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Jammu reels under cold amid power cuts
City records 20-year low day temp at 8.4° C
Stadium in charge managers get paltry Rs 5,000 for repair works
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Panches, patwaris at loggerheads; villagers seek probe
Abolish ‘outdated’ practice of seizure of goods at
Identify black spots to curb accidents
Civil Defence organises awareness camp
Schools celebrate annual day
President XI, PSCH advance into next round
Skill development programme for the youth begins
‘Tourist Informer’ released
Volleyball teams leave for nationals
Army organises medical camp
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Jammu reels under cold amid power cuts
Jammu, January 5 Sources said the Power Development Department (PDD) had failed to meet the gap between demand and supply and hence was forced to enforce frequent power cuts in metered as well as unmetered areas. In urban areas, power cuts ranging from eight to 10 hours in a day are being enforced to reduce the overloading on feeders. “Power demand has increased tremendously. While the generation capacity of Baghliar Hydel Power Project has come down to 150 MW (megawatt) against its capacity of 450 MW due to low river discharge leading to increased overdrawal from the Northern Grid,” an official said. The power generation at other hydel projects, too, has come down drastically thus leaving the department with no option but to enforce frequent power cuts, sources said. Sources said the state was purchasing about 1,400 MW of power from the Centre to meet demand of nearly 2,300 MW during peak hours. “The state is still facing a shortfall of power, ranging anything between 600 to 800 MW during peak hours and the shortfall is being met by enforcing long power cuts,” the official added. Out of a total 1,500 MW available power, Jammu is being supplied only 600 MW to 650 MW. “The estimated hydel potential in Jammu and Kashmir is about 20,000 MW while the present generation capacity of all power projects, including 450 MW Baghliar Hydroelectric Project owned by the state government, is 759 MW. Besides, the state is getting 12 per cent (210 MW) energy as royalty (free power) from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) for exploitation of its water resources,” a senior PDD officer said. “The Northern Region Load Dispatch Centre (NRLDC) has issued repeated warnings to the state to maintain grid discipline as well as to restrict the power load. Additional power cuts are being enforced in unmetered as well as metered areas. The situation is likely to continue till the weather improves and the generation increases,” the official said. The official, however, said the power cuts had compounded the woes of the people who had been battling the chilling and icy conditions across the state. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Minister of State for Power, admitted that there were some parts of the region, especially hilly and snowbound areas, which were without electricity for the past many days. “We have called a meeting of senior officers on Monday to review the situation in view of low generation and high demand of electricity following cold conditions. Though there is no shortfall in the supply, the department has been forced to carry power cuts because of overloading at feeders,” the minister said. He appealed to the general public to use power judiciously by restricting their power load to bare minimum and to cooperate with the department. |
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City records 20-year low day temp at 8.4° C
Jammu, January 5 Dense fog and poor visibility affected air and rail traffic with all trains running behind their schedule, reports said. The state Meteorological Department said there was no immediate respite in sight to people from chilling conditions and the weather might show slight improvement only after three to four days. “We have recorded the season’s lowest day temperature which broke the record of last two decades. The maximum temperature of Jammu was 8.4 degree Celsius which was nine notches below normal,” Dr M K Khushu, Chief Scientist Agrometorology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu told The Tribune. “To my knowledge, it was the lowest ever in 20 years. As per the records available with us, Jammu recorded maximum temperature of 9.8 degree Celsius on January 20, 2003 and 8.5 on January 12, 2010. The minimum temperature was 6.0 degree Celsius, which was two notches below normal. The people will get some kind of relief from chilling conditions only after three to four days,” he said. Yesterday, the day temperature in Jammu plummeted by one degree Celsius as compared to Thursday recording 11.0 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature also plummeted by 1.6 degrees Celsius and it was recorded 5.0 degrees Celsius. Official sources said the movement of inter-state buses was affected due to dense fog while two-way traffic on the 300-km-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway could not be restored due to slippery conditions and accumulation of snow at the Jawahar Tunnel. Besides, heavy snowfall also blocked the historical Mughal Road, an arterial route connecting the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch with the Valley. Rail traffic was badly hit due to dense fog with several trains running late, sources further said. Pooja Express was late by almost ten hours while Tata Moori was running five hours behind its schedule. Jammu Mail was running two hours late and Malwa by one-and-half-hour behind. “Several trains were rescheduled and passengers have been subjected to hardships for the last one month as they have to keep waiting at the station for hours together due to delay in movement of trains,” a Railway official said. The air traffic was also hit by the poor visibility following haze and fog. Air Mantra flight between Chandigarh and Jammu remained cancelled while other flights landed behind schedule. |
