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Now, cracks in watchtower
DDC wants action for delay in construction of schools
Electricity infrastructure repairs begin
Humid conditions make life miserable in region
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Residents protest against rising vegetable prices
Daily wagers seek regularisation
Members of the National Mazdoor Conference hold a protest in Jammu on Sunday. Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh
Army spreads awareness on hygiene in Mahore
Diploma engineers hold meet
to discuss problems
Medical camp held in Lancha village
Gymnast Palak to represent country in world championships
Poonch beat Jammu in girls' hockey event
Taekwondo championship concludes
GHSS Udhampur win U-19 kabaddi title
Doda lift tennis ball cricket trophy
BSF School win football tourney
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Now, cracks in watchtower
Jammu, August 25
The watchtower may collapse with a few spells of continuous rain, but the authorities are busy in completing formalities for the release of funds. The collapse of the 110-foot wall of the 3,000-year-old Bahu Fort a week ago has led to the developing of major cracks in the entire structure. The structure needs immediate repairs, but the authorities have a long list of formalities which need to be done before starting the restoration work. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said details were being assessed and a project for comprehensive restoration of the fort should be mooted as soon as the report was received from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Sources in the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), the executing agency working on the Bahu Fort, said the structure needed immediate restoration lest another major portion of the structure collapsed, which would increase the budget. Peerzada Ashraf, Deputy Director, State Archaeology Department, admitted that immediate action was required to restore and preserve the Bahu Fort structure, but the process of sanctioning funds was time-consuming. “Only after the submission of the proposal for restoration of the damaged portion of the fort will the government sanction funds and only then can the work be started,” said Ashraf. “We cannot start the work without completing all the formalities,” he said. He added that the Archaeology Department did not assess the loss, which would be done by the executing agency. The JDA would have to assess the loss and submit its report to the ASI, after which the ASI would submit its report to the state government for release of funds. Ashraf was silent on the issue of taking responsibility if another portion of the structure collapsed. “No one can start work on the structure till assessment and other formalities are done. We hope that there is no further damage,” he said.
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DDC wants action for delay in construction of schools
Katra, August 25 Meanwhile, the Public Works Department (PWD) has been directed to expedite the tender process within two weeks and ensure that the work on all the 23 high schools is completed in the current financial year. Presiding over a review meeting attended by ADDC Bikram Singh Jamwal, Assistant Commissioner Development Joginder Rain, XEN PHE Nissar Khan, XEN Mahore Jagdish Chib, XEN PWD KH Shah and other officers, the DDC expressed concern over pendency of construction of girl toilets and additional classrooms. He directed the CEO to submit work-wise details for withdrawing contracts from defaulting VECs and construction through the Rural Development Department. The CEO said VECs were not willing to construct the units at the allotted cost of Rs 43,000. The Rural Development Department apprised him that the same unit was being constructed through panchayats at a cost of Rs 38,000. ZEOs were directed to submit details of each work for taking up construction. More than 500 ACRs under the SSA had not been taken up due to high cost of carriage involved in remote areas. ZEOs had been directed to come up with a list of pending works where the cost of ground levelling and minor works could The DDC stressed on providing drinking water facility at the remaining 428 schools. The Superintending Engineer PHE assured him of 100 per cent coverage of schools. Assistant Director CAPD informed him that steps had been taken to streamline ration supply under the mid-day meal scheme as per directions issued by the DDC. It was decided to conduct fortnightly reviews of the progress on various development works and flagship schemes in the education sector.
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Electricity infrastructure repairs begin
Jammu, August 25
Officials said it would take many weeks before electricity supply was fully restored, particularly in rural areas, as restoration would take some time. Many residential colonies today remained without electricity supply since the morning because of repair work being carried out on the Kishanpur-Bern line and several areas through which high-tension and low-tension wires passed. Due to heavy rain in the region from August 13 to August 16, the department suffered huge damage to its infrastructure. The 33-KV line near Nikki Tawi was totally damaged. Several poles were uprooted and carried away in the flash floods in Rajouri, Poonch, Kathua, Samba and Reasi. "As the weather improved, we started the repair work. Power supply was cut to allow our staff to carry out necessary changes and replace damaged components. The damage has been heavy and we are doing everything in a phased manner," said Ajay Gupta, Chief Engineer (Operations and Maintenance). Water had entered many receiving and distribution stations due to the continuous rain and an assessment report was being prepared to get necessary funds. Gupta said people might have to face long power cuts for a few days more during the next few weeks to allow the department to complete the restoration work. The government had started the restoration after the damage caused to public utilities in ther Jammu region in the backdrop of the recent heavy rain and floods. The government stated that 23 persons had died and around 3,000 houses damaged due to the flash floods and heavy rain in the region recently. "It was the fury of nature and we could not have done anything to prevent the devastation to property. It will cost crores of to bring new poles, wires and other components to repair the power network," said a PDD officer. Divisional Commissioner Shantmanu held a high-level meeting to discuss the needs of the PHE, irrigation and flood control departments to know the details of damage caused to public utilities and other infrastructure. The damage reports prepared by each department would be verified by the District Development Commissioners concerned for the final submission to the government.
