Srinagar, Nov 25: Former Chief Minister and National Conference Vice-President, Omar Abdullah Saturday offered technical assistance to the J&K administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in addressing the current power crisis in Kashmir, citing concerns over the administration’s perceived failure to tackle the issue.

As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), speaking at a day-long party convention in Sumbal, Bandipora, Omar Abdullah raised his apprehension regarding the unprecedented power outages in Kashmir, drawing attention to his past role as a power minister.

Asserting his willingness to assist, he suggested that if the LG administration faces challenges in resolving the issue, they should consult him, stating, “If the LG Administrator fails to address the power crisis in the valley, I will guide him, drawing on my experience as a former power minister, and help find effective solutions.”

“The government initially introduced digital meters for electricity, but when these failed, they replaced them with smart meters. However, these are not smart meters; they are more like ‘Toofan meters.’ Even if we don’t use any heating gadgets at home, they still display a significant consumption of electricity,” he added.

Omar Abdullah raised doubts about the BJP’s claims of normalcy, citing the recent loss of five soldiers in Rajouri. He pointed out the increasing number of young lives lost, mentioning that despite attempts to make Rajouri free from militancy, it has now become a hub for militants.

Looking back at the past, Omar talked about the previously friendly relationship between the PDP and NC. He remembered extending support to the PDP in 2014, cautioning against the risks of involving the BJP in the valley, and expressed regret that their concerns turned out to be accurate.

When asked about the chances of winning elections, Omar said he is hopeful for significant support for the National Conference. He acknowledged that not all votes may go to the NC, but he aims for a considerable mandate.

The former Chief Minister has been actively organizing party conventions in the Kashmir valley for several weeks, aiming to strengthen the party’s foundation in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

A senior NC leader informed KNO that these conventions will persist until December 12, covering various locations across Kashmir—(KNO)

Kashmir hospitals witness surge in patients with respiratory tract infections

Doctors advise people to wear masks, keep hydrated, consume fruit, vegetables

Srinagar, Nov 25 (KNO): With the onset of winter, the hospitals across Kashmir are witnessing a surge in patients with respiratory tract infections. This surge is attributed to the influenza virus and its subtypes, including H3N2 and partly H1N1.

Doctors from various hospitals informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that there is an increase in patients seeking treatment for respiratory tract infection symptoms. They said the replication of different respiratory infection-causing viruses, including influenza and RSV, peaks in winter.

Dr Fayaz Ahmad, Assistant Professor at General Medicine SKIMS Soura, told KNO that many patients with upper respiratory tract symptoms have been visiting hospital OPDs, with most presenting flu-like illness. He called upon the people to wear masks, especially in crowded places, shops, malls, and public transport. People should keep themselves warm and hydrated, consume more fruits and vegetables, and consider getting flu shots if they haven’t already.

The symptoms of the H3N2 flu virus currently circulating in India, as per ICMR, are very similar to other seasonal flu symptoms. They include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat with the cough, headache, fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the H3N2 virus has been responsible for a significant increase in flu cases in India in recent weeks.

Doctors from other hospitals stressed the importance of covering the nose and mouth when sneezing, staying at home if ill to prevent the spread of the virus, and avoiding high sugar and salt-containing foods to reduce dehydration. They recommended drinking plenty of water, eating fruits and green leafy vegetables, taking adequate rest and practising good hand hygiene.

Doctors said that respiratory tract infections are common in Kashmir from October to March due to cooler temperatures, increased indoor crowding, reduced humidity, and a weakened immune system. While there is no need to panic, they advised taking precautions to avoid the severity and spread of infections—(KNO)

Four new Industrial Estates to come up across 3 J&K districts

AC gives nod to Industrial Estate Budhi Kathua, Medicity Jammu, Chandgam, Lelhar Pulwama

Jammu, Nov 25 (KNO): The Administrative Council (AC), which met under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, accorded the administrative approval for setting up of 4 new Industrial Estates in J&K.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary and Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, attended the meeting.

