Loss of property, life effected in Jammu Zone

JAMMU: According to the official reports, due to recent heavy rains and snowfall in Jammu Zone the district wise details regarding the loss of property/life and the persons rescued by the Police is mentioned herewith. DISTRICT RAMBAN: Four rooms of Kacha house of Mohd Afzal S/o Abdul Rehman R/o Jaman Gool damaged partially. Double story residential house of Abdul Rehman S/o Jamal Samad R/o Kalimastha Gool damaged partially. Kacha House of Ghulam Qadir S/o Abdul Aziz Malik R//o Dharam Mugzi Gool damaged partially. Kacha house of Mohd Jameel S/o Mohd Sultan R/o Deedah Gool damaged partially. Kacha house of Kala Chichi S/o Ismail R/o Deedah Gool damaged partially 5 rooms set (double story) residential house of Parvez Ahmed S/o Abdul Aziz Malik R/o Runigam (Banihal) damaged completely. Gharat of Farooq Ahmed S/o Gul Mohd Sohil R/o Larkheti Banihal damaged. Three rooms of residential house of Mushtaq Ahmed S/o Mohd Iqbal Wani R/o Allanbass Banihal completely damaged. Residential house of Sarbeedh Singh S/o Shunnu Ram R/o Karol Ramban damaged partially. Residential house of Beer Buhadur Singh S/o Jai Lal R/o Karol Ramban damaged partially Residential house of Ghulam Mohd Wani (Retd. ASI) R/o Karol damaged partially. Moreover, no loss of life reported so far. DISTRICT POONCH: BSF Post Dachi of 186 Bn. damaged due to lightening / thundering today at 0545 hours. And two BSF Jawans namely HC Ram Chander and Const. Jagtar Singh got injured. DISTRICT RAJOURI: 12 Sheets (tin) Govt. Primary School Barote, Budhal damaged. NOWSHERA: The continued snowfall and rain have not only caused incontinence to people but also resulted in losses of lives, livestock and property. Reports from Bangoti area of Nowshera said that one Baji Muzaffar Hussain Shah has lost 150 sheep when the Kacha house in which they were kept got damaged due to land slide triggered by continued rain. Reports said that incident took place in the midnight. The matter was reported to Police Station Nowshera and concerned Patwari who rushed to the spot to access the loss in time. When these officials reached the spot about 250 people had gathered at the place where others problems being faced by the people in view of continued rains were also brought into the notice of concerned officials (N/O). DISTRICT REASI: One girl namely Rani Devi (age 11 Yrs.) D/o Dewan Chand R/o Chakal Salthi died due to house collapsed and another lady got injured One Haniefa Begum W/o Mohd Ashraf R/o Ladh, Reasi died by crossing Kachi Nallah near Ladh. DISTRICT KISHTWAR: 43 labourers of engaged by State Forest Corporation at Paddar (Massu) trapped in a Nallah of which 25 labourers had been rescued by Police Party . Rescued operation is going on. Watalhal (Palmar) two persons got injured in a house collapse at Watalhal. Detail awaited. Two persons namely Ashok Kumar , Raj Kumar both sons of Ram Krishan R/o Thakrai, Kishtwar has been injured when their house collapsed during the intervening night of 8/9-02-2010, due to snow/ rain fall. House of one Man Chand S/o Hari Chand R/o Angole Thakari cracked partially due to snow/rain fall. DISTRICT DODA: Dead body of one Mohd Khazar S/o Majir Naik R/o Manjui recovered during intervening night of 8/9-02-2010 . He was trapped in snow storm, when he was out to bring house hold things. DISTRICT KATHUA: During intervening night of 8/9-02-2010, house of one Tullo Ram S/o Ballia Gaddi R/o Malhar (Kirthan) collapsed, resulting in death of said person on spot and 35 sheep’s/ Goat’s , one Cow and one Ox also buried. DISTRICT JAMMU: The electronic items including Computer etc. have been fully damaged due to lightening of Shiva Public School Gho Manasa under the jurisdiction P/S Dumana. Details awaited. DISTRICT UDHAMPUR: Double story shop cum residential house of one Mani Ram S/o Beli Ram R/o Village Marothi (P/S Chenani) completely damaged. No loss of life. Shop used as store of Ashok Kumar S/o Dina Nath R/o Chenani Town damaged. No loss of life. House of one Sharief Mohd S/o Mohd Din R/o Kathi has been collapsed. No loss of life.

