Jammu, February 24
Failure of Power Development Department (PDD) and other civic agencies to cover the power lines supplying electricity to streetlights is turning out to be a death trap for commuters and vehicle drivers.

At several places, electric wires can be found dangling and people are always under threat of electric shock. Streetlights were installed by the PDD and JMC together in several areas of the city but in the name of maintenance, not much effort has been made.

Open wires are a direct threat to pedestrians, particularly women, children and elders.

Amit Sharma, a resident of New Plot, told The Tribune that earlier, the lights were not functioning and when these are functional, there is no effort to maintain them. “Some of them have been broken by mischievous persons against whom the law enforcement agencies have failed to take any stringent action. The wires are hanging loose from the switch boards and poles,” he said.

In the past 10 years, under various civic projects, crores of rupees were spent on installation and repair of lights, which include those in Paloura, Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Channi, Parade, Kachi Chawni, Janipur, Roop Nagar and Bari-Brahman, but these are in a poor state.

At some places, shopkeepers have diverted these lights towards their shops, depriving commuters and drivers away from the benefit for which they were installed. Another problem plaguing the lights is that people don’t shut them during day hours in respective areas and streetlights are thus glowing all day.

Streetlights installed in several localities remain on through the day, with no consideration being given to shutting them. At places, shopkeepers have diverted these lights towards their showrooms.

Jammu, February 24
Minister for Medical Education Taj Mohi-ud-Din today ordered banning of cigarettes and gutkha inside hospitals of the state.

Taj, who visited Chopra Nursing Home and took stock of the renovation and facelifting being carried out for its reopening here, also directed the engineering wing of the hospital to undertake facelifting, landscaping and internal renovation in the nursing home on a war footing. The nursing home is closed at present.

He also visited the emergency block, OPD and orthopaedic units of the GMC and took an on-the-spot note of the cleanliness, patient management and treatment regime.

At the emergency block, the minister asked for strict implementation of triage regime, a sorting process used for determining treatment schedule on the basis of sickness of a patient.

He directed the hospital administration to regulate the number of visitors to the hospital and not to allow more than one attendant with a patient, and that too with a valid attendant pass.

Earlier, the minister kicked off the campaign by administering polio drops to a few children at the paediatric block of SMGS Hospital, Shalamar Road.

Principal, Government Medical College, Jammu, Dr Aniece Choudhary, medical superintendents and other officers accompanied the minister during his visit.

Jammu, February 24
Minister of State for Health Shabir Ahmed Khan launched the second round of the Pulse Polio Campaign-2013 in the state by administering polio drops to children in the premises of the District Hospital, Udhampur, today.

For this, over 11,000 booths have been set up with 45,000 booth workers. To make the campaign a success and for hundred per cent coverage, the department has pressed into service over 276 transit team workers, 274 mobile team workers and 2,400 supervisors. The government has made available over 25 lakh vaccines.

Later, the minister, accompanied by senior officers, took a round of various wards of the District Hospital, Udhampur, and Sub-District Hospital, Chenani, and interacted with patients. He also administered polio drops to children up to 5 years of age at the Sub District Hospital, Chenani.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said with constant efforts of the functionaries of the Health Department and massive support of society, no fresh polio case had been reported from any part of the state during the past couple of years and that recently India was declared a polio-free country.

However, the minister stressed the need for maintaining a constant vigil on the situation and covering 100 per cent children by administering pulse polio drops in every round of the campaign.

Khan reiterated that the government was committed towards providing better health care services throughout the state by upgrading infrastructure in health institutions. He thanked the Union Health Ministry for sanctioning Rs 14 crore for the procurement of 200 new ambulances for the state and Rs 11.70 crore for the purchase of latest equipment for the District Hospital, Doda, and the Sub-District Hospital, Bhaderwah, under the NRHM.

The new ambulances at different health institutions would facilitate smooth transfer of patients, particularly pregnant women and trauma cases, to the nearest health facility without any delay, the minister said.

Katra, February 24
Lives of thousands of schoolchildren are put to risk every day as auto-rickshaws ferrying them ply in the area without following any safety measures.

Though the district administration had, a few months back, launched a major crackdown against auto-rickshaws ferrying schoolchildren flouting norms, it has failed to curb the menace. These overloaded vehicles are quite visible in the morning and evening hours.

Owing to poor service of public transport vehicles, parents depend on auto-rickshaws for to-and-fro transportation of their schoolchildren. Auto-rickshaws are choc-a-block, packed as they are with minors. One or two students could be seen sharing the driver's seat, oblivious of the risks involved. And their schoolbags and lunch boxes hang by the hooks fitted to the sides of the vehicles, causing discomfiture to the other road users.

