Fresh Western Disturbance to hit J&K, 2-day wet spell likely from Wednesday

Srinagar, Feb 17 (KNO): Amidst the deficit rainfall, the weatherman here has predicted a two day wet spell in Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday.

Director Meteorological (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that amidst generally cloudy weather conditions, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many places during 19th evening to 20th late afternoon. “The fresh Western Disturbance is all set to hit the Union Territory,” he added.

Dr Ahmad said that the plains of Kashmir & Jammu may receive light to moderate rain and thunder with gusty winds at few places, adding that the higher reaches of Chenab Valley & South Kashmir may receive moderate snowfall up to around 10 inches while the higher reaches of north & Central Kashmir may receive snowfall up to 8 inches.

Meanwhile, an Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng said that a fresh Western Disturbance is set to develop over Afghanistan on February 19 and quickly move towards Jammu and Kashmir by February 20, bringing widespread rain and snow across the Union Territory.

“The first signs of the disturbance will be felt in the higher reaches from late night on February 19, with precipitation gradually intensifying as it spreads across the region. Most parts of Jammu and Kashmir are likely to witness a moderate spell of rain/snow, along with the possibility of a heavy spell in some parts,” he said.

“Overall, on average, Jammu region may record higher precipitation than Kashmir Valley. The Chenab Valley districts – Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda – are also expected to receive moderate to heavy precipitation. In Kashmir Valley plains, rains may dominate on that day, but a sharp drop in temperature could trigger a transition to snowfall, especially under prolonged heavy precipitation,” Keng added.

Temperatures, which will remain in the range of 15 – 18°C on February 19, are expected to drop below 7°C on February 20. The Pir Panjal range is expected to receive heavy snowfall, affecting areas such as Gulmarg, Sinthan Top, Peer Ki Gali, and other parts of Mughal Road, Keng added.

Due to higher temperatures, lightning and thundershowers may remain a common feature on that day, especially in Jammu region. There is a risk of shooting stones/landslides on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on 20th February. Weather is expected to improve from 21st February onward,” he said—(KNO)

Active Western Disturbance to Impact Jammu and Kashmir on February 20

● A fresh Western Disturbance is set to develop over Afghanistan on February 19 and quickly move towards Jammu and Kashmir by February 20, bringing widespread rain and snow across the Union Territory.

● The first signs of the disturbance will be felt in the higher reaches from late night on February 19, with precipitation gradually intensifying as it spreads across the region.

● Most parts of Jammu and Kashmir are likely to witness a moderate spell of rain/snow, along with the possibility of a heavy spell in some parts.

● Overall, on average, Jammu region may record higher precipitation amount than Kashmir Valley. The Chenab Valley districts – Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda – are also expected to receive moderate to heavy precipitation.

● In Kashmir Valley plains, rains may dominate on that day, but a sharp drop in temperature could trigger a transition to snowfall, especially under prolonged heavy precipitation.

● Temperatures, which will remain in the range of 15 – 18°C on February 19, are expected to drop below 7°C on February 20.

● The Pir Panjal range is expected to receive heavy snowfall, affecting areas such as Gulmarg, Sinthan Top, Peer Ki Gali, and other parts of Mughal Road.

● Due to higher temperatures, lightning and thundershowers may remain a common feature on that day, especially in Jammu region.

● There is a risk of shooting stones/landslides on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on 20th February.

● Weather is expected to improve from 21st February onwards.

Forecast Insights: Kashmir Weather

Govt to provide free water tanker service to water deficit areas in J&K

Jammu, Feb 17: In a move to address water scarcity and ensure access to clean drinking water in city, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Sunday announced free water tanker service to the water deficit areas.

This was revealed during a high-level review meeting chaired by Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana here at Civil Secretariat.

Besides the Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, the meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, School Education Department, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti, Department, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation, Vice Chairman Jammu Development Authority, Director Tribal Affairs, Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti, Jammu and other senior officers.

“We will provide free-of-cost water tankers to those areas which are facing water shortage. The leftover areas would also be covered soon under Jal Jeevan Mission or any other water supply scheme,” he said, highlighting the situation faced by people due to inadequate water supply.

He said that this initiative aims to support vulnerable communities, especially during times of water shortage.

The Minister instructed the officers to visit the areas witnessing water shortage so that water supply plans are formulated accordingly.

