Srinagar, Feb 6: Rains lashed most plains including Srinagar while some parts of the Kashmir Valley received fresh snowfall with Gulmarg receiving more than one foot of it since overnight, officials said here on Monday.
The weather department here also said that intermittent light rain and snow was likely to continue till afternoon and thereafter gradual improvement was expected.
On February 7 and 8, a meteorological department official here told GNS that the weather would be “partly cloudy”. “Widespread light to moderate snowfall and rain was expected at many places from February 9-11,” he said. However, he said, “no major snowfall” was expected during the next one week.
He said that in last 24 hours till 0830 hours today, Srinagar received 5.2mm of rain, Qazigund 5.6mm, Kukernag 11.2mm, Jammu 1mm, Banihal 9.0mm, Batote 9.2cm, Katra 1.2mm, and Bhaderwah 3.6mm while Gulmarg received 35 cms (1.14-ft) of snowfall, Kupwara 5cms and Pahalgam 2cms.
Meanwhile amid cloud cover, the minimum temperature saw further increase except at a few places with Srinagar recording a low of 1.8°C, the same as on the previous night. Today’s minimum temperature, he said, was above normal by 2.2°C for the summer capital.
Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of minus 1.6°C against 0.4°C on the previous night and it was 3.1°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir.
Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of minus 0.2°C against minus 5.4°C on the previous night and it was 6.0°C above normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Kokernag recorded a low of minus 1.1°C against 0.0°C on the previous night and it was 3.1°C above normal for the place, the officials said.
Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 3.6°C against minus 6.4°C on the previous night and it was 3.1°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.
In Kupwara town, he said, the mercury recorded a drop and settled at minus 0.3°C against 2.9°C on the previous night and it was 1.7°C above normal for the north Kashmir area.
Jammu recorded a low of 11.9°C against 8.3°C °C on the previous night. It was 2.4°C above normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.
Banihal, he said, recorded a low of 4.2°C (above normal by 3.2°C), Batote 3.1°C (above normal by 0.9°C), Katra 10.5°C (3.1°C above normal) and Bhadarwah 3.8°C (4.1°C above normal).
Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil recorded a low of minus 9.5°C and minus 14.0°C respectively, the official said. While Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day long harsh winter period that started on December 21 has ended, Kashmir is under the grip of a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’. It will be followed by a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which is from February 20 to March 1. (GNS)
SRINAGAR: A locality in Chenab valley is sinking and the people have been evacuated to a safe place, reports reaching from Doda said. So far 21 families comprising 111 persons have been shifted to a nearby Jammu Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) facility.
The abandoned homes in Thathri’s Nai Basti. More than 20 houses were declared unsafe as the area witnessed sinking.
The sinking spot is part of Thathri’s Nai Basti village where the road and a cluster of homes are sinking. It is located not far away from the road to Kishtwar, the arterial highway. The village has more than 50 households but only a cluster is facing the sinking crisis.
“Authorities are also there and the factors responsible for the sinking are being ascertained,” Syed Imran, a volunteer of the NGO Ababeel said. “Our volunteers rushed to the area and helped in quick evacuations.”
Imran said the village is slightly bigger but the impacted area is a huge steep patch that has the 16 houses which developed cracks. The link road, he said, is also sinking.
The affected people have been shifted to the PDC facility at water point Tipri and a JKTDC facility nearby. The damaged constructions included the local mosque.
Officials said experts have been sent to the village to ascertain the cause of the soil shifting which has led to cracks. The entire mountainous region is highly fragile and massive biotic interventions have impacted the area’s geology. Chenab valley is Jammu and Kashmir’s main powerhouse and almost ninety percent of all hydro electric dams are in the region.
The fast-flowing Chenab is also triggering massive land slides impacting all the roads and the highway.
Two years back, the region would witness tremors for most of the summer forcing people to spend their days and nights under open sky. However, the reasons behind the massive sinking in a spot not more than hector are to be investigated.
Sinking was reported in Jammu as well. In Narwal a 3-storey building collapsed a day earlier. Authorities have declared a huge locality unsafe in the temple town, already.
New Delhi: BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Tuesday unfurled the national flag in national capital in the memory of people, who sacrificed their lives for the unity and integrity of the country.
Addressing a massive gathering of people, Chugh paid his tributes to Praja Parishad martyrs in Jaurian village here.
He said it has been a saga of sacrifices that has brought us to this stage where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of progress and development has started reverberating again.
He asked why it took 70 years for the Congress and its leaders like Rahul Gandhi to hoist the national flag at the Lal Chowk in Srinagar.