“The authorities concerned open their eyes only after an accident has occurred. So parents must ensure that auto drivers they hire follow the safety rules. They must see to it that auto-rickshaws ferrying their children have a side door and conform to other safety measures. Though it may be fun for children and may seem cheaper transport for parents, overcrowding of auto-rickshaws with children is dangerous,” said Rajesh Kesar, a local resident.

“It is an open secret that more and more auto operators try to accommodate maximum number of children to multiply their earnings. The administration too has failed to check this menace. Children travelling by these vehicles are always at risk. It is high time serious steps are taken to put an end to this menace,” said Narinder Singh.

“We have seen children hanging by these three-wheelers running at full speed. Our administration should have strict rules and regulations in place to monitor and impose fines on erring drivers,” Jyoti Sharma, a parent, said.

Admitting to overloading of auto-rickshaws, Mohammad Shafi, DSP, Reasi, said the department was planning to conduct a special drive against overloading of auto-rickshaws. Overloading is a crucial issue since it involves safety of children. Schoolchildren are ferried to-and-fro in auto-rickshaws in the town every day.

Jammu, February 24
Though wearing a seat belt has been made mandatory in four-wheelers by the traffic police in the city, the norm is widely being ignored. A large number of drivers of commercial vehicles can be seen on roads without mandatory uniforms.

According to Supreme Court guidelines, four-wheeler light motor vehicles, manufactured after 1994, need seatbelts for drivers. While the guideline was being ignored by people and by the transport department, police recently launched a special drive to ensure that drivers wear the safety belt.

Though some motorists are making it a habit, a majority of four-wheeler owners don’t bother to use the safety belt, using which is in their own safety.

“Wearing seatbelts is the most effective way to protect people in vehicle crashes, so we will be watching closely to make sure everyone is buckling up while driving their vehicles from Monday onwards,” said a traffic inspector.

A few weeks back, the traffic police intensified its campaign against drivers not using seatbelts and claimed to have imposed a fine on around 5,580 vehicles.

“People need to understand they should not violate the norms. If we do not get their cooperation, no rule or guideline can be implemented,” said an officer.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Traffic (IGP) Muneer Ahmed Khan has once again appealed to motorists not to use black films, tinted glasses, curtains and other allied material in their vehicles (private/government) in future and anybody found using aforesaid banned material in their vehicles would be dealt with strictly in accordance with provision of law.

“The general public is also appealed that in case they notice any vehicle using aforementioned banned materials plying on the roads of J&K, they will inform the traffic police on the following telephone numbers for immediate action: SSP traffic Jammu 9419101119, 2578774, SSP NHW Ramban 9419168003, SP traffic city Srinagar 9419166437, 2455179, SP traffic rural Jammu 9419076668, 2562299, SP traffic rural Kashmir 9419086881, 2486333, TCU Jammu 9419147732, 2459048, TCU Srinagar 2450022, 2485396 and TCU Ramban 9419993745,” he said.

Jammu, February 24
The National Mazdoor Conference (NMC) today demanded exemption of Dearness Allowance from the ambit of Income Tax saying that it was linked with price index. Subash Shastri, president, NMC, while addressing the rally said the price escalation was directly linked to the Dearness Allowance of the salaried class and pensioners.

He urged the Union Finance Minister to reconsider the imposition of Income Tax on Dearness Allowance and raise the Income Tax exemption from Rs 2 lakh to 5 lakh for both Central, state government employees and pensioners.

Shastri said the provision with regard to 20 per cent interim relief to the Central/state government employees and pensioners, merger of 50 per cent of DA into basic pay/pension and enhancement of monthly wages of daily wagers should also be made simultaneously in the upcoming budget.

The NMC also demanded 9 per cent DA due from January last, regularisation of services of daily wagers working in various government departments who have completed seven years of service etc.

Srinagar, February 24
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ali Mohammad Sagar today conducted an extensive tour of Srinagar to take stock of the sewerage system in the city.

He also took stock of the availability of various essential commodities, a government spokesman said here.

“Sagar, accompanied by Srinagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner GN Qasba and other officers, inspected various ongoing sewerage works, including the Sewage Pump House, Brari Nambal,” he said.

He inspected 16.8 MLD Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) at Brari Nambal which is coming up at a cost of Rs 23 crore and will benefit various areas of Srinagar, including Saida Kadal, Naidyar, Jogi Lanker and Miskeen Bagh, the spokesman said.

Sagar also inspected the work on the sewerage line from Baba Dawood-i-Khakhi to STP Brari Nambal, which has been undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 80 lakh.

The minister was informed that 28 moving de-watering pumps had been put into service in various localities of Srinagar.

“Sagar also inspected various food stores of the Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution which include food stores at Khanyar and Miskeen Bagh to gauge the availability of essential commodities.

