Over 175 fire incidents in Srinagar in first two months of 2024

Majority of fire incidents due to electric short circuits, LPG leaks: Officials

Mubashir Alam Wani

Srinagar, Mar 26 (KNO): Srinagar is grappling with a concerning surge in fire incidents in recent months, with the majority of the incidents happening due to “electric short circuits and LPG leakage”, an official said.

A senior official of the Fire & Emergency Services department told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that during the last two months, over 175 fire incidents have been reported in Srinagar. Most of these incidents, he said, were caused by electric short circuits, followed by LPG gas leaks.

“The ongoing year has so far recorded over 175 fire incidents resulting in the death of at least 3 persons and injuries to two. Primarily, most of them have occurred due to the electric short circuits after indiscriminate use of heating gadgets and excessive load on the wires,” the official said.

According to the officials, despite holding frequent fire and safety awareness camps, during the year 2023, district Srinagar received around 550-600 fire calls. Many people, the official lamented, have ignored the Dos and Don’ts of fire safety guidelines issued by the department.

Speaking on the issue, the Fire & Emergency Services official highlighted the need for increased awareness camps, programmes and heightened caution regarding fire safety measures across Kashmir.

“Simple precautions like regular maintenance of electrical appliances, proper storage of flammable materials, and awareness of fire evacuation procedures can significantly reduce the likelihood of such incidents,” he stated.

Meanwhile, residents in Srinagar are expressing concerns over the frequent frequency of fire incidents in recent months. They emphasised the importance of measures to prevent loss of life and property.

“We have noticed an increase in fire incidents in Srinagar, and it is worrying. It’s crucial for everyone to prioritise fire safety and take necessary precautions to avoid such emergencies,” said Tahir Ramzan, a resident of Srinagar outskirts—(KNO)

Patwari among 2 accused arrested by CBI for accepting bribe in Samba

Srinagar, Mar 26 (KNO): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Tuesday arrested a Patwari of Samba and his associate, Chowkidar, Halqa Nanga, in a case related to accepting bribe from the complainant.

As per a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the spokesman said that a case was registered against the said Patwari on a complaint. It was alleged that the accused demanded a bribe of Rs 50,000 from the complainant for issuing Girdawari of land owned by him.

“CBI laid a trap and during the trap proceedings, the accused asked the complainant to handover the bribe amount to his associate, a Chowkidar, Halqa Nanga, District Samba (J&K). Both the accused were apprehended during the transaction of bribe of Rs. 9,000/-. Searches are being conducted at the residential premises of the accused,” the statement said.

The arrested accused will be produced before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption (CBI Cases), Jammu on 27-03-2024, the statement said—(KNO)

J&K braces up for intermittent wet spells till March 31

2 back-to-back WDs affecting UT from tomorrow evening: Weatherman

Srinagar, Mar 26: The weatherman here has predicted intermittent wet spell in Jammu and Kashmir till March 31, saying that two back-to-back Western Disturbances are affecting the Union territory from tomorrow March 27) evening.

Director Meteorological department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the light wet spell is expected in Jammu & Kashmir from tomorrow evening

“Generally cloudy weather with light rain and snow at several higher reaches are expected from March 27 evening to March 28,” he said, adding that the moderate wet spell is expected from March 29.

“Partly to generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rain and snow is expected at most places during 29th evening to 30th evening or night,” he said, adding that on March 31st, the weather would remain partly to generally cloudy with possibility of intermittent light rain and snow at few places.

However, he said the weather would significantly improve from March 31 afternoon while generally dry weather is expected from April 01-April 04.

In the detailed advisory, the weatherman has advised the travellers and tourists to plan accordingly particularly during 30th March.

Farmers are advised to suspend farm operations during 27th-31st March, the advisory reads, adding that the possibility of landslides, mudslides and shooting stones during the above period cannot be ruled out.

Thunderstorm and lightning activity with possibility of hailstorm & gusty winds during 27-30th March are also possible, the advisory reads—(KNO)

IPL shoots up demand for Kashmir willow cricket bats across India

Srinagar, Mar 26: With the commencement of Indian premiere League (IPL) 2024, the demand for the Kashmir willow cricket bats has soared across the India.

The year 2024 is going to be a yet another year for cricket as after IPL, a mega cricket tournament T20 world cup will commence from June.

As of now the cricket bat manufactures have enhanced their production to meet the demand in the domestic as well as international market during these two mega cricket contests.

Fawzul Kabir, spokesperson of the Kashmir Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the demand of the Kashmir willow cricket bats has doubled this year.

He said the demand is on the higher side due to the ongoing IPL and upcoming T20 world cup.

“The demand for Kashmir willow cricket bats has increased this year. With the beginning of IPL, the demand is expected to go up further and we may receive more orders within the domestic market in coming weeks,” Kabir said.

He said the Kashmir willow cricket bat industry has come into limelight after legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar promoted it.

“Sachin Tendulkar acknowledged the cricket bat industry of Kashmir. His visit to the local cricket bat manufacturing unit was the shot in the arm for the entire industry. Our sales picked up and more orders started coming especially after he promoted our cricket bats. Since IPL fever has gripped the entire country, we hope our sales will go up further in coming days,” Kabir said.

He said the cricket bat manufacturers anticipate the peak during the T20 world cup. “Bigger tournaments like world cup has been always a lucrative season for cricket bat manufacturers of Kashmir. Right now cricket bat manufacturers are busy with the enhancement of the production to meet the demand during the world cup,” Kabir said.

Currently, Kashmir has 400 factories manufacturing cricket bats. Over 1.5 lakh people are directly and indirectly associated with this trade.

Jammu and Kashmir government is also working hard to get a geographic indication (GI) for Kashmir willow bats—(KNO)