Chugh added that Modi’s zero tolerance for terrorism has made it possible for Rahul and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to enjoy snowfall in the Kashmir valley.
The BJP National General Secretary was accompanied by former Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, Jammu and Kashmir BJP Vice-President Sham Lal Sharma, senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana, Daljit Singh Chib and other party leaders in presence of representatives of social organisations and prominent locals.
While paying tributes to martyrs, Chugh said that the struggle to remove Articles 370 and 35-A continued for 70 years.
He added that Jammu and Kashmir has a long history of struggle and movement. The pages of history are full of renunciation, austerity and sacrifice.
“When Sheikh Abdullah implemented the permit system to enter Jammu and Kashmir, the Praja Parishad raised the slogan — ‘Desh mein do pradhan, do vidhan, do nishan: nahi chalenge, nahi chalenge’.”
“On January 11, 1953, two days before Lohri, the police opened fire on a procession in which more than 5,000 people were participating. More than 200 rounds were fired in which two people were killed and more than 70 were injured. On January 31, 1953, a huge crowd of protesting farmers gathered in Jyodia village. The farmers came out in huge numbers towards Jammu carrying the tricolour in their hands. The police opened fire on the agitators, in which seven people were killed, to salute whose sacrifice and spirit we all have gathered here,” Chugh added.
He also criticised Rahul Gandhi for his party’s delay of 70 long years in hoisting the Tiranga at the Lal Chowk.
Chugh added that he (Rahul Gandhi) should be thankful to Modi-led BJP government that he could enter Jammu and Kashmir without permit and hoist the Tiranga at the Lal Chowk without any issue.
Nirmal Singh said that during the agitation, the people registered their protest against separate Constitution, separate flag, separate ‘Sadar-e-Riyasat’ and the permit System, and the mission got accomplished with the Indian Constitution and the Indian tricolour fully extended to J&K during the BJP government’s term.
Srinagar, Jan 31: The closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway due to landslides and snow triggered shortage of mutton in Kashmir.
In Srinagar, non-availability of mutton was reported from several areas of Srinagar.
Stakeholders associated with the mutton trade acknowledged to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) shortage of mutton in markets due to the highway shutdown.
General Secretary of Kashmir mutton dealers association Mehraj-u-Din told KNO that more than 80 trucks of sheep are stranded on the highway.
Responding to a query about the status of the revision of mutton rates he said their scheduled meeting with the administration on Saturday last week was postponed after which they are yet to get information on a fresh date.
“We are waiting for a fresh date for the meeting as we have already made a draft to finalise the revision of mutton rates”, he said.
The Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Kashmir had sealed more than 100 mutton shops across the valley stating that the drive was launched to control pricing after receiving reports that mutton is being sold at high rates and beyond the government fixed rate—(KNO)
SRINAGAR: A series of functions were today held across Kashmir division with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour in connection with the celebration of 74th Republic-Day.
Republic Day marks the adoption of India’s constitution and the country’s transition to a republic on January 26, 1950. Every year, the celebrations marking the day feature spectacular flag unfurling ceremonies, inspection of parade by the chief guest and cultural pageantry.
Meanwhile, unfurling of the National Flag was held amid impressive Parades and mega cultural events at all venues of functions organised at district, sub-division, tehsil and block levels across Kashmir.
At Anantnag, the Republic Day was celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm at GDC Khanabal (Boys) where Chairman District Development Council (DDC) Anantnag, Mohammad Yousuf Gorsi unfurled the national flag and took salute at the parade.
The contingents from CRPF, J&K Police, IRP, NCC among others took part in the march-past.
Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairman said that the nation is paying rich tributes to the leaders, freedom fighters and martyrs who made countless sacrifices for the freedom of the country. Glorifying their contributions, he said that it is the result of their supreme efforts that we are living in a free country.
Artist performing during Republic Day parade at Sher E Kashmir Cricket stadium in Srinagar on January 26, 2023 KL Image by Bilal Bahadur
Gorsi highlighted the achievements made by the district under various priority areas including education, healthcare, languishing, back to village, district capex, agriculture and allied sectors, women and youth empowerment, MGNREGA, JJM, water and electricity supply to Anganwadi Centers and schools, rural development, macadamization and road connectivity, social welfare, Nasha Mukt Bharat, industries, self employment and creation of durable and sustainable assets.
On the occasion, colourful cultural programmes on patriotic themes were presented by students and artists of the district.
The ceremony concluded with prize distribution for march past and cultural practices. Employees from various departments were also felicitated for exemplary public service.
Among others DDC, DIG SKR, PDSJ, SSP, DDC members, ADDC, BDC Chairpersons, officers from Army, CRPF and other security forces, ADCs, CEO, ACP, ACR, CMO and other officers, besides general public were present during the celebrations.