Ensure availability of essentials, utility services: CM

1. Administration asked to remain alert

JAMMU: ,Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah at a high level review meeting today, directed Divisional and District Administrations to pool up all their resources for providing necessary facilities to general public in the valley with regard to availability of essential supplies, electric supply, water supply and health care. He directed the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners and Heads of Departments to remain alert, round the clock, and conduct tours to the areas of their respective jurisdiction and interact with the people to solve their problems on-the-spot. He said that he will be personally monitoring the results of intensive touring to be conducted by the Divisional Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, Heads of Departments and respective officers. Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar, Advisors to Chief Minister, Mr. Mubarak Gul and Mr. Davinder Rana, Minister of Sate for Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. Khursheed Ahmad Ganai, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mrs. Naseema Lanker, IG, Kashmir, Mr. Farooq Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar and Heads of Departments were present. The Chief Minister was informed in the meeting that there are adequate supplies of essential commodities available in the Valley, sufficient for 25-30 days. Therefore, the closure of the road will not affect the availability of the stocks, the meeting was told. The Chief Minister directed the CA&PD Department to ensure that no black marketing is allowed. Necessary action against violators should be taken, he directed. The Director, CA&PD informed that in the far-flung and cut off areas, essential commodities have already been stocked for several months, while as at District Headquarters, both FCI and CAPD godowns are full of stocks. He said that fuel, kerosene oil, petrol and LPG gas are available in the city. He said 2.77 lakh qtls of rice is available in godowns while one lakh qtls of rice is available in the sale outlets of the valley. He said 78,000 qtls, of atta and 1.37 lakh LPG cylinders are available besides 3290 Kilolitres of petrol, 8774 Kls of HS Diesel, and 5287 Kls of Kerosene is available for distribution purposes. The Chief Minister was informed that as a result of heavy snowfall, electricity has disrupted in some parts of North Kashmir while as all efforts are being made to ensure normal supply of electricity in rest of the Valley. On this occasion, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar also advised Electric and Maintenance Department to strictly adhere to the publicized electric supply schedule, in letter and spirit. The Divisional Commissioner and DIG, Traffic informed the Chief Minister that due to shooting stones in some pats of the National Highway, the road is still closed and all efforts are being made to get it reopened with improvement in weather. It was emphasized that all precautions are being taken so that people don’t travel without clearance from the Traffic Department these days so that they do not get stuck up on way. The Chief Minister advised the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir to put up the list of stranded people. The Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation informed the Chief Minister that his organization has been geared up to clear all the garbage from all parts of the city and all efforts are being made to mobilize city drainage pumps so that water does not accumulate in streets, lanes and by-lanes. He also informed that for quick disposal of garbage, other dumping sites are being identified in the periphery of the city. The Chief Minister directed that the process may be expedited. He asked the Divisional Commissioner to expedite land acquisition for such sites. The UEED was also asked to ensure operation of their pumps to drain out the water from big city drains. The Chief Minister directed the Divisional Commissioner that endeavours should be doubled by deploying fire pumps as well. The Director Health Services informed the Chief Minister that Pulse Polio Programme was conducted in all pats of the Valley. He said 88 percent children of the Valley, including Leh and Kargil, were covered under Pulse Polio Programme on February 7 and as such 9.30 lakh children were covered under the programme. He also said that all necessary measures are being taken to provide adequate medical facilities to the people in all hospitals, dispensaries and medical centres. The Chief Minister advised the concerned Heads of Departments to ensure that in view of the winter months, all efforts should be made to make heating system functional in these hospitals. He also called for ensuring availability of doctors and para medicos in hospitals and other Health Centres in the Valley, round the clock.

4-lane flyover from Bikram Chowk to Satwari soon

JAMMU: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr. Raman Bhalla today said that to ease rush on Bikram Chowk-Satwari Road, a flyover would be constructed shortly. The Minister was speaking, during inspection of various development works of lanes and drains in Gandhi Nagar and its adjacent areas, costing Rs. 19 lakh, which started today. The areas include Last Morh Gandhi Nagar, Sanjay Nagar, Nai Basti, Dilli and Malik Market in Channi Rama. Mr. Bhalla, during his visit to these areas, interacted with the people and listened to their grievances. The people assembled in large numbers and put-forth their demands, which included, augmentation of drinking water facilities at Nai Basti and Dilli areas, widening of culvert over local nallah, besides construction of deep drain at Last Morh Gandhi Nagar, construction of lanes and drains at Mehant Bichatar Singh Nagar, Gurudwara Sant Nagar, and replacement of damaged power supply wires, laying of water supply pipes in uncovered areas and land compensation for refugees of Ajeet Nagar, Satwari. At Ajeet Nagar, Mr. Bhalla said that the Centre has approved Rs. 49 crore as land compensation for refugees. He said the concerned department has been asked to conduct public darbars in various colonies for distribution of compensation among the targeted people. He asked the left out displaced families to enroll themselves with Revenue Department for compensation. The Minister said that Rs. 3.5 crore have been earmarked for construction of tube well, including laying of pipes at Karan Bagh, which will improve drinking water facilities in Ajeet Nagar, Karan Bagh, Chatha, Bikram Nagar and Raipur Satwari. Regarding construction of nallah from Lower Gaddigarh to Ajeet Nagar, he asked the concerned department to prepare estimates. Mr. Bhalla asked the people to cooperate with executing agencies in completing the ongoing development works in their respective areas. He said that the coalition Government has brought revolution in every sector during the past 13 months. He asked the people to remove encroachments from footpaths so that the walkers do not face any inconvenience.