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Stadium in charge managers get paltry Rs 5,000 for repair works
Jammu, January 5 Sources said all the in charge managers of different stadiums in the state were earlier authorised to spend Rs 1,000. But thereafter, they are now entitled to spend up to Rs 5,000. An official said the Sports Council is yet to allot telephone to the incharge manager of the Indoor Sports Complex at MA Stadium not to speak about proper maintenance and creation of sports infrastructure there. “Playing courts are in a shabby condition. Fountains are not functioning and benches are broken. Inadequate sports infrastructure and playing venues both at the indoor sports complex and main stadium need immediate attention. Unfortunately, the authorities are more keen in renovating the office of Secretary, Sports Council,” an official said. “Every time, Sports Minister RS Chib comes to the MA Stadium during a valedictory function, he announces to create infrastructure or construct a new stadium. The question is whether the state government is serious about making a concrete sports policy,” he said. “A sports association recently informed us that they want to conduct a martial art competition for two days. But we denied them permission since the majority of the lights installed at the multi-purpose hall were not functioning. A letter has already been submitted to the main office to replace the lights but in vain,” sources added. “The incharge managers are authorised to spend up to Rs 5,000 and if the cost of renovation or maintenance work is likely to cross the limit, the officials concerned have to inform the Sports Council and submit a detailed proposal for getting funds from it. This is a lengthy process and sometimes gets delayed. In fact, we have to send reminders to the authorities for release of grant,” sources claimed.
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Panches, patwaris at loggerheads; villagers seek probe
Jammu, January 5 The patwaris abstained from their official duties for the second consecutive day demanding arrest of the sarpanch who allegedly manhandled them and stopped them from performing their duties. The residents along with panches and sarpanches assembled outside the Divisional Commissioner’s office and held a demonstration against registering of an FIR against the sarpanch. The sarpanch, they said, was innocent and demanded a thorough probe into the incident. “People protested against the biased approach of the administration which ordered the registration of FIR against me. The allegations levelled by revenue officials hold no ground and are baseless. The revenue officials firstly manhandled me and later managed to get an FIR registered against me,” Shree Kerni, sarpanch of Seri Pandita panchayat halqa said. He said the administration should hold an in-depth inquiry into the case and if he found guilty, he would readily face legal action. “Let the department order a probe into the incident and it will become crystal clear who manhandled whom,” he said. The protesters also submitted a memorandum to the Divisional Commissioner and sought his intervention. Later, they also met the Jammu Deputy Commissioner Sanjeev Verma and apprised him about the matter. Meanwhile, the patwaris demanded strict action against the sarpanch. “So far, the administration has failed to take action against the sarpanch. We will continue our agitation till his arrest,” they said.
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Abolish ‘outdated’ practice of seizure of goods at
Lakhanpur, demand traders, industrialists
Jammu, January 5 Talking to mediapersons here, the office-bearers said a joint delegation of the CII, Jammu, and the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation, Srinagar, visited Lakhanpur on January 3 and held a meeting with Deputy Commissioner, Commercial Taxes, Lakhanpur, and Deputy Commissioner, (Headquarters), Sowket Aijaz to discuss various issues confronting trade and industry which include seizure of goods on the pretext of undervaluation etc. They said disputes about undervaluation should be decided by a committee comprising representatives of business community and Commercial Taxes Department on the same day. The office bearers added that during a meeting with the Commissioner, Commercial Taxes, it was requested that Form-65 should be issued to traders without any restriction in bulk. They also requested that traders should be allowed to issue Form-65 to transport companies even after a week or fortnight detailing the consignments received by them during that time. They also suggested once the goods were cleared at Lakhanpur while dispatching goods to Srinagar, the authorities at Lower Munda Check Post should not interfere with the consignment. Members of the delegation emphasised that business activities should be hassle free and no trader or industrialist should be put to any inconvenience. Efforts have to be made to ensure 100 per cent hassle-free business activity and the dignity of the businessmen has to be kept in mind by the tax officials. They added that both the officials of the Tax Department and members of the business community should join hands to remove all the bottlenecks collectively besides addressing concerns of the business community. The office-bearers also informed that the Commissioner, Commercial Taxes, had assured that Form-65 would be issued to traders as per their request without any restriction. Other matters will also be taken up with the government on priority basis, they added.
