Author: snskashmir

Asks Chief Conservator Of Forests To Ensure No Tree Is Cut Down

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 17 :

Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Wednesday banned all types of construction in Gulmarg, the ecological fragile world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir.

Hearing a Public Interest Ligation, a bench of Justices Ali Mohammad Magrey and Vinod Chatterji Koul also banned cutting down of any tree in Gulmarg.

“This Public Interest Litigation has been filed way back in the year 2012. Petitioner, namely, Mohammad Rafiq Zargar, has sought restoration of prestige and pristine glory of world-renowned tourist resort, viz. Gulmarg,” the court observed.

This Court, the bench said, has passed slew of directions aiming at preserving glory of Gulmarg.

“It was in consequence of directions of this Court that a HighLevel Meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary, J&K, was held, in which threadbare discussion had taken place and various steps were taken for preserving glory of Gulmarg. It was also decided to take fresh process for formulation of Master Plan,” the court observed as per GNS.

A number of Committees were also constituted, including one to consider extension and renewal of leases in respect of live lease cases and expired lease cases.

A direction was also issued to CEO, Gulmarg Development Authority, to submit details regarding illegal constructions and violations.

“For about eight long years, this Court has been monitoring the instant PIL and ensuring that glory and prestige of Gulmarg remains preserved. However, on examination of directions passed from time to time as also status report(s) filed by respondents, it has become necessary to pass further directions,” the court said and ordered that no further construction shall be allowed to be raised on the land in Gulmarg.

“The Chairman, Pollution Control Board, shall ensure that all the hotels in Gulmarg have proper sewerage and drainage facilities,” the court said in another direction, adding, “The Chief Conservator of Forests shall ensure that no tree is cut down in Gulmarg.”

The bench was hearing the PIL filed in 2012 by one Mohammad Rafiq Zargar, seeking directions to for protection of fragile environment of Gulmarg. (GNS)

SNS KASHMIR

BARAMULLA FEBRUARY 17 :

A prominent figure and a leading advocate of Rafiabad Advocate Tariq Ahmad Khan of Ladu Ladura formally joined Indian National Congress today at a party convention held at Sherwani Memorial Hall Baramulla in presence of Jand k Congress president Mr G.A Mir and president North Kashmir Mr Haji Abdul Rashid Dar and other party members. Mr Tariq did his L.L.B from Aligarh Muslim University in the year 1977. He was president youth Congress and then president Congress for Rafiabad in 80’s . He was member State Pahari Advoisory board in 2007. He was president Sopore Bar association and presently is president Bar Association Dangiwacha Rafiabad.

JKRRDA completes 1,917 km rural roads, aims to reach 4,000 mark this fiscal

CS directs setting up of Quality Management Cell, Project Planning Cell in PWD to achieve 5k progress next year

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 17:

The Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam today chaired a meeting of UT level Standing Committee of J&K Rural Roads Development Agency (JKRRDA) to review progress made under the flagship programme, ‘Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana’ (PMGSY).

Administrative Secretary, Public Works (R&B), Chief Engineers (PMGSY), Jammu and Kashmir, Superintendent Engineers and Executive Engineers, among others, participated in the meeting.

While appreciating the progress made so far in the current financial year, the Chief Secretary observed that JKRRDA has registered an unprecedented achievement by completing 1,917 km of rural roads under 234 schemes with financial implication of Rs. 1200 crore, thereby providing safe and secure all-weather connectivity to 93 eligible habitations.

The Chief Secretary maintained that JKRRDA must complete the additional 2,418 km rural roads of 293 schemes which are at various stages of completion by 31st March, 2021, to take up this year’s progress to 4,000 km. These roads will further connect 57 habitations eligible under the scheme at an estimated cost of Rs. 927 crore. “Having attained the technical expertise for fast-tracked project execution, the Department can comfortably target construction of 5,000 km road in rural areas in the upcoming year”, the Chief Secretary added.

He directed setting up of Quality Management Cell and Project Planning Cell within the Public Works Department to promote specialization of workforce, and coordination between various project executing agencies towards the high-quality output.

He directed Principal Secretary to periodically review district-wise progress for timely resolution of bottlenecks and associated challenges. He advised the Department to prioritize works that are free from encumbrances like land acquisition, forest clearance, court cases, and shifting of utilities while simultaneously resolving such issues/grievances in the projects facing delays.

The Department was asked to put in dedicated efforts for the establishment of quality control labs to ensure the construction of high-quality infrastructure, besides undertaking routine inspections of the works with focussed attention on maintenance works.

It was informed that for the next phase of PMGSY, the Department has initiated the process of finalizing its candidate road list which is expected to include 1,877 numbers of roads covering a length of 12,300 km. Further, the Department is also engaging a consultancy bridge expert to monitor the construction of bridges under the programme.

