Implement strict measures to prevent unauthorized extraction, transportation of minerals: Dy CM

Reviews Functioning of Geology, Mining Department in Kashmir Division

Srinagar, Dec 14: While emphasizing the urgent need to curb illegal mining in the region, the Deputy Chief Minister today directed the officials to implement strict measures to prevent unauthorised extraction and transportation of minerals.
The Deputy Chief Minister was chairing a high level review meeting of the Mining Department (Kashmir Division) today at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.

MLAs Anantnag West, Majid Larmi, Sonawari, Hilal Lone and Chanapora Mushtaq Guru were also present in the meeting
The meeting was also attended by Commissioner/Secretary Mining Department; Director, Geology and Mining, J&K; Special Secretary, Mining Department; Joint Director, Geology and Mining (Kashmir) and all District Mineral Officers (DMOs) of Kashmir division.

The Deputy Chief Minister called for increased vigilance through deployment of modern technology, such as GPS-enabled vehicles, CCTV surveillance at mining sites besides drone monitoring. He asked the officials to conduct frequent and surprise inspection of mining sites to detect and deter illegal activities.

He emphasised the need for accurate and real time data entry on the e-market web portal to ensure all quantities extracted are properly accounted for. He stressed the importance of close collaboration between the Mining Department and law enforcement agencies to take swift action against illegal miners and transporters.

“Department should launch awareness campaigns in local communities to educate them on the legal implications of illegal mining and encourage them to report unauthorized activities,” the Deputy Chief Minister stressed. He also directed the officials to impose strict fine and penalties on individuals and entities involved in illegal mining, sending a strong message against such practices.

The Deputy Chief Minister further stressed the importance of maintaining strict check on the quantity of materials being uploaded on the e-market portal, ensuring that data is accurate and free from manipulation. He highlighted that these measures would not only curb illegal mining but also boost revenue generation and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

Earlier, Director G&M presented key initiatives undertaken by the department to streamline operations and ensure transparency. These included transition to E-Auction, launch of E-Challan and E-Market Web Portal and assured supply of construction material to public and several developmental projects undertaken by the government.

Heart attack incidence soars in Kashmir during winter: Cardiologists

‘Cold weather constricts blood vessels, forces heart to work harder; people with medical conditions must take precautions’

Srinagar, Dec 14 (KNO): The incidence of heart attacks and strokes doubles in Kashmir during winter as exposure to cold constricts blood vessels, forcing the heart to work harder, experts warn.

Dr Irfan, a cardiologist at GMC Srinagar, speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that cold weather significantly impacts cardiovascular health, which leads to a rise in heart attacks and strokes during the winter months.

“The incidence of heart attacks and strokes more than doubles in Kashmir during winters compared to summer,” he said. “Exposure to cold causes blood vessels to constrict—a process known as vasoconstriction—which elevates blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body. This added strain exacerbates existing heart conditions and increases the risk of cardiovascular events.”

He explained that colder temperatures thicken the blood and make it more prone to clotting, which heightens the risk of heart attacks and strokes. “People with underlying medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension and smokers are more vulnerable as they are usually immunocompromised,” Dr Irfan said. “In winter, increased tea consumption can elevate blood sugar levels, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.”

Dr Irfan also highlighted that many heart attack patients are misdiagnosed and treated for other illnesses, complicating their condition further.

Dr Javid, another cardiologist, advised people to take extra precautions in winter to prevent heart attacks and strokes. He recommended dressing in layers, using scarves, gloves, and hats to maintain body warmth, keeping homes well-heated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold.

The doctor urged people to exercise indoors if it is too cold outside and to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, such as heavy shovelling, in extreme cold. “To reduce risks, people should consume a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting salt, sugar, and saturated fats,” he added.

Doctors advised staying hydrated to prevent blood thickening and knowing the symptoms of heart attacks (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath) and strokes (e.g., face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech) to seek immediate medical attention when needed—(KNO)

Govt increases power supply by nearly ‘150 MWs’ to trim unscheduled, distress cuts

PDD has installed over 6.5 Lakh smart meters in JK: Official

Riyaz Bhat

Srinagar, Dec 14 (KNO): In order to minimize the unscheduled power and distress power cuts in Kashmir valley, Power Development Department has recently increased the power supply by nearly 100-150 Megawatts (MWs).