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Identify black spots to curb accidents
Rajouri, January 5 He addressed a huge gathering of schoolchildren, prominent citizens and drivers today at Rajouri after conclusion of a rally, organised by the Motor Vehicle Department in collaboration with other departments to generate awareness among people about road safety measures. He said, “It is possible to reduce road accident rate by adopting and enforcing safety measures especially by drivers.” “We need to identify and address the black spots to curb road accidents,” Shabir asserted and said Jammu and Kashmir due to its hilly terrain and topography is a challenge for road safety council. He said the road safety measures shall be part of the DPRs of road projects being under taken in the state. He urged the drivers to follow traffic rules and regulations with sincerity, keeping passenger and pedestrian safety in mind while driving. He deplored use of mobile phones while driving. Terming it as a heinous offence he noted that it means to play with the lives of the passengers and impressed upon the agencies concerned to check the menace stringently on all routes. The minister emphasised on generating awareness about road safety measures and safe driving especially in the hilly and remote terrain involving local masses and drivers. He also appealed to the general public to follow traffic rules and safety norms to avoid accidents. Later, the minister inspected the pace of progress of the 8 kilometre Sain Sumat-Dodason Bala Road. He was apprised that the first phase of the construction work of the road has been completed at a cost of Rs 1.85 crore, while as tenders for its black topping have been floated. He said the black topping work of the road would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 2.7 crore and will provide better connectivity facility to the people. The minister also addressed a public meeting at Sain Samat village. He said development of the remote and hilly areas was top most priority of the government and during the past four years several exemplary steps have been taken for the holistic development of Rajouri with special focus on far-off and hilly areas. Shabir assured people of the area that their genuine problems and needs would be considered. He instructed the officers concerned to initiate measures for immediate redressal of several problems highlighted by locals.
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Civil Defence organises awareness camp
Jammu, January 5 Inspector General of Police (IGP) Homeguards /Civil Defence Yoginder Koul was the chief guest and while Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Homeguards/Civil Defence, Jammu, Sham Lal Sharma was the guest of honour on this occasion. Prof G M Bhat, Dr Renu Nanda, Dinesh Kumar Gupta, Inspector Fire and Emergency Services Raj Kumar Raina, and Alok Nanda gave lectures on the topic. Speaking on the occasion, IGP appreciated the role of the Civil Defence in conducting the camp and also stressed for organising high-level Civil Defence demonstration in the old Jammu city. DIG Sham Lal Sharma highlighted the role of Civil Defence during natural or man-made disasters. He also emphasised on the need for conducting awareness programmes in schools, colleges and rural areas.
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Schools celebrate annual day
Jammu, January 5 Springdales Higher Secondary School celebrated its annual day at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu, here. J&K State Board of School Education (JKBOSE) chairman Sheikh Bashir was the chief guest on the occasion while BOSE Secretary Renu Goswami presided over the function. The programme commenced with the lighting of lamp by the chief guest followed by a colourful presentation of cultural items that enthralled the audience. Principal of the school Rashmee Malhotra presented the annual report and highlighted achievements of the school. Later, the chief guest gave away prizes to the toppers and other deserving students. Bhartiya Vidya Mandir High School, Ambphall, also celebrated its annual day. Director School Education Dev Lata was the chief guest while Taneja Foundation president RK Taneja was the guest of honour on the occasion. The function began with the lighting of lamp which was followed by Saraswati Vandana and patriotic songs besides cultural items by the students of the school. Ranjana Bajaj, principal of the school presented the annual report of the school. RK Taneja in his address highlighted the importance of education. President of the school management presented the vote of thanks.
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President XI, PSCH advance into next round
Jammu, January 5 In the first match, PSCH got the better of Ludhiana Cricket Association by 34 runs. Batting first, PSCH accumulated 132 runs for the loss of five wickets, which, in reply, Ludhiana could manage only 98 runs losing nine wickets in the process. Bhatia was the top scorer from PSCH with 46 runs while Anil and Deepak contributed 36 and 22 runs respectively. From Ludhiana, Kashi snared two wickets. Narinder was the top scorer with 24 runs. Anil bowled a devastating spell to scalp four wickets while Rahul bagged two wickets. Anil was declared the man of the match. In another match, President XI Sunderbani notched up 17- runs win over Amritsar Sports Club. Batting first, President XI set a target of 135 runs losing all their wickets. Himanshu was the top scorer with 29-ball 37 runs while Kuldeep chipped in with 19-ball 29 runs. Varun added valuable 22 runs off just nine deliveries. Rahul took three wickets from Amritsar while Hitesh bagged two. In reply, Amritsar could make 117 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Shivlove and Bhuta were the notable scorers with 31 and 18 runs respectively. Arunesh contributed 15 runs. Verma and Shampy shared two wickets each. Himanshu bagged the man of the match award.
