Day in and day out, new hurdles are created by the Government in the case of pensioners. New conditions are imposed and verification is sought at will. This appears ridiculous in an age of computer and digitization. Why cannot the Government work out a mechanism which is foolproof, ensures that no misuse of pensioner benefits is allowed and verification is made simple and quick through mechanized process. The State has a large number of pensioners. Verification is a time consuming affair. It also means much physical labor. The pensioners, who are generally elderly people, are required to go out in blazing sun and scorching heat to various treasuries, stand cooling their heels in long queues and then after a long wait their turn comes. The Treasury staff deals with them in almost contemptuous manner and no self respecting person would be willing to accept the treatment they are met in the treasury office. One wonders why could not the Director General, Accounts and Treasuries, Finance Department wait to ask State Pensioners to present themselves before their concerned Treasury Officers for physical verification before 30 June 2013.. The Director has quoted Rule 5.71 of J&K Treasury Code Vol. 1. Nobody challenges the rule and nobody would even hesitate to go through the process of verification. What is irritating is the deadline fixed for the peak of hot season in which old people cannot come out and go and stand in long queues at the Treasury office for verification. It is putting the old and infirm people to physical torture. Human Rights don’t allow their exploitation. The Director General Accounts should modify his order and postpone verification till October – November 2013 as desired by many pensioners.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
Greening Jammu mission
It is for the first time perhaps that the administration has called a meeting of the representatives of all line departments and brought home to them that they have to be part of the Green Jammu mission. Modern town planning invariably takes care of green belts and parks and plantation of trees in parks, roadsides, blank space patches, footpaths etc. to provide shade and make the urban areas more attractive. Unfortunately, Jammu has remained deprived of real green cover. Not only that, while undertaking new constructions, trees have been felled wantonly. New saplings have not been planted which is blatant contravention of the rules of Urban Forestry Division in Jammu. Even for felling any tree, approval of the Urban Forestry Division is necessary and compensation has to be deposited which is utilized for planting two saplings against one tree that has been cut?
It is good that the Divisional Commissioner has approached all relevant departments to cooperate in the venture. It should be possible to make Jammu really green within next three years if the mission is undertaken in right earnest now meaning this monsoon season. But apart from the departments involved, it may also be useful to get into touch with institutions like J&K Bank, who support such initiatives for making its contribution to the greening of Jammu. A scheme on the pattern of Green Delhi should be floated. Just planting the sapling by the edge of the road or in a park or open space is not enough. Its protection against trespassing animals and humans has also to be taken care of. Then the watering of the plants is also part of the task. The Urban Forestry Division has to gear up and bring the scheme to completion. Foremost of all, it has to identify the sites, roads, parks, open spaces and streets where plantation can be done. It has also to find out if more parks and walking/jogging strips can be made available to the citizens of Jammu.
Jammu needs to be given a green face lift. Otherwise it is a dry and opaque city where crowded and congested traffic makes it dreary. The mission of making Jammu green is a long and rather a permanent mission. Urban Forestry Division has to do hard labour to turn Jammu into a green and shaded city. Hopefully the initiative taken by the Divisional Commissioner will receive adequate response from all involved departments and agencies. People will impatiently watch the launching and undertaking of the mission till it reaches completion.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Jammu Udhampur NH to have 4 Tunnels
The widened Jammu-Udhampur National Highway will have four tunnels as the executing agency has given new alignment to the road in Nandni area for avoiding disturbance to wildlife there.
Work has begun on three out of these four tunnels having combined length of more than 1.4 kilometers beneath the Nandni Wildlife area.
Though belated, work has been started on T1, T3 and T4 tunnels where three Road Headers (Diamond Cutter machines) along with other required men and machinery have been pressed into service for the excavation since mining for the digging purpose is prohibited in the area.
This was disclosed to the Excelsior by R P Singh, Project Director National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Jammu.
While elaborating, he said that among all the tunnels, T4 has the maximum length of 540 meters followed by T3 (330 meters), T2 (300 meters) and T1 (210 meters). “Excavation on T1, T3 and T4 is going on full pace with completion of around 15 percent job while work on T2 will be taken up very soon after construction of approaching road to the tunnel,” Mr Singh added.
Though commencement of work on these tunnels could not be taken up earlier due to delay in clearance by the Wildlife Protection Board, the executing agency NHAI is confident of completing the Jammu-Udhampur Road widening project by June 2014, the deadline fixed.
