Mir asks rice growers to go for organic farming

Mir asks rice growers to go for organic farming Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, September 27
Keeping in view the health hazards of pesticides and chemical fertilisers, Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir has asked the rice growers of the state to go for organic farming as it has inherent cost advantage.
While addressing a gathering of farmers here recently, Mir informed the rice growers that the government was trying to popularise the organic cultivation of Basmati rice so that the growers of the RS Pura, Kathua and Samba areas could take interest in the cultivation of organic products, which were much in demand at the global level.
Impressing upon the farmers to go for organic farming, he said after adopting organic farming, farmers could get more dividends as there was a growing demand and awareness for organic agricultural products in the national and international market.
Mir said: “To popularise the cultivation of organic Basmati rice, various steps are being taken up on a large scale across the state.”
He hoped that the farmers would achieve major breakthrough in agriculture through organic farming of Basmati rice with the innovative collaboration of the Agriculture Department and with the scientists.
He further congratulated the rice growers of the state for the inclusion of grains of Basmati rice-370 and Ranbir Basmati varieties of RS Pura by the Union Ministry of Commerce in its list of exportable items.
He added: “As far as the Jammu region is concerned, the farmers of RS Pura and the surrounding areas take pride in projecting the traditional Basmati rice as a geographical indicator crop.”
Ajay Khajuria, director, Agriculture Department, also appreciated the sustained efforts of the RS Pura Rice Growers Association to promote the interests of traditional Basmati rice growers of the state.
Khjaura further said the promotion of organic farming was being done by the department under the Centrally sponsored schemes, namely Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Technology Mission for North East and Himalayan States and the National Vegetable Initiative for Urban Clusters.

Navratra festival begins with religious fervour

Navratra festival begins with religious fervour Archit Watts/TNS

Katra, September 28
A large number of locals and pilgrims were seen dancing to the drum beats during the inauguration of the 16th navratra festival at the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine here today.
The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Pawan Kotwal, along with a number of senior officials, inaugurated the festival. Cultural troupes from Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradhesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir gave impressive performances and the pilgrims were heard chanting “Jai Mata Di” and “Chalo Bulawa Aaya Hai Mata Ne Bulaya Hai”.
“I am not much aware about the navratras, as I belong to to the Telugu community. It is a marvellous scene in the holy town. The performance of artistes, who have come here from different parts of the country, even made me dance,” said Angela Nastilia, who had come to pay obeisance at the cave shrine from Mauritius. Accompanied by her parents and a friend, Angela said, “We went up to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, but due to a huge rush of pilgrims we could not pay obeisance there. Still, we feel we are lucky, as we have come here during the navratras.”
She appreciated the arrangements made by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) en route the 13-km track to the shrine. Besides Angela, several other pilgrims expressed similar views to The Tribune. “The arrangements made by the administration are beyond our expectations. We have never enjoyed this much before,” said Rajiv Sharma, a resident of Delhi. He added, “Earlier, we have planned a three-day trip, but now we will stay here for a longer period.”
Sharma said not only the administration, but also hotel and restaurant owners were giving discounts to customers on the occasion. “We got two rooms in Hotel Continental at 20 per cent special discount,” he added.
Meanwhile, nine girls dressed as Goddess led a procession, while the Divisional Commissioner, Additional CEO of the SMVDSB MK Bhandari, officials of the Tourism Department, representatives of the Cultural Association, Katra, followed them.
The Dhoom Dhol Party from Madhya Pradesh, the Natti Troupe from Himachal Pradesh, the Om Parkash Dhol Party, the Traditional Dance Party of Biswa Nath, the Shridhar tableaux and three children dressed as devils were the key attractions of the procession. 
Girls dressed as Goddess lead a procession on the first day of the navratra festival in Katra on Wednesday. Tribune photo: Anand Sharma

Rural economy: Govt promoting pisciculture, beekeeping

Rural economyGovt promoting pisciculture, beekeeping Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 20
To provide additional employment to the rural population, the government has framed some policies under which a large number of people would be covered.
Minister of State for Rural Development Aijaz Ahmed Khan recently chaired a high-level meeting in which he directed the officials concerned to visit villages and make the people aware of the schemes launched by the government so that a maximum number of people could be benefitted.
The government has decided to engage a large number of people in pisciculture and beekeeping. For this purpose, it has recently announced huge subsidies under these projects.
Terming that there was a huge potential in fish farming, Aijaz said, “I have directed the field officers to make frequent visits in their respective areas and chalk out strategies to improve the condition of fish farms which are in a bad shape so that more people could be engaged and revenue could also be increased”.
He said the officials concerned had also been directed to take up the issue of illegal extraction of stones and sand from water bodies to save these from environmental hazards. “Instructions have been issued to the officials to purchase livestock and engage labourers to enhance the productivity,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department conducted awareness camps in a number of villages to make the farmers aware of various programmes and schemes in apiculture.
A senior official said the government had started various schemes for the promotion of apiculture to encourage the farmers to adopt it.
He impressed upon the farmers to adopt beekeeping as an additional vocation as agricultural land had been shrinking day by day which was a matter of great concern. “Fifty per cent subsidy is being provided to beekeepers for establishing a bee colony under the district plan,” he added.

Less rainfall recorded this monsoon

Less rainfall recorded this monsoon Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 12
Though the monsoon has wreaked havoc in the Jammu region, yet the total rainfall recorded till today has been less than the last year.
A perusal of records procured from the Agronomy Department of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) revealed that the rainfall during the current monsoon (from June 1- September 12) was 10.68 per cent, which was less than the rainfall last year.
The total rainfall this year was 869.6 mm, as compared to 929.5 mm last year.
A scientist at the SKUAST said the average rainfall per day was 8.36 mm this year as compared to 8.94 mm last year.
He added that the arrival of the monsoon was good, but in July, it became weak and the trend continued in August.
“This year in June, the region witnessed 68.4 mm more rainfall as compared to the last year,” said the scientist, adding, that the monsoon proved weak in August also, as the total rainfall was 41.6 mm.
He added that the situation had slightly improved in September. About 22.8 mm rainfall was recorded this month, which was double of what was recorded last year.
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the region could witness light showers in the next 24 to 48 hours.
“We can’t say whether the monsoon will be strong or weak this year, as we are able to forecast the weather for the next 24 to 48 hours only. As of now, the sky is partly cloudy and there is a possibility of light rain,” said Sonam Lotus, in-charge of the IMD, Jammu and Kashmir. Criminologists Society

