Jammu, April 3
Unplanned road network in the state is posing a serious threat to the people. The deaths caused in the road accidents are rising alarmingly.

Statistics reveal that on an average one to three persons are killed daily in road accidents in the Jammu region.

The National Highway 1A and 1B, connecting Doda and Kishtwar districts, account for 60 per cent of the total annual deaths in the road accidents.

"Huge toll of death caused by the road accidents on the NH 1, NH 1A and NH 1B connecting Jammu-Srinagar, Jammu-Doda and Doda-Kishtwar, during the last one year alone demonstrates the callous attitude of the government,” said Masood Ahmed, a resident of Doda. He alleged that the government was not going beyond cosmetic measures.

The poor state of roads has become a serious matter of concern and needs a definite attention, particularly in the wake of a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, which projected that by 2020, road accidents would be the third highest threat to the public health and life in South Asia.

A comparative analysis of the WHO report for the South Asia and road mishap statistics in Jammu and Kashmir presents a highly worrisome scenario.

The analysis reveals that the traffic fatalities in the state are likely to go up by 144 per cent in the next 10 years.

The shortage of roads and increase in vehicular traffic are said to be the main reasons for increasing accidents.

The road connectivity in the state is one of the lowest in the country. While the average road length per square km in India is 313.08 km, in J&K it is only 35.71 km.

Similarly, the average road length per lakh of population in the country is 297.71 km, in J&K it is only 104.64 km.

While blaming the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department for the rising death toll, SSP (Traffic), Jammu, Parminder Singh said immediate attention was needed to address the issue of the widening of roads and constructing more roads in the region.

Adding, he said, “If the situation remains as it is, the death toll may go up to 144 per cent by the next 10 years”. Commenting on the issue, IG (Traffic) Mohammad Ameen Shah said the department was facing acute shortage of the manpower and modern equipments, due to which it had become a difficult task for them to regulate the traffic properly.

He said on an average, every year the department took action against 2,25,000 defaulters, who drive the vehicles carelessly. He added that every year the department recovered Rs 4 crore as penalty from the defaulters.

The total road network maintained by the different agencies as on March 2008 has crossed 40,000 km in the state. The State Public Works Department maintains some 16,000 km roads in the state.

While commenting, chief engineer of the Public Works Department (R&B) Nazir Ahmed said, “The R&B alone is not responsible for the deaths due to the road accidents. We are at work to facilitate 40 per cent road connectivity to the rural and border areas under Pradhan Mantari Gram Sadakh Roazgar Yogna (PMGSY).”

Without blaming the Traffic Department, he said, “No doubt the roads are congested but bad traffic regulation is also responsible for the accidents.”

However, he did not offer any comment when asked about the plans to reverse the trend of the accidents.

Jammu, April 3
Cybercafes have popped up at all convenient locations in the city. Youngsters can be seen chatting, networking and sharing all web resources

As the city was hit by militancy for a long time, the cybercafe culture made a late entry in Jammu.

But now, it is expanding fast here. A fresh community has cropped up that has made cybercafe a centrepoint for socialisation.

Abhishek Jandiyal, who did MBA from Jammu University, cannot contemplate a life
without cybercafe.

“I have got addicted to cyber life. It is here that I developed a strong network of like-minded friends on Orkut and Facebook. I keep in constant touch with all of them.”

This fixation of chatting on the net has liberated the mindsets of youngsters, as they spend a lot of time on chatting and dating.

Rakshit Sachdeva, marketing executive, said, “I met my lady love on the net, as she was stationed outside. I could develop an understanding with her by chatting online, without spending time and money on travelling.”

Breaking off the conventional mode of arranged marriages, many cyber couples woo each other in cybercafes. Ritika Bhatt, BCA graduate, said, “I met my husband on the net and after a year of chatting, we knew that we were made for each other. So, we decided to see each other for the first time with our families and get engaged the same day. The looks were never important. And look, we are enjoying the marital bliss in each other’s company.”

The cybercafes have come up with a lot of potential for students. Amit Bhardwaj, an IAS aspirant, updates his subjects by reading articles of various scholars and brushes his current affairs by opening up different websites.

Sushil Gupta, PhD student of the Jammu University, visits cybercafe to gather useful information for his research thesis on religious shrines in the state.

Shuchita Kaul, sales executive in a travel agency, said, “I landed up getting this job by applying online, as that was the only mode to apply to the company. I am happy that I developed my computer skills in cybercafes and got this wonderful job.”

The town, which is still vulnerable to militancy, has adhered to strict rules to check the identity cards and addresses of the users. Also, the customers do not complain against this exercise, as they understand that it is for their own safety.