More than 55 percent work on this Rs 1814 crore Jammu-Udhampur Road widening project has been finished while a number of bridges and viaduct have also been completed, R P Singh informed.
The widened Jammu-Udhampur road will have 33 major and 21 small bridges, including 11 viaducts. Among these, five viaducts, ten small bridges and 22 larges bridges have so far been completed while work on a few others is also going on.
The widening of Jammu-Udhampur National Highway will shorten the total distance by road as well as the time taken to complete the journey. The number of bridges and viaducts are being constructed to avoid frequent crests and troughs on the highway while the upcoming four tunnels will keep the Wildlife Sanctuary in Nandni area untouched. These tunnels will cover more than 2.2 kilometer straight area of the Nandni Wildlife Sanctuary and further shorter the total distance of Jammu-Udhampur road.
Pertinent to mention here that widening of Jammu-Udhampur road is part of the National Highway Authority of India’s flagship project of four-laning Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The NHAI has divided the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway four-laning project into six sub-projects, which include widening of Srinagar-Banihal road (67.7 kms), Qazigund-Banihal road (15.25 kms), Banihal-Ramban road (36 kms), Ramban-Udhampur road (43 kms), construction of Chenani-Nashri tunnel (12 kms) and widening of Jammu-Udhampur road (65 kms). Deadline fixed for completion of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway four-laning project is May 2016.
Started in 2011, Rs 1814 crore Jammu-Udhampur road widening project has been allotted to IFCON and hundreds of workers as well as machines have been engaged for round the clock work to ensure timely completion of the road widening.
Though a few hurdles in the recent past over acquisition of some portions of private land at Jhajjar Kotli, Jakheni and Thangial to the NHAI as well as objections of the Wildlife Protection Board delayed the ongoing work, the NHAI is confident of meeting the deadline of June 2014.
Summer holidays from May 29
In view of intense hot conditions and day temperature rising above 45 degree Celsius in Jammu areas, the Government today issued orders for closure of Government and all other recognized private schools up to Higher Secondary level, falling in summer zone of Jammu region, to observe summer vacations from May 29 to July 18.
An official spokesman said that on the directions of Dy Chief Minister Tara Chand, who is minister in-charge School Education, the Education Department re-scheduled the summer vacations in Jammu division from May 29 instead of June 3. He said this had been done in view of scorching heat conditions in the region.
Any default on the part of private schools in observance of the calendar of vacations so authorized shall invite action under rules, the spokesman added.
Tawi lake project
Nobody was convinced that the Tawi Lake Project would be brought to completion by July 2013. These fears have come true. Engineers deployed on the project contend that for various reasons, and more especially for starving the project for funds, the work cannot be brought to completion before the end of the year. No wonder, this is one more example of slackness on the part of concerned.
This Rs 70 crore project is coming up with Rs 25 crore Central assistance, Rs 25 crore is awarded by the 13th Finance Commission while rest, Rs 20 crore have been arranged from the State Planning Department. It is intriguing that out of the Rs. 25 crore which is the share of the 13th Financial Commission hardly Rs 6.25 crore has been released so far while rest of the amount is pending. How can the project reach completion when funds already sanctioned are not released in time? We would entreat the authorities to stop joking with the Jammu citizenry and release funds without a single day’s delay. The project must come up as soon as possible because the citizens have been given assurance that this would be a wonderful picnic spot for the recreation of the people.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Shivkhori Festival from Mar 9
Necessary arrangements for the three days Shivkhori festival which is commencing on March 9, 2013 were discussed at district level officers meeting held here today.
The Deputy Commissioner Reasi Nirmal Sharma, who is also the Vice Chairman of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board, chaired the meeting.
Chief Agriculture Officer Reasi, R K Safaya, DySP Hqr.JS Slathia, Asstt Director Tourism Katra Vinakshi Koul, AD CAPD, Kewal Krishan, Asstt Controler Food, ML Magotra, District Social Welfare Officer Suresh Sharma, Distt Youth Services & Sports Officer Dr SS Chib, CMO Dr Menia, engineers from different departments, ACD Reasi Rakesh Kumar, DPO Rohit Sharma, Tehsildar Settlement R K Anand and officers from other departments were also present in the meeting.
Threadbare discussions were held on making necessary arrangement like sanitation, security, face lifting at Ransoo barricading, drinking water, un-interrupted power supply, medical facilities, decoration of Darshni Deodi & Shrine area, construction of temporary toilet blocks, space for parking and cultural programmes.
