SMC begins sterilization of dogs

Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) started the dog sterilization program within the school of Veterinary Sciences of SKUAST here these days.

Trainers Dr Sunil Chawla and Dr Amit Chaudhary who had trained the 5 veterinary doctors began with the surgery assisted by Vet and Para Vet surgeons. Seven dogs were sterilized these days. Before undergoing the surgery the stray packs were subjected to anti- rabies vaccination for immunization.

The male dogs were subjected to castration (removal of testicles) whereas feminine dogs were subjected to overiohysteriotomy (removal of uterus). The ear notching as an earmark of sterilization was performed on dogs which might determine them once released in their respective territorial zones.

The SMC plans to sterilize a minimum of thirty to forty dogs per day. The sterilization program can scale back the dog proliferation with time and it's the foremost humane methodology to curb the fast growing dog menace in town.

91110 stray dogs in Srinagar

Tara Chand conducts Srinagar town tour

Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand these days conducted tour of Srinagar town and interacted with traders, senior voters and shopkeepers. He additionally visited Lal Chowk and Budshah Chowk.

The Deputy Chief Minister issued on spot orders for beautification of Lal Chowk and Budshah Chowk and its pavements. He directed Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation for installation of dirt bins within the areas and to make sure full sanitation of entire town.

Mr. Tara Chand additionally visited Sangarmall searching complicated where he interacted with senior voters, traders and representative of varied shopkeeper associations.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister chaired a gathering at Banquet Hall to debate varied steps being taken by Srinagar Municipal Corporation for beautification of Srinagar town.

The meeting was attended among others by traders, varied associations of shopkeepers, hotels and different senior officers.

The meeting mentioned threadbare varied problems as well as sanitation, conservation of Dal Lake and shifting of Dal dwellers, sewerage and drainage issues, facilities to tourists, swish functioning of street lights, widening of varied town roads as well as Boulevard road etc.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that an quantity of Rs. fifteen crore is being spent for contemporary drainage system in Srinagar town to resolve the matter of water logging. He said that variety of steps have already been taken for the beautification of Srinagar town particularly in reference to sanitation. He additional said that variety of STPs have already been completed. He said that shifting of Dal dwellers to newly established colony is underneath progress and also the land vacated by them would be included with Dal Lake.

He directed Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation to make sure the right functioning of street lights, adding it's the responsibility of all stakeholders to cooperate with the govt. machinery for the conservation of world famous Dal Lake that plays a serious role in attracting the tourists everywhere the planet.

However, Mr. Tara Chand stressed for the congenial atmosphere and said the peace is imperative for not solely overall development of the State however additionally boosting the tourism sector within the State which provides plenty of employment opportunities to the educated unemployed youth.

New Tourism destinations

Oldest Shopping Centers in Srinagar

Srinagar Leh Gurez road reopen

Master Plans of Jammu and Srinagar

Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand today said that Master Plans of both the Capital cities are being revised for planned development of requisite physical and social infrastructure and several new housing colonies have been mooted for different sections of the society.

Replying to the discussion on the grants of Housing and Urban Development Department in the Lower House of State Legislature, the Deputy Chief Minister said, "the migration of people from rural areas to both the capital cities for want of livelihood or other reasons has led to unplanned and haphazard growth of Jammu and Srinagar cities and also resulted into shortage of amenities as also chaos and confusion".

"Keeping in view the changing requirements, the process has been undertaken to revise the Master Plans of Jammu as well as Srinagar for rectification of errors, if any, and incorporation of required changes", he said, adding "the Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, University of Ahmedabad, has been entrusted with the job of revision of Jammu Master Plan and the same is in the advance stages of completion".

Similarly, the task of revision of Master Plan for the Srinagar city has been entrusted to M/s SAI Consultancy Engineers Pvt Ltd and the work has already been started, the Deputy Chief Minister said.

"We have also undertaken preparation of Master Plans for towns", he said, adding "the draft Master Plans for Baramulla, Budgam, Kulgam, Doodpathri and Yousmarg have been completed and are under consideration of the Government while as the Master Plans for rest of the towns are under different stages of completion".

Stating that various ambitious projects are being contemplated by the Jammu Development Authority for better development of the city, he said that an idle parking at Khanpur Nagrota has been completed at a cost of ` 330 lakh, ISBT at Transport Nagar has been developed at a cost of ` 140 lakh, parking for 200 cars has been developed at Prem Nagar.

"Urban Local Bodies, Jammu is developing bus stands at Kathua, Basholi, Bari Brahmana, Ramgarh, Khour, Arnia, Surankot, Rajouri, Kalakot and Billawar while as ULB, Kashmir is developing bus stands at Ganderbal, Kupwara, Budgam and Pulwama", the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Admitting that housing colonies have not been developed during the past several years, he said that Housing Board has finalized proposal for setting up new housing colonies at Mujgund, Srinagar, Meencharkan, Jammu and Batalwallian, Udhampur. "We are also trying to finalize locations for the establishment of colony for the media-persons, economically weaker sections and Members of Legislative Assembly", he further said.

To augment urban infrastructure, solid waste management and for decent dwelling units to the urban poor, Union Ministry of Urban Development and Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation have sanctioned 103 projects costing ` 1260.39 crore under different components of JNNURM, he said, adding "with the active support of Union Government, the State is getting necessary financial support for all round development and progress".

He said capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu are covered under the Urban Infrastructure and Governance component of the scheme and four schemes are currently under implementation in these cities.

In smaller towns 45 projects under UIDSSMT costing ` 398.68 crore have been sanctioned for the towns of Kathua, Samba, Akhnoor, Sunderbani, Poonch, Udhampur, Doda and Bhaderwah in Jammu division and Kupwara, Sopore, Baramulla, Ganderbal and Anantnag in Kashmir division. Three sewerage projects in Jammu city under execution by NBCC, ERA and UEED will connect 30,400, 27,500 and 5800 houses respectively with the planned sewer net work.

In case of Srinagar city the three sewerage projects under execution by NBCC and two by UEED will connect 48,220, 18750 and 3000 houses with the main sewer net work, he said.