The cybercafes are also providing job avenues to the individuals, especially women, who have no special skills or little experience in technology, but they have hired computer literates to assist them in the job.

The brighter side of this wave of cyber revolution is the foray of the companies like Siffy, which are opening their state-of-the-art cybercafes in the town.

As Bharti Bhanot, a doctor, said, “I always missed out good cybercafes in Jammu, the ones that I saw in Delhi and Bangalore. But now, with the opening up of these hi-tech cafes, we have better seating capacities, good computers and more privacy.

Srinagar, April 3
Apart from carving art forms out of stone, artists spoke their heart out during the 10-day All-India Sculptors’ Camp held at Tagore Hall here.

Organised after a gap of more than 30 years, youngsters, mostly school students, visited the camp to know more about the tricks of the trade and skills being possessed by the artists.

Ten participants from across the country participated in the camp, which was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.

Bishamber Mehta, an artist from Jammu, said, “We carve sculptures from our imagination. Artists must be socially aware. Social problems are the main source of our inspiration.”

Mehta explained his work as “a visual form comprising two books.” He completed the art form within seven days while spending 10-12 hours daily on it. He is in the field for the past 30 years and has travelled extensively.

“Art must be communicative. The work of art and society must come close,” said the artist, adding, “Sangtarashi (stone carving) is a technique and sculpture is an art.”

Expressing concern, Mehta said he hardly found any student learning sculpture at the Institute of Music and Fine Arts in Srinagar.

“More than half of the population there being followers of Islam do not believe in sculpture. This is one of the reasons why it is not growing. Other socio-cultural problems also exist. We resist from making a figurative form that is unacceptable to society,” said Mehta, adding, “A particular class (intellectual) has a liking towards it, but its future isn’t so encouraging.”

Chisel and hammer are the main tools used in carving out sculptures and semi-granite stone is used extensively.

Noman and Jibrail, both school students, said they had seen such a camp for the first time. It was a different experience for them.

“It gives us idea about art and sculpture. We are here to get information about their work, imagination and creativity.”

Their classmate, Harshdeep, said, “The stones are brought from Kashmir. I like the way artists are utilising them creatively and with modifications.”

Priti Kahar, a young artist from Baroda, described the camp as “a good platform to share ideas and exchange thoughts.”

Sculpture is Kahar’s first choice despite innumerable challenges being faced by it. “It is tough, but the field is vast. We need support from metros and big galleries. It’s competitive but it’s fun as it’s like doing our work,” says Kahar.

Shaiqa Mohi, principal, Institute of Music and Fine Arts, Srinagar, and a participant, felt that sculpture was dying as it did not have many takers.

Mohi, however, felt that such camps offered exposure to the younger generation and the public at large. “In fact, there should be international camps,” said the principal.

“Since sculpture involves more labour, only a few students opt for it. The lack of awareness also plays its role,” she added.

Turning nostalgic, Mohi said sculpture was her field too. “Last such camp took place in 1978, in which I participated as a freelancer.”

She works on geometrical designs. She started her career with woodwork then switched over to stonework.

Comparing her two artworks at Tagore Hall, Mohi said the fresh one had lesser details. “As the artist grows, lesser details are used and they speak for themselves.”

Pointing to her artwork that she carved in 1978, Mohi said, “Earlier art form reminds me of the past. The recent one is professionally better. But I like the first one more.”

Rajouri, April 3
Residents of this border town had pinned high hopes on the local municipal committee after it was elected in 2005, in improving the tottering basic amenities in the town, but it has failed to solve the drainage problem, the bane of the residents.

Even as the MC authorities wait for funds from the government to improve the drainage and sewerage system, the district administration says that the urban body has to generate income on its own for carrying out such activities.

Residents fear that the threat of epidemic is looming large in view of the coming rainy season. They say the MC should act fast to improve the drainage and sewerage system.

They complain that the problem is worse in the old city area, DC Colony, Jawahar Nagar, area adjoining Salani Bridge and bus stand and needs urgent attention.

“I fail to recollect when the drains were last repaired in the town. These lanes and drains are in dilapidated condition and must be repaired now, as water logging can cause havoc in the town and may lead to the outbreak of epidemic,” avers Sajid Dar, a resident of the old city area.

“I suspect that the councillors have forgotten their duties. We elected them just to solve these problems. They will have to manage the repairs,” he adds.

While the MC authorities agree that the damaged lanes and drains have not been repaired for decades, they attribute it to the lack of funds.

Chairman of the Rajouri Municipal Committee Rajinder Gupta admits that the lanes and drains have not been repaired for quite a long time now, but the government has failed to provide monetary support to us.