Nirmal Sharma issued on spot instructions to all the concerned departments to make all necessary arrangements for the successful conduct of Shivkhori Festival.
Tehsildar Reasi (Settlement) R K Anand will be the Mela Officer during the festival.
The cultural programmes will also be arranged during the festival days, free langers by the various social organizations & free style Dangal on last day of the festival at Ransoo, would be other highlights of the Mela.
The Deputy Commissioner Reasi Nirmal Sharma, who is also the Vice Chairman of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board, chaired the meeting.
Chief Agriculture Officer Reasi, R K Safaya, DySP Hqr.JS Slathia, Asstt Director Tourism Katra Vinakshi Koul, AD CAPD, Kewal Krishan, Asstt Controler Food, ML Magotra, District Social Welfare Officer Suresh Sharma, Distt Youth Services & Sports Officer Dr SS Chib, CMO Dr Menia, engineers from different departments, ACD Reasi Rakesh Kumar, DPO Rohit Sharma, Tehsildar Settlement R K Anand and officers from other departments were also present in the meeting.
Threadbare discussions were held on making necessary arrangement like sanitation, security, face lifting at Ransoo barricading, drinking water, un-interrupted power supply, medical facilities, decoration of Darshni Deodi & Shrine area, construction of temporary toilet blocks, space for parking and cultural programmes.
Nirmal Sharma issued on spot instructions to all the concerned departments to make all necessary arrangements for the successful conduct of Shivkhori Festival.
Tehsildar Reasi (Settlement) R K Anand will be the Mela Officer during the festival.
The cultural programmes will also be arranged during the festival days, free langers by the various social organizations & free style Dangal on last day of the festival at Ransoo, would be other highlights of the Mela.
Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex Renovation may take 50 years
The renovation work of Mubarak Mandi heritage complex is going on at snail’s pace and if the progress of the work goes at this pace, it will take over 50 years to restore this heritage complex to its pristine glory.
According to sources, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) which has been entrusted with the job of restoration of the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex is under constant pressure to intensify the pace of work to complete the project as early as possible.
However, in view of the delicate, artistic workmanship and old architecture, the ASI is not in a position to complete the work as early as possible, sources said, adding even after increasing the manpower the restoration of the Mubarak Mandi complex will not take less than eight to ten years.
Sources said if the work will go as per present pace the entire project will take 50 years to complete but the ASI being the only expert agency in restoration of ancient architecture so the work can’t be assigned to any other agency.
The Society is exerting pressure on ASI to intensify the pace of work by engaging more people.
Though started in year 2007, ASI has so far completed 80 percent work of erstwhile Army Headquarters and Foreign Office of Dogra regime while the rest of the complexes were yet to be taken in hand.
According to sources, the restoration work of entire Mubarak Mandi complex will need at least Rs 300 crore and it is not possible for the Central or State Government to provide such a huge amount at a time. So the project was divided into segments..... Palace wise by Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society, the organisation looking after the restoration work of the complex, sources added.
Sources said in the first segment two buildings of erstwhile Army Headquarters and Foreign Office were taken and they have been almost completed. The project was taken in hand in 13th Finance Commission and an estimate of Rs 53.9crore was projected for its restoration. Out of which, Rs 15 crore were sanctioned by Central Government so far but only Rs 8.57 crore were released, sources added.
The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the heritage complex were prepared by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
Sources said under Mega Tourism Segment, the Heritage Society demanded Rs 24 . 92 crore for the restoration from Government of India (GoI) and it sanctioned Rs 16.80 crore only. Out of which Rs 3.38 crore were released.
In the 13th Finance Commission, Raja Amar Singh Palace, Dogra Art Museum, Badi Deodi, Royal Courts and Mahal of Raja Ram Singh Queens’ were taken, sources said, adding in this mega tourism project Raja Ram Singh Palace, Darbar Hall and Central Court Yard were included.
Sources said now the ASI has taken the work of Royal Courts, Badi Deodi, etc. Their drawings were completed and the work will start next month.
Admitting that work is going on at snail’s pace, Sujanya Sharma Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society said that restoration of old architecture being a delicate and artistic work it can’t be done in pace with modern technology.
However the Society has urged the ASI to increase its manpower to complete the entire project by five years to ten years, he said, adding that utmost care is being taken that the old architecture is not disturbed and the Dogra heritage and architecture is preserved for future generations.