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Humid conditions make life miserable in region
Jammu, August 25 The entire region is in the grip of intense humid conditions, with unscheduled power cuts affecting life. The sizzling conditions have thrown life out of gear, with people hoping for rain to make the weather pleasant. "Since August 17, weather conditions have worsened and the severe humidity is quite unbearable, particularly while moving out. The aged are the worst affected by the prevailing weather conditions," says Suresh Gupta, a local resident. The climatic conditions in the peripheral districts of Kathua and Samba, besides parts of Jammu district, including RS Pura, Akhnoor and other plain areas, are no different. Even the hilly areas of the region, including Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda and Kishtwar, are witnessing a surge in temperature. "During the heavy rain which lashed the region for four days, the weather was cool in the entire region. Monsoon conditions are back which have affected everyone in the city," says Ritesh Sangral, a university student. The unexpected collision of moist warm monsoon winds and cool dry western disturbance over Jammu and Kashmir had led to devastating rainfall across the region, leading to flooding, landslides and destruction of public and private property worth crores. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), there will be no respite from humid conditions even though there will be occasional rain in the next few weeks.
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Residents protest against rising vegetable prices
Jammu, August 25 They alleged that middle class families had been forced to reduce several items in their daily menu as they were unable to afford those. State Shiv Sena president Ashok Gupta said the Congress-led UPA government had totally failed on all fronts and people across the country had been facing the worst phase in their lives. He alleged that vegetable prices were in the hands of the mafia and the administration neither had control over prices nor was it taking steps to address the issue. Several women who took part in the demonstration said vegetables used to get costly earlier due to climatic factors, but now the pulses, cooking oil and other items were slowly going out of bounds for the people. “The UPA government has failed to check price rise due to its faulty economic policies. The common man is unable to bear the burden of inflation and the economy seems to have stagnated,” said Nirmala Devi, a housewife. The protesters said the sharp fall of the Indian rupee against the US dollar exposed the lies of the Central leadership that all was fine with the Indian economy.
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Daily wagers seek regularisation
Jammu, August 25 Addressing a rally of activists at Rani Park today, NMC president Subash Shastri said daily wage workers in various government departments have not been getting their wages on a regular basis for many years. He added that besides regularising workers, the state government should provide the perks and allowances available to Central Government employees, including pensionary benefits. Stressing the need for appointing a chairman and members of the 7th Pay Commission, Shastri urged on the Prime Minister to take decision in this regard in the next meeting of the Union Cabinet. The NMC president demanded that 50 percent DA should be merged with basic pay and pension. Other demands included sanctioning of 20 per cent interim relief, release of 10 per cent DA, raising of monthly emoluments of daily wage workers, salary release and regularisation of motivators and enhancement of medical allowance. Others who spoke on the occasion included Rajab Babu Khajuria, Sham Lal Sharma, Sunil Kochar, and Barkat Ram.
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Army spreads awareness on hygiene in Mahore
Katra, August 25 During the campaign, various events were organised in all the major villages of the area, with various seminars and immunisation programmes conducted by Army doctors. To generate interest amongst locals in maintaining hygienic living conditions and healthy habitat, a competition was also organised by the Army. The campaign was aimed at creating awareness regarding health, hygiene and sanitation. Students of government schools of the area were inspected by the team and the well-dressed students were rewarded. It was decided to hold such competitions on a monthly basis. Gulamdin, head, Public Health Centre, Lar, said the campaign had generated widespread interest among the local populace in maintaining hygienic living conditions and a healthy habitat. The event culminated with the distribution of cash prizes to the well-maintained houses in around 10 villages of Mahore Tehsil.
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Diploma engineers hold meet
to discuss problems
Jammu, August 25 Problems being faced by the engineers were discussed at the meeting. Darshan Gupta appreciated the role of Mechanical Diploma Engineers president Narinder Singh for putting forward all problems with the government besides supporting designated president Er Upinder Singh in the upcoming elections of the central body. On this occasion, Er Sagar Singh lauded the efforts for enlisting the issues of the engineers in the manifesto of the central body which included restoration of selection list of 2004 mechanical diploma/degree engineers and release of 85 posts of the engineers on the analogy in other departments such as PWD, PHE, and PDD. |
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Medical camp held in Lancha village
Katra, August 25 The aim of the camp was to address medical requirements of residents belonging remote and far-flung areas. Lancha village is devoid of any medical facilities and locals have to travel a large distance to Mahore for health related issues. The patients were examined by the medical officer and nursing assistants of the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion. Over 221 people, including children, availed the facilities of the camp. Free medicines were distributed to the patients.