The members who participated in the debate on demands for grants included Abdul Rehman Veeri, G A Mir, Dr Mustafa Kamal, M Y Tarigami, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Rafi Ahmed Mir, Jugal Kishore, Irfan Shah, Krishan Chander Bhagat, Bimla Luthra, Harshdev Singh, Ashwani Sharma, Peer Afaq, Ashok Khajuria, Ashok Kumar, Aijaz Ahmed Jan, Er Abdul Rashid, Mohammad Ashraf, Syed Bashir Ahmed, Syed Basharat Bukhari, Ch Mohammad Ramzan, Baldev Sharma and Javed Ahmed Mustafa.

Balwant Thakur honoured at Madhya Pradesh

Rich tributes paid to Dr Ambedkar on his 55th anniversary

FM Radio Sharda in Jammu

91110 stray dogs in Srinagar

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Nasir Aslam Wani in reply to clubbed question of Dharam Bir Singh Oberoi and Mohammad Ashraf Mir informed the House to control the increasing population of stray dogs in Srinagar a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by the Corporation with Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and Dean,F.V.Sc&A.H.(SKUAST-K).

He said the Memorandum of understanding is signed for Humane stray dog population Management, through Animal Birth Control (ABC) and their Anti-Rabies immunization within Municipal limits of Srinagar.

He said that the corporation has decided to execute a pilot project of dog sterilization/ immunization as an immediate measure to control the increasing dog menace in the city. In this connection he said a proposal for setting up of Animal Birth Control Center at Shuhama which envisages construction of concrete walling with chain link fencing around 17.5 Kanals of land, setting up of 50 Kennels and operation theater with allied facilities costing ` 103.90 lakh has been formulated. In addition to this, he said construction work has already been taken in hand for construction of 25 Kennels , fencing around the land has been completed. He said as soon as the construction work of Kennels is completed, the immunization and sterilization programme of stray dogs will be started.

Mr. Nasir said that the total number of stray dogs estimated as per census is 91110. He said the guidelines World Society for formulated the protection of Animals have been followed during the conduct of stray dogs census keeping local geo-climatic condition in view. This method has been endorsed by Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and shown in its standard operating producers ( SOP), he added.

Heavy snowfall in Valley

NH blocked, flights disrupted; SASE issues avalanche warning

A woman was killed and her seven family members were injured in house collapse at Rajouri while snow avalanche struck Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at Shaitani nallah damaging nine shops with traffic coming to grinding halt on the highway.

A woman was killed while seven members of her family had a narrow escape when a Kutcha house in which they were putting up collapsed due to heavy snowfall and rains in Gundi Khawas area of Rajouri district, this afternoon.

Official sources said that eight members of a family including three children were buried under the debris of a kutcha house, which caved in due to heavy snowfall and rains in Gundi Khawas area of Rajouri district, at 3 PM, today. All of them were sitting in the house when the roof collapsed with big band. Hearing sound, hundreds of villagers rushed to the spot and started rescue operation. Some of them informed Primary Health Center (PHC) Khawas and a team of Medical Assistants headed by Dr Atul Sharma along with necessary medicare kits rushed to the spot.

As soon as the victims were evacuated from the debris, the doctor and para-medical staff provided them treatment on the spot, thus saving their precious lives.

However, one woman identified as Kailash Devi, 25, wife of Mukhtiyar Singh died while her husband Mukhtiyar Singh, son of Sheetal Singh and brother-in-law Chain Singh, mother-in-law Guddo Devi, sister-in-law Kirna Devi and three children Sachin Singh, Bachan Singh and Samiksha all residents of Gundi Khawas were injured.

The injured were later shifted to PHC Khawas where condition of two injured Mukhtiyar Singh and Guddo Devi was said to be critical. The doctors were unable to refer them to District Hospital Rajouri as the area was cut off from the rest of the world due to snowfall.

Reports said that upper reaches of Rajouri and Poonch district experiences heavy snow with rains in plains since yesterday.

Jk News correspondent Banihal Khawaja Sharjeel said that seven shops and two hotels (dhabas) were washed away after a snow avalanche struck the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Shatani nallah area of Banihal, this evening. Three trucks passing-by had a narrow escape while no loss to life has been reported as the owners of all these establishments were already asked to vacate and move to safer areas. The stretch at which the avalanche struck at 4.05 PM is already ‘avalanche prone’ and the authorities have directed the people running shops there to shut down their establishments.

Official sources said that 110 meters long, 25 meters wide and 4 meters high snow avalanche struck at Shatani nallah and damaged all seven shops and 2 hotels. By the quick and prompt action of BECON and DySP Traffic BK Ganju, three trucks, which fled away from Tethar (Banihal) managed to cross the avalanche prone area prior to the incident. These trucks were brought to Nowgam (Banihal).

OC BECON Vohra told KTNS that their men will clear this avalanche with in two to three hours tomorrow morning in case of fair weather condition. In the radius of fifty meters there is threat of two more avalanches which can struck at Shatani Nallah, he added.

Meanwhile, 300-km-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed due to snowfall on both sides of the Jawahar Tunnel. Almost two-and-a-half feet of snow has accumulated at Jawahar tunnel, one feet at Patnitop and one and half feet at Banihal.

Snow once again disrupted vehicular traffic on the highway from the wee hours at about 1 AM. Due to slippery road conditions, traffic authorities stopped the traffic. They decided to stop vehicular traffic at national highway 1-A at Ramban, Banihal and Qazigund as precautionary measures due to slippery conditions from Shatani nallah (Banihal) to Jawahar tunnel and from Varinag zig to Jawahar tunnel and danger of snow avalanche and shooting stones.It was snowing heavily at Jawahar Tunnel since last night.  As per traffic authorities, 450 vehicles were stranded from Jawahar tunnel to Batote with 24 vehicles including four trucks loaded with Chicken at Jawahar tunnel and 21 at Banihal.

Fifth spell of snow started at 9 PM at Banihal, Patnitop, Batote, Gool and Shangaldan areas. Due to continues snowing 1.6 inches snow accumulated at Banihal, 1 feet at Patnitop, 4 inches at Batote, 2.5 feet at Jawahar Tunnel and Gool, 5 feet at Mahoo, 4.5 feet at Mangit and 6 inches at Ramsu.

