SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir meteorological department on Friday issued a clarification saying that the yellow snowfall in north Kashmir yesterday was due to dust carried by winds from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“Analysis of 2nd Generation Weather Satellite (Meteosat-9) of EUMETSAT( European Operational Satellite Agency) confirms that Yesterday’s Yellowish/Dusty Snowfall over some parts of North Kashmir was dust carried out by winds from central parts of Pakistan & southern Afghanistan which started around 7 PM IST travelled northeast wards and reached north Kashmir around 02:00hrs AM(IST), “ reads the statement issued by MeT department.
𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩’𝙨 𝙮𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝/𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙮 𝙨𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙆𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙢𝙞𝙧:Analysis of 2nd Gen. Satellite of EUMETSAT(Meteosat-9) indicates that it was Dust & originated from Pak-Afg. Border. pic.twitter.com/E6ExEVWSNU
Director of the meteorological department, Jammu & Kashmir Sonam Lotus also shared a video on his Twitter in this regard.
More clarification from this video. Observe Central Pak/South Afg. border.. Thanks to:@eumetsat@ashimmitra (IMD) Mr. Chinmay(IMD) Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad(IMD) https://t.co/M2y1v7mt8g pic.twitter.com/aZEJigvoxk
SRINAGAR: A lineman, working as a daily wager in Power Development Department, on Friday suffered injuries due to an electric shock in Damhal Hanjipora area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam.
Quoting an official the news agency KNO reported that the lineman identified as Muhammad Ramzan son of Ghulam Qadir of Manzgam sustained injuries after he came in contact with a live wire.
He said he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where from she was referred to the SKIMS, Soura.
SRINAGAR: Prayers were organised in all the major mosques, shrines and imambarahs of the valley including the historic Central Jamia Masjid Srinagar, for those who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria earlier this week.
The devastation following the massive earthquake continues to spread, as the death toll in Turkey and Syria crosses 21,000.
At Jama Masjid Srinagar, the prayers were led by Imam Hai Moulana Ahmad Saeed Naqshbandi, who on behalf of the people of Kashmir, expressed sympathy and solidarity with the people of Turkiye and Syria and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and speedy recovery to those injured.
He also expressed strong resentment against the authorities for keeping the valley’s top religious leader Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq continuously under detention for the last three and a half years, and termed it extremely unfortunate and condemnable, Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid said in a statement.
He said that due to the continued detention of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, the mimbar-o-mihrab (pulpit) of the Central Jama Masjid has been constantly silent for all these years and he is also unable to discharge his religious duties towards the people.
Imam Naqshbandi appealed to the authorities to end the prolonged and unjustified detention of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir and release him before Shab-e-Mehraj-ul-Nabi- PBUH.
On the occasion, the people who had come from various parts of the valley to perform Friday prayers in the Jama Masjid also expressed great anger against the continued detention of Mirwaiz and protested against the ‘dictatorial behaviour of the authorities’, the statement added.
SRINAGAR: Mufti Muzaffar Hussain Qasmi was injured after a car hit him in Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca on Friday.
Mufti Muzaffar Hussain Qasmi
Clearing the looming confusion over the health of Mufti Muzaffar Hussain Qasmi, one of the known scholars’ of Kashmir who is currently in Mecca to perform Umrah, his close associates on Friday said the scholar is doing well and there was absolutely nothing to worry about his overall health condition.
A photo of Mufti Muzaffar Hussain Qasmi was widely shared on social media platforms, showing blood stains on his clothes, while at a hospital somewhere at Mecca.
The circulated photo plunged the people, especially back home, into deep anguish and despair about his health.
To allay the apprehensions, people close to Mufti Muzaffar Qasmi said that the photo was taken instantly as the scholar had suffered minor injuries after getting hit by a car in Mecca on Friday.
“Mufti Sahaab is currently at his allotted hotel and there is nothing to worry about his health condition,” news agency GNS quoted Mufti Ishaaq Nazki as having said.
Meanwhile, the people close to Mufti Muzaffar Hussain Qasmi have urged the people to delete the photo and also restrain from sharing it to avoid the anguish among the people.
SRINAGAR: The administration has issued another order and asked tehsildars to make sure that agricultural land of missing people is not sold by their family members or that crop proceeds are not used by any third party.
This comes as the crackdown on properties in Jammu and Kashmir that are allegedly encroaching government land continues.
“It has been brought to my notice that in Tehsil Tangmarg that there are some land patches, belongs to those persons who are not traceable,” reads the order issued by the divisional commissioner Kashmir.
It reads that they are neither traceable nor receive their share of crop yield and in such a situation there is difficulty in getting such land mutated.
“In such situation the Standing Order No:23-A is clearly stipulates that for a period of more than 7 years, whenever any land holder is absent from the village and does not cultivate the land or do not take share of the produce, he shall be designated as “GAIR HAZIR/GAIR KABIZ” (not present / not in occupation) and the person who is in possession the land, is to be recorded as “KABIZ”.In such a situation, after making reasonable efforts/ enquiry; the concerned Tehsildar shall presume that he is dead and pass orders on the case accordingly. Before making formal entry into revenue record, he shall also get it confirmed/ approved from the District Collector concerned,” it added.