19 killed, 15 hurt as minibus falls into gorge in Ramban

19 killed, 15 hurt as minibus falls into gorge in RambanArchit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 13
At least 19 persons were killed and 15 others injured when an overloaded minibus skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge at Digdol in Ramban district this afternoon.
The minibus (JK-14-B-0180) was going from Ramban to Banihal when it fell into the gorge, about 170 km from here, on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the police said. Rescue parties, consisting of police personnel and doctors,which were sent to the scene of the accident, took the injured and the dead out of the gorge.
Kifayat Hyder, SSP, National Highways, told The Tribune over the phone that Army choppers were also pressed into service to airlift the injured to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Jammu, and the Government Hospital, Udhapmur. “I went to the scene of the accident and saw the marks of the tyres of the minibus before it skidded. It seems the driver applied the brakes, but lost control over the vehicle which fell into the gorge,” said Hyder, adding that no passenger was in a condition to give a statement.
“The driver, Farid Ahmed (35), a resident of Neel village in Banihal, was also seriously injured and was not in a position to say anything about the mishap,” Hyder said.
He said four passersby were also critically injured as they were crushed under the falling vehicle. “All the injured have been admitted to various hospitals across the region and their condition is said to be critical,” he said.
The SSP said the vehicle was overloaded and there was no parapet on the road.
Asked about the failure of the police to check the overloading of passenger vehicles and whether the department had written to the authorities concerned to install parapets, the SSP said, “We are trying our best to keep a check on overloading, but still the illegal practice is going on. Almost 65 per cent work of the installation of parapets on the national highway has been completed, but the stretch, where the accident occurred, is still without a parapet as rain and landslides occur there almost everyday.”
Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Abdul Gani Malik, along with a number of senior officials, visited the scene. He announced Rs 1 lakh as compensation each to next of kin of the deceased and Rs 10,000 to the injured from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund
Pawan Kotwal, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, said over the phone, “Earlier, there were 17 casualties, but two more persons died at the GMCH. He also announced Rs 25,000 each each to next of kin of the deceased and Rs 10,000 each to the injured.
Meanwhile, Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have expressed grief over the loss of precious human lives in the accident.
In a message, the Governor expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and prayed for the early recovery of those injured in the accident.

The overloaded minibus was going from Ramban to Banihal when it met with the accident Army choppers were also pressed into service to airlift the injured to hospitals Four passersby were also critically injured as they were crushed under the falling vehicle Higher Education Minister Abdul Gani Malik announced Rs 1 lakh as compensation each to next of kin of the deceased and Rs 10,000 to the injured

Unscheduled power cuts in Jammu irk residents

Unscheduled power cuts in Jammu irk residents Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 18
Though the Power Development Department (PDD) authorities have repeatedly made claims about regular power supply, unscheduled cuts continue in the city.
For the past six months, the people have been holding demonstrations in support of their demand for an improvement in the supply. However, no action has been taken so far in this regard.
Though the Minister of State for Power, Shabir Ahmed Khan, had claimed before the beginning of the summer that that there would be no unscheduled power cuts during the season, there was no improvement in the situation.
Sumit Kaul, a resident of Roop Nagar, said: “Hardly, a day passes without unscheduled power cuts. If the authorities are unable to provide regular supply, they should at least inform the public in advance about the proposed cuts. Though we have lodged a number of protests, there is hardly any change in the situation.”
Another resident, Vikram Kumar, said: “If the situation is not going to improve, what is the use of paying huge electricity bills?”
Amit Kumar, a resident of Gandhi Nagar, said: “The situation started deteriorating in April and since then, unscheduled power cuts and low voltage have been creating problems”.
He added: “It seems there is no improvement in the power scenario and the authorities, including ministers,are just making statements. They should visit the areas to know the ground reality and the functioning of the electricity department.”
An official of the PDD said a snag in the supply had led to the power cut today. “We had informed the public in advance about the maintenance work at some places,” he said. However, he failed to give a reply about the unscheduled cuts during the past six months.
Repeated attempts to contact the Chief Engineer, PDD, Shahnaz Goni failed. 

Repair work on old Tawi bridge begins

Repair work on old Tawi bridge begins Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 19
The repair work on the old Tawi bridge at Bikram Chowk on the BC road, which connects the new city with the old, started today.
Claiming that the recent rain had badly damaged the RCC slab of the bridge, AN Kundal, XEN, Roads and Buildings Department, said the repair work was necessary for the safety of the bridge, which was built in 1980s.
“Any further damage to the upper slab of the bridge could damage the main slabs. Hence, it was necessary to repair it immediately,” said Kundal, adding, “It will take nearly 45 days to complete the repair work and our priority is to finish it before the Darbar move.”
He said the work would cost Rs 50 lakh.Asked whether the department was making any alternative arrangements for commuters, Kundal said, “ The people will face problems while commuting during the next few days, but we have made diversions at some places with the help of the Traffic police, which will be helpful to some extent.”
He added, “So far, just one tube of the bridge has been closed and the other one connecting Bikram Chowk to Dogra Chowk has been kept open. Once the repair work on this tube is finished, the other one will be taken up for repair.”
“We have to first dismantle the old RCC slab and then make a fresh slab. Thereafter, the re-carpeting of the road will be done so that the entire process can be completed before 45 days,” Kundal maintained. SK Suri, a private contractor, who has been assigned the work of dismantling the old RCC slab, said, “The department has taken the right decision to repair the bridge, as more rain can damage its main slab. If the main slab is damaged, the bridge will have to be dismantled.”
“The bridge has completed about 30 years and it is necessary to carry out the repairs to enhance its life,” added Suri.
Meanwhile, long queues of vehicles were witnessed on the BC road, as most of the commuters were not aware about the closure of the bridge. Throughout the day, the commuters were caught in jams. Only two or three policemen were present at the bridge to manage the traffic.
Rakesh Kumar, an advocate, who was going from Gandhi Nagar to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court at Janipur, said, “Earlier, it took nearly 15 minutes to reach the court, but now it will take about 30-40 minutes due to the repair work on the bridge. The authorities concerned should have informed the people in advance to avoid inconvenience to them.”

Workers carry out repairs on the old Tawi bridge in Jammu on Monday. Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh 

Woman ‘discharged’ soon after delivery

Woman ‘discharged’ soon after delivery Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 20
Tension prevailed at the Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, here this morning when a woman, who had given birth to a baby girl early today, was allegedly refused a bed by the hospital authorities.
Relatives and neighbours of Savitri, a resident of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh and living in Simbal village, held a protest and raised slogans against the hospital authorities.
They claimed that Savitri was “forcibly” discharged around 6 am today, nearly three hours after the delivery.
Manjeet Kaur, Savitri’s neighbour, said, they had come to the hospital last night. “Though Savitri,who was admitted to the hospital gave birth to a child, she was directed to vacate the bed in the labour room a few hours later,” she alleged.
Manjeet said, “Is it human to ask a woman, who has given birth to a child a few hours ago, to sit on the floor outside the labour room? The doctors also refused to conduct tests on the newborn and asked the woman to go to the SMGS Hospital in case of any complication.”
Savitri also alleged, “I was not in a position to go anywhere and sat outside the labour room with the baby.”
“I don’t demand anything from the hospital authorities. I want them to save my baby, as she is just a few hours old. Such a treatment can claim the baby’s life. The doctors should at least behave properly with the patients,” added Savitri.
However, the doctors said the baby was normal and hence the mother was discharged. Dr Ramesh Birpuri, Medical Officer of the hospital, said, “The baby was normal and there was nothing to worry about. The patient and her neighbours are not telling the truth. Some people are unnecessarily trying to make an issue. The doctors on duty did not refuse to give her a bed.”
“Still, if the patient wants, she will be admitted to the hospital. We have enough beds,” added Dr Birpuri.
Relatives and neighbours of Savitri talk to the authorities at the Gandhi Nagar Government Hospital in Jammu on Tuesday. Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh

Preparations in full swing for Navratra festival

Preparations in full swing for Navratra festival Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Katra, September 21
Massive preparations are on to give a warm welcome to the pilgrims coming to the Mata Vaishno Devi holy cave shrine during the nine-day-long Navratra festival, starting from September 28.
To celebrate the festival, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), in association with the Tourism Department, has started preparations to organise a number of cultural and religious events. Besides, there will be decoration and illumination of the town, the Bhimgarh Fort in Reasi, the historic Raghunath Temple and the Bahu Fort in Jammu.
So far, the number of pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine this year has crossed the 7,14,977 lakh mark. With the nine-day-long Navratra festival, the number of pilgrims is set to increase and break the previous records. The administration is also making efforts to attract a large number of pilgrims.
For this purpose, various cultural shows, religious processions, a freestyle wrestling competition with special participation of wrestlers from England and Canada, a devotional song competition and the recitation of Bhagwat Katha would take place at different venues as part of the festival.
“Thousands of pilgrims visit the holy cave shrine during the nine-day Navratra festival, so various arrangements are being made in this regard. As a special attraction, we are organising a comedy show in which a number of performers will come from other states this year,” said Arvind Kotwal, Deputy Director, Tourism Department.
He added, “We are also organising a devotional song competition and a drama competition for the children.”
Sham Lal Kesar, president of the Hotels and Restaurant Association, Katra, said, “We have decided to give 30 per cent discount to the pilgrims on room tariffs during the Navratras.”
Meanwhile, the security arrangements have also been beefed up for the festival.
“We are conducting meetings with CRPF personnel.Night patrolling has been started,” said KR Chaurasia, SSP, Reasi.
Chaurasia added, “We are always ready to serve the people. If any pilgrim finds any unattended baggage or box, he or she should inform the police. 
Gearing up
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, in association with the Tourism Department, has started preparations to organise a number of cultural and religious events
There will be decoration and illumination in the town, the Bhimgarh Fort in Reasi, the historic Raghunath Temple and the Bahu Fort in Jammu
The number of pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine this year has crossed the 7,14,977 lakh mark and with the nine-day-long Navratra festival, the number is set to increase
Various cultural shows, religious processions, a freestyle wrestling competition with special participation of wrestlers from England and Canada, a devotional song competition and the recitation of Bhagwat Katha will take place at different venues as part of the festival

No proper infrastructure: Patients share beds in SMGS Hospital

No proper infrastructurePatients share beds in SMGS Hospital Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 22
Even though the SMGS Hospital authorities claim to have provided several facilities, patients are being asked to share beds.
This is the only government-run hospital in the region, which has special facilities in the neonatal and gynaecology units.
Against a 550-bed capacity, around 800 patients are admitted to the hospital on an average.
Often, two patients share a bed due to the heavy rush.
A patient said: “Women have to share beds soon after delivery, which increases the chances of infection.”
She added, “Only influential patients get individual beds.The others have no other option, but to share them with other patients.”
Another patient admitted at Ward-7 also said it was difficult to share a bed with another patient.
“One cannot rest properly, as the bed which is meant for one person can’t accommodate two. It creates problems,” she said.
The situation was almost similar in the neonatal unit of the hospital, where attendants were looking after infants on a single bed. “The situation becomes worse at night. While sharing a bed, one can’t even sleep,” said an attendant.
AK Sharma, Superintendent, SMGS Hospital, expressed his helplessness. “We have written to the higher authorities a number of times and they are aware of the situation. But, the number of beds has not been increased.”
“We can only request patients to cooperate with us,” added Dr Sharma.


Patients share beds at the SMGS Hospital in Jammu. Tribune photo: Anand Sharma

Entrance exam board to conduct fresh counselling on Sept 26

Entrance exam board to conduct fresh counselling on Sept 26 Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 24
After a large number of seats were left vacant in MBBS, BDS, BVSc, BSc (Agriculture), BAMS, BUMS and physiotherapy courses at various colleges across the state, the Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE) has asked the candidates to attend the upgradation counselling.
The board has decided to conduct a fresh counselling on September 26 and 27 for all those candidates who had not been allotted any course or had joined a course, but wanted to upgrade.
Prof Gopal Gupta, Controller of Examination BOPEE, said a few seats were lying vacant in some courses and all those, who had attended the first counselling, were eligible to attend this counselling too.
“As per the rules, we can fill the seats till October 31 and after that no new admissions can be considered. So, we are conducting fresh counselling for the benefits of the students. All those who have taken admissions in other courses, due to the non-availability of seats in their most preferred course may now come in for the counselling,” said Prof Gupta.
He added, “Medical courses has always remained the first preference of the students, but when some students take admission in other courses or leave their seats due to some reason, a few seats become vacant. So, now there is an opportunity for the candidates to get admission in medical courses too.”
Giving further details, Gupta said the interested candidates should register themselves before 9 am at the BOPEE office, Srinagar, so that there was no confusion.
“The counselling will be purely done on the merit basis,” he said, adding, “that the interested candidates can also get the information on the board’s official website.”

Red Cross Mela begins October 29

Red Cross Mela begins October 29 Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 25
Keeping in view the busy schedule of students during February, the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) has decided to organise the annual Red Cross Mela on October 29-30 at the Kala Kendra here.
Anil Padha, honourary secretary, IRCS, Jammu zone, said, “The annual fair was not organised last year, but this year it was the biggest challenge for us to organise the event. So, we decided to organise it in October, which otherwise takes place in February. The student community is not much busy with studies in October and weather also remains pleasant during this period.”
Padha further said the purpose behind organising the mela was to raise funds for the suffering humanity. “In the mela, our volunteers not only spread awareness about the Red Cross among the people, but also make new volunteers,” added Padha.
Giving further details about the event, Padha said the event was very popular among the people from all walks of life, so the IRCS was organising a number of cultural events, games, dance competitions, magic show and general knowledge quiz.
“Various cultural troupes, representatives of NGOs, educational institutions, students participate in the mela with great enthusiasm. Some government departments also set up their stalls to display their products in the mela, which also proves helpful to attract the people,” said Padha.
He added, “This year we will not organise a raffle draw in the mela. It will be a separate event, which will take place in February.”
Padha said the preparations were on and in a week’s time, banners would be displayed on all rotaries of the city to get a huge participation.
“We have approached all the departments concerned to take their permission to conduct the mela,” said Padha.
He added, “As the Governor is the president of the IRCS, he will be the chief guest on the occasion. It was also a direction of Governor NN Vohra to organise the mela at a time, when students are not much busy with their studies.” 