Meanwhile, passenger vehicles of Ramban, Doda and trucks were allowed to move towords Ramban and Doda from Kud at about 2:30 PM. No Srinagar based vehicles were allowed to move from Kud. BECON authorities today started removing snow at 6 AM on both sides from Varinag zig to Jawahar tunnel and from Jawahar tunnel to Nowgam, Banihal.

OC BECON Vohra told KTNS that the removal of snow at NH-1A started at 6 AM. “We have cleared snow from Jawahar Tunnel to Khooni nallah and from Jawahir Tunnel to Anantnag. But, due to continues snowfall more snow got accumulated. “If snowfall stopped we will clear national highway with in an hour. We have pressed into service five Bulldozers, two snow cutters, one snow flower and two tippers which are working from Jawahar tunnel to Khooni nallah for clearence of snow and land slides,” he added.

It was snowing at Jawahir tunnel and Banihal till last reports came in.

Jk Newscorrespondent DS AHMAD reported from Srinagar that Kashmir valley on Monday received a fresh snowfall. Met department reports said many areas in North and South Kashmir received light to moderate snowfall while rains lashed the plains across the valley since last evening.

The capital city Srinagar also received few inches of snow. The authorities issued the avalanche warning in many hilly areas of the valley and asked the people living in these areas to refrain from venturing out of their houses. While the hill resort Gulmarg 12 to 18 inches of snow the world famous tourist spot Pahalgam received 15 to 18 inches. DH Pora area of Kulgam district received 9 inches while Kulan received 7 inches of snow.

Kupwara, Kulgam, VailooYusmarg, Charasharief and received 4 to 5 inches of snow while 2 to 3 inches were recorded in Anantnag and Tral. Authorities said that snow clearance operation was started on war footing basis and most of the roads across the valley were restored for traffic.

Following the snowfall, SASE, the divisional disaster management authority issued a medium danger avalanche warning for higher reaches of Banihal, Gulmarg, Chowkibal Tangdar, Keran, Machil and Gurez areas.

“People living in these areas are being advised not to venture out in avalanche prone zones and take precaution,” said a press release issued by the coordinator, Disaster management cell, Amir Ali.

The authorities also closed the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway the only road link connecting valley with rest of the world putting at halt hundreds of heavy and light vehicles along the road at many places.

“The Beacon authorities are putting up their efforts to clear the road and once the road is cleared we will restore the traffic,” he said. Reports said that at least three hundred heavy vehicles including trucks and load carriers are stranded between the Qazigund.

Reports said that air traffic with the Valley, had got affected in the morning, but was restored in the afternoon and all flights operated, except the morning Go-Air flight which got cancelled. The Kargil Courier between Srinagar and Kargil got cancelled, due to bad weather.

Trucks and the taxis were stranded on the highway and hundreds of Kashmir-bound passengers are stranded at the General Bus Stand Jammu due to the blocked highway.

Aamir Khan in Srinagar

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan today concluded his two-day visit to Kashmir valley where he was scouting for possible locations for his untitled film.

The 46-year-old actor, who arrived here yesterday, went to Kangan in central Kashmir Ganderbal district and took a Shikara ride in the famous Dal Lake in the heart of the city, sources close to him said.

Aamir last shot in Kashmir for romantic drama ‘Mann’ in 1998. He is looking for locations for his next venture.

The actor is also likely to visit the valley again to shoot for ‘Incredible India’ advertisement campaign commissioned by Union Tourism Ministry, the sources said.

Aamir said he was happy “to be back in the beautiful valley after a gap of 10 years.”

Attention intending Hajj pilgrims

According to the Executive Officer, J&K State Hajj Committee, Srinagar all those intending pilgrims who have been applying for the Hajj pilgrimage for the year 2009, 2010 and 2011 continuously but could not figure in the selection list are hereby informed to register their claims alongwith necessary documents in the office of the J&K State Hajj Committee, Baitu-ul-Hujaj (Hajj House), Bemina with effect from January 23, 2012 to February 05, 2012.

However, the intending pilgrims from Jammu Division, Leh and Kargil districts can submit their claims through respective Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Jammu Srinagar highway opens partially

Vaishno Devi pilgrimage resumes, 200 ill in Banihal 

As pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi resumed this morning after a night-long halt, one-way traffic was restored at Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Due to outbreak of viral fever, at-least 200 people fell ill in Banihal villages in absence of medicare and doctors.Reports from Reasi said that pilgrimage to Mata Vaishnodevi resumed this morning after a night-long halt due to extreme cold and snowfall around the cave shrine in the Trikuta hills.“Yatra has begun this morning as routine. It was suspended last evening due to extreme cold triggered by heavy snowfall in the shrine area and enroute,” official reports said.“Yatra is going on smoothly. There is no problem to pilgrims,” reports said, adding that there was heavy snowfall in and around the cave shrine triggering extreme cold wave conditions yesterday. The shrine and its adjoining Trikuta hills received the season's first snowfall on January 6.

Despite cold wave conditions, the pilgrimage was going on till last evening, but no one was allowed from the Katra base camp towards the shrine later.Our correspondent Khawaja Sharjeel reports from Banihal that after two days the 300-km long National Highway re-opened for one-way trafic, today. All the stranded 115 vehicles carrying essential commodities which where stranded at Chanderkot and Ramban were allowed to move towards Kashmir at about 5 PM today. 120 vehicles carrying essential commodities crossed Jawahar Tunnel at 9 PM.BEACON authorities removed snow on one side at National Highway early today and completed the job at 2:30 PM upto Jawahar tunnel. Meanwhile, bulldozers were pressed into service to remove landslides at Gangru Ramsu at about 4:30 PM and then traffic was allowed to move towards Kashmir.