Prior to the main celebrations at GDC, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr Basharat Qayoom unfurled the national flag at DC office complex Anantnag.
The R-Day celebrations were also held at District Court presided by Pr. Sessions Judge Anantnag, Sub Divisional Headquarters, Tehsil Headquarters, Community development blocks and various other public offices.
At Baramulla, Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Baramulla, Safeena Beigh unfurled the tricolor, inspected the parade and took salute at the march past on the eve of 74th Republic Day celebrations organised at District Police Lines Baramulla.
The march past was presented by the contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, Home guards, Fire and Emergency services, NCC and students from different schools
Chairperson DDC said that Baramulla district has shown inclusive growth in all the fronts and the need of the hour is to make involvement of all stakeholders in the progress of the district by utilizing their potential.
DIG North Kashmir, Vivik Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar, SSP Baramulla, Amod Ashok Nagpure, MCB President, Touseef Raina, DDC members, BDC Chairpersons, Officers of Judicial administration, Officers of Army and Police, District and sectoral officers, heads of different departments were present at the event besides a huge gathering of people and students also showed their enthusiastic participation.
Highlighting the importance of R- Day in the history of India, the Chairperson said that the Nation is today remembering the sacrifices of great freedom fighters because of whom we are living in a free atmosphere.
While giving an overview of the achievements made by the district, the Chairperson said that the district has shown a remarkable achievement in all sectors under various priority areas including education, healthcare, agriculture and allied sectors, women and youth empowerment, MGNREGA, JJM, rural development, macadamization and road connectivity, Social Welfare, Nasha Mukt Bharat and self-employment.
Highlighting the progress achieved under different indicators of Aspirational District Programme, Safeena Beigh said that the district has once again achieved a milestone by securing 3rd Position in Agriculture and Water Resources Sector among 115 Aspirational Districts in the country. She said that initiatives are being taken to transform the District from Aspirational to Inspirational.
During the function, a variety of cultural Programmes were presented which depicted cultural diversity and heritage of the region.
At the conclusion of the function, a prize distribution ceremony was held during which various functionaries were felicitated for showing exemplary and extraordinary services in their respective fields.
Meanwhile, similar functions were also organized at Sub-division and Tehsil levels where the concerned authorities unfurled the tri-color.
At Budgam, the 74th Republic Day was today celebrated with much zeal and zest across the district.
The Chairman, District Development Council (DDC) Budgam, Nazir Ahmad Khan unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march-past during the main function held at Sports Stadium Budgam.
On the occasion, various contingents from JKP, JKAP, CRPF, Home guards, NCC Cadets besides Contingents of education institutions also participated in the march-past parade.
Deputy Commissioner Budgam, S F Hamid, SSP Budgam Al- Tahir Gilani, DDC/ BDC members, ADDC Budgam Dr. Akramullah Tak, ADC Budgam Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone, ASP, Gowhar Ahmad were present on the occasion.
Besides all district and sectoral officers, officers from police, CRPF and BSF were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman DDC in his address extended his Republic Day greetings to the general public of Budgam.
He appreciated the sincere efforts of each citizen for their selfless contribution and highlighted the development works carried out during the year 2022- 23.
Chairman also deliberated on the ongoing development scenario of the district and said that the district Budgam is touching new heights with active participation of people in government initiatives.
On the occasion, various artists and school children presented various colourful cultural programs including Chakri, Rouf, Ladishah, patriotic songs, Bangda, enthralling the audience, present there.
The main event was witnessed by a good gathering of locals, appreciating performances at March past and cultural programmes.
The prize distribution ceremony was also held wherein various officers and officials from different departments were awarded for their meritorious work.
The Flag unfurling ceremony was also held at the DC Office where Deputy Commissioner Budgam, S F Hamid unfurled the National Flag and extended his Republic Day greetings.
The Republic Day functions were also held at Sub Divisional level in Chadoora, and at Khansahab, Beerwah besides at Tehsil, Block levels and Municipal Councils where concerned unfurled the National Flags.
The events witnessed huge public participation, where different cultural performances and March past performances were also held at all venues.
The Republic Day functions were also held at all Colleges and other Educational Institutions, Municipalities, Panchayats, and other offices across the district where Flag Unfurling ceremonies were held.
The Republic Day function was also held at District Court Complex Budgam where the National flag was unfurled by Mohammad Ashraf Malik Pr. District & Sessions Judge Budgam.