TRIBUNE SPECIAL: World Tourism Day Today: J&K set to witness record tourist arrivals this year

TRIBUNE SPECIALState set to witness record tourist arrivals this year Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 26
The militancy-plagued Jammu and Kashmir is all set to create a new record of tourist arrivals this year. According to official figures, the number of tourists who have visited the state till September 15 this year has surpassed the tourist arrivals during the corresponding period last year.
Tourism Department officials attributed this to the prevailing peace in the state and innovative steps taken by the state government, which, they said, had benefited the tourism industry, the second major source of income of the state after horticulture.
Tour and travel operators said hotels and guest houses were receiving a large number of domestic as well as foreign tourists.

“The Amarnath land row in 2008; the Shopian double murder case in 2009 and the unrest in the Valley and Leh cloudburst in 2010 had affected the tourism sector. However, the return of normalcy and effective steps by the state government have paid positive dividends this year. If the situation continues to be similar, the day is not far when our state will get the maximum number of tourists,” said Bashir Ahmad, a local tour operator.
The Ladakh region, which was devastated by flash floods last year, has so far witnessed an all-time high number of tourists. Till mid-September, the region has witnessed 1,48,558 tourists, which is almost double that of last year’s arrivals.
Similarly, 10,71,486 tourists, including 21,970 foreigners, have visited the Kashmir valley this year till September 15. In 2010, a total of 7,36,488 tourists had visited the valley.
The annual Amarnath yatra also saw an all-time high number of devotees this year. As many as 6.25 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine. Last year, the number was 4.58 lakh.
The Vaishno Devi shrine is expected to create a new record as far as the pilgrim arrivals are concerned. As many as 72,64,637 pilgrims have visited the shrine till mid-September. The number was 61.55 lakh during the corresponding period last year.
Robin Mehta, Director, Tourism, Jammu region, said, “The policies framed by the state government and the keen interest taken by Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora have yielded good results. We are trying to attract more tourists and a number of promotional activities have been arranged across the state. Besides, appeals have been made to other countries to lift their adverse tourism advisories.”
Farooq Ahmad Shah, Director, Tourism, Kashmir, said, “Although we have crossed the figure of tourist arrivals till mid-September last year, yet a lot of work remains to attract more tourists.”
He said over 90 lakh tourists had so far arrived in the state and the record of last year would be “easily achieved by mid-October”.
Nissar Hussain, Assistant Director, Tourism, Ladakh, said, “Though Ladakh witnessed its “worst-ever situation” last year due to the cloudburst, yet the figures of tourist arrivals till date are encouraging and indicate that tourists are inclined towards the natural beauty of this picturesque region.”

Tourists shop along Srinagar’s Dal Lake. Over 10 lakh tourists have visited Kashmir so far this year. — AFP

Inadequate infrastructure for tourists in Jammu

Inadequate infrastructure for tourists in Jammu Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 11
Though the state and the Central governments are making efforts to attract more tourists to the state,the state lacks the basic infrastructure to promote tourism.

A visit to Jammu-Tawi Railway Station, the bus stand and the Jammu airport showed that all the places did not have adequate infrastructure to facilitate the passengers.
Except for some benches, the railway station which caters to thousands of passengers daily, didn’t have proper sitting arrangements. As a result, the passengers had to sit on the floor while waiting for the trains.
A number of shopkeepers told The Tribune that this was a routine there.
“During Navratras and other festivals, the rush increases manifold, which, in turn, increases the problems of the tourists. The authorities should immediately solve the problem,” said a shopkeeper.
Sumit Sharma, a resident of Haryana, who had come to pay obeisance at the Vaishno Devi shrine said, “I am have been coming here for the past so many years, but nothing has been done in the name of development.The passengers are forced to sit on the floor to wait for their trains.”
However, RN Meena, Divisional Traffic Manager, Jammu, said, “We have adequate sitting arrangements at the railway station, but the passengers prefer to sit on the floor.”
The situation at the bus stand was equally bad.While a large number of passengers were sitting on the floor, others were standing.There was no proper sanitation.
Shopkeepers near the bus stand revealed that during the rain, the place looked like a pond and passengers had to face a lot of problems.
Similarly, the Jammu airport has been awaiting expansion for a long time. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his last visit to the city had assured that the airport would get a facelift shortly.
The passengers coming out of the airport said though the authorities had declared it a high-security zone,they should be allowed to go in with their vehicles so that they could take their luggage easily to the reception.
“This airport is unlike others in the country. One has to come out on the road with the luggage, to get any conveyance,” said Sunny Singh, a resident of Delhi, adding, that the passengers should not be harassed in the name of security.

Problems galore Except for some benches, the railway station which caters to thousands of passengers daily, didn’t have proper sitting arrangements The situation at the bus stand was equally bad.While a large number of passengers were sitting on the floor, others were standing The Jammu airport has been awaiting expansion for a long time. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his last visit to the city had assured that the airport would get a facelift shortly.

Super-speciality hospital to become functional soon

Super-speciality hospital to become functional soon
Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, August 2
Patients coming from far-off areas and remote villages to Jammu will have no more difficulties at the government hospitals here, as the super-speciality hospital is almost ready to become functional.

The 200-bed hospital, which is said to be the brainchild of present Union Health Minister and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, will have six super-speciality streams and provide AIIMS-level facilities to the people of Jammu region.

Minister for Medical Education RS Chib, who recently visited the hospital to take stock of the construction work, said that the super-speciality hospital would be made functional in a short period, as the last moment works of furnishing, fitting and commissioning of medical equipments were going on.

Chib said, “The executing agency has been directed to complete the work at the earliest so that the people could be benefited from this prestigious hospital.”

He also convened a meeting of all senior officers, wherein executing agency and Medical Education Department functionaries briefed him about the preparations being made for early commissioning of the hospital.

Chib also directed the Power Development Department to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

A senior official accompanying the minister said the issue of lawns, multi-level parking and installation of oxygen concentration plant were also discussed during the meet.

Chib said that it was the prime objective of the state government to provide better healthcare facilities to the people.

There are only two main government hospitals in Jammu - Government Medical College and Hospital, and SMGS Hospital - which cater to thousands of patients daily and are overburdened.

Met to install automatic weather stations

Met to install automatic weather stations
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 2
To get accuracy in recording the temperature all across the state, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has started installing Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) at all district headquarters here.

The AWS will record the maximum and minimum temperature and save human labour.

Talking to The Tribune, Mahender Singh Chatha, technical officer and in charge, weather measurement, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), said, “We have been installing the AWS in the campus, as the IMD has directed us to install it at the earliest so that there would be accuracy in the temperature recording.”

He added that the maximum work was done and the AWS would start functioning in a short time.

Meanwhile, the AWS have started functioning in some districts like Doda and Kishtwar.

Sonam Lotus, in charge, J&K unit of IMD, said, “The project is in its final stage and all the weather stations will become functional soon.”

“The basic purpose of installing the AWS is to get the accuracy in measurement of temperature. Earlier, the department was facing some problems while recording the temperature, but with the use of these machines, all the hurdles will be solved,” Lotus added.

He further said that all the AWS would operate through solar panels and batteries, so there was hardly any chance of inaccuracy.