Reports from Trigam, Charwari Nallah, Put Nallah, Kacharbass, Padder Ara, Ara, Takri, Guri, Gunz, Kumbla, Thakdhar Ara, Ahma and Tragan revealed that some viral infection had spread in these areas. People are suffering from cough and fever. At least 200 people have suffered due to this viral infection, official reports said.The people infected by viral fever are forced to move on foot for at-least 4 kilometers to reach the Primary Health Center (PHC) Khari. It was learnt that viral infection occured due to non-availability of drinking water and use of snow melted water. No doctors or medicare facilities were available in these areas.When contacted, Tehsidhar Banihal Niyaz Ahmed Wani, he said PHE department and Health department authorities have been asked to provide necessary facilities to the people and DDC Ramban has also been informed. He told KTNS that all departments like PHE, Health, PDD and PWD are monitoring the situation keenly.

Due to heavy rains, landslides were reported at Seri Ramban, Maroog, Nashri, Digdool, Khooni Nallah and Panthal. A snow avalanche also struck at Nachllana causing no loss to life and property which was cleared about 4:30 PM. Two residential houses were reportedly damaged at Ramban and Parnot besides one Government Middle School at Trana Khari.Power was also restored after one day by PDD Banihal at town and adjoining villages of Banihal incliding Chanjloo, Malwat, Gujnarh Krawah, Parastan, Phago, Chamalwas, Neel, Pogal, Ukhall, Panthal, Khari, Trigam and Trana. The clearance of snow at Banihal link roads was also started by PWD Banihal and only the roads under IRCON are yet to be cleared except Kaskoot Banihal.

A big Chinar tree at Kaskoot suffered cracks and there are chances of damage to two big homes and Jama Masjid Kaskoot, in case the tree collapses. People of Kaskoot requested Tehsidhar Banihal and district administration for help so that heavy loss can be prevented timely.

Police communique claimed that heavy avalanches took place in Nachalana, Sherbibi and Shermili Water Fall areas due to recent heavy rainfall. To expedite the widening of the national highway, police alongwith about 100 personnel along with spades and other equipments reached the spot and widened the path for safer passage.

The communique further claimed that cops rescued nine migrant families in Sangaldan area and these were shifted to PWD building near Sangaldan. Couple of families were shifted from Barakund and Hall area to safer places and 10 families from village Kurzi, 5 families from village Hargam, 1 family each from village Mangit and Aramdhaka.

The cops evacuated 3 LMVs from snow prone area and rescued 12 passengers in Ramsoo, 4 LMVs from snow prone area and rescued 16 passengers in Nowgam while the track was cleared by the police leading to Masjid at Banihal.

Passengers were accommodated at safer places in Batote and Ramban areas and 260 loadcarrier vehicles were allowed to move towards valley.In Jammu stranded passengers protested at General Bus Stand demanding early arrangements for their shifting to respective destinations.

All flights from Srinagar airport cancelled

With the overnight snowfall in Kashmir valley, the flight operations from the Srinagar International Airport remained suspended today.Despite the snow clearance by the Border Roads Organization from the runway and tarmac of the airport, no flight could land or take off today.

The spokesman of Srinagar International Airport, Muhammad Shafi told JK News that the flights were suspended due to bad weather and poor visibility at the airport.

Large number of passengers had reached airport despite the snowfall and slippery roads but had to return back as the airport authorities announced cancellations of flights.

Around 16 flights operate from the airport daily these days.

It may be mentioned here that with the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway Kashmir valley remained cut off from the rest of the country.

Confusion continues on Srinagar Jammu Highway

The unannounced closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway by the authorities today caused severe inconvenience to the passengers and the drivers as they were not allowed to move beyond Khanabal or Qazigund.However, official sources said that the lack of communication between the traffic officials of Jammu and the Srinagar created chaos.

The road was closed last Thursday following the heavy snowfall in the Valley and many other places along the highway.The officials had yesterday claimed that the road was thrown open for one way traffic and announced that the traffic from Srinagar to Jammu will be allowed to move from Srinagar to Jammu today.

Despite the official announcement the authorities today did not allow any of the vehicles to move towards Jammu thus causing lot of inconvenience to the passengers and the drivers.

Hundreds of passengers were taken by surprise when the traffic officials stopped the vehicles they were traveling in at different places and did not allow them to move ahead.Dozens of traffic police personnel were seen forcibly putting at halt all the Jammu bound passenger and the heavy vehicles near Dak Bangalow Khanabal which led to the long traffic jamming on the highway. Many drivers alleged that the traffic officials deflated their tiers and even beat them after they resisted and tried to move ahead.

“Following the announcement of the traffic authorities that the traffic will be allowed to move from Srinagar to Jammu today I left for Jammu early this morning today. However, on reaching Khanabal, I was stopped by the traffic cops who asked me to go back saying that the road was closed. When I objected and asked them why did they make the announcement, they beat me up and even tried to deflate the tyres of my car,” said Mohammad Ashraf from Pulwama.

Another driver, Shabir Ahmad, who was stopped by the officials near Qazigund said that the authorities are making false claims about the opening of the road only to make the passengers bear the brunt.“If the authorities have not been able to clear the road then they should not make false announcements which only cause inconvenience to the passengers,” he said.

A traffic official wishing anonymity said that there is lack of communication between traffic officials of Srinagar and Jammu which resulted in the mess and the passengers have to bear the brunt.“Last evening it was decided that the traffic from Srinagar to Jammu will be allowed to ply only but the traffic authorities allowed the traffic from the other side also despite knowing that the road was not safe for the two way traffic. The two way traffic on the road led to chaos,” the traffic official said.

Deputy SP, (Rural) Traffic, G M Bhat said that he was directed from his higher ups to stop the all the Jammu bound traffic near Khanabal. “As per the official announcement the traffic was from Srinagar to Jammu. But I was directed not allow any Jammu bound vehicle to move beyond Khanabal and I obeyed the orders. Rest I do not know,” Bhat said.

Dal Lake other water bodies freeze

Summer capital Srinagar recordded coldest night of the winter after the minimum temperature dropped to minus 5.5 degree Celsius this morning while fresh snowfall resulted in freezing of parts of the world famous Dal lake, other water bodies and water taps.

However, world famous ski resort of Gulmarg was coldest in the Kashmir valley after the minimum temperature dropped to minus 16.5 degree.

Srinagar, recorded the coldest night of the season after the minimum temperature dropped to minus 5.5 degree, breaking the previous record of minus 4.9 degree on January 1.