He said the ASI has also taken up the work of Royal Courts, Badi Deodi etc. It has framed the drawings and will start the work next month. In the third segment Rs 78 crore were demanded out of which Rs 67 crore were approved and Rs 12 crore have been released, he added.
According to sources, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) which has been entrusted with the job of restoration of the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex is under constant pressure to intensify the pace of work to complete the project as early as possible.
However, in view of the delicate, artistic workmanship and old architecture, the ASI is not in a position to complete the work as early as possible, sources said, adding even after increasing the manpower the restoration of the Mubarak Mandi complex will not take less than eight to ten years.
Sources said if the work will go as per present pace the entire project will take 50 years to complete but the ASI being the only expert agency in restoration of ancient architecture so the work can’t be assigned to any other agency.
The Society is exerting pressure on ASI to intensify the pace of work by engaging more people.
Though started in year 2007, ASI has so far completed 80 percent work of erstwhile Army Headquarters and Foreign Office of Dogra regime while the rest of the complexes were yet to be taken in hand.
According to sources, the restoration work of entire Mubarak Mandi complex will need at least Rs 300 crore and it is not possible for the Central or State Government to provide such a huge amount at a time. So the project was divided into segments..... Palace wise by Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society, the organisation looking after the restoration work of the complex, sources added.
Sources said in the first segment two buildings of erstwhile Army Headquarters and Foreign Office were taken and they have been almost completed. The project was taken in hand in 13th Finance Commission and an estimate of Rs 53.9crore was projected for its restoration. Out of which, Rs 15 crore were sanctioned by Central Government so far but only Rs 8.57 crore were released, sources added.
The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the heritage complex were prepared by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
Sources said under Mega Tourism Segment, the Heritage Society demanded Rs 24 . 92 crore for the restoration from Government of India (GoI) and it sanctioned Rs 16.80 crore only. Out of which Rs 3.38 crore were released.
In the 13th Finance Commission, Raja Amar Singh Palace, Dogra Art Museum, Badi Deodi, Royal Courts and Mahal of Raja Ram Singh Queens’ were taken, sources said, adding in this mega tourism project Raja Ram Singh Palace, Darbar Hall and Central Court Yard were included.
Sources said now the ASI has taken the work of Royal Courts, Badi Deodi, etc. Their drawings were completed and the work will start next month.
Admitting that work is going on at snail’s pace, Sujanya Sharma Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society said that restoration of old architecture being a delicate and artistic work it can’t be done in pace with modern technology.
However the Society has urged the ASI to increase its manpower to complete the entire project by five years to ten years, he said, adding that utmost care is being taken that the old architecture is not disturbed and the Dogra heritage and architecture is preserved for future generations.
He said the ASI has also taken up the work of Royal Courts, Badi Deodi etc. It has framed the drawings and will start the work next month. In the third segment Rs 78 crore were demanded out of which Rs 67 crore were approved and Rs 12 crore have been released, he added.
Govt hands over Poonch power scam to Vigilance
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today ordered suspension of seven Engineers including a Chief Engineer and action against six others (totaling 13) after an Inquiry Committee headed by Principal Secretary, Power AK Mehta found "serious lapses’’ in installation of transmission towers in Poonch that led to complete power failure in the border district on January 18 after normal snowfall.
Omar, who holds the portfolio of Power Development Department, has handed over the case to the State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) for further investigations as five Engineers involved in the lapses and financial irregularities have retired.
"Seven serving Engineers, who were at the helm of affairs at the time of procurement and installation of transmission towers, have been suspended while six others involved in the scam have retired. Of six retired Engineers, one has been absconding while another has expired. Action against the retired and absconding Engineers would be taken by the Vigilance Organisation’’, official sources told the Excelsior.
Excelsior had today exclusively reported that the Chief Minister has ordered action against the erring Engineers on the basis of preliminary inquiry conducted by a high level Committee headed by Mr Mehta, which confirmed various lapses in the installation of transmission towers in Poonch.
After approval of the file by Chief Minister and Minister of State for Power Vikar Rasool, Mr Mehta today issued a Government Order No. 36 PDD of 2013 dated 14-2-2013 suspending seven Engineers from the services. The suspended officers would remain attached with the office of the Development Commissioner (Power) during the period of suspension.