Jammu-Srinagar NH remains closed

1. nclement weather hits restoration job
2. Snowfall wreaks havoc in Kupwara, many house damaged
3. Avalanche claims another soldier, one missing
4. BSF soldier killed in Handwara, six troopers injured
5. 24 SFC labourers rescued in Kishtwar
6. commuters
   

JAMU/SRINAGAR, FEB 9: With inclement weather conditions hindering the clearance and restoration work at several places along the 300-Km stretch, Srinagar-Jammu highway remained closed for traffic for the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday. The highway, only surface link between Kashmir valley and rest of the world, was closed for both ways traffic on Saturday following incessant rains and snowfall at several places on the thoroughfare. Official sources said that more than 3.5 fts of snow has accumulated on either side of Jawahar tunnel while as incessant and heavy rains continued on most other parts of the highway. They said landslides, triggered by continuous rainfall, continue to occur at Panthal, Digdol, Pida, Ramsu and adjoining places, hindering the opening of the arterial route. “Continuous and heavy downpour is hindering operation to clear the landslides and there is continuous shooting stones at several places,” SP traffic, GM Wadoo said. Besides, he said, there was continuous snowfall around Jawahar tunnel. No fresh vehicles were allowed to move on either side from Srinagar or Jammu, he added. Official said that after 650 passenger and load carriers were cleared other day, no vehicle was allowed to move on the highway while civilian and pedestrian movement has been disallowed owing to the threat. They said that 120 passengers were stuck near Ramban apart from the 350 trucks. Apart from this, there were more than six hundred vehicles stranded at various places particularly Udhampur, Banihal, Patnitop, and Nagrota on the highway. “As soon as there is any improvement on weather conditions, we will start the restoration work but for now, beacon authorities are finding it difficult to clear the rubble and stones on the road near Panthal and adjoining areas with continuous downpour,” SP Wadoo said. Doda and Kishtwar districts of Jammu also remained cut off due to landslides near Asar area since Monday last. Meanwhile, the traffic authorities have urged people to contact the traffic control rooms in Srinagar and Jammu before travelling on the highway. “The decision to open the highway for traffic would be taken subject to the weather condition and clearance of the road,” SP traffic said, urging people to cooperate with the authorities. With the recent closure of the 300-km long Srinagar-Jammu National highway the only road connects this part with the rest of the India have caused an incontinence to hundreds and thousands of commuters stuck in between. Commuters who are on their way to either sides are facing problems, always whenever the road is been closed while residents in Kashmir valley are also having a tough time due to a price-rise of all essential commodities. The Jammu-Srinagar highway including the Jawahar Tunnel in the valley has been closed for traffic due to moderate snowfall since last three days.People residing in the areas of Banihal and Ramban complains that they are forced to pay exorbitant amount to buy essential commodities as the shopkeepers have increased the rates of essential commodities more than the genuine rates. "We are facing immense hurdles. Basic items have practically disappeared and if available cost extra, as it is extremely cold. We are not getting milk or gas as it is totally unavailable," Manzoor Ahmad, a resident of Banihal said over the telephonic conversation. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed for the past three days. Hundreds of vehicles are parked along the highway, causing shortage of essential commodities in the Valley. The hotels and restaurants had also increased the rates on the national highway for the food items as it is also creating the problems for the Commuters. “I am here from last three days, The owners of hotels are charging too much for the food items which is creating the problems for the people like us as we cannot afford that much of amount,” Mohammad Yousuf Bhat a local said commuter who was on his way from Jammu to Srinagar said on the telephonic conversation. The availability of flights has also gone in demand from Srinagar to other parts of the country which is also creating the problems for tourists and other peoples.Government should frame out a committee to check the black marketing, so that the masses would not face hurdles in the winters especially when there is closure of Jammu-Srinagar national highway. People residing in other parts of valley also complain for the shortage of rice, sugar, kerosene that is not available on the depots.
