Weather Update for Jammu & Kashmir (26.11.23) @ 13:20hrs: Cloudy Conditions Persist

In the latest weather update for Jammu and Kashmir, the meteorological department reports generally cloudy skies prevailing across most areas of the region. Here’s a breakdown of the forecast for the upcoming days:

– 26th November: The forecast indicates continued cloudy conditions throughout the day.

– 27th-28th November: Expect generally cloudy skies with the possibility of light rain or snow at isolated locations.

– 29th-30th November: The cloud cover is expected to persist, accompanied by light rain or snow at scattered to fairly widespread places.

– 1st-5th December: Anticipate partly to generally cloudy conditions during this period.[ez-toc]

Notably, a slight improvement in minimum temperatures has been observed across various stations in the Kashmir Division due to persistent cloudiness. Additionally, shallow to moderate fog is likely to continue until the 28th of November over many places in the Kashmir Division.

Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and take necessary precautions as the region experiences these varied weather patterns. The meteorological department will continue to monitor and provide timely updates as the situation evolves.

Stay tuned for further weather updates as we navigate through the changing atmospheric conditions in Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinagar, Nov 25: Former Chief Minister and National Conference Vice-President, Omar Abdullah Saturday offered technical assistance to the J&K administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in addressing the current power crisis in Kashmir, citing concerns over the administration’s perceived failure to tackle the issue.

As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), speaking at a day-long party convention in Sumbal, Bandipora, Omar Abdullah raised his apprehension regarding the unprecedented power outages in Kashmir, drawing attention to his past role as a power minister.

Asserting his willingness to assist, he suggested that if the LG administration faces challenges in resolving the issue, they should consult him, stating, “If the LG Administrator fails to address the power crisis in the valley, I will guide him, drawing on my experience as a former power minister, and help find effective solutions.”

“The government initially introduced digital meters for electricity, but when these failed, they replaced them with smart meters. However, these are not smart meters; they are more like ‘Toofan meters.’ Even if we don’t use any heating gadgets at home, they still display a significant consumption of electricity,” he added.

Omar Abdullah raised doubts about the BJP’s claims of normalcy, citing the recent loss of five soldiers in Rajouri. He pointed out the increasing number of young lives lost, mentioning that despite attempts to make Rajouri free from militancy, it has now become a hub for militants.

Looking back at the past, Omar talked about the previously friendly relationship between the PDP and NC. He remembered extending support to the PDP in 2014, cautioning against the risks of involving the BJP in the valley, and expressed regret that their concerns turned out to be accurate.

When asked about the chances of winning elections, Omar said he is hopeful for significant support for the National Conference. He acknowledged that not all votes may go to the NC, but he aims for a considerable mandate.

The former Chief Minister has been actively organizing party conventions in the Kashmir valley for several weeks, aiming to strengthen the party’s foundation in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

A senior NC leader informed KNO that these conventions will persist until December 12, covering various locations across Kashmir—(KNO)

Kashmir hospitals witness surge in patients with respiratory tract infections

Doctors advise people to wear masks, keep hydrated, consume fruit, vegetables

Srinagar, Nov 25 (KNO): With the onset of winter, the hospitals across Kashmir are witnessing a surge in patients with respiratory tract infections. This surge is attributed to the influenza virus and its subtypes, including H3N2 and partly H1N1.

Doctors from various hospitals informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that there is an increase in patients seeking treatment for respiratory tract infection symptoms. They said the replication of different respiratory infection-causing viruses, including influenza and RSV, peaks in winter.

Dr Fayaz Ahmad, Assistant Professor at General Medicine SKIMS Soura, told KNO that many patients with upper respiratory tract symptoms have been visiting hospital OPDs, with most presenting flu-like illness. He called upon the people to wear masks, especially in crowded places, shops, malls, and public transport. People should keep themselves warm and hydrated, consume more fruits and vegetables, and consider getting flu shots if they haven’t already.

The symptoms of the H3N2 flu virus currently circulating in India, as per ICMR, are very similar to other seasonal flu symptoms. They include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat with the cough, headache, fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the H3N2 virus has been responsible for a significant increase in flu cases in India in recent weeks.

Doctors from other hospitals stressed the importance of covering the nose and mouth when sneezing, staying at home if ill to prevent the spread of the virus, and avoiding high sugar and salt-containing foods to reduce dehydration. They recommended drinking plenty of water, eating fruits and green leafy vegetables, taking adequate rest and practising good hand hygiene.

Doctors said that respiratory tract infections are common in Kashmir from October to March due to cooler temperatures, increased indoor crowding, reduced humidity, and a weakened immune system. While there is no need to panic, they advised taking precautions to avoid the severity and spread of infections—(KNO)

Four new Industrial Estates to come up across 3 J&K districts

AC gives nod to Industrial Estate Budhi Kathua, Medicity Jammu, Chandgam, Lelhar Pulwama

Jammu, Nov 25 (KNO): The Administrative Council (AC), which met under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, accorded the administrative approval for setting up of 4 new Industrial Estates in J&K.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary and Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, attended the meeting.

These include Industrial estates at Budhi Kathua, Medicity Jammu, Chandgam & Lelhar Pulwama which shall be developed over 1379 Kanals of land with an investment of Rs 136.65 Crores. A part from attracting the investments, the projects shall provide a boost to local employment and is expected to generate over 11497 jobs in the private sector.

The new Industrial estates shall be comprehensively developed in terms of infrastructure viz. internal road works, availability of electricity, Centralized Water Distribution System, rainwater harvesting, roadside greenery/plantation etc.

Besides, the development shall involve setting up of Centralized Effluent Treatment plants on new patterns as per the norms of the National Green Tribunal & other facilities on modern state of art technology. The timeline for completion of projects shall be 18 months.

The establishment of new industrial estates is in line with the commitment of the government to boost industrial development & entrepreneurship in J&K—(KNO)