The suspended Engineers were Mohammad Qasim, Chief Engineer, Procurement & Material Management, J&K (then Executive Engineer), Devinder Pal Singh Bali, Executive Engineer, Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana, Rajouri-Poonch (then AEE), Nissar Hussain, Executive Engineer, Commercial Division, Jammu (C&S wing) (then AEE), Rajeev Chopra, Assistant Engineer, EM&RE Division-II, Jammu (then Junior Engineer Store), Sumit Puri, JE Electric Central Stores Division, Jammu (then JE), Barkat Hussain, JE TLCD-I, Jammu (then JE) and Murrir Hussain, AEE, EM&RE Division Batote, Sub Division Banihal (then JE).
Of six retired Engineers, who were involved in the scam, one has since died while another was absconding as he couldn’t be traced. They would be investigated by the Vigilance Organisation along with seven serving Engineers.
Sources said the Inquiry Committee headed by Mr Mehta and comprising Chief Engineer (Designs) Vinod Khajuria among others had found that a total of 245 transmission towers had been installed in the border district of Poonch during 2005-2008, which were commissioned in 2011.
"Instead of purchasing the transmission towers from three specified companies including Public Sector Undertakings SAIL, the then PDD Engineers went for purchase from another company reportedly for undue benefits’’, sources said.
They added that the towers turned out to be sub standard, which was evident from the fact that within two years of commissioning, most of them were either uprooted or got folded with normal snowfall and windstorm.
"As the border district of Poonch was prone to snowfall, the transmission towers had to be of high density and top quality to ensure that they withstand impact of windstorm and snowfall. However, the sub standard quality towers were uprooted with normal snowfall on January 18 this year leading to disruption of electricity supply as 133 KV transmission line in Poonch district was made non functional’’, sources said.
They added that the Enquiry Committee has also pointed out that in addition to sub standard towers and use of other material, there was also fault in dimensional installation, due to which the towers were uprooted. "This indicated lack of technical expertise in installation of towers’’, they said.
Sources said the Vigilance Organisations would investigate the aspect of monetary considerations in installation of transmission towers as the case has been handed over to them. The Vigilance Organisation would be formally submitted entire record pertaining to purchase of towers and preliminary report of the Inquiry Committee for registration of a case and initiating further action in the matter.
"As the Engineers went for purchases from a company, which didn’t figure among three companies approved for purchases by the State Government, there was every possibility that the sub standard towers were purchased due to monetary considerations’’, sources said.
The added that the PDD top brass was also examining installation of existing transmission towers right from Bafliaz to Thanna Mandi to look into their quality and ensure that they too were not uprooted during further snowstorm.
"Some of the existing towers could also be in danger’’, sources said but added that the authorities would take precautionary measures for them so that they withstand windstorm or snowfall.
Worthwhile to mention here that on January 18, windstorm and normal snowfall had uprooted several transmission towers and folded others leading to failure of 133 KV transmission line in Poonch, which disrupted power supply in the entire border district.
The district was now being fed from 33 KV transmission line from Mendhar.
As reported, the Government has released funds and taken the help of Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCI) for repair work and restoration of electricity supply in Poonch district. The Government hoped that electricity supply would be completely restored in Poonch in one and a half months.
Omar, who holds the portfolio of Power Development Department, has handed over the case to the State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) for further investigations as five Engineers involved in the lapses and financial irregularities have retired.
"Seven serving Engineers, who were at the helm of affairs at the time of procurement and installation of transmission towers, have been suspended while six others involved in the scam have retired. Of six retired Engineers, one has been absconding while another has expired. Action against the retired and absconding Engineers would be taken by the Vigilance Organisation’’, official sources told the Excelsior.
Excelsior had today exclusively reported that the Chief Minister has ordered action against the erring Engineers on the basis of preliminary inquiry conducted by a high level Committee headed by Mr Mehta, which confirmed various lapses in the installation of transmission towers in Poonch.
After approval of the file by Chief Minister and Minister of State for Power Vikar Rasool, Mr Mehta today issued a Government Order No. 36 PDD of 2013 dated 14-2-2013 suspending seven Engineers from the services. The suspended officers would remain attached with the office of the Development Commissioner (Power) during the period of suspension.
The suspended Engineers were Mohammad Qasim, Chief Engineer, Procurement & Material Management, J&K (then Executive Engineer), Devinder Pal Singh Bali, Executive Engineer, Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana, Rajouri-Poonch (then AEE), Nissar Hussain, Executive Engineer, Commercial Division, Jammu (C&S wing) (then AEE), Rajeev Chopra, Assistant Engineer, EM&RE Division-II, Jammu (then Junior Engineer Store), Sumit Puri, JE Electric Central Stores Division, Jammu (then JE), Barkat Hussain, JE TLCD-I, Jammu (then JE) and Murrir Hussain, AEE, EM&RE Division Batote, Sub Division Banihal (then JE).