“The share of such “GAIR HAZIR/GAIR KABIZ” persons may be allowed to be used by the family members/ other co-sharers (in blood relation). However, they shall not be entitled to sell, gift or in any manner alienate the share of such “GAIR HAZIR/GAIR KABIZ” persons or create 3rd party interest in the property in any manner. No FARD-INTIKHAB of such lands shall be issued,” it further added.
“Necessary entry in this regard also shall be made by the concerned Tehsildar. Specific input from the office of Special DG, CID has been received, in which it is apprehended that such ‘GairHazir- GairKabiz’ properties are used for financiering militancy. There are specific instances of misuse. In such a situation, strict preventive action needs to be taken on priority,” reads the order.
It reads that above provisions shall not be applicable to the immovable property of Migrants. As provisions of J & K Migrant Immovable Property (Prevention, Protection and Restraint on Distress Sale) Act, 1997 have superseding effect over all other laws.
“In this backdrop, you are directed to take immediate necessary action in light of above directions/ instructions in the matter,” it added.
SRINAGAR: Kickstarting the 3rd Khelo India Winter Games at famous ski-resort Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday said Gulmarg is going to be the Centre of Excellence for the winter sports and efforts are on and soon “we will achieve the mission”
Addressing the gathering during the inaugural ceremony of 3rd edition of Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, LG Sinha as per the news agency KNO said that every effort is being made to bring the skills of J&K youth who are affiliated with the sports on a display as Gulmarg will soon be the Center of Excellence for the winter games.
While congratulating the organizers for making efforts in conducting the mega event, the LG said that it is a proud movement for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. “I convey my greetings to each member including the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, High Altitude Warfare School Jawahar Institute of mountaineering, J&K Sports council and those associated with the event,” he said.
He said Gulmarg will celebrate the sporting excellence on snow covered slopes and will witness the contests of skill, courage and character of the athletes in as many as 11 disciplines. “We transform the sports tournament into reallly spectacular event at Gulmarg.”
He said that the second Khelo India was a huge success and today on the 3rd National winter Games event, the whole country is united, and the next five days are going to be great occasion to strive for the greatest victory to uphold the sportsmanship, equality, friendship and respect for the competitors.
“Sports is such a medium which can change everything and it will not change the athletes behavior but can change whole scenario of the world. Just after three months we are going to hold the G20 meeting in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He also said Jammu and Kashmir tops the sports infrastructure in the whole country as “we have stadiums and play fields in every village.” “Our country was deprived of the soft power of sports from last 60 years but fortunately, the efforts of PM Modi paved the way and we are now at the stage of holding the mega sports events. PM Modi gave youth a Naya Asmaan and Naya Pankh,” he said.
The LG said that for the last 8-9 years the country has produced a number of sports heroes and its all because of PM Modi. “Sports can give a new birth to the sustainable development and Sports ministry left no stone unturned to make Jammu and Kashmir a Sports centre of country.”
The LG said J&K Sports Council is doing it’s best to promote the sports and have covered almost every district and every village.
“The budget for the Jammu and Kashmir’s sports sector is higher as compared to other states of the country. Maharashtra is known for the highest budget for education and youth sports and if we combine both we are just 48 crores away from that highest budgeting state,” the LG said.
The athletes are the role models for the youth across the country, we are looking for the young people to bring an honor to sports field and the country, he said.
SRINAGAR: A woman and a girl were rescued alive after they were swept away by an avalanche that occurred in the Gurez area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district this morning, officials said.
Quoting a police official news agency GNS reported that a snow avalanche occurred at around 0940 hours near Mazgund Bala area of Tutail in Gurez and swept away a girl, Tabassum Banoo daughter of Mohammad Yousuf, and a woman, Shahnaz Begum wife of Zahoro Ahmad. Immediately locals launched a rescue operation and after strenuous efforts, he said, both of them were rescued alive. He said that people are advised not to go near avalanche prone areas. The Gurez Valley has seen several avalanches in the recent past and fortunately there has been no loss of life in them, the officials said.
Today’s incident comes ten after two polish skiers were killed and 19 other foreigners besides two local guides were rescued after being swept away by an avalanche in the world famous skiing resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramula district.
The avalanches are frequent in higher reaches of the valley during January and February, especially after fresh snowfall. Yesterday, parts of Kashmir including Gurez witnessed moderate snowfall.
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday ordered transfers and postings in the administration.
Vijay Kumar Bidhuri
According to Government Order No.207-JK(GAD) of 2023, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD, Dheeraj Gupta, IAS (AGMUT:1993), Principal Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, holding additional charge of smart Cities and proposed new Jammu/Srinagar Metropolitan Regional Development, is transferred and posted as Principal Secretary to the Government, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment.