More than hundred structures, including residential houses, primary school and a shrine building are reported to be damaged due to the heavy snowfall in bordering Kupwara district in North Kashmir. Reports said that hundreds of residential houses were damaged in several areas of frontier district of Kupwara due to snowfall on February 7th and 8th. Reports said the houses of Abdul Qayoom Khan and Sonaullah Najjar of Chandigam Lolab, Ali Mohammad Bhat, Sajad Ahmad Bhat, and Ghulam Mohi-u-din Mir of Lalpora, Lolab, Abdul Jabbar Hajam, of Devar lolab, Abdul Rashid Lone, Wali Mohammad Lone of Chaarekote, lolab were damaged due the huge snowfall on February 7th and 8th February. Reports also said that building of Ziyarat Baba Nazak Sahib of Devar Lolab and a Primary school building of Lestiyaal, Kalaroos were totally damaged in the snowfall. The residential houses of Farooq Ahmad Mir of Gagloosa, Abdul Aziz Zarger of Trehgam, and Basher Ahmad of Kralpora all in kupwara district were damaged in the avalanches. The reports said that the far flung areas of Tangdhar, Keran, Chowkibal and Machil Sector in Kuprawa district have been left out of bounds due to heavy snowfall. Six to seven feet snow fall is reported from these areas. The damage is expected to go up further as there was still no communication possible with these areas. Moreover, a day after seventeen army men were killed, one more trooper died while another was missing when a massive snow mass swept away a group of army personnel near Tangdhar in frontier Kupwara district this morning. A Defence Ministry spokesman based in Srinagar, Lt Col J.S Brar said that Rekha post in Tanghdar this morning. “One of the 14 soldiers rescued in the operation died in hospital,” he said. Meanwhile, sources said that one more trooper was missing under the avalanche and said that rescue operation was on to trace him. Seventeen personnel from army’s High Altitude Warfare School died in Gulmarg in north Kashmir yesterday. Pertinently, Snow Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) had issued an avalanche warning last evening and advised people living in high altitude areas not to venture in the area which has been receiving heavy snowfall for the past three days. Meanwhile, a Border Security Force (BSF) trooper died while two of his colleagues were injured when a tree fell upon their barrack in Nowgam Hundwara last night. Sources said while all of three soldiers from BSF’s 26 battalion were injured in the mishap, Aslam din, one trooper, succumbed to wounds. Meanwhile, four paramilitary CRPF troopers were injured when a banker caved in at Bradipora Handwara due to snowfall. “All of them received minor injuries in the mishap and are out of danger,” Prabakar Tripathi, PRO CRPF, said. Reports from Kishtwar said that Kishtwar Police today rescued twenty four labourers of Social Forest Corporation (SFC) out of forty three labourers in a rescue operation launched by them in a far flung area of Massu Padder of district Kishtwar. Reports said that 43 labourers of SFC who have engaged by State Forest Corporation Department for transportation of Forest Timber got held up at Massu area, due to heavy snow fall and avalanches the other day. The Massu Padder area is falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Atholi of district Kishtwar. On receipt of the information Police swung into action and reached the spot immediately. The local people also joined with the rescue operation team launched by the police and till 24 labourers have been rescued safely and rescue operation for the rest nineteen labours is going on. Further reinforcement has been kept ready according to the need at present depth of the snow at Massu is about 4 feet. Local people hailed the prompt and timely action by Police which have saved 24 precious human lives. It is pertinent to mention that the Massu Padder area is located at the foot distance of about 14 KM from Gulabgarh Padder. Due to heavy snow fall and avalanches have been observed in far flung areas of Sub Divison Padder for the last three days. At least 6 feet snow fall at Machail and other high attitude populated areas of Padder have experienced so far.