A top official of PDD informed the news agency—Kashmir News Agency that the decision of supplying extra was taken in a recent review meeting of PDD and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

“Recently, some important decisions were taken by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the electricity issues in Jammu and Kashmir. We have implemented those decisions to reduce the power cuts,” the official said.

He said, “KPDCL was receiving 1500 MWs of power and now it has been further increased to 1600-1650 MWs to address the unscheduled and distress power cuts. The same amount of power is already being supplied.”

About the status of installation of smart meters in Jammu and Kashmir, the official said that “Over 6.5 Lakh smart meters have already been installed.”

“There is a program to implement the smart meters in the rest of the places across Jammu and Kashmir. Work has been already tendered and the process is going on. Roughly, both the regions have equally smart metering,” he said.

Earlier, KNO had reported that KPDCL had requested for more power to reduce the issues of distress and unscheduled power cuts in Kashmir.

A top official had informed that the demand for power has increased significantly from the past two weeks and requires extra electricity to overcome it.

It had also said, “As of the, the unrestricted demand of electricity including the ongoing power curtailment schedule has reached 2600-2700 Megawatts. However, as of now we have only 1450 MW of power.”— (KNO)

SPO families demand justice: ‘Struggling to afford education and basic necessities’

Srinagar Nov 14: Families of Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Jammu and Kashmir have raised their voices, demanding justice and better living conditions as they grapple with financial hardships.

Despite their critical role in maintaining law and order, many SPOs and their families say they are struggling to afford basic necessities, including education for their children.

Talking to media at Srinagar’s Pratap Park according to news agency KINS, the families shared the challenges they face due to low salaries and the lack of welfare benefits.

“Our children are forced to drop out of schools because we cannot afford the fees. We live a hand-to-mouth existence, and even affording basic needs like food and healthcare has become a challenge,”one of family members of an SPO said.

SPOs in J&K are recruited on a temporary basis and are often paid meager salaries compared to regular police personnel. Many have demanded a revision of their pay structure, better job security, and benefits such as healthcare and education support for their families.

One of the key demands raised they raised was the implementation of a comprehensive welfare scheme for SPOs and their families. “Our loved ones risk their lives every day to ensure peace in the region. It’s disheartening that their sacrifices are not recognized with adequate financial and social support,” a wife of an SPO said.

They urged the government to address their grievances urgently. They also called for a permanent policy that ensures fair wages, job stability, and access to basic amenities for SPO families.

Many SPOs fear that without significant policy interventions, their hardships will persist, leaving their children and future generations in despair.–(KINS)

Amit Shah to chair high-level security meeting on J-K on December 19

New Delhi, Dec 14: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to chair a high-level security meeting in the national capital on December 19, official sources said on Saturday.

The officials, privy to the development, told ANI that the meeting will primarily focus on critical security issues, with a special emphasis on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha will also attend the meeting, which aims to review strategies to ensure peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director, of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Senior Army Officers including Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Director General of CAPFs, Chief Secretary, DGP of Jammu and Kashmir and other senior officers are expected to attend the meeting which is being arranged almost five months after Shah chaired a similar high-level review meeting on security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir here in the national capital on June 16.

The meeting is significant in terms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government’s committed to set an example by cracking down on terrorists through innovative means.

In the previous meeting, the Home Minister had directed security agencies to replicate the successes achieved in Kashmir valley through an area domination plan and zero terror plan in the Jammu division.
Shah had also directed all security agencies in earlier meetings to work in a mission mode and ensure quick response in a coordinated manner. He had then also emphasised on seamless coordination amongst the security agencies, identifying vulnerable areas and addressing the security concerns of such areas.

Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, the Home Minister has reiterated on many occasions that “the government will leave no stone unturned in rooting out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir.”–(ANI)