These include Industrial estates at Budhi Kathua, Medicity Jammu, Chandgam & Lelhar Pulwama which shall be developed over 1379 Kanals of land with an investment of Rs 136.65 Crores. A part from attracting the investments, the projects shall provide a boost to local employment and is expected to generate over 11497 jobs in the private sector.

The new Industrial estates shall be comprehensively developed in terms of infrastructure viz. internal road works, availability of electricity, Centralized Water Distribution System, rainwater harvesting, roadside greenery/plantation etc.

Besides, the development shall involve setting up of Centralized Effluent Treatment plants on new patterns as per the norms of the National Green Tribunal & other facilities on modern state of art technology. The timeline for completion of projects shall be 18 months.

The establishment of new industrial estates is in line with the commitment of the government to boost industrial development & entrepreneurship in J&K—(KNO)

TRAFFIC POLICE HEADQUARTERS, J&K, JAMMU/SRINAGAR

1. From 24-11-2023, 1700 hrs. to 25-11-2023, 1700 hrs., Jammu-Srinagar NHW remained blocked for 04 hrs due to launching of the girders at Nashri viaduct- 1, fixing of Jet fans at Peerah and Tunnel T5. Slow movement was observed on NH-44 due to breakdown of 04 HMVs and poor surface condition of road at Dalwas and single lane traffic at Cafeteria-Mehad, Magerkote, Nachlana between Nashri and NAVYUG Tunnel.

2. Passengers/LMVS operators are advised to prefer journey on Jammu- Srinagar NHW during day time. Please avoid journey during night hours as movement of nomads from Kashmir valley towards Jammu may cause inconvenience to the commuters.

3. HMVs Operators/Owners are requested to desist from overloading and carry sufficient fuel during journey on Jammu-Srinagar NHW. It is further requested that vehicle owners must double check the fitness of their vehicles and carry sufficient fuel before undertaking journey on Jammu-Srinagar NHW.

4. HMVs with only 06 and 10 tyres shall be allowed to ply through Dhar road.

TRAFFIC PLAN & ADVISORY FOR 26-11-2023:-

Subject to fair weather and good road condition, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars/HMVs/Load Carriers shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. Commuters are advised to follow lane discipline

SFS Convoy Movement:-

Subject to fair weather and good road condition, Security Forces vehicles shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa.

SSG ROAD

Subject to fair weather and good road condition, vehicular movement on Srinagar- Sonamarg-Gumari road shall be allowed from both sides viz Srinagar towards Kargil and vice-versa. LMVs followed by HMVS shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar between 0730 hrs. to 1100 hrs. Similarly, LMVs followed by HMVS shall be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil between 1300 hrs to 1700 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timings.

SFS Convoy, plying from Srinagar to Kargil, shall leave Srinagar at 0800 hrs. SFs Convoy plying from Drass to Srinagar shall plan their movement in such a manner so that Civil Traffic doesn’t get disturbed.

Mughal Road:-

Subject to fair weather and good road condition, vehicular movement on Mughal

road shall be allowed from both sides viz. Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa.

These vehicles shall be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffiaz) and Herpora

(Shopian) between 0600 hrs. to 1800 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut of

timings

ADVISORY:-

People are advised to undertake journey on NH-44 only after confirming status of

the road from Traffic control units as under-

Jammu (0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103) Srinagar (0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091, 103)

Ramban (9419993745) Udhampur ( 8491928625)

PCR Kishtwar (9906154100) for status of Sinthan Road.

SKUAST Kashmir Recruitment 2023: The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has released an advertisement inviting applications for the position of Project Associate under the initiative “Production Improvement Sustainable Development and Livelihood Improvement of Threatened Tribal Nomads of Ladakh through Scientific Sheep and Pashmina Goat Rearing.” This project aims to bring about positive changes in the lives of Ladakh’s nomadic tribes by promoting scientific and sustainable practices in sheep and Pashmina goat rearing.