Azad for early filling of specialists super-specialists vacancies

Inspects pace of work on Super Specialty Hospital

JAMMU: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad today said that the Centre is committed to strengthen the State level Hospitals to bring these at par with the reputed health institutions of the country. Mr. Azad was addressing a high level meeting at Super Specialty Hospital here today, convened to review the pace of progress on construction of the upcoming Institution being constructed at a cost of Rs 138 crore, under Pradhan Mantri Swasthiya Suraksha Yojna (PMSSY). The Minister for Medical Education, Mr. R.S. Chib, Minister for R&B, Mr. G.M. Saroori, Principal/Secretary Health & Medical Education, Mr. R.K. Jerth, Commissioner/Secretary Planning and Development, Mr. B. B. Vyas, Commissioner/Secretary Finance, Mr. Sudhanshu Panday, Principal Government Medical College Jammu, Dr. Rajinder Singh, Administrator Associated Hospitals, Mr. T. Angchuk and senior officers of CPWD and other departments attended the meeting. Mr. Azad expressed satisfaction over the pace of work and desired that the Central Public Works Department should put in best efforts to complete the project a month ahead of the targeted June 30. He also appreciated the steps taken by the State Government for filling up the vacancies of Specialists and Super Specialists for the upcoming health institution. He directed for recruitment of doctors on contractual basis in the first instance and meanwhile, refer the posts to Public Service Commission for permanent recruitment. He also asked the concerned officers to arrange short term refresher courses for the doctors in country’s premier institutions to acquaint them with latest trends in medical sciences. Asking for completion of the project by ending May this year, Mr. Azad directed for out sourcing of the facilities like sanitation, security, laundry and pantry for two years in the first instance. He also instructed for installation of equipments well before June 30. Referring to other facilities, Mr. Azad emphasized the need for connecting corridors and two-level parking space in the premises of the Hospital. Earlier, apprising the Union Minister about the pace of work on the Hospital, Minister for Medical Education, Mr. R.S. Chib said that the new institution shall have several vital units including, cardiology, cardio-thoracic and vascular surgery, nephrology, urology, neurology, neuro-surgery. Similarly, the facilities which would be strengthened in the Government Medical College Jammu, include Gastroenterology, Surgical Gastroenterology, Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Endocrinology, Clinical Hematology, pulmonary medicine, plastic surgery and Pediatric Surgery, he added. Mr. Chib further said that the pace of work was being monitored on fortnightly basis and all the concerned agencies are working in close coordination to complete the work within stipulated time. He said the Chief Minister was also monitoring status of the project on regular basis. The Superintending Engineer, CPWD gave a power point presentation of the project on the occasion.

JU Council meets: Governor, CM for making varsities seats of excellence

JAMMU: The Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra and the Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah, Tuesday underscored the importance of introducing job market-oriented courses at the higher educational level to expand the employability orbit for the youth. They said that modern science and technology studies should form essential part of higher studies in the universities to keep pace with the vast growth and development of this sector internationally. The Governor and the Chief Minister were reviewing the functioning of the Jammu University at its 69th Council Meeting here. The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the Jammu University, chairing the Council Meeting, stressed the importance of such opportunities being provided to the youth of remote areas as would equip them to secure employment or establish their own ventures. He said that feasibility of different courses and their market value should be analyzed before these are launched. Calling for maintaining the highest standards of education, the Governor underlined the need for roping in reputed and qualified scholars, scientists and educationists by involving particularly the educational institutions at national level through MoUs and mutual agreements. “Our students are second to none in talent, efficiency and scientific temperament for achieving excellence”, he asserted and said that the universities in the State have to undertake the stupendous task to provide befitting platform of higher studies to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister, who is also the Pro-Chancellor, in his address described education as the most effective means to bring about healthy socio-economic change and asked the University to provide the students best educational services for scaling new highs. Mr. Omar said that the State Government has flagged educational sector as one of the most important sectors of development. “Skill development and employability have been accorded considerable focus in the educational policy of the State”, he said and laid stress for encouraging employment-oriented and marketable streams in the educational institutions, especially at the higher educational level. The Chief Minister asked the management of Jammu University to work out a plan of starting Institute of Mass Communication in the University for which the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has agreed to support. “We already have such an institute in the Kashmir University, as such, possibilities can be explored to have similar institute in the Jammu University”, he maintained. The Minister for Higher Education, Mr. Abdul Gani Malik, presented resume of the measures the Government is taking to give boost to educational sector in the State. The Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, Prof. Varun Sahni in the power point presentation gave detailed account of the academic and extra-curricular achievements of the varsity and explained future plans of introducing new disciplines of higher studies. The meeting discussed various agenda items and took decisions on these. The Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Dr. Riyaz Punjabi, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Raj Kumar Goyal, Commissioner/Secretary, Finance, Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey, Commissioner/ Secretary, Higher Education, Mr. N. K. Verma, Registrar Jammu University, Dr. G. S. Pathania, Members of the Council, Prof. Veena Gupta, Prof. S. C. Gupta, Prof. Mohammad Iqbal, Prof. V. S. Chauhan and Prof. N. K. Tripathi participated in the meeting.

