Srinagar Sep 28: As Kashmir is prone to floods, the Irrigation and Flood Control department has emphasised the preparation of a master plan for flood prone areas that could help Kashmir to prevent floods in future.
A senior official said the department has stressed the preparation of a master plan for flood prone areas, and called for various measures to prevent the valley from floods in the future.
“Measures to establish the extensive networks for flood forecasting to give timely warnings to the people likely to be affected shall also be outlined. A roadmap for determination of the limits of the flood basins and the necessary exercises to be carried out shall be prepared,” the official quoting Irrigation and Flood Control Department having said to the government.
Further, it has emphasised measures to protect the natural drainage systems with a view to removing artificial barriers in the path of flow of excess drainage water. “Operating procedures for reservoirs shall be evolved, and implemented in such a manner so as to have flood cushion, and reduce trapping of sediments during flood seasons,” the official told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) while quoting Irrigation and Flood Control Department having told to the government.
Kashmir has a history of floods since 1990. As per the official records, the state has witnessed major floods in 1900, 1902, 1903, 1905, 1912, 1929, 1948, 1950, 1955, 1957 and 1959. Floods were also witnessed in the years 1976, 1987, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997 and in September 2014. The floods of September 2014 caused immense damage resulting in loss of land, lives, houses and public infrastructure.
A study titled ‘A satellite-based rapid assessment on floods in Jammu & Kashmir–September, 2014’ conducted jointly by the Department of Environment & Remote Sensing (DERS) and ISRO has warned that intensity of rainfall and frequency of rainy days in the Himalayan region may increase in 2030s, leading to another flood in Kashmir if immediate steps are not taken to restore the drainage system of Jhelum.
According to a disaster management report, 13 districts in J&K out of 100 districts in India have been identified as ‘multi hazard districts’.
“Majority areas of the valley, especially Sonawari, Awantipora and Srinagar, along with parts of Jammu are prone to floods. Upper catchments of all the tributaries of the Jhelum, Indus, Chenab and Tawi rivers are prone to flash floods,” the report says. All these areas were worst hit by September 2014 floods.
A senior official of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department said the Wular Lake which is the largest flood absorption basin has lost the water carrying capacity due to a host of factors. “Several surveys have found gross human interference, deforestation, encroachments, choking of waterways and reduction in capacity of wet lands due to heavy siltation posing an imminent threat of floods even by average downpour,” the official said. “Government should prepare a master plan and issue directions to implement it,” he added. (KINS)
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I&FC Dept calls for preparation of master plan for flood prone areas
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7 militants killed, one apprehended in 9-day long Ops as major infiltration bid foiled along LoC in Uri: GoC
Says infiltrating group was possibly going to carry out major strike in Kashmir
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Inzamam-ul-Haq hospitalised after heart attack, stable now
He underwent a successful angioplasty on Monday
Pakistan’s former captain and most capped player Inzamam-ul-Haq had to undergo an emergency angioplasty at a private hospital here after complaining of heart-related issues and breathing difficulty.
A family member said that Inzamam felt uneasy and complained of having difficulty in breathing on Monday.
He was taken to a private hospital where, after several tests, it was revealed that he might have had a minor attack. Doctors advised him to undergo an emergency angioplasty and well-known heart surgeon, Professor Abbas Kazim, performed the procedure.
“Inzamam is now doing much better and will be released soon from hospital. He is okay now,” one family member said.
The 51-year old, who played 120 Tests and 378 One-Day Internationals during an illustrious career, also served as chief selector between 2016-2019 and it was in his tenure that Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy final against India in 2017.
He was, however, unceremoniously told to step down in late 2019 after the World Cup by a new Pakistan Cricket Board management.
The former top batsman also coached the Afghanistan team in the 2016 World Cup T20.
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Sister Dies, Siblings Battle for Life of ‘Unascertained Cause’ in Handwara Village
Handwara, Sep 28: A girl has died even as her two brothers are battling for life of some ‘unascertained cause’ in Mawar Bala village in Handwara in north-Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Reports reaching GNS said that Mehfooza Bano (5), Zakir Ahmad Lone (8) and Aamir Ahmad Lone (3) children of Mohammad Akbar Lone took ill two days before. The trio was removed to NTPHC Qalamabad for treatment, however the minor girl was declared dead on arrival by the doctors there. The two siblings after administration of treatment were later on referred to District Hospital Handwara, where both of them are said to be in critical conditions.