Mosquito terror in Jammu

Mosquito terror in Jammu
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 2
In this humid weather when irregular power supply has been giving a tough time to the locals, a sudden increase in the number of mosquitoes due to poor sanitation has added to their worries.

The monsoon season is on and the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), which is responsible for carrying out mosquito-killing operation in the city, has so far failed in performing its basic duty of spraying the anti-mosquito repellent in the city.

As a result, a large number of people have been visiting various hospitals these days to know about the precautions against dengue and cholera.

The residents are blaming the JMC authorities for the poor sanitary conditions. “Go to any part of the city and you will only find heaps of filth and garbage, which have become the breeding grounds for mosquitoes. But the authorities seem not to be in a mood to spray the anti-mosquito repellent to save the people from the outbreak of any disease,” said Rashmi Thakur, a local resident.

She added that the situation was worst in the Old City where the people had already requested the authorities to save them from the outbreak of dengue and cholera, but their requests fell on deaf ears.

Shallu Rani, another resident, said: “Unscheduled power cuts and mosquitoes are giving sleepless nights to everyone. The officials concerned are sleeping in palatial houses so they don’t have any problem, but the common people, especially infants, are facing the worst-ever situation”.

Meanwhile, the demand of mosquito repellents like coils and fluids has increased in the market.

Doctors also suggested that the residents living in the low-lying areas, where the rainwater gets accumulated, should use some anti-mosquito cream to save themselves from mosquitoes and use sheet while sleeping.

The authorities of Government Medical College and Hospital said the situation was so far under control and not even a single case of dengue was detected till date. However, they advised the people to use precautions.

Illegal supply of medicines: Drug controller warns chemists

Illegal supply of medicines
Drug controller warns chemists
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 2
The Drugs and Food Control Organisation has warned the chemists and druggists in the state to stop the illegal practices as the organisation is all set to launch a massive drive against the defaulters.

Giving the information, after the recent confiscation of a consignment worth Rs 3.5 lakh at Lakhanpur, which was being imported to the state without purchase bills, Lotika Khajuria, deputy controller, Drugs and Food Control Organisation Jammu, said, “The organisation has directed all its officials to remain vigilant throughout the day and launch a massive drive against these law violators.”

Khajuria said that acting on a tip-off, the organisation recently confiscated a consignment worth Rs 3.5 lakh under the provision of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The consignment comprised of four cartons containing Ximeceff-200 and Lupicef CL200 of various batches manufactured by Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited, SIDCUL, Haridwar. It was being imported to the state without purchasing bills, which is an illegal act, Khajuria added.

The raid was conducted by Sanjeev Gupta, Drug Inspector, Kathua, who intercepted a truck at the toll post in Lakhanpur, which was carrying certain medicines bound for Srinagar to be delivered to Sane Enterprises, Masooma, Srinagar.

Gupta said that it was detected that the medicines were being imported into the state without purchase bills and during the investigations, involvement of all offenders was established.

It has been learnt from the past incidents that the smuggling of drugs, medicines and various other products from Punjab to J&K has become rampant and the officials of the Excise and Taxation Department proved a failure in curbing it.

Monkeys in state different from those outside

Monkeys in state different from those outside
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 12
Monkeys in the state look different from simians in the rest of the country, as they have stopped using their cheek pouches. The simians found outside the state have chubby cheeks, but in Jammu and Kashmir, they have slim cheeks.

“A cheek pouch is inside the mouth of every monkey for storing food. This is a survival technique. But the monkeys here have stopped using this pouch, which has made them look slimmer,” said Upinder Pachnanda, Chief Forest Conservator (Wildlife) of Jammu division.

Confirming the change in the face of simians found here, Pachnanda said they had recently conducted a survey in this regard, wherein they had found that monkeys had stopped using their cheek pouches, which was a unique characteristic of the animal.

“A majority of people coming to the state feed monkeys on roadsides, which has changed the habit of monkeys. Now, monkeys don’t store food in their cheek pouch, because whenever they need food, they come on the road and get it easily,” maintained Pachnanda, adding that this illegal act being committed by humans was changing the food habit of the wild animal.

He added that though the department was trying its best to keep a check on the illegal practice of feeding monkeys, the problem was persisting.

About the department’s failure in controlling it, he cited the shortage of manpower and lack of funds as the main reasons. “We have appealed to the public not to feed these animals, by installing a number of boards on the roadsides, but the practice is going unabated. We have the power to penalise violators, but the lack of staff is proving a major hurdle,” Pachnanda added.

The department was keen to solve the problem, but it would take a long time, he said.

Quackery thrives in Jammu

Quackery thrives in Jammu
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 16
Due to the lackadaisical attitude of the state government and nominal punishment for unregistered medical practitioners, the number of quacks is increasing in the winter capital with each passing day.

Presently, a number of quacks are practising in the city and that too on the busy roads, yet hardly any action has been taken against them. These quacks promise to cure all kinds of diseases with an assurance that their “miracle” herbs would cure the ailment, a commitment which most of the times remains unfulfilled.

A large number of quacks can be found in various localities of the city. They not only befool naïve and gullible people but also violate the law.

Though the administration has launched a drive several times to check the growing menace, it dies with the passage of time, resulting in the mushrooming of the illegal practice.

The law refrains them (quacks) from doing so, but it seems that the shortage of staff has been proving a major hurdle before the authorities.

Doctors are also in the favour of stopping this illegal practice, which increases the risk of the disease. “Various organisations have approached the authorities asking them to find a solution to this problem, but the menace is growing as no permanent solution could be found as yet,” says a doctor.

He adds that the authorities should immediately take some harsh steps so that innocent patients could be saved from exploitation.

However, officials of the Health Department say they are doing their duty and the noose would be tightened around the quacks in a short period.

Dr TK Moza, deputy director, health services (Jammu), says, “The practice is illegal and the department is keen to curb it. We have already started a campaign against it on the television. In the next step, we will start conducting raids and penalise those found guilty.”

Dr Moza further says the people must also support the department. “Public should be aware of these quacks and if they come across any such person, they should inform us, we will surely take action against violators,” he adds.

Snakebite incidents on the rise

Snakebite incidents on the rise
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 30
With the monsoon in full swing, there is a sharp increase in snakebite incidents in the Jammu region. A number of such cases have been reported at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here. Some patients have even lost their lives. Doctors say most of the cases are being reported from villages. The first sign of snakebite is swelling and redness, which if not taken serious, may lead to heart attack, add doctors.

“After noticing such swelling or redness on any part of the body, the victim should be immediately taken to a nearby hospital so that the treatment could be started as soon as possible,” says a doctor at the GMCH.

He adds, “Any delay either by the victim’s family or by the doctor may lead to the death of the victim. After detecting the snakebite, the patient immediately requires a ventilator because it normally lead to respiratory arrest”.

Referring some recent cases, he says some snakebite incidents could not be easily diagnosed, especially those happened in the night when the victims were sleeping. “These types of cases are tough to handle as the victims need immediate treatment otherwise it can also result into paralysis,” he says.