This was more than four notches below than yesterday’s minus 1.0.

Major parts of the world famous Dal Lake were frozen, attracting large number of people, including tourists who were seen taking photographs.

The entire Dal was frozen in 60’s when a jeep crossed from one end to another end on it.

However, in 1986, the lake water was again frozen on which youths played cricket and ice hockey. Besides, tourists took photographs in the middle of the lake.

Official sources said several other water bodies were also frozen due to cold.

People in many areas complained about water shortage as the water taps were also frozen. Due to non-availability of electricity, water could not be lifted to filtration plants and water tanks.

Roof tops, tree tops and electric polls were covered with snow.

A number of people were injured after falling on slippery roads in the city.

Famed ski resort of Gulmarg, which experienced more than five feet of snowfall, also recorded coldest night of the season when the minimum temperature dropped to minus 16.5 degree this morning. Earlier, the highest was minus 12.0 degree recorded on December 23.

However, hundreds of tourists from different parts of the country and abroad were enjoying the snow despite severe cold.

Qazigund, gateway of Kashmir valley on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, which remained closed for the past three days, also recorded coldest minimum temperature of the winter sofar after the temperature dropped to minus 8.4 degree breaking the previous minus 5.6 recorded on December 26.

Kokernag in south Kashmir and Kupwara in north Kashmir also recorded coldest night after the minimum dropped to minus 6.3 and minus 5.6 degree respectively.

However, famed health resort of Pahalgam, base camp of holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas recorded minus 6.0 degree against yesterday’s minus 4.0 degree.

However, the coldest in the tourist resort during this winter was minus 8.8 degree recorded on December 25, last year.

A Met department spokesman said details about temperature in Leh and Kargil of Ladakh region was not available. 

Dying Heritage of Srinagar

Passing by Valleyites watch the dying heritage

Passing by the old city of Kashmir, one can clearly see the reckless attitude of the government and people towards Kashmir’s priceless heritage.Old city or Sher-e-Khas, which is the oldest developed area of the whole Kashmir, holds rich heritage not only in the form of customs and traditions but as architecture as well. Ancient shrines and mosques are spread across the city. Though most of them are well maintained, the heritage residential houses are ignored.Hundreds of heritage buildings and houses stretched across Khanyar, Raniwari, Zanikadal, Habba Kadal, Fate kadal and other prominent parts of old city are in deplorable condition.

Many of them have been bulldozed while others are left to decay with time.Where government has shown negligence to the protection and maintenance of the heritage buildings, their owners completely derelict them. No sense of social responsibility is displayed by the citizens.Abdul Salaam, originally a resident of Zaina Kadal owns a heritage house build by his grand father in late 1800’s. But the house, made in wood and mud, is gradually ripping apart into masses of dust.

“It is a very old house. We have abandoned it some 30 years back. It is of no use,” said Salaam. Salaam says since the house is not in use, “spending money on its maintenance is useless.”Many new structures have also come up in place of heritages buildings.Mohammad Shafi of Khanyar dismantled half of his ancestral house to build a news one.“The old house was not safe. It didn’t have sufficient safe to accommodate my two sons and their families. So had to built a new on,” adds Mohammad Shafi who says that his new construction was not objected by anyone.

As the heritage buildings face threat, the imperative part of Kashmir history and heritage is wiped off. “We are least bothered about our heritage and culture. We are forgetting our cultural values and destroying our heritage,” said Majid Hassan, a college lecturer.He views that destruction of heritage means destruction of identity. “Heritage and culture are our identity. When we lose them, we lose our identity,” he added Shabana Khan, a student of sociology view that efforts have to be made by people to preserve heritage and culture “We all are a part of our culture and heritage. It is our collective responsibility to save it, more than that of government.”

Bid to set ablaze Firdous cinema

Police this evening foiled a bid by some youth to set ablaze Firdous Cinema, vacated by Central Reserve Police (CRPF) last week, in Srinagar’s sensitive down town area.

Scores of youth entered the compound of the Cinema in Hawal area and tried to set it ablaze but timely intervention by the police saved the building. However, a wooden hut used as a bunker by the CRPF personnel was gutted.

The CRPF last week vacated the building after the security forces used it as a security camp for past two decades of militancy to fight militants in this area. The CRPF had taken over this building from Border Security Forces in 2003 when they replaced them to fight urban militancy. BSF had occupied the Cinemas in 1993 and used it as their camps.

The attack on the building comes when the statement of NC president and Union Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on re-opening of Cinemas and liquour shops in Kashmir valley resulted in a controversy here.

Muharum processions in Srinagar

Undeclared curfew was imposed today in the areas falling under five police stations of Srinagar city including Lal Chowk. Normal life was paralysed in the affected areas. This was for the second time during the last three days that the areas came under curfew. According to officials, the curfew was imposed today to thwart the Lal Chak chalo call given by njuman-e-Sharie Shian. On Sunday, the curfew was imposed to foil the Muharum procession from Abiguzar. On that day, police had to use smoke shells and resort to lathi charge to disperse the mourners who made several attempts at Jehangir Chowk and Exhibition Crossing to move towards Lal Chowk. Force was also used on Sunday at some places in old city. While the situation remained peaceful at Exhibition Crossing and Jehangir Chowk, clashes occurred between protestors and police in some parts of old city.

During the wee hours of this morning, police and paramilitary forces had blocked with barbed wire the Moulana Azad Bridge,  Amirakadal Bridge, TRC Crossing, Abi Guzzar,  Maisuma, Kokerbazar,  Court Road, Foot Bridge, Khayam Chowk, Babar Shah Bridge, Gawkadal Bridge, and other important roads.   The people were not being allowed inside. Even the media persons were not allowed towards Press Enclave at several places. Rainawari, Hasnabad, Saida Kadal, Hawal, Maulvi Stop, Alamgari Bazar, and Gojwara faced similar situation.