The function was attended by All Judicial Officers of District and Taluka Courts of Budgam, Farooq Ahmad Bhat (Addl. Distt. & Sessions Judge Budgam) Noor Mohammad Mir (Chief Judicial Magistrate Budgam), Sheikh Gowhar Hussain (Spl. Mobile Magistrate Budgam), Tabassum Qadir Parray (Sub Judge Chadoora), Massarat Jabeen (Munsiff JMIC Magam) and Fakhur-un-Nissa (Munsiff Charari Sharief), Court Officials, Staff and PLVs of DLSA Budgam.
said that autonomy of Panchayat Raj institutions is among the priorities of the government and these institutions are being strengthened. In this regard, these representatives were also formally trained besides, plans are being prepared for councilors for the autonomy and empowerment of urban local bodies and its implementation is also being done by them.
The function concluded with distribution of prizes among students and contingents who participated in March past and cultural programs. Several officers/officials were also felicitated on the occasion for their exemplary work.
The 74th Republic Day was also celebrated at District Court premises Ganderbal where Chairman DLSA (Principal District & Sessions Judge) Ganderbal, Ritesh Kumar Dubey unfurled the National Flag and took Salute at the march past.
CJM Ganderbal, Fayaz Ahmad Qureshi, Secretary DLSA Ganderbal, Nusrat Ali Hakak, JMIC Ganderbal, Mohammad Waseem Mirza, JMIC Kangan, Easarul Nabi, Chairman Municipal Council Ganderbal, Altaf Ahmad, Senior Advocate, Shabir Ahmad Masoodi. Beside officers, public prosecutors, Judicial/DLSA Staff, Prosecution staff, e-court Staff, members Bar and PLVs were also present.
during which awards were given to the best performers in the March Past, Tableaus and cultural programmes. Awards were also given to various Officers and officials of the administration for their good work.
The Republic day functions were also held at Handwara, Lolab and Karnah sub-divisions, where President Municipal Committee Handwara, Masroor Ahmad Banday, SDM Lolab, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat and SDM Karnah, Dr. Gulzar Ahmad Rather respectively unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade & took salute at March past.
Cultural programmes were also presented by the school children and awards were given to the achievers.
The Republic Day function was also held at all educational institutions, Government offices and Panchayats in the district.
The Republic Day function was also held at District Court Complex Kupwara during which Principal District & Sessions Judge Kupwara, Shazia Tabasum unfurled the National Flag and took salute.
On the occasion, Additional Session Judge Handwara; Additional Session Judge Fast-track Court Kupwara, CJM Handwara, Sub Judge/Secretary DLSA Kupwara, Sub Judge Kupwara, Munsif Kralpora, Munsif Handwara, Munsif Sogam and all employees of Judiciary were present.
past presented by the contingents of CRPF, JKP, JKP ladies police group, Home guard, fresh recruits, NCC cadets, students etc.
Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Dr.Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, SSP, Sahil Sarangal, President Municipal Council, DDC members, BDC members, MC Councillors besides officers from civil and police administration and people in large numbers participated in the programme.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairperson DDC congratulated the people on Republic Day eve and highlighted the importance and historical background of the day.
Giving a developmental profile of the district, the DDC Chairperson highlighted the overall Developmental scenario of the district and progress and achievements recorded in the district through various schemes and programmes.
Achievements recorded in Agriculture, Health, Social Welfare, YS&S, PHE and other departments were also highlighted.
He also complimented the District Administration for their prompt response in restoration of services during recent snow spells.
On the occasion, Multiple Cultural programs and musical sessions were also held which enthralled the audience.
Later prize distribution ceremony was organized in which officers, officials, academicians, sports persons and police personnel were felicitated.
Zahid Rehman and Rahil Amin who recently qualified Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Exam were also felicitated.
Meanwhile, celebrations were also held across district Kulgam during which the national flag was unfurled in Court Complexes, sub divisions, blocks, tehsils, panchayats, Police stations, Municipalities, schools and all other institutions.
The National-flag was also unfurled by Deputy Commissioner, Dr.Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat at a mini-secretariat, which was attended by officers and officials.
Som Lal, Additional Sessions Judge Kulgam, unfurled the National flag at District Court Complex Kulgam where all Judicial Officers of District Kulgam along with staff members and bar members of district were present.
Judicial Magistrate Bandipora, Chairman, Tehsil Legal Services Committee Bandipora, DySP Bandipora, Additional Public Prosecutor Bandipora, SHO Bandipora, Staff Members of DLSA Bandipora, Subordinate Courts and Police Personnel and Para Legal Volunteers.
Republic Day was also celebrated at Municipal Committee Hajin where Chairman Municipal Committee Hajin, Irshad Ahmad Wani unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the March past.
