Jammu Swelters at 30 degrees, Kashmir blessed with rains

Srinagar, Mar 23: As the temperature soared in Jammu, reaching a scorching 30 degrees Celsius, contrasting weather prevailed in the Kashmir division, where rain and snowfall graced many plains from Thursday night through Friday afternoon.

According to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the Kashmir division experienced the brunt of the weather shift, with ongoing rainfall observed across various plain areas, while hilly regions such as Gulmarg, Razdan Top, Sadhna Pass, Jedgali, Gurez, Baltal, and the revered Amarnath holy cave witnessed snowfall. Similarly, parts of the Jammu division also experienced rain and snowfall, albeit the rising temperatures indicating a surge in heat.

The Meteorological Center in Srinagar predicts the likelihood of further rain and snowfall between March 27 and 31 in select areas. The plains of Kishtwar received rainfall alongside snowfall in the surrounding hilly areas, while Poonch also experienced precipitation. In Jammu, the day commenced with light cloud cover but eventually cleared up, contributing to the rising temperatures.

The maximum temperature recorded in Jammu reached 29.2 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 17.7 degrees Celsius. Other areas registered varying temperatures, with Katra at 25.8 degrees Celsius, Banihal at 19.5 degrees Celsius, Batot at 18.8 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah at 22.8 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, in Srinagar, the day temperature stood at 15.2 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 7.2 degrees Celsius. Notably, Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.5 degrees Celsius, while Leh experienced a chillier minus 1.2 degrees Celsius—(KNO)

Govt orders cease on private practice by doctor in J&K

Srinagar, Mar 23: The Government has ordered a cease on private practice by Dr. Ishtiyaq Abdullah, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Baramulla anywhere in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Based on the findings of State Anti Fraud Unit (SAFU) regarding violations of Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) of State Health Agency, J&K and other standing instructions, it is hereby ordered that Dr. Ishtiyaq Abdullah, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Baramulla shall, with immediate effect, cease to indulge in any private practice across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir,” Secretary to government, H&ME department Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah said order, a copy of which lies with GNS. (GNS)

Srinagar’s Iconic Tulip Garden opens to public

1.7 Million Tulips await visitors amidst new varieties, scenic splendor

Srinagar, Mar 23: Kashmir’s Tulip Garden, one of the biggest in Asia, was officially thrown open to the public on Saturday.

According to the officials, this year the garden will bloom with 17 lakh flowers of different varieties with a boast of five new flower varieties this year.

An officer from the floriculture department told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that for this year they added five new varities of flowers and that the visitors will witness 1.7 million tulips in the garden.

“The moment has come when the tulip garden has been thrown open the public. Both national and international tourists are visiting the garden the cherish the beauty of tulips,” he said.

As locals and tourists jostled to get a glimpse of the iconic garden on it’s opening day, the officials said that in the coming days the garden will be it’s full bloom.

The picturesque garden, located on the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range and banks of majestic Dal Lake – has multiple varieties of red, yellow and pink early blooming and late blooming tulip bulbs.

Notably, ahead of opening of the garden this week, the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri convened a meeting to review the arrangements at Asia’s largest Tulip Garden for visitors.

The meeting was attended by Director Floriculture, SSP Traffic Srinagar, Joint Commissioner SMC, officers of Tourism department and Srinagar Smart City Limited.

The meeting held threadbare discussion regarding opening of garden for visitors, traffic management, parking space, sanitation, cleanliness drive, fixing of potholes, online ticketing and other arrangements—(KNO)