Shops and other business establishments remained closed in the curfew bound areas. Transport was also off the roads. The roads and streets wore a deserted look with only police and paramilitary forces present there, while civilians were forced to remain indoors.At least 10 persons trying to stage a procession from TRC to Abi Guzar were taken into custody by police in the morning. The arrestees included separatist Nisar Ahmad Rather.The police officials, however, said that they were later on released. “All of them were released shortly afterwards,” said a police official from Kothi Bagh police station.Minor clashes between protestors and the forces were witnessed in afternoon in several old city areas. The clashes started at Islamia College were youth engaged the forces in pitched battles, which subsequently spread to adjoining Gojwara and Rajouri Kadal areas. However, no injuries were reported.Muharum processions were taken out at several places in non-curfew bound areas.

The largest processions were received from Zadibal here and central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

Lead by Maulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari , the mourners marched from Bota Kadal to Imambara Zadibal. Before proceeding to Imambara, Maulvi Iftikhar addressed the mourners near Alamgari Bazar, throwing light on the incident of Karbala.   However, the procession was strictly restricted to internal areas. At Budgam, the mourners gathered at Mirgund in the morning and marched towards Bihisht Zehra near the DC office and subsequently to Imambara Budgam. The procession was lead by Aga Hasan Al Mousvi Al Safvi of the Anjuman Sharia Shian. Starting in the forenoon, the processions were on when the last reports arrived here.

Many smaller processions were received from Khumeni Chowk Bemina, Balhama and other Shia populated areas of the Valley. Camps for refreshment and medical aid to the mourners were setup at many places by various government departments and private organisations. The State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) deployed the buses for convenience of the mourners while the government ensured availability of ambulances along the routes of processions.

No untoward incident was reported till the reports last came in.

116 stolen vehicles recovered in Srinagar

Police claimed to have have busted multiple gangs of car and motorbike lifters and burglars and has recovered 116 stolen vehicles from them. Addressing a press conference SSP Srinagar Syed Aashiq Hussain Bukhari said that police busted multiple gangs of car lifters and burglars that were active in Srinagar city for the last few months and recovered 53 stolen vehicles from them which include six Maruti Vans, 15 Maruti Cars, 7 Alto Cars, 8 Tata Sumos, 1 Esteem Car, 1 Tata LRT, 3 TATA Mobiles, 2 Auto Rickshaws, 1 Tavera, 1 Ascent Car, 1 Santro Car, 1 Bolero, 1 Gypsy, 1 Tempo Traveller, 2 Trucks and 63 Motorcycles, worth Rs. 2,66,00,000. In addition to these recoveries mobile phones, grocery items and gold worth Rs. 3,00,000 were also recovered.

SSP said that police arrested many car and bike lifters including Bashir Ahmad Sheikh son of Abdul Ahad resident of Washbugh, Pulwama,Shabir Ahmad Mir son of Mohammad Sadiq resident of Dardpora, Kupwara, Abdul Rashid resident of Dobgah Sopore, Abdul Rashid son of Abdul Gaffar resident of Arihal, Pulwama and Showkat Ahmad Shah son of Nazir Ahmad resident of Kupwara. Most of their accomplices have also been arrested.Bukhari said however, some of their accomplices Waseem Ahmad Sheikh son of Abdul Satar resident of Dubgah, Sopore, Mehraj Din Parray alias D son of Ghulam Rasool resident of Sumbal and Idrees Ahmad Mir son of Bashir Ahmad resident of Litter Pulwama are absconding . Police has intensified efforts for their arrest. However, if any person having any information regarding them and will inform the police about their whereabouts will be suitably rewarded.

SSP said east zone, Srinagar has been able to recover 17 four wheelers which include five Maruti Vans, 06 Maruti Cars, 04 alto Cars, Rickshaws, 01 Tavera and 42 Motor bikes and effecting total recovery of property worth Rs 99,50,000 due to these recoveries 16 cases of M.V Theft and burglary have been solved by City East Zone, Srinagar. Especially police station Kralkhud has been able to solve all the cases registered in police station Kralkhud with regard to burglary and M.V theft and has been recovered the stolen property in full.

The senior police officer said Hazratbal zone has been able to recover 06 four wheelers which includes 1 Ascent, 1 Santro, 1 Maruti Car, 2 Alto Cars and 1 Bolero and 6 Motorcycles worth Rs. 40,00,000 SSP said south zone has been solved 13 cases and has recovered 11 vehicles which includes 3 Tata Sumo, 4 Maruti Cars, 1 Gypsy, 1 Tata Mobile, 2 Trucks, 6 Motorcycles and golden ornaments worth Rs. 75,50,000.SSP Srinagar said west zone, Srinagar has solved 5 cases and has recovered 15 vehicles which include 4 Maruti Cars, 1 Maruti Van, 1 Alto Car, 1 Auto Rickshaw, one Tempo Traveller,three Tata Sumo, two others and nine motorcycles worth Rs. 51,00,000

CRPF Left Firdous cinema

After 2 decades of occupation, CRPF vacates Firdous cinema

After removing at least 38 makeshift bunkers  from Srinagar last year, CRPF today officially vacated Firdous cinema building in Hawal area of old city.

The cinema was under the occupation of different security forces since the eruption of armed militancy across the state. CRPF officially said a troop cut of one more battalion has been done in Srinagar city.

Suspected militants had hurled grenades on cinema houses dozens of times and during a fidayeen attack in 2005 two militants were killed in the premises of the cinema.

On November 23, 2005 two militants and three Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed when the CRPF foiled the militant bid to storm their camp in the Firdous cinema. A member of the fidayeen squad was killed when CRPF guards opened fire to prevent them from storming their camp.

The cinema was first occupied by Border Security Forces (BSF) way back in 1993 and was handed over to CRPF in 2003 during replacements of forces across the Srinagar city.

Public Relations Officer CRPF, Mohsin Shahidi, told Kashmir Times that a troop cut of one more battalion has been made in Srinagar. “162 CRPF battalion has been withdrawn from the area and relocated to Kupwara. It will replace 152 CRPF battalion there in Kupwara,” he said and added that he has no information about any troop withdrawal in future. “These are decisions from higher ups. Yet there is no twinkle about any further withdrawal. We handed over the cinema to local police and civil administrations officially,” PRO said.

Here it a needs a mention that after the last years massive protest rage against the civilian killings, at least 38 bunkers were removed from various parts of Srinagar city.