H Rajesh Prasad, IAS (AGMUT: 1995), Principal Secretary to the Government, Power Development Department, shall hold the charge of the post of Principal Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, in addition to his own duties, till further orders.
Sanjeev Verma, IAS (AGMUT:2001), Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, is transferred and posted as Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department.
Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, IAS (AGMUT:2005) Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Revenue Department, holding additional charge of Principal Resident Commissioner, J&K Government, New Delhi, is transferred and posted as Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.
Sarmad Hafeez, IAS (AGMUT:2009), Secretary to the Government, Tourism Department, holding additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department, is transferred and posted as Secretary to the Government, Youth Services and Sports Department, on full time basis.
Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, IAS (AGMUT:2012), Special Secretary to the Government, Finance Department, holding additional charge of CEO, ERA & Mission Director, Jal Jeevan Mission, J&K, is transferred and posted as Administrative Secretary, Culture Department, relieving Zubair Ahmad, JKAS, of the additional charge of the post.
He shall hold the charge of the post of Chief Executive Officer, Economic Reconstruction Agency, in addition to his own duties, till further orders.
Dr Piyush Singla, IAS (AGMUT:2012), Administrative Secretary, General Administration Department, is transferred and posted as Administrative Secretary, Revenue Department.
Rakesh Minhas, IAS (AGMUT:2016), awaiting orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department, is posted as Managing Director, SIDCO.
He shall also hold the charge of the post of Managing Director, SICOP, in addition to his own duties, till further orders.
Raman Kumar Kesar, JKAS, Managing Director, SIDCO, holding additional charge of Managing Director, SICOP, is transferred and posted as Secretary in the Power Development Department.
Deepika Kumari Sharma, JKAS, Chief Operating Officer, Himayat, holding additional charge of Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society, is transferred and posted as Secretary in the Jal Shakti Department.
She shall also hold the charge of the post of Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society, in addition to her own duties, till further orders.
Dr Ghulam Nabi Itoo, JKAS, Special Secretary to the Government, Jal Shakti Department, is transferred and posted as Mission Director, Jal Jeevan Mission.
Shabir Hussain Bhat, JKAS, Special Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department, is transferred and posted as Director, Rural Development, Kashmir.
Imam Din, JKAS, Director, Rural Development, Kashmir, is transferred and posted as Managing Director, J&K Horticulture, Produce, Marketing and Processing Corporation.
Rajneesh Gupta, JKAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Jal Shakti Department, is transferred and posted as Chief Operating Officer, Himayat.
Shafat Sultan, Managing Director, J&K Horticulture, Produce, Marketing and Processing Corporation, is transferred and shall await further orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department for further posting.
Amit Vermani, JKAS, Member, J&K Services Selection Board, is transferred and posted as Additional Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department.
According to another Government Order No.199-JK(GAD) of 2023 Renu Munshi, Private Secretary, is transferred from J&K Public Service Commission and posted in the Office of Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, J&K.
Syed Anjum Afroz, Section Officer under orders of transfer to J&K Grievance Cell is posted in the Office of Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, J&K.
Ajay Bharti, Senior Stenographer, is transferred from the Information Department and posted in the Information Technology Department.
Manu Pandey, Junior Stenographer, is transferred from Information Technology Department and posted in the Information Department.
Sarvesh, Junior Assistant, is transferred from Information Technology Department and posted in the Home Department.
All the officers/officials shall be deemed to have been relieved.
SRINAGAR: Amid the ongoing Integrated Management Action Plan (IMAP) for Wetland Conservation Reserves of Kashmir, authorities at J&K Wildlife Department claim that more than 40 lakh migratory birds arrived in the valley wetlands in the last four years, while 2022 recorded the highest arrival with more than 12 lakh guest birds.
Quoting Wildlife Warden Wetlands, Ifshan Dewan news agency KNO reported that the last four years recorded the arrival of more than 40 lakh migratory birds in the valley wetlands. “2022 recorded the highest numbers with as many as 12 lakh migratory birds visiting Kashmir,” she said.
Ifshan also said that the census of migratory birds for the year 2023 is likely to start next week.
According to the statistical figures shared by the Wildlife Department, the year 2019 recorded the arrival of around 9 lakh migratory birds, 8 lakh in 2020, 11 lakh in 2021 and approximately 12 lakh in 2022.
We have recorded the arrival of around 70 species of migratory birds, Dewan said.
While the officials last month said that a rare species of migratory duck was sighted at Wullar Lake after 84 years; every year, lakhs of migratory birds from Siberia, Europe, and Central Asia arrive in the Kashmir Valley.
As per the authorities at the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department, interventions are taking place under the Integrated Management Action Plan (IMAP) in various wetlands of Kashmir in order to improve the habitat conditions to make them suitable for migratory waterfowl.
Notably, the five-year Integrated Management Action Plan (IMAP) 2022-2027 for Kashmir Wetland Conservation Reserves has outlined a number of threats and challenges in conserving the valley’s wetlands.
According to the document, the risks to the valley wetlands include siltation, weed infestation, pollution, habitat modification, water quality degradation, solid waste, and encroachment.