Vinod Kumar, whose nephew Akhil Kumar was recently bitten by a snake at his house in Smailpur village, said, “We were unaware about what had happened to Akhil. After he got severe stomach pain, we immediately took him to a nearby hospital where the doctors failed to detect the problem. Then he was taken to the GMCH where the doctors told us about it being a case of snakebite”.

“Hardly any sign of snakebite was visible on the body, but the doctors diagnosing him said that the problem in respiratory system and dark redness in eyes were the signs of snakebite. They shifted him to the ICU, gave an anti-snake venom and put him on the ventilator. Only then his life was saved,” adds Vinod.

He says later a snake was also found moving near our house which confirmed that it was a case of snakebite. The GMCH authorities say almost three-fourth of snakebite victims who come to the hospital lose consciousness due to shock. “The victim and his/her family should deal the situation patiently. These types of incidents are very dangerous and tough to handle,” says Dr Sushil Sharma.

RAYS OF HOPE: ‘Sunlight vitamin’ helps check diabetes: Expert

RAYS OF HOPE
‘Sunlight vitamin’ helps check diabetes: Expert
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 9
Sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise and stress have been contributing tremendously to the rise in diseases like diabetes mellitus in Jammu and Kashmir, which has recorded over 15 per cent diabetes prevalence.

“The latest scientific evidence suggests that staying indoors and remaining confined to air-conditioned rooms are aggravating the risk of getting diabetes and deteriorating the level of existing diabetes,” says Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also an author.

Dr Singh says vitamin D, also called sunshine vitamin, is primarily provided by the sunlight and is not only essential for the strength and well-being of bones but also plays a vital role in the metabolism of glucose and maintenance of blood sugar levels in the body.

Dr Singh explains that while in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus, sufficient amount of vitamin D helps in improving insulin sensitivity. Similarly, in type 1 diabetes, it helps by acting as an immunomodulator, he adds.

“Even in pregnancy, the deficiency of vitamin D can lead to increase in the risk of gestational diabetes as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes,” he maintains, adding that the deficiency of vitamin D also increases the risk of diabetic complications on heart, kidneys and other parts of the body.

Informing about the common causes of vitamin D deficiency, he says in modern times, less sun exposure, changing lifestyle and diet, staying mostly indoors, formal dress codes, certain medicines and drugs are the major reasons behind it. To overcome this problem, he recommends the use of vitamin D supplement tablets and sachets wherever required.

Commuters having tough time on Jammu-Srinagar highway

Commuters having tough time on Jammu-Srinagar highway
Archit Watts /TNS

Jammu, July 31
Even as repair work was done on the 312-km-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (1-A) a few months ago, yet the road is full of bumps and potholes, which causes frequent traffic jams and accidents.

Despite being the only road link between Jammu and Srinagar, the road has developed cracks at several places. The road is turning out to be a nightmare for commuters due to the lackadaisical approach of the authorities concerned.

The bumpy stretches start from the outskirts of Jammu and continue till Srinagar. Due to the bad condition of the road, the travel time has also increased.

“To avoid driving on bad stretches and bumps, one has to drive in a wrong lane sometimes, which makes it dangerous,” said Rakesh Kumar, a tourist.

Shopkeepers along the national highway say everyday, heavy vehicles like trucks and buses develop snags due to the poor condition of the road.

“The road is in bad shape and driving any heavy vehicle loaded with goods or passengers is a risky job. The bumps often damage the vehicles, which not only causes losses to the owner, but also results in traffic jams,” said Ganesh, a shopkeeper at Domel.

However, the authorities concerned blame the truckers, saying, “The problem persists due to overloaded heavy vehicles, which ply on the road without even a check. As per norms, a truck cannot ply with more than 40-tonne load, but drivers do not obey the rules.”

On the other hand, truck drivers say the fuel prices continue to increase.So, they have no other option but to overload the vehicles. “ On a journey on the route, a truck consumes diesel worth about Rs 10,000. So, we are forced to overload the vehicle, because no one pays the increased freight charges.”

Akil Ahmad, Deputy General Manager (Jammu and Kashmir), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), while talking to The Tribune over the phone from Delhi, said, “I assure you the repair work will be started soon at some places on the highway.”

He added that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) also carried out the repair work of the national highway at some places.

Bridges on Lakhanpur-Jammu highway in bad shape

Bridges on Lakhanpur-Jammu highway in bad shape
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Lakhanpur/Jammu, August 9
Though the four-laning of the National Highway 1-A from Lakhanpur to Jammu is almost complete, bridges over the highway are in bad shape.

On crossing the Ravi bridge to enter Lakhanpur,one finds a potholed road.All other bridges on the Lakhanpur-Jammu stretch of the national highway are in a poor condition with damaged railings,leading to accidents.

Though the government is aware about the increasing number of accidents on this stretch and a large number of tourists and pilgrims to Mata Vaishno Devi and the Amarnath cave shrine visit the state, neither the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) nor the state Public Works Department (Roads and Buildings) have taken steps to improve the situation.

“The authorities concerned have failed in their duty.The bridges require immediate repair. The railings on most of them are damaged, thus making this stretch of the national highway accident-prone,” said Rajiv Sharma, a resident of Kathua. He added that, “The situation has become miserable for those who travel at night. Accidents are taking place frequently.”

However, MK Jain, in-charge of the NHAI (J&K), said, “The four-laning of this stretch will be completed in two-three months and once alternative bridges are ready, repair work on the old bridges will be started.”

Admitting that some bridges were in bad shape, DL Sharma, Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B), said, “A few bridges on this stretch of the national highway belong to the PWD and there is a need to start repair work on them. We have apprised the minister about the situation. We are hopeful of starting the work shortly.”

Rain, flash flood kill 9 in Jammu region

Rain, flash flood kill 9 in Jammu region
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

(Left) Officials of the PWD clear the Circular road in Jammu on Thursday; and (below) a damaged autorickshaw at Indira Colony in the Janipur area. Tribune photos: Inderjeet Singh; and (right) A damaged bridge on the Bishnah road being repaired on Thursday. Tribune photo: Anand Sharma

Jammu, August 11
Heavy rain accompanied by high-velocity winds and a flash flood claimed nine lives and disrupted life in the Jammu region since last night.

Six passengers were killed when a Jammu-bound bus fell into a seasonal rivulet following a flash flood, near Mahanpur village, 5 km from Billawar tehsil of Kathua district, early today.

In another mishap, the driver of a bus, Manga Ram, was killed and some passengers were injured when the Rajouri-bound vehicle skidded off the road following heavy rain and fell into a gorge near ITI College in Sunderbani this afternoon. All the injured were admitted to the GMCH here.

Meanwhile, two other persons were killed in two incidents of house collapse in the Ban Talab and Panjtirthi areas here. The rain also badly damaged roads and uprooted trees in the city.Besides, landslides on the outskirts of the city blocked both the routes leading to Nagrota via the Manda forest and Panjirthi. The commuters had to take the Narwal route to reach Nagrota.