Jammu, February 24
DRS Kids, Talab Tillo today celebrated its Annual Day function with enthusiasm at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu (JU) here.

Raman Bhalla, Minister for Housing and Horticulture was the chief guest on the occasion while Arun Kumar Tikku, Chairman/Member Secretary was the guest of honour.

The function commenced with the lighting of traditional lamp by the chief guest and other dignitaries followed by Ganesh Vandana by tiny tots of the school.

A colourful cultural programme was also presented by the students to enthral the audience who lauded the performance.

The chief guest, in his address, lauded the efforts of the school management in organising the successful function.

Harmanjeet Kaur, chairperson of the school, gave away mementos to the dignitaries.

Udhampur, February 23
Students of Government College for Women, Udhampur, organised a farewell.

Priyanka Bandral of BA third year, was declared ‘Miss Outstanding Student of the Year’, Neha Sharma of BSc third year was declared ‘Miss Personality’ and Suman Kushwaha, BA III was Miss GCW. — TNS

Jammu, February 24
The All J&K Shri Sad Guru Kabir Sabha celebrated Kabir Nirwan Divas on the premises of Kabir Mandir, Janipur.

The function was attended by a large number of devotees. Devotees from Reasi, Kathua and Udhampur came in a huge procession while raising slogans like ‘Jai Kabir Dhan Kabir’.

Dina Nath, disciple of Shri Chandi Ram, delivered religious discourses on the Bani of saints with special reference to Kabir Bani.

He said the main thrust of Kabir’s teachings was on humanity, by rooting out the caste system, He said he spread the message of love and peace. 

Jammu, February 24
To promote adventure tourism in the Jammu region, a four-day long international rafting championship commenced from today in the Chenab.

Minister for Tourism Ghulam Ahmad Mir inaugurated the event, which has been organised by the state Tourism Department.

The International Rafting Federation and the J&K Rafting Association is providing the technical information during the event.

International Rafting Federation director Joe Alice and rafting expert Natali are the judges of the event.

Rafting teams from Australia, Nepal, Czech and Slovok republics, besides rafting teams of the Army, J&K Police, Kashmir rafting team and Jammu rafting team are participating in the event. A 10-km river patch from Thathri to Prem Nagar Doda has been identified for safe and adventurous rafting competitions.

Addressing a public gathering on the occasion, the Tourism Minister said the government is keen to restore the tourism glory of the state and exploit its potential in adventure tourism. He said adventure tourism had a great potential of generating jobs for the state's people, especially the youth.

The minister said it was the first international rafting event in the Chenab and that it aimed at exploring adventure tourism potential in Doda.

The minister said about one hundred unemployed youth of Doda district would be trained in river rafting skills with the objective that they adopt this as a profession and generate income for livelihood. 

Srinagar, February 24
The felicitation of Kashmir valley’s sportsperson Riyaz Ahmad Wani with a cash reward by the Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited has been welcomed by the J&K Ski and Mountaineering Association (JKSMA).

The JKSMA congratulated Riyaz and said he was as a vital contributor in the arena of white water rafting, mountain running and mountain biking.

“Riyaz extended his full assistance in organising a short trek in the Faqir Gujree area conducted by the association during the celebration of the International Mountain Day,” a statement by the JKSMA read.

Ex-University Aquatics Coach Muhammad Yusuf, who is also the JKSMA spokesperson, said Riyaz had started his sports career from Islamia College and then his talent was nurtured by Kashmir University.

“He participated in several mountain sports, including snow and water skiing, trekking, rock-climbing, mountain biking, white water rafting, long-distance swimming, kayaking and canoeing etc,” said Muhammad Yusuf, adding that he was a regular member of the University Boat Club.

Riyaz was one of the few adventure sportsmen who introduced the concepts of snow cycling in Gulmarg and Mountain Running in Srinagar.

The Srinagar District Winter Games Association, Kashmir Roller Skating Club, Adventure Tour Operators Association, Kashmir Rafting Operators Association and the J&K Aero Sports Association, too, congratulated Riyaz. 

Jammu, February 24
The University of Jammu (JU) team got the better of the Panjab University, Chandigarh, team by 16-5 points in the All India Inter-University Korfball Championship being played at the university campus here today.

MDU, Rohtak, team had the last laugh against the GNDU, Amritsar, by 11-8 points while the JU won a league match against the MDU by 16-5 points. GNDU, Amritsar, toppled the Punjab University, Chandigarh, by 7-4 points while MDU, Rohtak, edged out the Panjab University by 15-11 points. Dr HS Randawa, Director Sports, GNDU, Amritsar, was the special invitee in today’s matches. — TNS