Talking to GNS Medical officer NTPHC Qalamabad Dr Burhan confirmed the death of the 5-year-old girl saying that the minor was brought dead on arrival to the health facility. “She had been suffering from vomiting and diarrhea for the last two days, however the family didn’t sought any medical help and instead resorted to traditional way of treatment” the medical officer said, adding that her two brothers are currently being treated at DH Handwara.
When asked about the cause of the eventuality, the medical officer said that a team of doctors is there to ascertain the facts and cause adding it may be even some water-borne disease.
When contacted, Block Medical Officer Langate Abdul Ahad Qureshi told GNS that the cause of the occurrence remains unascertained as of now. “A team led by Dr. Qaiser is there to conduct door-to-door tests to rule out the possibility of any further outbreak of the disease,” the BMO said.
“Till now we are oblivious of the fact that whether it is water-borne disease or not, once the cause is ascertained the details will be shared accordingly”, the medical officer added. (GNS)
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China installs new shelters for troops near LAC in eastern Ladakh
New container-based accommodations built in addition to additional military camps that the Chinese military set up following the escalation in tension between the two sides last year
China has put in place new modular container-based accommodations for its troops in several high-altitude forward areas on its side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh in response to Indian deployment in the region, people familiar with the developments said on Monday.
The shelters were installed in locations near Tashigong, Manza, Hot Springs and Churup among others, in reflection of simmering tensions between the two sides in the region, they said.
The people cited above said China’s People Liberation Army has been feeling the heat of the Indian response to its “misadventure” in the region last year and that the Chinese military has been forced to go for long deployments and boost infrastructure in the region.
They said the Indian response to the Chinese actions last year, particularly after the Galwan Valley clashes, surprised the neighbouring country and that it deployed troops in areas where it never used to earlier.
“Our strategy is hurting them. They are reacting to our response. We have forced PLA to go for forward deployment and boost infrastructure,” said one of the people.
They said the new deployments are appearing to be affecting the morale of the Chinese troops as they were not used to operate in such difficult terrain.
The new container-based accommodations were built in addition to the additional military camps that the Chinese military had set up following the escalation in tension between the two sides last year.
The people said India is also ramping up construction of tunnels, bridges roads and other critical infrastructure in eastern Ladakh and other areas along the nearly 3,500-km LAC.
They said China is also significantly enhancing its airbases and air defence units near the LAC in eastern Ladakh.
The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.
The border row escalated after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 last year.
Twenty Indian Army personnel laid down their lives in the clashes that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades.
In February, China officially acknowledged that five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the clashes with the Indian Army though it is widely believed that the death toll was higher.
As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in Gogra area last month.
In February, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement.
Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the sensitive sector. PTI
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BJP put an end to 70 years of dynastic rule in J&K: Anurag Thakur
Says there is no place for unethical journalism in democracy
Budgam, Sep 27: The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Sports, Anurag Thakur Monday said that 70 years of dynastic rule had made the youth of J&K incompetent and the BJP put an end to the dynastic rule.
As per Kashmir News Service (KNS) correspondent, addressing media persons at Budgam, Anurag Thakur said the difference of the 70 years of dynastic rule in J&K are now visible in the two years of BJP government.
He said the central Government is committed to work for the youth of Jammu as well as Kashmir for their participation and progress in every sector.
About the media policy in Kashmir, Thakur said that there is no place for unethical journalism in democracy. “The media policy in Kashmir has changed for the good of the people so that they can get accurate and truthful information.”
He said that journalists should understand their responsibility of reporting the truth and presenting unbiased and accurate information to the people, and they should do justice with their profession.
He maintained that the central government is committed to strengthen the existing sports infrastructure and facilities to the youth of J&K so that more youngsters can join sports and represent their UT at various national and international levels.
Thakur said that for the revival of artistic culture and to stop the propaganda from Pakistan, the central government has launched high power transmitters of Doordarshan and All India Radio at Kargil.
On being asked about the cultivation sector and carpet business of UT, he said that various schemes for export of saffron, apricots, and carpets to every corner of the world are already in progress.
“This will ensure more progress and boost the farming sector and the carpet business in the UT. (KNS)
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Kashmiri Weddings Draw Sharp Contrast Between Rich and Poor
MUBAIRAH JAN
The Prophet Muhammad(صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, ”The best wedding is that upon which the least trouble and expense Is bestowed” (Mishkat). How many of us have seen people or themselves following the narrated Hadith? Every now and then we come across a majority of weddings where people spend their whole life’s earnings only to impress the society and just to compete with each other. As has been almost everyone’s experience, we in Kashmir want to get everything done royally without keeping in mind that there are different types of people living in the society. We forget the fact that if we can easily afford the things, the other people living around may not. By giving a go-bye to the lesser privileged families, we just are creating a social stigma for such families once they fail to exhibit lavishness in their wedding ceremonies.
