Weather Update: Expect Cloudy Skies and Light Precipitation in the Coming Days

In the latest weather update, meteorologists are forecasting a relatively tranquil weather pattern until the evening of March 27th. However, changes are on the horizon as we move into the latter part of the week.

From the evening of March 27th through March 28th, expect cloudy conditions across the region with the possibility of light rain and snow in higher elevations. This precipitation is anticipated to be scattered across many areas, so residents should be prepared for damp conditions.

Looking ahead to March 29th, the forecast indicates partly cloudy skies with isolated instances of light rain or snow. While not widespread, it’s advisable to keep umbrellas or winter gear handy for any unexpected showers.

As we approach March 30th and 31st, the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy with intermittent episodes of light rain or snow in select areas. While not a washout, these sporadic showers may impact outdoor activities, so it’s wise to stay updated on the latest forecasts.

Overall, while no significant weather events are predicted, it’s essential to remain vigilant and adaptable to changing conditions as we transition into the end of March. Stay tuned to local weather advisories for the most accurate and up-to-date information to plan your activities accordingly.

Health Secretary Suspends Officer for Negligence During SKIMS Soura Visit

Srinagar, Mar 24 (KNO): Secretary of Health and Medical Education, Dr. Abid Rasheed, undertook a visit to SKIMS Soura, where he suspended a senior officer for dereliction of duties. The visit, conducted on Saturday evening, aimed to assess the quality of patient care and facilities at the renowned medical institute.

According to sources, Dr. Abid Rasheed, who is also serving as the Director of SKIMS, personally oversaw the operations and services provided to patients during his visit. Upon identifying instances of negligence, he promptly suspended the Senior Material Management Officer.

An official, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), confirmed the suspension and highlighted the Secretary’s stern warning to all officers regarding the serious consequences of neglecting their duties.

Dr. Abid Rasheed emphasized the importance of diligent performance and directed officers to implement measures aimed at enhancing patient care standards.

During his interaction with staff, Dr. Abid Rasheed reiterated that SKIMS is a public institution committed to providing exemplary healthcare services to the community.

He underscored the administration’s unwavering commitment to accountability and stressed that no individual would be spared for displaying a lackadaisical approach toward patient management—(KNO)

Tampering with smart meters: Govt mulls to lodge FIR against 272 consumers in Sgr

Srinagar, Mar 23: The government has initiated the process of registering FIR against 272 consumers across Srinagar for tampering with the smart meters, officials said on Saturday.

For the last several months, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has been taking action against illegal hooking and tampering of smart meters across Kashmir. Several videos were uploaded on X by KPDCL wherein it could be seen that many consumers were found tempering with the smart meters.

Now, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the KPDCL has taken a step further and has issued a list of consumers, who were found tampering with the smart meters to the administration for taking legal action against them.

In this regard, a Technical Officer has issued an official communiqué to the Chief Engineer confirming 70 cases of smart meter tampering.

“Your immediate attention is invited towards the above-captioned subject and enclosed reference received from Central Inspection Squad (CIS), KPDCL, regarding the tampering of smart meters installed, it reads.

As can be seen from the list, CIS has confirmed 70 cases of smart meter tampering, after which they were confiscated during inspections, it added.

It further added that “in this connection, I have been directed to inform you to direct the concerned SDOs of 11 Subdivisions detailed below to immediately lodge FIR for tampering with Smart Meters in the Police Stations falling under the jurisdiction of the concerned Subdivision and furnishing of ATR at an earliest.”

As per the official communiqué, 3 consumers are from Zakura, 21 from Baghat, 9 from Chanapora, 16 from Watalkadal, 3 from Hawal, 2 from Khunmoh, 9 from Huzuribagh, 3 from Zainakote, 1 from Karan Nagar, 2 from Nawa Kadal and 1 from Raj Bagh.

In another communiqué, the KPDCL has mentioned the list framed on the basis of ‘meter cover-open’ tamper alerts received by the HES (Head End System) of the concerned AMISP.

In the same communiqué, 54 connections from Watalkadal and 148 from Chanapora area have been mentioned.

It has now been directed to officers to direct the concerned SDOs of the following 02 Subdivisions to immediately lodge FIRS for tampering of Smart Meters in the Police Stations falling under the jurisdiction, it read.