The Committee also reviewed issues related to un-awarded works, forest clearances, raw material supply, quality standards, and e-Marg status.

Currently, the rural road network created under PMGSY in Jammu and Kashmir stretches over 12803.59 km connecting 1,931 habitations through 2,101 schemes with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 7,228.25 crore. Pertinently, J&K figures at rank 3 in the national index.

SNS KASHMIR

JAMMU FEBRUARY 17 :

Indian Air Force has written to the authorities of Jammu airport as well as the airlines operating their flights from and to Jammu airport for the closure of the runway for the period of 15 days.

In its communication to Airport Authorities and Airlines, Senior Air Traffic Controller has written that the complete closure of runway at Jammu for 15 days towards laying of final two top DAC-II layers on runway surface has been approved by Air HQ from March 6 to March 20 and the same has been intimated to ED (Operations) Airport Authority of India, New Delhi.

The letter titled, “Complete closure of runway for overlay of DAC-II layer: 06 Mar to 20 Mar 21” has also been sent to the airline operators which are having their flights operational from and to Jammu airport.

Reviews onspot status of restoration of essential services

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR FEBRUARY 17 :

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shafqat Iqbal and Director Tourism Kashmir, Dr. G.N Itoo today visited Sonamarg to review and assess onspot restoration of disrupted essential services due to snowfall which remains closed for few months during winters due to closure of Srinagar Sonamarg road due to heavy snowfall.

During the visit they chaired a meeting which was attended by SDM Kangan, Hakeem Tanveer, CEO, Sonamarg Development Authority, Executive Engineers of Jal Shakhti and KPDCL, ARO Ganderbal, Dy. SP HQ, Dy. SP traffic, Tehsildar Kangan besides representatives of Hotelier’s Association Sonamarg, Beopar Mandal Sonamarg and Pony Wallas and sludge union.

The DC and Director Tourism took brief from the concerned departments regarding the status of restoration of essential services like water, electricity, Health, snow clearance on link roads and parking areas, restoration of public conveniences, mobile connectivity, etc.

The concerned informed the meeting that men and machinery are already on job and maximum essential services are restored including water supply, electricity, hospital, police station, mobile connectivity (BSNL) and other allied facilities.

Both the DC and Director exhorted upon the officers to take stock of ground situation so that restoration of affected works and allied facilities is ensured before its opening for tourists.

After taking brief from the departments and Keeping in view the weather conditions and tourist footfall in the valley, it was decided that Sonamarg destination shall be thrown open for tourist from 24th February, 2021 and it was also revealed that on opening ceremony, an impressive and colourful one-day event would be held during which several programs like cultural items, snow biking, skiing, etc. to welcome the tourists which will be first of its kind, in the golden meadow.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Itoo urged all stake holders to give their constructive suggestion regarding presenting Sonamarg as winter destination like Gulmarg and Pehalgam adding that Govt. is committed to sustain tourism throughout the year and assured that department shall provide all required support in this regard. He also stressed upon the cleanliness and transparent services to the tourists.

Meanwhile, the DC complemented the efforts of different departments for early restoration of the utilities and services and also stressed the Hoteliers operating in Sonamarg to ensure all arrangements are put in place prior to opening of Sonamarg so that once the tourists arrive they get all the required facilities for a comfortable stay. He also called for providing services with dedication and professionalism.

To give confidence to the tourists visiting there with regard to safety of COVID, the health department was directed to make arrangements for Rapid Testing of all who visit Sonamarg. Besides, all the stake holders were directed to ensure cent percent adherence to Covid protocol.

The DC reiterated to the Govt. departments and the hoteliers to upgrade their services and infrastructure to commensurate the weather conditions of Sonamarg as the tourist destination is likely to remain open from this winter with the commencing of escape tunnel of Z-Morh.

Picture Courtesy: Basit zargar

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY,17:

Lal Chowk, the commercial nerve centre of Kashmir’s main city Srinagar, observed a shutdown on Wednesday as a delegation of foreign envoys, including ambassadors and diplomats from the European Union, arrived in the city.
Markets in the city’s central hub were shut and traffic maintained a thin movement.
Several parts of Srinagar’s downtown also remained shut while government forces’ personnel were deployed in the Nowhatta area. The security bandobast was heavy and a large number of the government forces’ personnel patrolled the city.
The delegation led by Ugo Astuto, an EU ambassador, arrived in Kashmir on a two-day visit and is scheduled to meet government-picked delegations.
This is the third visit of foreign envoys since the limited-autonomy of the erstwhile state was abrogated in August 2019.
Omar Abdullah, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, called this visit a “guided tour” while the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) president Maulana Masroor Ansari termed the delegation’s visit to Kashmir as a “futile” move.
Meanwhile Mehbooba Mufti, former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief said that the delegations will come and go but the fact remains that the situation isn’t favorable in Jammu and Kashmir.
Prior to their arrival, scores of government forces’ bunkers and barricades were dismantled across the city.
The delegation will be reportedly meeting civil society members in Budgam today and also touring Dal lake and Dargah mosque.(CNS)