Army officer, 16 jawans killed in Gulmarg avalanche

Nasir rushes to Gulmarg, oversees rescue operations

JAMMU/SRINAGAR: , least 16 Army soldiers were killed after an avalanche smashed into a military training camp near the border with Pakistan on Monday, said officials. The officer killed is a lieutenant, said a defence official and added that rescue operations are going on in the north Kashmir district. The dead officer has been identified as Lt. Prateek. The accident occurred in Khilanmarg near Gulmarg, a ski resort visited by thousands of people, including some foreigners, every winter. Officials said there was little chance of any tourist being trapped as the avalanche was triggered at an altitude higher than the popular skiing slopes. The avalanche hit the Army's High Altitude Warfare School in northwest Kashmir, a rugged area at an altitude of 2,730 m (9,000 feet) near a military line. Army spokesman Col. Vineet Sood said 70 soldiers had been rescued but about half a dozen could still be trapped. Seventeen soldiers are in critical condition, police said. The injured were admitted in a local hospital and rescue workers were struggling to find survivors amid heavy snowfall. The government weather forecaster said snow and sleet would continue to hit Kashmir mountains for the next two days. Avalanches occur frequently in Kashmir. Heavy snow blocked Kashmir's main highway, the only road link to the rest of the country, for the third day on Monday. "It is snowing heavily and there is fog. Weather is hampering rescue operations," senior police official A.Q Manhas said. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani on the instructions of Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah rushed to Gulmarg this afternoon to oversee the rescue operations being launched by the Civil and Police Administration following the incident of snow avalanche that has so far left 15 dead and 401 are feared to trapped. The Minister is overseeing the relief and rescue operations and so far 70 persons have been rescued alive, though the continuous heavy snowfall is hampering the rescue operations. The Administration is making all over effort to rescue maximum people alive. However, the administration is made it clear that no tourist, civilian was among the dead or the trapped. The Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Mr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat and DIG Range-Baramulla are accompany with Minister and presently campaigning in Gulmarg. The Deputy Commissioner has confirmed the recovery of 15 bodies till 6 p.m.

National Highway closed, Doda-Kishtwar too cut off

Snow, rainfall continues in upper reaches

Many villages plunged into darkness

Stranded passengers protest in Jammu

Police cane-charged stranded Kashmiris

JAMMU: Fresh landslides, shooting stones coupled with continuous snow and rainfall hamper the opening of arterial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway which remained closed for the third day on Monday. The Doda and Kishtwar districts of Jammu were also cut off from rest of the state due to blockade near Assar while as thousands of Valley-bounded passenger stranded in Jammu staged protest and demanded that an alternative arrangement should be made to carry them to Srinagar. Official sources said that the landslide, triggered by continuous rainfall, occurred at Panthal, Digdol, Pida, Ramsu and adjoining places, hindering the opening of the 300- kilometer highway, the only road link connecting Kashmir with rest of world. “Continuous and heavy downpour is hindering operation to clear the landslides rubble near Panthal,” Lt Col V.K Verma, top officer of BEACON, said. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic Highway, Alok Kumar said that there were landslides and shooting stones at more than dozen places since 12 midnight last. Besides, there was continuous snowfall around Jawahar tunnel and SSP said that more than 1ft of snow has accumulated near the site. No fresh vehicles were allowed to move on either side from Jammu or Srinagar, he added. He said that while 650 passenger as well as load carriers were cleared before the landslides and shooting stones occurred, there were many vehicles still stranded near Ramban and Udhampur. He said that 350 trucks were stuck from Ramban and Udhampur while there were twenty passenger vehicles stranded near Ramsu. The SSP urged people to contact the Traffic Control Rooms in Jammu and Srinagar before travel on the highway. “The decision to open the highway for traffic would be taken subject to the weather condition,” he added. The police official also confirmed closure of Doda and Kishtwar districts of Jammu due to landslides near Asar area. With the Jammu-Srinagar Highway remaining closed for vehicular traffic for the third consecutive day, the Srinagar-bound passengers, who are stranded in Jammu, held a protest demonstration and demanded that an alternative arrangement should be made to carry them to Srinagar. “Government should arrange special sorties to lift us. For the past three days we have been neglected and have been left on the mercy of almighty Allah,” Ghulam Mohammad, a stranded passenger said. The stranded passengers said the hotel and restaurants owners were taking an undue advantage of the situation and alleged that they were charging exuberant rates from them. Police used mild cane-charge on hundreds of stranded Kashmiri who were demonstrating and demanding airlifting to Kashmir Valley. They blocked BC road for some time in order to register their protest. To clear the road for traffic, police resorted to can-charge. The demonstrators raised slogans against the government in a bid to press for providing them airlift facility. They lamented lack of food and staying arrangements at the stranded places.