Sources said another list is being prepared and action against them will be initiated soon—(KNO)

TRAFFIC POLICE HEADQUARTERS, J&K, JAMMU/SRINAGAR

1. From 22-03-2024, 1700 hrs. to 23-03-2024, 1700 hrs., there was slow movement observed on NH-44 due to breakdown of 04 HMVs and single lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad, Panthyal, Nachlana, Shalgarhi etc. and poor surface condition of road at many places 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 apprehension of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal.

3. Load carrier (HMV/LMV) Operators carrying fresh perishable/live stock are advised to load their vehicle as per advisory issued by Traffic Police Headquarters time to time as there is single lane traffic and poor condition of road at Dalwas, Panthyal, Nachlana, Shalgarhi etc. on Jammu Srinagar NHW.

4. 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.

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

TRAFFIC PLAN & ADVISORY FOR 24-03-2024:- Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44)

Subject to fair weather and good road condition, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. However, HMVs shall be managed on regulated manner after assessing the road condition.

Cut off timing for LMVs in view of single road at Dalwas:- (subject to change depending on road condition) from Nagrota (Jammu) 0600 hrs to 1100 hrs from Jakheni (Udhampur) 0700 hrs to 1200 hrs & from NAVYUG Tunnel (Qazigund side) 0600 hrs to 1100 hrs No Vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing.

SFs Convoy Movement:-

Security Forces are advised/requested not to ply against advisory/traffic plan in view of possible traffic congestion because of narrow carriage way between Nashree and Banihal on Jammu-Srinagar NHW. Tomorrow they may ply from Jammu towards Srinagar after confirming the status of NHW from TCU Ramban.

SSG ROAD

Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road is blocked due to avalanches occurred at many

places between Sonamarg and Minamarg.

Mughal Road:-

Mughal road is still blocked due to snow accumulation.

Bhaderwah-Chamba road:-

Bhaderwah-Chamba road is still blocked due to snow accumulation.

Kishtwar- Sinthan- Anantnag NH-244:-

Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road is still blocked due to snow accumulation.

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, 1800-180-7043)

Udhampur (8491928625) PCR Kishtwar (9906154100) for status of Sinthan Road.

19 DPS buses in Baramulla blacklisted for incomplete documents: ARTO

Baramulla, Mar 23: Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Baramulla, Muazzam Ali on Saturday issued a stern warning to schools across the district, cautioning them of strict action if they fail to adhere to transportation norms. He urged school authorities to ensure completion of vehicle documents within seven days to avoid repercussions.

Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the ARTO said that an enforcement drive blacklisted 19 school buses belonging to Delhi Public School Baramulla for non-compliance with transportation regulations. Drivers and transport incharges were also sensitised during this initiative, he added.

Setting a clear deadline for school authorities to finalise the necessary documentation, Ali warned, “Failure to adhere to these directives may lead to severe consequences.”

He said the enforcement drive was initiated following directives from higher authorities to conduct a comprehensive road safety audit of school buses. “It was observed that a number of vehicles were operating without the requisite documents,” he elaborated.

Highlighting the importance of road safety as a collective responsibility, the ARTO reiterated the department’s commitment to stringent action against traffic violators. “Such enforcement drives would continue in the future, and we have a zero-tolerance policy towards violations,” he said—(KNO)

KPDCL suspends 15 more employees, initiates disciplinary proceedings

Srinagar, Mar 23: The Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) Saturday suspended its fifteen more employees and initiated disciplinary proceedings against them.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Managing Director KPDCL and its administrative official in this regard has issued 15 suspension orders against its employees.

The suspension and disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against ten Linemen and other meter readers and technicians.

KPDCL in different suspension orders of its employees said that the disciplinary proceedings under rule-33 of the J&K Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956 are contemplated against them.

Accordingly, the officials placed all the 15 employees under suspension with immediate effect.

“The suspended officers shall remain attached with the concerned Executive Engineers till further orders,” it reads.

Earlier on March-19, The government suspended twelve of Power Development Department and initiated disciplinary proceedings against them.

The suspension and disciplinary proceedings was initiated against five In-charge Assistant Executive Engineers (AEE’s), two Assistant Engineers (AE’s) and five Junior Engineers—(KNO)