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Skill development programme for the youth begins
Rajouri, January 5 The battalion sensed the opportunity that the civil population, in present scenario, is willing to work to achieve prosperity and improve the way of living in rural areas and came out with a project to create employment opportunities for youth by enabling them to enhance their skills. For this, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of Jammu have drafted a four-week programme on “repairs of home appliances and motor, transformer winding.” The programme commenced today on the premises of the Rashtriya Rifle Battalion, Kalakote, under supervision of the training team of MSMEs, Jammu. A total of 31 candidates were registered for the event from a wide cross section of the society. Director of MSMEs, Jammu, Virendra Sharma was the chief guest at the inauguration event. He appreciated the efforts of the RR Battalion, Kalakote, in organising a skill development programme for the youth. Motivating the candidates, he said the enhanced qualification would help in making an identity and bring them many opportunities to earn their livelihood in the near future. Second in Command of Rashtriya Rifle Battalion welcomed the candidates and advised them to learn as much as possible and exercise their knowledge. SP Kalakote and sarpanches of various nearby villages were amongst other dignitaries. The training team shall educate the candidates on handling, repairs, maintenance of home appliances. Classes on motor and transformer winding shall also be conducted. The team is well equipped to impart training on theoretical as well as practical aspects. Locals have expressed their desire to attend more such events in the future and conveyed their gratitude towards the Army.
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‘Tourist Informer’ released
Jammu, January 5 After releasing the book, Robin Singh Mehta said “This attempt by proprietor Isha Anand is noteworthy and a ready reckoner for tourists and pilgrims coming to the state who will get versed within almost all significant areas in state, which otherwise remain unnoticed.” He said the attempt would go a long way in adding to the knowledge of the tourist about various destinations and scenic spots in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladkah. Robin Singh Mehta expressed his good wishes to the proprietor for undertaking a holistic attempt in coming out with a book of great relevance. Speaking on the occasion, proprietor Isha Anand said since she had endeavoured to take up a challenging job of going places and digging out the unknown and unlisted spots and regions of significance in state. Her efforts have paid rich dividends as the book had shown great returns in the market. |
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Volleyball teams leave for nationals
Jammu, January 5 Prior to proceed for the competition, both teams had underwent a 15-day coaching camp organised by the J&K State Sports Council, under the supervision of Sports Officer Ravi Singh, at Gulshan Ground, Police Lines, Jammu. The J&K men team is placed in Pool C along with Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand. The women team is placed in Pool D along with Punjab and Rajasthan. Teams: Men: Imtiaz Ahmed, Mohan Lal, Manzoor Ahmed, Naseeb Singh, Ramiz Tariq, Taimoor Ahmed, Sushil Kumar, Rakesh Kumar, Mohammad Aiwaz Khan, Shoukat Hussain, Ashiq Hussain, Adit Sharma, Sujjad Hussain, Rajeev Dogra (assistant coach) and Azhar Aziz (trainer). Women: Manisha Kumari, Priya Charak, Sangita Bhatt, Yasmeen Kousar, Tsering Dolkar, Mansi Sharma, Bindu Verma, Stanzin Namsar, Nisha Verma, Ashima Sharma, Preeti Sharma, Sarita Sharma, Neeta Devi (manager), Rattan Chand (coach) and Mohammad Tariq (assistant coach).
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Army organises medical camp
Rajouri, January 5 A team of Army doctors, along with civil doctor Dr Vineet (MBAS) and Dr Uzma Dar (Dentist) from PHC Dilhori, examined patients arriving in the camp. A total of 378 patients, including 170 women and 57 children, were benefited from the camp. Apart from medical check-up, the Army provided free medicines to the patients. Lectures on family planning and prevention against cold were conducted for men and women separately on this occasion. The camp witnessed an unprecedented response from the populace as people from far- flung villages attended the camp, including prominent members of the civil administration and number of panches and sarpanches. Speaking on the occasion Sarpanch of Dilhori village Kashmir Singh expressed his gratitude towards the Army for taking care of the health of people deprived of even the basic medical care.
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After having spent the last summer virtually without power, the Jammu residents are now facing prolonged and unscheduled power cuts.
Life has become even more difficult in areas recording sub-zero temperature.
Jammu, January 5
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), Jammu, and the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation
(KTMF), Srinagar, today sought to abolish the “outdated practice of seizure of goods and imposition of penalties at Lakhanpur on the pretext of under-valuation”.
Jammu, January 5
Director tourism Robin Singh Mehta today released a book ‘Tourist Informer’ here today.
The book is a comprehensive compilation of religious, picnic and other spots of significance in J&K. It has an exhaustive coverage of almost all spots of significance in the state starting from Lakhanpur to
Ladakh.