Of six retired Engineers, who were involved in the scam, one has since died while another was absconding as he couldn’t be traced. They would be investigated by the Vigilance Organisation along with seven serving Engineers.
Sources said the Inquiry Committee headed by Mr Mehta and comprising Chief Engineer (Designs) Vinod Khajuria among others had found that a total of 245 transmission towers had been installed in the border district of Poonch during 2005-2008, which were commissioned in 2011.
"Instead of purchasing the transmission towers from three specified companies including Public Sector Undertakings SAIL, the then PDD Engineers went for purchase from another company reportedly for undue benefits’’, sources said.
They added that the towers turned out to be sub standard, which was evident from the fact that within two years of commissioning, most of them were either uprooted or got folded with normal snowfall and windstorm.
"As the border district of Poonch was prone to snowfall, the transmission towers had to be of high density and top quality to ensure that they withstand impact of windstorm and snowfall. However, the sub standard quality towers were uprooted with normal snowfall on January 18 this year leading to disruption of electricity supply as 133 KV transmission line in Poonch district was made non functional’’, sources said.
They added that the Enquiry Committee has also pointed out that in addition to sub standard towers and use of other material, there was also fault in dimensional installation, due to which the towers were uprooted. "This indicated lack of technical expertise in installation of towers’’, they said.
Sources said the Vigilance Organisations would investigate the aspect of monetary considerations in installation of transmission towers as the case has been handed over to them. The Vigilance Organisation would be formally submitted entire record pertaining to purchase of towers and preliminary report of the Inquiry Committee for registration of a case and initiating further action in the matter.
"As the Engineers went for purchases from a company, which didn’t figure among three companies approved for purchases by the State Government, there was every possibility that the sub standard towers were purchased due to monetary considerations’’, sources said.
The added that the PDD top brass was also examining installation of existing transmission towers right from Bafliaz to Thanna Mandi to look into their quality and ensure that they too were not uprooted during further snowstorm.
"Some of the existing towers could also be in danger’’, sources said but added that the authorities would take precautionary measures for them so that they withstand windstorm or snowfall.
Worthwhile to mention here that on January 18, windstorm and normal snowfall had uprooted several transmission towers and folded others leading to failure of 133 KV transmission line in Poonch, which disrupted power supply in the entire border district.
The district was now being fed from 33 KV transmission line from Mendhar.
As reported, the Government has released funds and taken the help of Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCI) for repair work and restoration of electricity supply in Poonch district. The Government hoped that electricity supply would be completely restored in Poonch in one and a half months.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Ancient Shiva Cave Discovered in Reasi
An ancient Lord Shiva cave has been discovered on the high mountain near Thanpal in Salal area of district Reasi.
The area is tough terrain and nearly 2 hour on foot journey along Surman ‘Khud’. The villagers with their efforts managed to make narrow track up to the cave which is on the steep rocky mountain. On one side there is Salal dam and on the other at high mountain this cave.
The locals said that this cave was inaccessible due to its location but as they used to hear some kind of sounds from that area, nobody ever dared to go that side. A daring youth of the area namely Sunil Kumar, son of Paras Ram, armed with gun and assisted by 2-3 more youth, managed to reach up to the cave using ropes and his mountaineering skills. He saw a Shiva Lingam, stone idols of Shiva family, a statue of Saint and Hanuman. The cave appears to be almost equal to that of Shiv Khori. After this, the youth returned and told this matter to the whole village.
The next day, the village Sarpanch and some locals started digging track on the rocky mountain and with in few days they managed to reach there and saw the cave. They saw ‘Pindis’ and a big Shiva Lingam. The villagers narrated the matter to the local MLA and district administration. On their request, some officers including DC also visited the cave last week and they were astonished to see such a wonderful cave. They assured to develop the area and the cave for pilgrimage on the pattern of Shiv Khori.
There are two different routes one via Talwara-Siar Baba and Thanpal using boat over Salal dam and another one via Reasi Salal and yet another one via Bidda Dhayangarh Dam site.
The area is tough terrain and nearly 2 hour on foot journey along Surman ‘Khud’. The villagers with their efforts managed to make narrow track up to the cave which is on the steep rocky mountain. On one side there is Salal dam and on the other at high mountain this cave.