Moreover, the incessant downpour continued to lash state including Kashmir valley while northern regions continue to accumulate more and more snow on Monday, report and official said. Metrological office has predicted widespread snowfall across the state for tomorrow and day-after as western disturbances continue to persist over Jammu and Kashmir. Reports said that Kupwara, Bandipora and Baramulla districts in north Kashmir accumulated fresh snowfall. Sadnatop, Tangdhar, Goshi Villgam, Harpora, Machil, Sagipora, Handwara, Waterghan, Sogam and other areas accumulated snowfall of more than 3 fts. There were reports of 8 to 10 inches snow in Sopore and Baramulla towns. In south Kashmir, reports said that Shopian, Pahalgam and Jawahar tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu highway received more snowfall. A Metrological official said that from last 24 hours upto 0830 hours today, Srinagar recorded 8.5 mm rainfall, Qazigund 13.4mm, Phalgam, 25.4mm, Kupwara 22.0mm, Kokernag 27.4mm, Gulmarg 154 mm (snowfall), Jammu 5.3mm, Banihal 40.8mm, Batote 93.4mm, Katra 14.6 mm, Bhaderwah 19.6mm, leh 0.8 and kargil recorded 24.0mm. Officials said that snow clearance operations were undertaken in the wee hours to ensure that the main highways and arteries remained open for vehicular traffic. The district administration has warned people against avalanches in Gurez, Drass, Tangdhar and Machil, he added. Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Showkat Ahmad told Press Bureau of India that snow clearance operations were started on the main streets including Kupwara-Lolab, Kupwara-Chowkibal, Kupwara-Sopore and handwara-Rajwara. He said that interior road would be cleared once snowfall stops. Meanwhile, many northern Kashmir villages particularly in Kupwara were plunged into darkness as electricity was cutoff following the downpour. “People need to cooperate and it will take sometime to restore the electricity,” he added. Snowfall in high altitude areas accompanied with rains in the plains began Friday evening after January 29, when some parts in the state witnessed it last Meanwhile, MeT has predicted more snowfall was expected to occur in Jammu Kashmir in next two days.

Schools cradle of learning: Saroori

“Proper, quality education produces talent”

JAMMU: , upon the parents and the teachers to take special care of education to their children, Minister for R&B Mr. G.M Saroori has said that children are the builders of the nation who need proper and quality education to make them civilized and responsible members of the society. The Minister was speaking at an Annual Day function of Rising Star Public School, Bantalab, Jammu. Mr. Saroori said “if we want to change the destiny of our nation, we have to give better education to our children”. Emphasizing for giving moral education alongside the academics, the Minister said while the academic education helps in creating intellectuals, doctors, scientists and scholars, the moral education grooms and polishes their soul and mind, imperative to become a conscious and responsible citizen of the country. “It is a collective responsibility of teachers and parents to take proper care of the education of the children” the Minister said, adding proper and quality education produces good talent. The Minister said that it is not enough to open new schools , but the need is to maintain and improve the standard of education at all the levels. He said the Government would encourage spreading network of schools in the rural, hilly and remote areas, but the primary objective should be to impart quality education to the students. Mr. Saroori said that the present era is the age of competition and urged upon school management to prepare their children accordingly so that they could prove their talent at the State as well as National and International level competitions. The Minister said that school is the cradle of learning and impressed upon the teachers to work for producing talented students. He said the state has produced number of world famous scholars, scientist and doctors and appealed students to get inspiration from them. Appreciating the endeavours of the school management for establishing the school in an un-developed area with a zeal to take education to the doors of the children belonging to lower and middle class families, Mr Saroori hoped that the school will come up to the expectations of the parents. He hoped by the tireless efforts of the management and the active support of the locals, the school will touch the heights of success and fame. On the occasion, a momentum was also presented to the Minister by the school management. Earlier, students presented colorful cultural programme which was appreciated by the audience.