Position Overview: Project Associate

The selected candidate will play a crucial role in the execution of the project, contributing to the enhancement of livestock practices in the unique cold arid conditions of Ladakh. The key details of the position are as follows:

26146 SSC GD Constable Vacancies Open in 2023

– Salary: Rs. 31,000/- + 8% HRA
– Qualification: B.Sc in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, or related fields with a minimum of 60% marks.
– Desirable Qualification and Experience:
1. Master’s Degree in Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Allied subjects, Botany, Zoology, or Environmental Science.
2. Prior experience working in the challenging cold arid conditions of Ladakh.

Terms & Conditions:

1. The appointment is contractual and will continue until the completion of the project, contingent on consistent performance and conduct.
2. Termination may occur if the appointee’s work and conduct are deemed unsatisfactory.
3. Candidate’s age should be between 24 to 40 years.
4. Preference will be given to candidates with experience and knowledge of Ladakh’s cold arid conditions.
5. No TA/DA is provided for the interview process.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are required to submit their applications on plain paper, including a comprehensive bio-data, contact information, attested copies of testimonials, and relevant documents. The applications should reach the Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Leh, SKUAST-K Stakna, Leh, UT Ladakh, by or before December 5, 2023, either in person, by post, or via email to [email protected].

Conclusion:

This employment opportunity not only offers a chance for career growth but also presents a unique experience of contributing to the sustainable development of Ladakh’s nomadic communities. The selected Project Associate will be at the forefront of implementing practices that improve production, enhance sustainability, and ultimately uplift the livelihoods of Ladakh’s threatened tribal nomads. Interested candidates are encouraged to seize this opportunity and be part of a transformative initiative in one of India’s most picturesque yet challenging landscapes.

KPDCL Tightens Noose Against Erring Consumers, 1117 consumers disconnected; Rs.29.89 cr revenue realized in 4 days

Srinagar, November 25:(GNS) In order to provide relief to the genuine consumers, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has said that it has escalated its night patrolling and inspection drives to tighten noose against erring consumers who indulge in widespread hooking, violation of agreed load and bypassing of the meters.

In a handout to GNS, the KPDCL said that it also collected a revenue of Rs.29.89 crore from consumers over the last 4 days amidst scaled up drives to check energy pilferage that primarily results in outages and damage to transformers, thus brining hardships upon genuine consumers. A revenue of Rs.9.18 crore as pending arrear dues were collected on Friday alone by the Corporation.

Giving details, a KPDCL spokesperson today stated that out of 1153 inspections carried out in Kashmir Division, 98 were conducted in Circle I Srinagar, 233 in Circle II Srinagar, 367 in Circle Ganderbal, 140 in Circle Pulwama, 142 in Circle Bijbehara and 154 in Circle Sopore. Around 228 KW load was added across the 6 Circles of the Corporation during these drives.

Penalty of Rs.7.81 lakh was also imposed on those who were unauthorisedly using power in terms of Section 126 of the Electricity Act.
The spokesperson further stated that another 1117 domestic, commercial and industrial connections were also disconnected for non-payment of energy dues which were pending for more than three months.

This includes 886 domestic, 212 commercial and 17 industrial consumers.
Meanwhile, 62 Domestic Transformers (DTs) were also reported damaged on Friday due to overloading, up from 52 reported on Thursday. KPDCL also repaired and replaced 61 transformers on Friday, to comply with the directions issued for replacement of the damaged DTs.

The spokesman expressed concern over the steady procession of damaged DTs at Central Workshop Pampore and the divisional workshops of KPDCL, thus putting strain on meeting the timelines fixed by the Government.

In an attempt to collect pending energy dues, KPDCL realized a revenue of Rs.29.89 crore from the consumers, including Rs.9.18 crore on Friday. The corporation requested its consumers to pay their pending bills or the Corporation will be left with no option but to disconnect their power supply, reads the statement.(GNS)