In every wedding lakhs are being spent on unnecessary things. Such fashions and trends have been included in weddings that can’t be afforded by a normal person and were unheard of some years ago. We frequently get to read about the suicidal cases that are being attempted by girls and guardians of the girls. Is this fair? Do we need to think and rethink about the same? These expenses may be as easy as pie for a rich person but at the same time it can be a cause of death for a poor person. We as society need to change this system as a whole and we as educated fellows need to change the mindset of those people who think that by making all these expenses they are doing no good to the society. This month I attended a wedding of a close relative and I saw so many unnecessary things that I outrightly felt should have not been done. I saw costly dry fruit boxes, which made me think whether such a thing was needed and at the same time made me think whether a normal fellow in the society can afford it at all. Similarly I saw the bride taking gifts with her inlaw’s house which were too expensive and nonetheless given the ongoing trend, the marriage thing will be more difficult for the people with lesser means and resources. Wazwan is known to everyone and happens to be a part of our tradition. Preparing cuisine for relatives and friends is not bad but the evil starts at the time when more and more things are added in it like expensive crockery, new dishes and like things, just to show-off one’s wealth. Same is the case with Wardan (clothing for bride and groom). I want everyone to think and rethink about such things. For me, if this huge amount of money that’s being spent on weddings for unnecessary things would be rather spent for many other noble causes, a better nation can be built. If we donate this money or a part of it, no one would be poor in Kashmir. How can we then expect an incredible Kashmir in return Kashmir when lakhs of rupees are spent on decorations only. Before summarising, I am here giving you a brief summary about Islamic wedding. The actual Islamic wedding is known as NIKKAH. It is supposed to be a simple ceremony, at which the bride does not have to be present as long as she sends two witnesses to the drawn up agreement . Normally ,the ceremony consists of reading from the Quran ,and the exchange of vows in front of witnesses for both partners. And has been enshrined in Ahadith, this ceremony should be normally conducted in a masjid. If everyone will follow this kind of methodology for weddings, a better society can be witnessed. We all need to realize that the Sunnah made by Allah and followed by our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) should be performed in the manner as we have been told to. We need to share this message with the whole of Ummah .Let us maintain the beauty of a simple Nikkah and set an example for everyone .Let us marry our children with as much humbleness as our Prophet (PBUH) did. If somebody has to take an initiative ,then why not
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9 aspirants from Jammu Kashmir qualify UPSC exams
9 aspirants from J&K qualify UPSC exams
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International flights likely to resume from Srinagar
Srinagar: International flight operations are likely to resume at the Srinagar airport as efforts are on to start services between here and Sharjah, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Saturday.
He also said the terminal at the Srinagar airport would be expanded from 25,000 sq m to 63,000 sq m.
Jyotiraditya Scindia, Civil Aviation Minister
On course
The first international flight from Srinagar to Sharjah will be started soon. Efforts are on so that international travellers come directly to Srinagar.
“The first international flight connection from Srinagar to Sharjah (in the United Arad Emirates) will be started soon. Efforts are on so that international travellers come directly to Srinagar. This will be a historic decision, not just for Jammu and Kashmir, but the entire country,” Scindia told the media here.
There will be an investment of Rs 1,500 crore at the Srinagar airport, while Rs 600 crore will be spent on the Jammu airport.
“The Jammu airport will have a new 25,000-sq-m terminal, adding to the existing one,” the Union Minister said.
The runway at the Jammu airport has been extended to 8,000 feet and there will be no load penalty on flights at the airport from October 1, he said.
Meanwhile, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday discussed issues related to strengthening the aviation infrastructure in the union territory with Scindia. — TNS
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Lieutenant Governor, Union Minister Scindia discuss strengthening aviation sector
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday discussed issues related to strengthening the aviation infrastructure in the Union Territory with Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia here.
Scindia arrived here as part of the Centre’s special outreach programme for Jammu and Kashmir.
The L-G met the Union minister at the Raj Bhavan here.
“Today met Hon’ble Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia Ji @JM_Scindia at Raj Bhavan and discussed issues related to strengthening of aviation infrastructure in the Union Territory of J&K,” Sinha said on Twitter. (PTI)