Minimum Temperatures Recorded Today

Kashmir Region:

Srinagar = -4.8°C
Qazigund = -5.0°C
Pahalgam = -6.5°C
Kupwara = -5.7°C
Kokernag = -2.3°C
Gulmarg = -5.0°C
Sonamarg = NA
Anantnag = -6.4°C
Ganderbal = -4.2°C
Pulwama = -6.9°C
Bandipora = -5.4°C
Baramulla = -5.9°C
Budgam = -5.5°C
Kulgam = -3.0°C
Shopian = -6.7°C

Jammu Region:

Jammu = 5.6°C
Banihal = -1.2°C
Batote = 1.7°C
Katra = 4.6°C
Bhaderwah = -0.4°C
Kathua = 7.2°C
Ramban = 1.5°C
Reasi = 6.3°C
Samba = 6.1°C
Udhampur = 2.5°C

Ladakh:

Leh = -11.5°C
Kargil = -10.6°C
Drass = -13.6°C

Rs 5 lakh subsidy for over 15 yr old vehicles meant for buses only, says RTO Kashmir

Says efforts to clear pending driving licences in next 15 to 30 days

Rehan Qayoom

Srinagar, Jan 20 (KNO): Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Shahnawaz Bukhari, clarified on Saturday that the recently introduced amnesty scheme for over 15 years old vehicles in Kashmir applies is meant only for buses.

Speaking to the media, he as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the subsidy scheme of Rs 5 lakh is specifically targeted at bus owners whose buses have surpassed the 15-year life span.

“It is a scheme for bus owners with buses aged over 15 years. If they wish to replace their old buses with new ones, a subsidy of Rs 5 lakh can be availed,” he added.

He mentioned the possibility of extending the scheme to other vehicle segments such as mini-buses depending on the feedback they get.

“Bus owners with buses exceeding 15 years in service, seeking the subsidy for a new bus, can submit their applications at our office. The process will be carried out accordingly.”

Responding to queries about the backlog in driving license issuances, the RTO Kashmir said that the printing of driving licenses has been outsourced to a government agency.

He assured that efforts will be made to clear the backlog within the next 15 to 30 days—(KNO)

TRAFFIC POLICE HEADQUARTERS, J&K, JAMMU/SRINAGAR

1. From 19-01-2024, 1700 hrs. to 20-01-2024, 1700 hrs., there was slow movement observed on NH-44 due to breakdown of 03 HMVs and poor surface condition of road at Dalwas and single lane traffic at Cafeteria-Mehad, Magerkote, Nachlana and Hingani 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. 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 21-01-2024:-
Subject to fair weather and clearance of road (after green signal from NHAI), 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 0830 hrs. to 1100 hrs. Similarly, LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil between 1230 hrs to 1530 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:-
Tomorrow 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 (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) between 1000 hrs to 1500 hrs. after green signal from road agencies.

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.

Assembly election unlikely to be held in 2024: Sources

Panchayat, ULB, BDC, DDC polls after Amarnath Yatra

Srinagar, Jan 20 (KNS): The much awaited assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are unlikely to be held in 2024, top sources revealed on Saturday.

Divulging details to Kashmir News Service (KNS), the reliable sources said there are bleak chances of holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir in 2024. They said the polls may likely be differed to next year owing to upcoming Parliamentary elections and subsequent annual Amarnath Yatra, which usually remains in place for two months.

Dispelling rumors, the sources said there are bleak chances of Assembly election in 2024, and added the authorities have enough tight schedule this year who can’t concentrate on local elections this year. They also said that there is no question of holding Parliamentary and Assembly polls together as it require ample manpower and time to make its joint conduct in a smooth manner.

“If Parliamentary elections be held in mid 2024, the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) polls may take place likely in September this year, when annual Amarnath Yatra gets over,” sources revealed.

They said the authorities may likely think over the conduct of Panchayat, BDC and DDC polls afterwards which may be held in between October and November 2024. They held that Parliamentary election is the priority of central government who can’t hamper its smooth process by holding some other election together.

Notably regional and national mainstream political parties have accelerated its public outreach programs across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Parliamentary polls, which are likely to be held in April – May this year, while as local political parties are making people to believe in that Assembly elections will also take place this year.

Earlier five-member bench of Supreme Court headed by CJI DY Chandruchud had directed ECI to hold assembly election in J&K before September 30, 2024. (KNS)