Weather Alert – Widespread rain/snow is expected in Jammu and Kashmir

Under the influence of an active Western Disturbance, widespread rain/snow is expected in Jammu and Kashmir between Thursday and Friday.
The spell is expected to begin from Thursday afternoon, starting from higher reaches, and then extending into plains by evening.

There is a possibility of snowfall in Shopian plains (50 – 60% chance). Also, snowfall in surrounding plains can’t be ruled out. Snowfall is also expected in elevations above 2000 m.

Snowfall isn’t expected in Srinagar as per the current conditions.

Note: The Forecast is in the monitoring stage and can change in the next 24 hrs. Early Forecast has been issued just to warn farmers regarding the upcoming event.

Persistence of a heavy spell of rain in Shopian plains can lead the precipitation to change into all-snow. Maximum chances of snowfall, for plains, remain for Shopian district, followed by Kulgam district.

Regards: Kashmir Weather

Umer Kumar – a devoted potter who crafts traditional diyas for Diwali

Rehan Qayoom Mir

Srinagar, Nov 07 (KNO): A dedicated potter, Muhammad Umer Kumar, is leaving no stone unturned as he handcrafts traditional earthen lamps – diyas – in preparation for the upcoming Diwali festival.

Umer, a resident of Nishat, has been following his family’s pottery tradition. A skilled artisan with a passion for his craft, has been a beacon of creativity in the Nishat community for years.

As the ‘festival of lights’ approaches, he has doubled his efforts to ensure that the celebration is illuminated by his meticulously designed diyas.

Inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the region, his diyas are a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. “Each diya is created with the utmost care, moulded with precision, and adorned with intricate designs that capture the essence of Diwali,” Umer said while speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Umer’s commitment to preserving traditional methods is admirable. “I use locally sourced clay and natural dyes to ensure that these diyas are not only eco-friendly but also a tribute to the environment,” he said, adding that this eco-conscious approach resonates with those who appreciate sustainable practices.

He added, “Locals and tourists alike eagerly anticipate my handcrafted Diyas each year, making my small shop a hub of Diwali shopping. Last year, we received an order of 15,000 diyas, and this year we have boosted production 20 days in advance, preparing 20,000 in total, among which we have already sold more than 8 thousand, and we are preparing more for Diwali.”

Umer said the art of pottery was dying in Kashmir, as people were using plastic and other materials, but with this year’s Diwali, he is hopeful this art will gain a further boost—(KNO)

Back to Village 5 begins in Jammu and Kashmir

CS interacts with visiting officers and PRIs, emphasizes saturation of self-employment schemes

Jammu, Nov 07 (KNO): In connection with the fifth phase of the Back to Village program, the Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, today held an interaction with visiting Prabhari Officers, PRI members, field officers of the line departments and common masses to assess the participation, outreach and feedback regarding various flagship programmes of the Jammu and Kashmir government.

During the interaction, the Chief Secretary enquired about the quality of works implemented under various schemes, including Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Mission Youth, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Amrit Sarovar, Swacch Bharat Mission, self-employment schemes, etc. Dr. Mehta also sought public review of various services at the Panchayat-level such as the quality of education, status of cleanliness, progress under NashaMukt J&K and quality of water supply under JJM.

The Chief Secretary impressed upon the Prabhari Officers (POs)to lay special focus on raising awareness on 137 deliverables points that are being prioritized during B2V5 and ensure follow-up actions on the raised demands, besides capturing achievements made so far. He also directed all line departments to fully support the Prabhari Officers in coordinating the speedy resolution of highlighted issues. He said that fulfillment of these 137 objectives is a priority and Prabhari Officers are expected to ensure that the assigned targets are achieved.

Emphasizing the role of self-employment as a driver of the economy, the Chief Secretary asked the POs to identify youth looking for such opportunities and guide their ventures through their respective departments towards saturating the demand. They were further asked to ensure assistance in establishing self-help groups (SHGs), Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), PACS, and coverage under MUMKIN scheme. Clear instructions were given to the relevant departments to offer all possible assistance, including training and financing, to help young people establish their own self-employment units.

The Chief Secretary asked the visiting officers to lay special focus on JJM. He reiterated regular monitoring of water projects under the scheme to ensure the supply of quality drinking water all year round to the residents of each Panchayat. He further asked the officers to expedite the pace of ongoing works to ensure that they are completed by December this year.

It was informed that there are services offered by different departments which can be accessed through 1075 online mobile phones in a hassle-free manner. The visiting officers were asked to promote awareness on all these services.

Dr. Mehta issued instructions to all Prabhari Officers to lay emphasis on PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, PM was Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana, PM Vishwakarma, PM Kisan Saman, Kisan Credit Card, PM PRANAM.

During the interactive session, importance ofJanbhagidari portal was discussed and nodal officers showcased the ease of retrieval of public information on the ongoing programs in their allocated Panchayats on a real-time basis. The Chief Secretary appreciated the role of such a portal in promoting public surveillance of ongoing projects encouraged the members of gram sabhas to play a more active role in the process of participatory governance—(KNO)