“The government has to provide us funds for carrying out such works. On many occasions, we have asked for funds for our various schemes, but so far money has not been provided,” he adds.

Commenting on the statement of the head of the committee, a senior officer in the district administration said, “The MC has to generate funds on its own by levying various types of taxes and use it for improving drainage and sewerage of the town”.

Jammu, April 3
Terrorism-affected children of Bal Ashram at Nowshera had been living in dismal conditions with the premises blighted with numerous inadequacies, but thanks to the 18 Maratha Light Infantry Battalion under the Nowshera Brigade of the Army, which extended a helping hand to the ashram in 2007, things have changed.

The premises that lacked basic facilities wears a revamped look. The Army’s help came through its welfare project, Operation Sadhbhavna. Luck finally smiled on these children, aged between seven and 16.

Under Sadbhavana, the unit has constructed new rooms, hard standings, toilets and dining rooms. This has vastly improved the general state of hygiene and upkeep of Bal Ashram.

The needs of children, too, have been fully taken care of, as Vicky Kumar, an inmate, says: “We have been given new uniforms and clothes. We also feel like studying with new books. Besides, a library has also been set up where we go to read interesting and knowledgeable books, magazines and newspapers in our free time”.

Children who used to waste time watching television can be seen going through books. The inmates have also been given computers to gain technical skill in this field. To encourage children, their requirement for stationary is also met from time to time.

Superintendent Hardeep Kaur informs that to inculcate value-based education where children become aware about their surroundings and gel with the outer world, they are taken out for picnics, religious places on festivals, encouraged to plant saplings on vanmahotsav etc. Army officers and soldiers share company with them in all these activities.”

The children can be seen playing with footballs, volleyballs and cricket sets. All sports paraphernalia has been provided by the Army.

Speaking about the project, a senior Army official said: “The investment in the development of human resources from the downtrodden sections of our society through Operation Sadhbhavna has ensured that any support base for anti-national elements is totally eradicated in the region. Moreover, the long-term gain for the Army is the trust, goodwill and respect of the civil populace”.

Srinagar, April 3
A campaign to check pollution in the picturesque Kashmir valley, launched by various government agencies, has gathered steam with educational institutions coming forward to create awareness among the public on the issue.

This is part of the government initiative that the drive has been launched against the use of polythene with various agencies, including the State Pollution Control Board, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), in the forefront.

A number of schools have already joined the campaign with students taking out marches on the city roads to create awareness among the public and seeking concerted efforts of the government to make the valley a polythene-free zone and preserve the environment.

Several educational institutions like the University of Kashmir and Delhi Public School here have already banned the use of polythene on their premises.

“There has been a persistent campaign against the use of polythene and to preserve environment. It is now on a high pitch,” said officials here.

They added that the fresh move had been taken in view of the directives from the high court for the preservation of the Dal Lake, which, in turn, pertains to the polythene and pollution-free environment across the valley.

What is lacking is the viable alternative to the polythene, which is being immensely used in the market places for carrying grocery to hosiery items.

Though no deadline has been set for a complete ban on the use of polythene, various sections of society, including students, teachers, media, imams of mosques, are engaged to contribute to the campaign.

Most people believe that unless an environment friendly alternative to the polythene is found and a complete ban on the transportation of polythene into the state is imposed, there would not be an end to the use of polythene.

An example has been set by the people of the cold desert region of Ladakh where polythene is out of use for several years now.

Moved by the increasing pollution due to the use of polythene in Kashmir valley, Bollywood director Vidhu Vinod Chopra on his visit here recently impressed upon the people of Kashmir to preserve the beauty of this valley against the hazard of polythene pollution.

“I see hope in the youth of Kashmir as a few days ago I came across a news item about the polythene campaign started by a group of youth. I felt happy that the Kashmiri youth has started taking initiatives against the issues like polythene pollution,” said Vidhu Vinod Chopra at a press conference here on behalf of Green Dream, an NGO, which has also started a campaign against polythene pollution.

Hailing the steps taken by the NGO, he said the youth of this place needed a change and wanted to keep this place safe and pollution-free.

“Wherever I went in the past six days, I saw heaps of polythene in every nook and corner of the city. Even the places like Dachigam and Pari Mahal are polluted with polythene bags,” he said.

Jammu, April 3
The veterinary wing of the Jammu Municipal Corporation, which deals with the stray animal menace, finds itself handicapped to make the city completely free from the stray animals.

The rising problem of the stray animals is becoming a major cause of traffic jams and accidents. Shortage of manpower, cattle ponds, dog house and modern equipments are the main handicaps of the department to deal with this rising problem.