The bunkers of CRPF  were removed from the densely populated Rainawari, Rajouri Kadal, Karan Nagar, Batmaloo, Barzulla and some other areas of the city.

Removing of bunkers was part of the 8-point CBMs announced by the Centre on September 25 last year after the massive unrest across the valley. The CBMs were meant to provide relief and instill a sense of security and confidence in the people of the state.

Train Derailment in Kashmir Valley

In the first train derailment since the rail services were launched in the valley, at least 30 passengers were injured some of them critically.The train was on its way from Qazigund to Srinagar and derailed near Sadoora village in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district today. While the passengers allege that the accident took place due to the negligence of railway authorities the latter preferred to remain tight lipped.

Officials said that the Srinagar bound train carrying 70 passengers derailed after it developed some technical snag near Sadoora railway station this afternoon. The engine and two bogies of the train derailed as the driver overshot the intended station stop by nearly 200 meters.In the mishap, at least 30 passengers were injured and were shifted immediately to the Emergency hospital Qazigund for treatment.

“Two of the seriously injured passengers were referred to Srinagar hospital in a critical condition,” officials said.The passengers hold the railway authorities responsible for the accident.  “As the train reached near Lewdoora village the smoke started emanating from the engine and many of its compartments. As we complained to the driver he instead of paying any heed  kept moving on. On reaching Sadoora railway station the driver even failed to stop the train and barely 100 feet ahead of the railway station it suddenly got derailed from the track,” said a group of passengers.

They said that had the driver and the other railway staff listened to Them, the mishap could have been averted.Mohammad Shafi of Qazigund, an injured, said the train was having some problem. As it could not stop at Sadoora railway station, the rail officials announced that the train will not stop at any station except the last stop at Ompora-Budgam. But suddenly the mishap occurred.While the railway authorities chose not to comment, the district administration seconded the version of the passengers saying that the accident has occurred out of the negligence of the railway officials.

“The preliminary enquiry and the statements of the passengers   suggest that it was the negligence of railway authorities that resulted into the tragedy. It has also been learnt that there was break failure in the train already,” Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Kifayat Hussain Rizvi told News Agency.He said that he has directed many agencies to enquire into the incident. “I am waiting for the enquiry report and once it comes, action will be taken accordingly,” DC added.However when contacted SP railways, Baker Samoon chose to remain tightlipped saying he cannot comment over the incident.“I was not on spot and cannot comment over what actually led to the mishap. Its better to talk to concerned DC or DIG,” SP said.

Oldest Shopping Centers in Srinagar

With the number of shopping malls and markets adding up each day across the Valley, the oldest shopping centers seem to have been lost into oblivion. Maharaj Gunj market happens to be one such market which is gradually being lost to history. The market, located in old city along the banks of river Jhelum, has been established between 1868-1870’s by then Maharaja of Kashmir, Maharaja Ranbir Singh.Before the establishment of Maharaj Gunj, market surrounding the Jamia Masjid mosque was leading market when Kashmir was ruled by Sultans.“Jamia Masjid was the main market of the Valley. Since old city was only civilized part of the Valley, Jamia market was main market,” said Abdul Gaffar, an old shopkeeper at Jamia Majid.The market would be visited by people from city outskirts as well to shop.“On Fridays, people will throng to this place to shop and pray as well,” he adds.However when Maharaja Ranbir Singh ruled Kashmir, Maharaja Gunj was set up to pay the money lended from businessmen in Punjab fro sales deed. “During the sale deed of 1846 of Kashmir, Maharaja had lended Rs 16 lakh from businessmen in Punjab. But since Maharaja could not pay it back, he asked those traders to do business in Kashmir in exchange for the debit,” says Zareef Ahmad Zareef, writer.

A full fledged market was set up for the Punjab traders. The name of the market was changed from “Azz Baboon trag”, named after one of the richest person of the areas, to Maharaj Gunj The shops are given to the traders along with few rooms for residing and market started. It flourished as the leading market of the Valley, giving a hit to Jamia market. People started thronging to Maharaj Gunj for shopping and trading. Its location at the bank of river Jhelum, which facilitated trade, added to its business. Valley’s first police station was also started in Maharaj Gunj, named S.R Gunj police station. The traders were allotted land for building residence, namely Shivpora, Wazir bagh and Rammunshi Bagh.

However the development of the Srinagar city and coming up of new markets gave a below of Maharaj Gunj. Additionally, the government inattention towards the development of the market and facilities pushed Maharaj Gunj into stupor. “We do not have proper transport system which is a major hurdle. How can people come here when we have no transport? ”said Abdul Gaffar.He alleged government for ignoring the historic market “They are building new mall s and market but no one pays attention to Maharaj Gunj which is a historicplace,” says another shopkeeper at Maharaj Gunj.

Srinagar Leh Gurez road reopen

With the improvement in weather after three days, Srinagar-Leh highway and Bandipora-Gurez road was re-opened for traffic after snow fall blocked them early this week.

The Sun came out in Kashmir valley after three days bringing some respite to the people from continuous chill and icy weather conditions. However, in the afternoon chilly conditions returned to the Valley.

Both the day and night temperatures in the summer capital of the State saw some improvement. This gave some relief to the people as the entire Kashmir valley has been reeling under intense cold wave conditions since November 8.

After improvement in weather, the authorities re-opened the Srinagar-Leh highway and Bandipora-Gurez road for vehicular traffic today. Both these routes had to be closed for the traffic on the evening of November 8 due to the snowfall and slippery conditions at some of the places.

The Zojila area on the Srinagar-Leh highway had witnessed heavy snowfall and, as a result, the highway connecting Kashmir with Ladakh division had to be closed. The Bandipora-Gurez road was also closed for vehicular traffic as some of the areas witnessed heavy snowfall and the road became slippery.

An official of the Meteorological department said that the weather conditions were normal in Kashmir valley on Friday. He said that no report of fresh rain or snowfall has come from any place of the Valley today adding that higher reaches of the Valley also witnessed normal weather conditions.

"In Srinagar the day temperature was recorded as 14.2 degrees Celsius while as the minimum temperature was 7.5 degrees Celsius. Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 30.0 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature 18.0 degrees Celsius," said the MeT official.