The locals said that this cave was inaccessible due to its location but as they used to hear some kind of sounds from that area, nobody ever dared to go that side. A daring youth of the area namely Sunil Kumar, son of Paras Ram, armed with gun and assisted by 2-3 more youth, managed to reach up to the cave using ropes and his mountaineering skills. He saw a Shiva Lingam, stone idols of Shiva family, a statue of Saint and Hanuman. The cave appears to be almost equal to that of Shiv Khori. After this, the youth returned and told this matter to the whole village.
The next day, the village Sarpanch and some locals started digging track on the rocky mountain and with in few days they managed to reach there and saw the cave. They saw ‘Pindis’ and a big Shiva Lingam. The villagers narrated the matter to the local MLA and district administration. On their request, some officers including DC also visited the cave last week and they were astonished to see such a wonderful cave. They assured to develop the area and the cave for pilgrimage on the pattern of Shiv Khori.
There are two different routes one via Talwara-Siar Baba and Thanpal using boat over Salal dam and another one via Reasi Salal and yet another one via Bidda Dhayangarh Dam site.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Goa Arts and Literary Festival Begins
Giving detailed introduction of Kashmiriyat, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today said that Jammu and Kashmir represents a great civilization that nurtured pluralistic ethos, cultural diversity, brotherhood, universal détente and mutual love.
"The captivating natural beauty, cultural diversity in unity and rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir has been unique brand and blend of this State", he said adding that artists, writers, poets and artisans with magical skills have made their mark internationally.
Addressing the inaugural function of 3rd Annual Goa Arts and Literary Festival at Kala Academy here, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir has been land of art, culture, literature, folk, music and handicrafts. He said this speciality of the State has added colour to its bio-diversity and natural beauty. He said the highest degree of hospitality inherent in the people of this place has also earned name and fame to this place.
Highlighting the richness of Jammu and Kashmir in offering wide-ranging and diverse tourism attraction round the year to tourists, travellers, trekkers, skiers, golfers, adventure lovers and sportsperson, Omar Abdullah said that Kashmir globally known as 'Heaven on Earth' is on path to restore the tourism sheen which received heavy setback during the period of disturbance.
"Peace is rooting fast and this year State received about 12 lakh visitors, over 6 lakh Amarnath Yatris and lakhs of pilgrims of Mata Vaishno Devi", he said, adding the perception about the law and order situation and travelling to this part of the country is undergoing paradigm shift towards positivity.
"We have underlined the visit of lakhs of tourists here an economic activity and is being promoted in this perspective", he said adding that the efforts of the State Government to change the perception of people in their minds regarding visiting Jammu and Kashmir have yielded good results. "After Japan and Germany, Britain has also modified its negative advisory for the citizens regarding visiting Jammu and Kashmir. We hope other countries will also follow the suit", he added.
Omar Abdullah congratulated the organizers of the festival and said that the participation of artists and literary persons besides a group of folk artists from Jammu and Kashmir in Goa festival gives him great pleasure.
The Chief Minister also referred to the great sufi-saints, historians, travellers and scholars of high eminence, adding that their preaching and teachings have had great impact in the development of a tolerant society in the State. He said the secular characteristic and amity between various sections of the society has been trait of the people in this part of the country. He said that this trait has sustained all challenges and defeated onslaughts and attempts aimed at disturbing it.
He expressed the hope that this characteristic of the State will get further strengthened with the passage of time.
The Goa Arts and Literary Festival is a regular gathering of writers, poets, literature experts, painters, artists, readers, etc at the International Centre Goa.
A folk dance group of Jammu and Kashmir is also performing in the Festival besides participation by 12 literary persons.
"The captivating natural beauty, cultural diversity in unity and rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir has been unique brand and blend of this State", he said adding that artists, writers, poets and artisans with magical skills have made their mark internationally.
Addressing the inaugural function of 3rd Annual Goa Arts and Literary Festival at Kala Academy here, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir has been land of art, culture, literature, folk, music and handicrafts. He said this speciality of the State has added colour to its bio-diversity and natural beauty. He said the highest degree of hospitality inherent in the people of this place has also earned name and fame to this place.
Highlighting the richness of Jammu and Kashmir in offering wide-ranging and diverse tourism attraction round the year to tourists, travellers, trekkers, skiers, golfers, adventure lovers and sportsperson, Omar Abdullah said that Kashmir globally known as 'Heaven on Earth' is on path to restore the tourism sheen which received heavy setback during the period of disturbance.