Most of the traffic problems at many busy locations, like Janipur, New Plot, Amphalla, Kachi Chawni, Parade, Shalamar, Vinayak Bazaar, Canal Road and Talab Tillo, are due to stray animals.

Kamal Gupta, a resident of Resham Ghar Colony, said the menace could be gauged from the fact that the busy road in front of GGM Science College had so many stray cattle during the morning hours that it became difficult for vehicles to move smoothly.

Talking to The Tribune, Municipal Veterinary Officer (MVO) Umesh Sharma said the department was facing space constraints for placing the captured animals.

Expressing helplessness, he said: “I am fully acquainted with the problem being confronted by the people in the city due to the presence of the stray dogs, bulls and cows, but we are facing space constraints and do not have sufficient staff, modern equipment and required number of vehicles to deal with this problem”.

“In the absence of proper infrastructure, we are managing the work by taking action on a selective basis. We first take action in the areas from where we receive complaints and applications” he added.

When asked about the bulls that caused constant traffic jams at Jewel Chowk and Vikram Chowk, he said, “Although, we have received many complaints about them from the residents of these areas, but we are unable to capture them as they are dangerous and we do not have proper vehicles to carry them away.” However, he assured to initiate immediate action.

The MVO said, “As there are only two sheds in the city with a collective capacity of about 200 cattle, the corporation requires a place to accommodate at least 500 cattle.

However, there is no doghouse in the city. The stray animals captured are thus left open in the forests near Nagrota. They again come back to the city and create nuisance.

Blaming the cattle- rearing people for the stray animal menace, he said, “Cattle- rearing people are selfish. They rear them till these cattle are useful for them and leave them free when they stop milking”. Imposing a fine of Rs 60 per day on the owners has not helped solve the problem.

Sharma said in order to get rid of the stray animals completely, the first thing was to make the wing strong by providing more manpower, additional vehicles, modern equipment and most importantly by providing more cattle ponds and doghouses, where they could place these animals.

He said: “I have appealed to the commissioner of the corporation for providing space for more cattle ponds and for construction of doghouses that could be used for treating ill animals as well.”

Jammu, April 3
The digging of roads by the National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) to lay water pipes has left the city looking ugly with the agency refusing to repair them properly after the completion of the work.

Taking note of the situation, Dimpy Kohli, president of the Shiv Sena Hindustan (SSH), said here today: “The whole of Jammu city has been dug up in an unplanned manner and the repairs are not being done as per the specifications of the agreement between the state government and the NBCC for reasons better known to the authorities concerned.”

He also added that the repair had been done in a poor fashion as one could see the condition of roads from Amphala to Central Jail, Karan Nagar, Sharkuntla Cinema Road and at many other places. Residents of some localities have even demonstrated against the inaction of the NBCC.

Kohli said a few days ago, the divisional commissioner of Jammu convened a high- level meeting and ordered the completion of the work within a time-frame so that there was no public inconvenience.

But nothing had been done in this regard so far. He urged the chief Minister to look into the matter and take the necessary action.

People should be vigilant and should elect only the honest and dedicated politicians with a clean and clear image. After all they are the one who have to run the country for five years.

— Parvesh, businessman

We should treat the opportunity to vote as an auspicious occasion and should go to vote every time we curse the elected representatives for their misdeeds but the people who do not come out to vote are the major culprits and should be blamed for not electing a genuine candidate.

— Arun Jamwal, employee

We should vote for such candidates who would dedicate themselves for the cause of the people. I request all those who are eligible to vote to elect a person with clean and clear image. The person should be the leader of the masses and should not indulge in petty politics.

— Kawaljeet Singh, chemist

The person should have a clean image with no criminal background. He should be accessible to almost all the people from his constituency and must not vanish in thin air after he is elected to the house.

— Rajesh Sharma, medical representative

What we have seen so far is that the people with criminal background come into politics. New generation is shying away from coming into this field. The Parliament is the highest seat in the country and we should only elect the people with clean background and encourage young people to take up politics.

— Davinder Singh, employee

A leader, besides being the leader of the masses, should work for bringing down the prices of the essential commodities and help housewives like me to control the budget of their household.

— Shanti, housewife

These days terrorism and religious fundamentalism have become one of the major issues concerning the entire world community. We should elect the representatives who could help safeguard the integrity of the nation.

— Simran, employee

Our leader should prove to be an ideal for the people, who should not indulge in vote bank politics based on religion or region. We should vote and elect the person who can safeguard the secular and democratic characteristic of the country.

— Anjali, student

FUNCTION: The Namin Dogri Sanstha Jammu will hold a function for releasing a Hindi book, titled “Anubhutian”, written by Rajrehwar Bakhri, at KL Saigal Hall, Jammu, on April 7 at 4 pm.