Kashmir likely to witness week-long wet spell till Jan 24

Srinagar, Jan 19: Minimum temperatures rose marginally across Kashmir, bringing residents some respite from the intense cold. The respite, however, is likely to be short-lived as several parts of the valley are expected to receive rain and snow till January 24, officials said on Sunday.

Minimum temperatures across Kashmir were higher than usual on Saturday night.

The mercury settled at a low of minus 1 degree Celsius in Srinagar, down from last night’s minus 0.9 degrees Celsius.

Pahalgam, one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 3 degrees Celsius, a marginal increase from minus 3.4 degrees Celsius the night before.

The tourist resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir, known for skiing, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.4 degrees Celsius.

The minimum temperature was minus 2.8 degrees Celsius in Qazigund, minus 2 degrees Celsius at Konibal in Pampore town, minus 2.6 degrees Celsius in Kupwara and minus 3.4 degrees Celsius in Kokernag.

Kashmir is likely to witness a week-long wet spell, the meteorological department said.

“There is a possibility of light rain or snowfall at several places over the next 36 hours. Light to moderate rains in Jammu and snowfall in some parts of Kashmir are expected from January 22 to 23,” a Met department official said.

The weather is expected to remain mainly dry from January 24 to January 28 and another wet spell is forecast from January 29 to January 31, the official said.

Kashmir is currently in the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ — the harshest period of winter. During the 40 days of ‘Chillai-Kalan’, which began on December 21, the chances of snowfall are the highest and the mercury drops considerably.

‘Chillai-Kalan’ ends on January 30, followed by a 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold). (PTI)

Weather Update for Jammu and Kashmir (19th January 2025)

Forecast for the Upcoming Days
The Meteorological Department in Srinagar has issued the following weather forecast for the region of Jammu and Kashmir:

19th January

• Generally cloudy skies are expected, with the possibility of light snow at isolated locations.

20th – 21st January

• The weather is likely to remain cloudy, with chances of light rain or snow occurring at scattered places across the region.

22nd January

• A more significant weather system is anticipated, bringing light to moderate rain in the plains of Jammu and light to moderate snow in many places across the region.
• Higher reaches of the Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal Range are also likely to receive light to moderate snowfall.

23rd January

• Generally cloudy conditions will persist, with the possibility of light rain in the plains and light snow at scattered places.

24th – 28th January

• The weather is expected to remain mostly dry during this period, providing a respite from precipitation.

29th – 31st January

• The end of the month may see generally cloudy skies with light rain or snow at isolated locations.

Advisory ⚠
Tourists, travelers, and transporters are advised to:

1. Follow Administrative and Traffic Advisories: Stay updated on the latest guidance issued by the local administration and traffic departments to ensure safe travel.
2. Prepare for Snow in Higher Reaches: Those visiting higher-altitude regions, including the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal Range, should be equipped for possible moderate snowfall.
3. Monitor Weather Updates: Conditions can change rapidly, so it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments from the Meteorological Department.

With fluctuating weather patterns expected over the next few days, it is crucial for residents and visitors in Jammu and Kashmir to exercise caution and plan their activities accordingly. While the dry spell from the 24th to 28th offers a window for travel, scattered precipitation may return towards the end of the month.

USBRL: 18-coach trial run conducted on Katra-Budgam track

Anantnag, Jan 19 (KNO): An 18-coach trial run was conducted on the Katra-Budgam track of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, officials said on Sunday.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that an 18-coach rake departed from Katra at 8 am and is heading to Budgam for the trial run.

He said that top railway officials are also monitoring the trial run.

The USBRL project has been completed, and the final phase of train operations is underway, he added—(KNO)

Over 50 doctor, paramedic posts vacant in Ganderbal Medical Block

‘Around two dozen doctors working at single place for last 6-10 years’; locals demand inquiry into alleged policy violations

Srinagar, Jan 18: Over 50 critical posts, including doctors and paramedics, remain vacant in the Ganderbal Medical Block, with District Hospital Ganderbal bearing the brunt of these shortages.

The unfilled positions include Consultant Surgeon, Consultant Pediatrician, Medical Officers, Anesthesia Assistants, X-ray Technicians, Pharmacists, Blood Bank Technicians and support staff such as cleaners and drivers, according to an RTI reply accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Despite recruitment efforts, the block has only managed to appoint 8 doctors and 3 paramedics since 2019. Meanwhile, 9 doctors and paramedics have retired over the past five years.

Several staff members, including pharmacists and assistants, have been attached to offices outside the medical block, which has further strained resources. Two ambulances at Primary Health Centers (PHC) in Shuhama, Chundina, and Tulmulla are non-functional.

Locals have raised concerns about doctors stationed at the same location for over 6-10 years, despite the government’s claims of adhering to a strict transfer policy. Eleven Medical Officers have reportedly not been transferred for more than three years, and nine doctors posted between 2014-2017 continue to work at District Hospital Ganderbal without relocation.

Residents questioned why many employees are attached to other departments if the government claims strict enforcement of transfer and posting policies. They called for an investigation into the alleged violations and accountability for the officials involved.

The report highlights that no sanctioned posts for gynaecologists exist within the block, except at the District Hospital, leaving no access to specialized care in rural areas.

While construction projects for healthcare infrastructure are underway, progress is slow. For instance, the construction of AAM SC Pandach was completed in 2024; the new building for NTPHC Nunner remains incomplete due to funding shortages, with only 70% of the work finished; and the work on AAM SC Theeru started in 2024, is ongoing.

Under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) scheme, 1,830 patients benefitted in 2023-24, while under Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), free transportation was provided to 42 patients, and 2,028 ANC patients availed free diagnostics—(KNO)