"Peace is rooting fast and this year State received about 12 lakh visitors, over 6 lakh Amarnath Yatris and lakhs of pilgrims of Mata Vaishno Devi", he said, adding the perception about the law and order situation and travelling to this part of the country is undergoing paradigm shift towards positivity.
"We have underlined the visit of lakhs of tourists here an economic activity and is being promoted in this perspective", he said adding that the efforts of the State Government to change the perception of people in their minds regarding visiting Jammu and Kashmir have yielded good results. "After Japan and Germany, Britain has also modified its negative advisory for the citizens regarding visiting Jammu and Kashmir. We hope other countries will also follow the suit", he added.
Omar Abdullah congratulated the organizers of the festival and said that the participation of artists and literary persons besides a group of folk artists from Jammu and Kashmir in Goa festival gives him great pleasure.
The Chief Minister also referred to the great sufi-saints, historians, travellers and scholars of high eminence, adding that their preaching and teachings have had great impact in the development of a tolerant society in the State. He said the secular characteristic and amity between various sections of the society has been trait of the people in this part of the country. He said that this trait has sustained all challenges and defeated onslaughts and attempts aimed at disturbing it.
He expressed the hope that this characteristic of the State will get further strengthened with the passage of time.
The Goa Arts and Literary Festival is a regular gathering of writers, poets, literature experts, painters, artists, readers, etc at the International Centre Goa.
A folk dance group of Jammu and Kashmir is also performing in the Festival besides participation by 12 literary persons.
Jammu Srinagar NH closed for traffic
Parts of Kashmir Valley experienced the first snowfall of the season overnight, including the Jawahar Tunnel area forcing closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.
The officials said here that the Srinagar–Jammu National highway is closed due to snowfall at Jawahar Tunnel and other places. Efforts are being made by Chief Engineer, Beacon, to clear the snow and re-open the road.
The officials said that the depth of snow recorded at various places this morning is: “Jawahar Tunnel 10 inches, Verinag 4 inches to 5 inches, Kokernag 3 inches to 5 inches, Pahalgam 5 inches, Anantnag 1 inch, Kulgam 3 inches, DH Pora one feet, Shopian one feet, Sedow one to one and a half feet, Gulmarg around 2 feet, Tangmarg 6 inches, Kupwara 3 inches, Lolab 4 inches to 5inches, Gund 6 inches, Gagangir 7 inches to 8 inches, Sonamarg 7inches, Ganderbal 1 inch, Baramulla 2 inches, Rafiabad 5 inches, Srinagar one inch, Bandipora 2 inches, Handwara 2 inches, Pulwama 3 inches.
The officials said that the Chief Engineer, Mechanical Engineering Department Kashmir started snow clearance operation in many areas of the Valley, where snow death exceeded 4 inches, including Gulmarg-Tangmarg Road, Verinag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian-Sedow, Ganderbal-Babanagri, Kupwara.
The Gulmarg-Tangmarg road has been re-opened for vehicular traffic, but only vehicles with 4x4 or anti-skid chains fitted on tyres are being allowed between Tangmarg and Gulmarg.
The officials said here that the Srinagar–Jammu National highway is closed due to snowfall at Jawahar Tunnel and other places. Efforts are being made by Chief Engineer, Beacon, to clear the snow and re-open the road.
The officials said that the depth of snow recorded at various places this morning is: “Jawahar Tunnel 10 inches, Verinag 4 inches to 5 inches, Kokernag 3 inches to 5 inches, Pahalgam 5 inches, Anantnag 1 inch, Kulgam 3 inches, DH Pora one feet, Shopian one feet, Sedow one to one and a half feet, Gulmarg around 2 feet, Tangmarg 6 inches, Kupwara 3 inches, Lolab 4 inches to 5inches, Gund 6 inches, Gagangir 7 inches to 8 inches, Sonamarg 7inches, Ganderbal 1 inch, Baramulla 2 inches, Rafiabad 5 inches, Srinagar one inch, Bandipora 2 inches, Handwara 2 inches, Pulwama 3 inches.
The officials said that the Chief Engineer, Mechanical Engineering Department Kashmir started snow clearance operation in many areas of the Valley, where snow death exceeded 4 inches, including Gulmarg-Tangmarg Road, Verinag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian-Sedow, Ganderbal-Babanagri, Kupwara.
The Gulmarg-Tangmarg road has been re-opened for vehicular traffic, but only vehicles with 4x4 or anti-skid chains fitted on tyres are being allowed between Tangmarg and Gulmarg.
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