He also called for incorporating certain measures to streamline and keep the online portal user friendly for common man.

Expressing concern over slow pace of progress on water supply schemes under AMRUT in Jammu division, the Minister called for immediate preparation of pending DPRs and subsequent approval by the HUDD.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding progress on Jal Jeevan Mission in Poonch district.

The Minister sought details about the plans to be undertaken to ensure adequate water supply in view of continuing dry spell.

He also called for inauguration of those schemes which are complete as per DPR saying that they should be dedicated to the public as soon as possible.

Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, informed that five schemes each in Mendhar, Surankote and Haveli constituencies will be completed in next 10 days for inauguration.

Javed Rana also reviewed progress on ongoing development works in Poonch district under CAPEX.

He encouraged the officers to work in a mission mode so that all the pending works are completed within shortest possible time.

It was given out in the meeting that out of total 3,151, 1,878 works have been completed in Poonch under CAPEX.

Regarding delays in execution of developmental works, the Minister asked for expediting works being executed under all schemes, especially in the CSS in Poonch.

Highlighting the plight of those affected by snow storm in the year 2005 at Waltengoo in district Kulgam, Javed Rana impressed upon the administration to make efforts for rehabilitating the victims by establishing a model colony with a requisite facilities for the residents.

During the meeting, focused discussions were als held on construction of Tribal Bhawan in Jammu Javed Rana, who also holds the Tribal Affairs portfolio, asked the concerned officers to identify the land for construction of Tribal Bhawan in Jammu. He also assessed implementation of Pradhan Mantri Aadi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY), a flagship programme aimed at holist development of tribal villages.

He underscored the importance of focusing on critical areas such as education, healthcare, housing and infrastructure to achieve the programme’s objectives.

During the meeting, discussions were also held o subject-specific teachers under SMAGRA.–(UNI)

Omar should refrain from endorsing Centre’s abrogation of Articles 370, 35A: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Feb 16: Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday asked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to refrain from endorsing the Centre’s abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in the formulation of business rules for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.

The former chief minister warned that such a move would legitimise the “illegal and unconstitutional” actions taken by the BJP-led central government to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A.

In a strongly worded statement, the PDP president said despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in favour of the Centre’s decision, several legal experts believe that Article 370 cannot be abrogated by any authority, including Parliament.

“While the BJP may not restore these rights, it is likely that India, as a nation, will have to do so sooner or later. Any endorsement by the J and K government would weaken this claim and diminish the state’s position. We have to keep the argument and narrative alive,” she said.

Mufti also reminded the BJP-led Union government of the understanding it showed during the peak of unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Thousands of FIRs of stone pelters were quashed and Ramazan ceasefire was declared. A high-powered delegation was sent to engage with the people of J and K, including separatists, who unfortunately declined the offer,” she said.

“At the time, separatists believed that stone-pelting, burning schools and hospitals, and attacking army camps and police stations would resolve the Kashmir issue. However, things only worsened,” she added.

The PDP president urged the BJP to come down from its “high horse” and acknowledge that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is not as normal as it appears.

“The façade of normalcy has been created by the force of agencies and the imposition of draconian laws such as the Public Safety Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

“But this will not last forever. The government must reconsider its approach, reach out to the people, and build on the confidence-building measures initiated during my tenure,” she said.

Mufti also stressed the need to reopen key trade routes, such as Uri-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot, to boost the region’s economy.

“As Jammu is increasingly sidelined, the Jammu-Sialkot route should also be revived to provide a market for Jammu’s products,” she said and urged the government to take inspiration from her vision document and the Agenda of Alliance, which underlined dialogue and economic development.

The PDP president claimed that little had changed even after Jammu and Kashmir elected a government in October last year.

“What’s the difference between LG rule and the NC government? The same crackdowns, property attachments, and persecution of the Jamaat-e-Islami continue. Employees are still being terminated, youth are arrested under UAPA, and the misuse of PSA remains unchecked. Kashmiri youth continue to languish in jails outside J and K with no relief,” she said.

“Unemployment has skyrocketed, plunging youth into despair. Bureaucratic hurdles have made everyday life miserable. The Reorganization Act is being solidified, further eroding J and K’s autonomy,” she added.

She also criticised the government’s misplaced priorities, such as opposing the ban on alcohol while ignoring critical issues like the dilution of the resolution on Article 370 and the hollow promise of statehood.–(PTI)