Though officials of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and the PWD swung into action to clear the roads of water and debris, vehicles remained stuck in the sludge till the evening.

The power supply also remained suspended for a few hours, as a number of electricity poles were uprooted.

The situation was grim on the Circular road, where a number of vehicles were stuck in the sludge. Residents of Indira Colony in the Janipur area were among the worst-hit, as the rainwater washed away the road and entered houses.

An outer wall of the Civil Secretariat complex was also damaged due to the rain, thus blocking the flyover for a few hours. Rainwater also entered Greater Kailash police station.The rain also damaged bridges over seasonal rivulets and washed away animals in the nearby villages.

Meanwhile, Krishna Nagar residents blocked the road near GGM Science College and demanded a proper drainage system in the city. Locals said losses due to the rain to such an extent were earlier caused in 1996.

Kavinder Gupta, a former Mayor of the JMC, visited the flooded areas and said, “We are trying our best to clear the roads and remove the debris. Heavy machines have been pressed into service, but it will take some more time, as the rain has caused huge losses.” Later, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Sanjeev Verma visited the affected areas.

Weather fury Six passengers were killed when a Jammu-bound bus fell into a seasonal rivulet following a flash flood A bus driver was killed and some passengers were injured when the Rajouri-bound vehicle skidded off the road following heavy rain and fell into a gorge near ITI College in Sunderbani Two persons were killed in two incidents of house collapse in the Ban Talab and Panjtirthi areas

Flash floods kill 3 more in region

Flash floods kill 3 more in region
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 12
Three more persons, including a five-year-old boy of Billawar tehsil in Kathua district, were washed away in flash floods in the Jammu region today.

A man was washed away in the Tawi near the main bridge around 2.45 pm. The police launched a rescue operation, but was unable to recover the body till reports last came in.

Yoginder Kumar, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, drowned in a canal in Trikuta Nagar here.In another incident,the body of five-year-old Sunil Singh of Dhar Dugnoo village, who was trapped in a seasonal rivulet in Billawar tehsil yesterday, was recovered today.

A senior police officer said 50 persons, living in shanties in the Sidhra area here, were rescued from a flash flood. Five others were rescued from Utter Vehini near Vijaypur in Samba district. The flash flood also blocked traffic on link roads in the hill areas, which included Bani-Basohli and Billawar-Katli. Traffic on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway was also affected for sometime.

Meanwhile, a number of houses collapsed and rainwater flooded many low-lying localities here, which hampered the restoration work. The power supply to some areas was also affected.

“Though the officials have been sent to restore the power supply, yet the continuous rain has delayed the restoration work. A number of transformers have been damaged and the assessment of the loss will take some time, as reports from the remote areas are yet to come,” said Shahnaz Goni, Chief Engineer, PDD, and added, “The Circular road and Gummat road were among the worst affected areas, while Vijaypur and Ramnagar cities also suffered a huge loss.”

Officials of the PWD restored traffic on both the routes, leading to Nagrota via Panjtirthi and the Manda forest, after clearing the debris and removing the vehicles stuck in the sludge.

A large number of people, who suffered losses due to the flash flood and rain, met senior officials of the administration and apprised them of the losses.

The water level in the Chenab at Akhnoor also increased and reached up to 26 ft, almost three feet above the normal. A few flights also got delayed.

Sonam Lotus, in-charge, Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Indian Meteorological Department said, “More showers are expected in the coming few hours as the monsoon is in full swing now.”

“The people living in the low-lying areas should remain alert,” Sonam added.

Power Dept to conduct night raids to check pilferage

Power Dept to conduct night raids to check pilferage
Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, August 13
To keep a check on the power theft across the state, the Power Development Department (PDD) has decided to conduct raids at night and take pictures of violations to maintain a record.

Following the directions of the state and the Central government, the PDD has now decided to take this step, as the losses incurred by the state government due to the power theft had been increasing with each passing year.

“After the successful trial of two days, we have now decided to conduct raids at night, so that defaulters could be penalised. All the executive engineers have been directed to conduct raids in their respective areas during night and take pictures of the violations,” Shahnaz Goni, chief engineer, PDD told The Tribune. She added that the people made some hue and cry during the trial period. “We have decided to take pictures and also take the help of the police. If anyone tries to make a hue and cry, the police will take action accordingly.”

Giving details about the night raids, Goni said the raids would start in a short period and the department was expecting to collect a huge amount as penalty from defaulters. She said, “All the areas would be raided and not even a single establishment would be spared.” The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had suggested to the state government to strictly deal with violators, so that the losses could be minimised.

Ironically, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah holds the power portfolio, yet the state is reeling under huge power cuts.

Violations Galore With losses due to power thefts piling up, the state government has decided to go tough on violators. Power officials will also take pictures during raids for evidence. The defaulters would be penalised

Tawi turning into dumping ground

Tawi turning into dumping ground

Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 17
Despite a ban imposed by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court on the discharge of sewage into the Tawi, the Pollution Control Board has failed to protect the river from turning into a dumping ground.

The Tawi, popularly known as ‘Surya Putri’, which flows through the winter capital, is dying, as sewage from more than 20 direct and indirect channels continues to flow into it. But the state government has failed to take any concrete steps to save the river.

Though the river water is also used for drinking purpose, biomedical waste is being dumped into it in violation of the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules.

The landscaping of the banks of the river by constructing walkways and an artificial lake were proposed earlier,but nothing had been done in this regard and polythene bags still choked it.

Ironically, the silence maintained by the Pollution Control Board was leading to an increase in pollution.

Expressing his helplessness, Lal Chand, Chairman of the board, said the people alone were responsible for the present condition of the Tawi.

He said, “Yes, the pollution level in the river has been increasing. The public is responsible for it. The board has tried its best but the people are not ready to listen to us.”

“Usually, it has been observed that the people, who make a hue and cry about the condition of the Tawi, first offer prayers at its banks and then throw waste material into it. What can we do in such a situation?” added Lal Chand. He said the cooperation of the people was a must for finding a permanent solution to the problem.

DYING LIFELINE Sewage from more than 20 channels continues to flow into the Tawi Though the river water is also used for drinking purpose, biomedical waste is being dumped into it The cooperation of the people is a must for finding a permanent solution to the problem.

Cannabis along highway attracts drug addicts

Cannabis along highway attracts drug addicts
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Cannabis bushes along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Nagrota. Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh

Nagrota, August 18
The unchecked growth of cannabis along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH 1-A) is attracting drug addicts in hordes. The cannabis on large tracts at several places along the 312-km highway, which is the only surface link to the Kashmir valley and witnesses a large number of travellers, including foreigners, has turned it into a favourite spot for drug addicts.

Though the locals say the cannabis is being grown on vast areas due to the recent rain, they allege that the authorities concerned have failed to destroy it.

“Though cannabis has grown up to between 5 feet and 6 feet, which takes at least a month, none of the officials concerned has cared to get it destroyed. If the cannabis is not destroyed in the next few days, the drug mafia active in the region will succeed in smuggling it to the other parts of the country,” said Deepak Kumar, a local shopkeeper.