Meet challenges of climate change: Ruhullah

5th JK Science Congress JU

JAMMU: ,Spelling out the challenges being faced by the Country due to global warming and climate change, Minister for Science and Technology and Information Technology Mr. Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi today exhorted scientists to prepare themselves for overcoming this emerging phenomena. The Minister was inaugurating the 5^th JK Science Congress, organized and sponsored by the University of Jammu in collaboration with the J&K State Council for Science and Technology, Government of India, in the university campus this morning. The Minister stressed for greater interaction of scientists with their peers at International and National levels and sought their greater involvement, particularly from Jammu and Kashmir State, in solving regional and national problem The Minister highlighted the importance of advancement of science and technology in alleviating the problems of people living in far flung areas of the State. He mentioned about the potential of Jammu and Kashmir with regard to wind, hydroelectric and solar energies and opined that all the stake holders should work with greater zeal in exploiting this for the benefit of mankind. “This will not only lead to further development of the State in general but will also provide jobs to the youth”, he maintained. Welcoming about 600 delegates from various parts of the country, Prof. Varun Sahni, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, hoped that the 5^th JK Science Congress will provide an invaluable opportunity for the scientists to revive old associations and initiate new collaborations. Mr. Sahni said that this Congress will also provide an opportunity for young minds to pose fresh questions and also to run shoulders with the eminent scientists of the country. In the session, Dr. G. J. Samathanam, Advisor, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India in his plenary address stressed for the need for network. He informed that the Government of India has invested about Rs. 40,000 crores in research and development. However, in order to transfer the fruits of scientific knowledge to the society, there is an urgent need for networking among various stake holders especially the scientific community. He informed that India has faired very well in terms of scientific publications and stands at 10^th position at International level. However, there is an urgent need to further increase the number of scientific publications, also the developments in Science & Technology and to be transformed into benefits for the common man. He laid emphasis on entrepreneur development programmes so that the youth of the country do not remain dependent on Government agencies for jobs. Earlier, the inaugural session was immediately followed by technical session, wherein plenary lectures were delivered by eminent scientists including Prof. R.N.K. Bamezai, Vice-Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, Dr. G.J. Samathanam, Dr. Ajit Awasthi, Prof. S.K. Shah, Dr. Jatinder Singh and Dr. T.R Raina.

Beautification plan for Jammu on anvil: Bhalla

JAMMU:,Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr. Raman Bhalla today said that coalition Government is endeavoring to further beautify the city of temples, Jammu and improve its aesthetic ambiance to make it one of the most modern cities of the country. For this purpose an ambitious plan has been envisaged to develop all the existing open land stretches into recreation parks on modern lines. While inspecting the ongoing development works including three-terrace Park at Sector-3, Channi Himmat, being developed at a cost of Rs. 30 lakh, Mr. Bhalla said that the dream of the Mr. Omar led coalition Government to make the State a modern model State would be fructified adding that every possible effort is being made to provide improved basic amenities to the people in all the three regions of the State. He said provision of better drinking water, health, road connectivity, drainage system, education and electricity facilities high on the agenda of the Government. He said that Government was fully aware of people’s problems and concerted efforts are being taken to redress these on priority. The Minister also laid foundation of 1100 meter long road widening work in Housing Colony, Channi Himmat to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 15 lakh. He asked the executing agency to complete the work at an earliest so that inhabitants could get relief and the local do not face any inconvenience. He asked the executing agency to prepare the estimate for construction of deep drains in Sector-3 of the Colony. The Minister also visited Nanak Nagar, Sector-7, where construction of lane and maintenance of culvert started at a cost of Rs. 5 lakh. Responding to the local demands, regarding installation of new 250 KVA transformers, laying of water supply pipes in uncovered areas and construction of culvert over nallah crossing, the Minister asked the concerned department to install 250 KVA transformers on available space to improving the power scenario. Mr. Bhalla also inspected the modernization work of the garden which is being developed at a cost of Rs. 35 lakh. He asked the Floriculture Department to complete the park which will have modern facilities like fountain, walk way and resting seats by March 2010.

Div Com emphasizes on maintaining liaison

JAMMU: As a prelude to the District Development Board meeting of Jammu district scheduled to be held on February 10, the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal convened a meeting of senior officers of various departments to take stock of the progress of development projects pertaining to Tourism Department in Jammu city and suburban areas. During the meeting, important tourism development projects were discussed threadbare which mainly included improvement and upgradation of Raghunath bazaar as Hetitage Bazar. Dr. Kotwal asked the officers to take extra care while executing under ground works particularly laying of cable and other equipments and ensure that the existing PHE, BSNL and other cable network are not damaged. He said the spots where digging is to be done should be properly identified to avoid overlapping. Chief Engineer R&B was asked to ensure that quality and attractive tiles should be used, besides PDD should also install quality lights to make the market more impressive and alluring. The acquisitions of land for Food Craft Institute, TRC near Railway Station, Golf Course and Gandola Project across river Tawi were also discussed. The Divisional Commissioner emphasized upon the officers to maintain liaison and execute works in a coordinated manner for quality and better results. The participants assured to put in their best in making the popular tourist market of Raghunath Bazaar as Heritage Bazaar of Jammu city. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Mr. M. K. Dwivedi, Chief Engineer R&B, Mr. D. L. Sharma, Chief Engineer EM&RE, Mr. Mohd Qasim, Conservator of Forests East Circle and other officers to Tourism, PHE, BSNL and UEED.