He said that weather is expected to remain dry in Kashmir valley over the next 24 hours adding that isolated places may receive light rains or snowfall.

At the same time, the civil authorities have asked the Air Force officials to make necessary arrangements to ferry the civilians stranded at Srinagar and Jammu due to the closure of Srinagar-Leh highway. They have been asked to make arrangements for future as well so that people who get stranded at Srinagar and Jammu due to flight cancellations to Kargil are ferried as the winter season had already set in.

"Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon today directed all the stakeholders to take necessary steps so that passengers of areas like Kargil, Zanskar, Leh and Gurez that remain cut-off due to heavy snowfall; do not face any difficulty, especially in the event of flight cancellations due to bad weather. The Kargil Courier service would operate between Srinagar-Kargil on every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and between Kargil-Jammu on every Tuesday," said Aamir Ali, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) with Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.

Aamir said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed with Ministry of Defence under which AN-32 Kargil Courier service would be operated between Srinagar-Kargil and Kargil-Jammu. He said under the MoU MI-17 Air Force flights between Bandipora-Gurez and Kargil-Zanskar would be operated.

"State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) has been directed to make adequate arrangements for transportation of passengers from Kargil House Bemina to Srinagar airport and back. Director, Airports Authority of India, Srinagar has been directed to make necessary arrangements at Srinagar airport," said Aamir.

He said instructions have been given to Deputy Commissioners concerned to deploy Liaison Officers for operationalization of the air service between Kargil-Zanskar and Bandipora-Gurez. He said tickets would be issued on first come first serve basis and priority shall be given to ladies, old persons, infants and patients.

Aamir has been nominated as the overall nodal officer and he has been authorized to liaise and coordinate with State Civil Aviation Department and IAF authorities, on behalf of Divisional Administration Kashmir, for day to day matters related to AN-32 Kargil Courier service and MI-17 flights.

UNI adds from Shimla:

High reaches of Himachal Pradesh experienced a heavy snowfall snapping terrestrial link with Leh in Jammu and Kashmir and Pangi in Chamba district of the State during past 24 hours.

Official spokesman of Lahaul-Spiti district administration Sher Singh said that since last night Manali-Leh highway was blocked for vehicular traffic as Baralacha Passes had heavy spell of snowfall.

However 13050 ft high, Rohtang pass was still open for traffic recorded about 15 cm snowfall. Lady of Keylong, Seven sister's hill and Petsio in district reported fresh spell of snowfall.

Road link of Pangi subdivision in Chamba district also snapped with rest of nation as Sachpass received recorded about 3 ft thick snowfall, while life is also out of gear in Bharmour, Churaha and Chamba sub-division.

Snowfall also hampered search operation launched by Indian Air Force (IAF) to find wreckage and black box of MIG 29 crashed on Oct 18 in the Chokhang hills of Thirot village in Lahaul Spiti district at altitude of 15000 to 20000ft.

Tisa in Chamba district registered 6 mm rainfall, Keylong and tourist resort Manali 1 mm each, Saloni and Manali -1 each rainfall.

Minimum temperature improved in the State, as Bhuntar in Kullu, Dharamshalla in Kangra, Shimla and Sundernagar in Mandi recorded 13 degree Celsius each, Kalpa in Kinnuar 7.5 degrees, Una 15 degrees, Mandi 14.7 degrees, Nahan in Sirmour 16 degrees, Keylong 5.6 degrees, Palampur in Kangra 15.5 degrees and Solan 10 degrees, respectively.

The MeT Office forecast mainly dry weather in the State during next 24 hours.

Stamps Exhibition in Srinagar

Rarest stamps of the world to be exhibited in Srinagar after 35 yrs 

In one of a rare kind of exhibitions to be organised after a span of 35 years, Jammu and Kashmir Department of Post would be showcasing a rare collection of one lakh stamps brought from all over the world tomorrow. Each of the stamps worth lakhs of rupees right now have been put in around 400 frames which would be put on display through a four day long exhibition.

Besides, Jammu and Kashmir will be the first state to produce My Stamps, where the common people will get to post their pictures on the stamps, which they could collect on the spot.“Customised My-Stamps, is surely expected to draw a lot of crowd to this exhibition. Especially, college, school students who as a means of putting their school buildings, mottos, taglines on the stamps and making it as a peculiar display,” John Samuels, Chief Post Master General, J&K told KTNS.

For making its venture My-Stamps a hit, the Department is contemplating to set up seven cameras at the venue, so that the visitors get to have a tailor-made stamp on the spot itself.The cost of one My-stamp is Rs 300 for students. For various institutions on the other hand, the stamp costs have been put higher.This unique stamps exhibition would also be displaying the oldest stamp of the world called” Penny Black” which got its name due to its black colour and the worth of a single penny at that time, when I came into being in 1840.

According to Samuels, the worth of Penny Black currently in few lakhs, and this should give the interested people an insight into the history of stamps the world over and their origin.The stamps displayed, specific to Jammu and Kashmir, would be from pre-independence period, especially Maharaja’s rule. Besides, traditional stamps have been brought from countries like UK, US and France to be exhibited during this four day long philatelic exhibition.

“United Nations (UN) has its own stamps which should also interest  a  lot of students and other people here,” General Postmaster said.The Department of post has specified a day for the letter writing competition, wherein  the school children are supposed to write a letter to their mothers. The best letters, would be acknowledged with cash prizes.“Letter writing spirit, cannot die down as it is not only a necessary but a novel means of communication. Though technology has invaded almost all means of communication, however the spirit of writing letters should not fade away, particularly among our children,” Samuels added.

What is more is that the children who have designing skills can try out designing stamps , the best of which shall be displayed on 14th November, Children’s Day.Besides, there are going to be some amusing stamps ranging from Harry Potter, James Bond, Bollywood to Mother Teressa.With an aim to bring Post Office closer to your doorstep, the Department of post would be  making available mobile vans to all those who are keen on having a look at the historically significant stamps could be taken to the venue.Besides, the Department of Post has already roped in hundreds of school children, Department of tourism and many allied departments to make this four day long historic event a success.