SNS KASHMIR

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 17 :

Crime Branch Jammu conducted raids & searches in the houses of alleged accused persons namely 1) Kulbir Singh S/O Sansar Singh R/O Bhau R.S. Pura Jammu, 2) Narotam Singh S/O Ram Saran R/O Marjali Kangril Jammu A/P H.No.267 Gandhi Nagar Jammu and 3) Kulranjan Sharma @ Sonu S/O Om Parkash Sharma R/O401 Rani Talab, Digiana Jammu in case FIR No. 39/2020 U/S 420,120-B IPC P/S Crime Branch Jammu for their involvement in hatching criminal conspiracy for providing the JCB Machine to the complainant and duped of an amount of Rs.23,50,000/-. The search warrant was issued by the Hon’ble Court of Special Mobile Magistrate, Passenger Tax & Shops Estt. Act Jammu.
The searches were conducted in the presence of Executive Magistrate, Ist Class, Tehsildar Chouki Choura, Jammu. During search incriminating documents have been seized.

The brief facts of the case are that complainant namely Baldeep Kour lodged a written complaint with Crime Branch Jammu alleging therein that she had to buy a JCB in 2017.The complainant inquired details from the dealer from where she had to buy the JCB. The complainant applied for loan in J&K Bank, Branch Kullian, R.S. Pura, Jammu to purchase the JCB. The cost of the JCB was Rs. 23,50,000/-. The complainant paid the margin money of Rs.8,50,000/= to the dealer namely K.K. Motors, R.S. Pura, Near Indershawar Banquet Hall Prop. Kulbir Singh S/o Sansar Singh R/o Khour Bhau, R.S. Pura, Jammu and the remaining amount (loan amount) was transferred by J&K Bank Branch Kullian R.S. Pura, Jammu in the account of the JCB dealership. But after number of times insisting the dealer for the delivery of JCB, Kulbir Singh refused to give the delivery of the JCB.

Further investigation of the case is going on.

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 17 :

Taking a dig at Government of India for inviting foreign diplomats every year to Kashmir, senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Saifuddin Soz today said that government is ‘wasting’ tax payers money. He termed the visit of foreign diplomats a ‘futile’ exercise.

Soz told news agency Kashmir News Trust that instead of wasting money on these diplomats, Government of India should start a dialogue with mainstream politicians. “If you reservations in talking to Hurriyat leaders, but at least talk to mainstream leaders who are available. What government will get by inviting these diplomats? They will enjoy the scenic beauty of Kashmir and will get back to their countries without any outcome,” he said.

Soz said that there are chances that behind this government exercise, any diplomat will understand the ground reality and utter truth.

“If they will meet me, I will shed light on everything. People are angry and want restoration of special status of Jammu and Kashmir,” Soz said adding that in days to come, Government of India will learn a lesson.

Soz said that Government of India should take mainstream politicians on board without wasting any time. (KNT)

Work in Double Shift to Meet the Set Timeline: DC

SNS KASHMIR

BARAMULLA, FEBRUARY 17:

Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Mohammad Aijaz Asad accompanied by Director Coordination New Medical Colleges and MD J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited Dr Yash Pal Sharma today paid a visit to under construction blocks of Government medical College Baramulla in order to review the pace of construction work. 

On the occasion, the DC took a detailed appraisal of several aspects associated with the GMC during which he was appraised by the concerned authorities about the current progress of works.

Meanwhile, the DC issued strict directions to the concerned agencies to abide by the timeline of completion set as June 21, 2021 and said that no laxity would be tolerated. He emphasized upon the executing agency to work in double shift with added zeal and synergy so that target is achieved well within the stipulated timeframe.
He also visited the site of proposed land of Industries and commerce Department to be handed over to Health and Medical Education Department. In order to decongest the premises of existing GMC an alternate entry through the proposed area was also discussed which will enable free movement of Ambulances and patients/attendants.

SNS KASHMIR

KATHUA, FEBRUARY 17:

Kathua Police foiled a bovine smuggling bid and arrested the driver carrying 17 bovines in a truck.

Police sources told news agency KNT that a team from Police Station Hiranagar succeeded in foiling bovine smuggling bid at Londi Morh and rescued 17 bovine animals and seized the truck (JK02BV-6687) used for smuggling cattle.

Sources said that a truck was intercepted and during checking 17 bovines were found loaded in the vehicle.

A police official said that truck was on way to Kashmir. The driver identified as Muhammad Yakub, a resident of Dina Nagar Gurdaspur has been arrested.

A formal FIR vide number 22/2021 under section 188, IPC 11 PCA Act has been registered at police station Hira Nagar. (KNT)