 per cent, Mizoram 79.3 per cent, Tripura 77.7 per cent, Madhya Pradesh 76.9 per cent, Jharkhand 74.2 per cent and Bihar at 74.2 per cent.
SCENARIO
Maharashtra, the worst pandemic hit state in India has clocked over two lakh infections taking the tally at 2,00,064, while the death toll reached 8671. Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray launched a virtual bed allocation and ambulance booking application while asserting that breaking the COVID-19 transmission chain is the government’s priority.
Tamil Nadu, which is at the second spot, now has 1,07,001 confirmed cases, and deaths in the state have reached 11450. Meanwhile, yet another Legislator of the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu tested positive for Novel Coronavirus. MLA Amman Arjunan’s samples returned positive today and he was being treated at the ESI hospital, Coimbatore.
The National Capital, after registering a spike of 2,505 fresh infections, now houses 97,200 confirmed cases, while its fatalities count has reached 3004. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said the number of Covid patients requiring hospitalisation in Delhi is decreasing, while more are being cured at home. According to him, at present, there are 9900 Covid beds free in the capital.
Gujarat’s tally stood at 35312, as 712 fresh cases were added and death toll too mounted to 1925.
India’s COVID-19 vaccine trial marks beginning of the end: Centre
New Delhi, July 5: Approval for human clinical trials for two made-in-India COVID-19 vaccine candidates – COVAXIN and ZyCov-D – marks the “beginning of the end” for the novel coronavirus pandemic that has infected over 1.12 crore people worldwide and left more than 5.3 lakh dead, the government said on Sunday.
Striking an optimistic note, a letter by the Ministry of Science and Technology said there were more than 100 vaccine candidates in the world currently, of which 11 were in human trials.
“The nod by Drug Controller General of India, CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), for conduct of human trial for vaccines, marks the beginning of the end,” the ministry’s letter added.
“Six Indian companies are working on a COVID-19 vaccine. Along with two Indian vaccines, COVAXIN and ZyCov-D, world over 11 out of 140 vaccine candidates are in human trials,” the ministry said.
The ministry also said manufacturers of two of the leading candidates – AZD1222 (British firm AstraZeneca) and MRNA-1273 (US-based Moderna) – had signed production agreements with Indian companies should their vaccines prove safe and effective.
Both have been approved for Phase II, III trials.
Typically, the first two phases of drug trials test for safety while the third tests the medicine’s efficacy. Each phase can take months, or even years, to be completed.
The ministry’s statement comes amid a row over a letter by the ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research) setting August 15 – Independence Day – as the target for releasing a coronavirus vaccine.
Medical experts and opposition parties claimed the date was set to help Prime Minister Narendra Modi score political points ahead of crucial elections in Bihar later this year. They also warned that rushing drugs through trials could pose serious health risks.
On Saturday the ICMR defended its letter and said it had only sought to “cut unnecessary red tape, without bypassing any necessary process” in the recruitment of participants for the trial.
“ICMR’s process is exactly in accordance with globally accepted norms to fast-track vaccine development…,” the agency said.
COVAXIN, developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, and ZyCov-D, developed by Zydus Cadila, were approved for Phase I, II trials this week.
Phase I trials for COVAXIN, which was developed in association with the ICMR, are scheduled to be completed in 28 days – which would put the vaccine candidate on track for an August 15 release.
However, it is unclear how it can be launched without completion of Phase II, III trials.
Developer Bharat Biotech’s application, accessed by NDTV, lists 15 months as the estimated duration of clinical trials; this is in line with the 2021 estimate by the Ministry of Science.
Dozens of vaccine candidates are at various stages of development around the world to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
India, a leading manufacturer of vaccines and generic medicines, is expected to play a key role in this race. The country is among the four worst affected by the COVID-19 virus, with more than 6.7 lakh confirmed cases so far.
DAK seeks setting up of plasma bank for COVID-19 patients
Srinagar, July 5: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Sunday has sought setting up of a ‘plasma bank’ in Kashmir valley for treatment of Covid-19 patients.
“That would save lives,” said DAK President and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
“Many people want to donate plasma, but they don’t know how to. Plasma bank will provide a centralized place for donors to come forward and donate their plasma,” he said.
“The bank will ease access to plasma and bridge the gap between the donors and recipients,” he added.
Dr Nisar said plasma therapy involves transfusing plasma from people who have recovered from Covid infection into people who are very sick with the virus or at high risk of severe disease.
“The therapy is based on the premise that blood of a patient who has recovered from Covid-19 contains antibodies with the specific ability to fight the novel virus and help the other patient to recover,” he said.
Dr Nisar said convalescent plasma therapy is showing promising results and has become a ray of hope in the fight against the novel coronavirus.
“Plasma therapy trials have been conducted on 35 patients at Lok Nayak Hospital, Delhi and 34 of them have survived,” he said
“Another hospital in Delhi conducted plasma trials on 49 patients and 46 of them survived,” he added.
Dr Nisar said the process of donating plasma is similar to donating blood and takes about an hour.
“The donor is connected to a cell-separating machine, also called apheresis machine that removes plasma, while simultaneously returning the remaining components (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets) to the donor. The plasma can be stored for up to one year in the plasma bank,” he said.
Dr Nisar said plasma can be donated more frequently as compared to blood. It can be donated as often as twice a week.
“Plasma from one person can be used in recovering two infected persons,” he said.
“While plasma therapy reduces Covid deaths, hospitals in Kashmir are not offering this life-saving treatment to corona patients, as a result precious lives are lost,” said Dr Nisar.