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Gymnast Palak to represent country in world championships
Jammu, August 25 Apart from Palak, Nishtha Shah of Maharashtra will participate in the event. Coach Krupali Singh from the state will also be part of the championships, which are being organised by the Ukrain Gymnastics Federation and International Gymnastics Federation. Palak has also represented the country in the Asian Gymnastics Championship held at Tashkent and Youth Asian Games held at Yakutia, Russia. — TNS |
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Poonch beat Jammu in girls' hockey event
Jammu, August 25 Additional District Development Commissioner, Arvind Kumar, Poonch was the chief guest, whereas principal Makhan Lal Sharma, Boys Higher Secondary School, Poonch, was the guest of honour. In girls section, the Poonch team beat the Jammu team both in U-14 and U-19 age groups to stamp their authority. In U-14 boys section, the match between the Jammu team and the Poonch team ended in a goalless draw and both the districts were declared joint winners. Meanwhile, in U-19 boys, the Jammu team edged out the Poonch team by a solitary goal scored by Harish Vaid. The matches were officiated by Narinder Singh, Rajinder Singh, Gurmet Singh, Kavel Krishan, Sanjay Mishri, Kulwant Singh, Pawan Kumar, Matinter Pal Singh and Bachiter Singh. The winner and runners-up teams were given trophies and medals by the chief guest.
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Taekwondo championship concludes
Jammu, August 25 Around 300 players/officials participated in this championship. SDPO Bakshi Shabir Khan assured all possible help to the association for promoting the game. The winner's trophy was won by the Vishal Academy of Taekwondo while the first runner-up trophy went to the Rich Harvest School team and second runner-up trophy to the Rakwal Taekwondo Club. |
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GHSS Udhampur win U-19 kabaddi title
Jammu, August 25 In volleyball, the title was bagged by the GHSS, Garhi, which beat the JK Public School. In wrestling, Rahul Kumar
of the HSS, Majalta, bagged the gold medal and Bikham Singh of the HSS,
Udhampur, clinched silver. Udhampur SSP Anil Malhotra was the chief guest at the valedictory function and CEO Balbir Singh presided over the function. They appreciated the efforts of the department for the successful conduct of the event. The matches were officiated by PEMs Pawan Kumar, Poonam Sharma, Kanchan Sharma, Rakesh Sawney, Pushap Kumar, Raj Kumar, Kuldeep Kumar, Bikram Singh and PETs Vaishno Devi, Raman Kumar, Manik Nagrota, Sanjeev Verma and Sunil Sharma. |
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Doda lift tennis ball cricket trophy
Jammu, August 25 In reply, Doda did the needful in 9.1 overs for the loss of five wickets. Amit Singh scored 20 runs while Kamran chipped in with 11 runs. Amit Singh was adjudged the man of the match and man of the tournament. Nadia of Jammu was declared woman of the match in the girls’ section. Earlier in the first semifinal, Udhampur toppled Samba by 36 runs. Batting first, Udhampur garnered 65-7 runs in 8 overs. Rajat and Saksham contributed 17 and 15 runs to the total, respectively. Ashwani fetched three wickets for Samba. In reply, Samba was bundled out for paltry 19 runs in 5.1 overs. In the second semifinal, Doda overcame the challenge of Reasi by 7 wickets. Reasi scored 34 runs in 7.5 overs, which Doda overhauled with consummate ease in 5.4 overs by losing just one wicket. Director General Youth Services and Sports Navin Aggarwal was the chief guest in the valedictory function and he distributed prizes among the winners. The Director General Sports was accompanied by the Deputy Director, Jammu, Ved Prakash under whose supervision the sporting event was organised. The matches were officiated by Jagtar Singh, Satpal Singh, Suresh Singh, Pankaj Sasan, Madan Mohan and Satika Sharma.
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BSF School win football tourney
Jamm.u, August 25 Parveen of BSF was the star striker who scored both the goals. Earlier in the semifinals, Army Public School, Domana, beat SRML Higher Secondary School by 2-1 via a tie-breaker. Tirath Ram, District Youth Services and
Sports Officer, Jammu, witnessed the exciting contest. Meanwhile, in the
U-19 boys’ fencing event, Kushal Sharma, Fared Ahmed Choudhary and Amit Singh clinched gold, silver and bronze medal, respectively, in the
sabre category. In the foil category, Ranvijay, Nijhal Raina and Raja Aamir Khan claimed gold, silver and bronze medal, respectively. In the epee event, Pankaj bagged top honours by winning the gold medal while and Shubam had
to be contended with a silver medal. In the U-19 girls’ sabre event, Sonam, Ravika and Tania bagged gold, silver and bronze medal, respectively. In the U-19 girls’ foil category, Kamini clinched the gold medal, Jasmine
Chib pocketed silver and Vikran Sharma claimed a bronze medal. In the epee event,
Diksha Pandey, Akanksha and Shriya Sudan claimed gold, silver and bronze medal,
respectively. |
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Residents held protest against the rising prices of vegetables and other essential commodities in Jammu and Kashmir here today.
The protesters alleged that the state government and the Centre had failed to take necessary action against hoarding and black marketing, due to which the common man had been suffering.
The National Mazdoor Conference (NMC) has appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to amend SRO 64 to formulate a comprehensive policy for the regularisation of all daily wage, casual and seasonal workers engaged in
PWD, Irrigation, Floriculture, PDD and other departments of the state government.