A senior police officer said, “Cannabis leaves are mostly plucked during the season because the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in hemp is higher these days and it fetches a better price in the market.”

Earlier, the Himachal Pradesh government was facing the problem, as the illegal cultivation of cannabis had brought a bad name to some areas like Kullu and Manali where foreign tourists used it as an intoxicant.

SC Sharma, Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu division, said, “The land along the national highway does not come under our jurisdiction.Hence, I can’t comment on the issue.”

BL Naik, Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), said, “I am out of the state and not aware about the issue.”

Damaged Jammu-Srinagar Highway yet to be repaired

Damaged Jammu-Srinagar Highway yet to be repaired
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 19
Landslides triggered by the recent heavy rain across the Jammu region have caused an extensive damage to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is yet to start the repair work. The highway is not even visible at some places, posing a threat to drivers,especially those plying heavy vehicles.

Though the authorities claim that the highway is open to traffic, there is still debris on many stretches,giving commuters a tough time.

“I have to go to Srinagar, but the highway is in bad shape.Debris is still there, which can cause a major mishap,” said Mohit Kumar, a commuter.

He added: “ Officials of the NHAI should immediately start repair work so that the eight-hour journey can be easy for travellers.”

At Nandini also, water was seeping from tunnels and officials of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were trying to carry out repairs.

On another stretch,the road was sinking.Vehicles moved at a snail’s pace as only one-way traffic was allowed.

People coming from Srinagar said the situation was the same on the other side of the 312-km- long highway, as a number of trees, uprooted during the heavy rain, were lying on the roadside.

“Trees are still lying on roads and at some places,the commuters have cleared them. Senior officials should travel on the road to get first-hand information about the damage,” said Jagmohan Singh, a truck driver.

MK Jain, in-charge, NHAI ( J&K), said : “The highway is open to traffic. But, the heavy rain has caused damage to the road, which we are trying to repair.”

waiting for repair

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is yet to start the repair work.

The highway is not even visible at some places, posing a threat to drivers,especially those plying heavy vehicles.

There is still debris on many stretches,giving commuters a tough time.

People coming from Srinagar said the situation was the same on the other side of the 312-km- long highway, as a number of trees, uprooted during the heavy rain, were lying on the roadside.

New-born’s death due to ‘negligence’ of docs alleged

New-born’s death due to ‘negligence’ of docs alleged
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 20
Grief-stricken Bashir Ahmed, a labourer from the Gool area in Ramban district, alleged today that his new-born baby boy died due to the negligence of doctors at the Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospital (SMGSH) here.

Zoya Begum, mother of the deceased baby, at the Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospital in Jammu on Saturday. Tribune photo: Anand Sharma

Bashir’s wife, Zoya Begum, 40, had given birth to the baby prematurely yesterday. Bashir claimed that the hospital authorities had ‘declared’ the baby dead last evening. The grieving family members took it to a graveyard in the Gujjar Nagar area for burial but were surprised to see that it was breathing.

They immediately took the baby to the SMGSH where it was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU). However, it died around 8 am today.

The aggrieved family alleged that the hospital authorities had ‘declared’ the baby dead yesterday while it died at the hospital today. However, the hospital authorities claimed that they had not declared the baby dead. “The baby was born premature on Friday morning and was too weak to survive. It weighed just 1 kg. We told the concerned family to shift it to the Neonatal ICU, but it thought the baby had died and took it away for burial without even performing any formality,” said Dr Dara Singh, Deputy Medical Superintendent of the hospital.

Terming it a result of the lack of proper communication, Dr Dara Singh added that, “Though the family has not lodged any complaint so far, we have ordered an internal inquiry into the incident.” He claimed that due to the staff shortage in the hospital no attendant accompanied the baby to the ICU.

However, Bashir, while attending to his wife, who is recuperating at the emergency block of the SMGSH, rued that had the hospital authorities acted immediately, the baby could have been saved.

“Before operating upon my wife, the doctors told us that the baby had died inside the womb and it was necessary to take it out. Otherwise, it could pose a threat to the mother’s life. But the baby was not stillborn,” said Bashir. He added that, “The baby died due to the negligence on the part of the doctors.”

Meanwhile, the hospital authorities said a pediatrician would now be deployed in the labour room permanently.

Electronic traffic signals in Jammu, Srinagar still a dream

Electronic traffic signals in Jammu, Srinagar still a dream
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 21
Due to the indifferent approach of the authorities concerned, the fate of the much-publicised project to install electronic traffic signals in Jammu and Srinagar is uncertain.

For the past more than a year, the traffic police and the municipal corporations of the two capital cities have been claiming that the project is in its final stage. Even Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had given nod for installing traffic lights, yet the work has not been started.

The IGP (Traffic), HK Lohia, had suggested to the government to install electronic traffic signals at various points in the two cities to control traffic congestion.

A senior traffic police official told The Tribune that they had prepared a report and had submitted it to the department concerned last year. He added that they were given an assurance that the signals would be installed shortly. “We conducted a number of surveys of the two cities and the accident-prone areas were shown to the authorities concerned, yet nothing had been done so far,” said the official.

Giving further details, he said earlier the non-availability of funds created hurdles in the installation of the signals, but it was decided to float tenders to invite companies, which could install them free of cost, in lieu of a right to advertise on the poles.

Later, Transport Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon decided that the government would install the signals on the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) basis to regulate the traffic movement in the cities.

A total of 123 crossing points have been identified for the installation of signals, of which 68 are in Srinagar and 55 in Jammu.

The Housing and Urban Development Department says it has directed the municipal corporations of both cities to invite tenders and start work on the project at the earliest.

The Assistant Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Charan Deep Singh, who has been looking after the project, said, “We have received tenders from a number of companies, but have not scrutinised them as yet.”

“We are keen to install traffic signals, but it will take some more time to complete the formalities,” he added.

Another spell of heavy rain forecast in Jammu region

Another spell of heavy rain forecast in Jammu region
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 22
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forewarned the state government about another spell of heavy rain in the next 24 hours similar to the downpour last week that caused heavy losses due to flash floods. Heavy rain claimed 15 lives and damaged property worth Rs 20 to 25 crore across the region last week.

Talking to The Tribune over the phone, Sonam Lotus, in-charge of the IMD, said, “The monsoon is reviving and another spell of heavy rain may start in the next 24 to 48 hours.”

He said they had informed the authorities concerned to take preventive measures so that the losses due to flash floods could be minimised. He added that, “As per the fresh data, heavy rain will lash almost all parts of the region and will continue for a longer period.”

Being a hill state, the weather forecast is more important here and the administration always follow the IMD’s suggestions. Even the vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway depends upon the weather forecast.

Meanwhile, the administration has started taking preventive measures to save the low-lying areas from floods. Last time, heavy rain triggered landslides and damaged roads, bridges and uprooted a number of trees. A number of houses also collapsed.

Pawan Kotwal, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, said, “We have told the officials concerned to get ready to tackle any untoward situation due to rain. The restoration work for the roads and the bridges damaged last week is also in full swing.”