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All ‘wired up’ in Jammu
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No let-up in sale of adulterated milk
Sports events lined up as guns fall silent
Amandeep Murder Case
Documentary on turmoil in Afghanistan screened
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All ‘wired up’ in Jammu
Jammu, November 27 Not just wires, electricity poles have been put up haphazardly, some in the middle of streets, making things difficult for residents. Surprisingly, the situation is similar not only in the old city but also in newly built colonies, posh localities and commercial complexes, with the power development department (PDD) paying no heed to this problem. Almost everyday, at a number of places in the town, naked, obsolete and broken electricity wires and loose joints of cables emit sparks and catch fire. The lack of maintenance, improper repair of faulty cables and overloaded transformers have caused numerous accidents in the busy areas in the past. But the authorities always maintain that they lack funds for the purpose. A large number of junction boxes and transformers are also adding fuel to the fire, as most of the junction boxes are uncovered and transformers are fixed at a low height that even a child can touch them. Cable TV operators have further aggravated the situation by creating their own infrastructure, without even getting permission and making use of electricity poles according to their needs. Residents also hold the PDD responsible. “It seems that the safety of public has no place in the agenda of the Municipal Corporation (MC) or the PDD. Death traps have been created at various parts in the city due to the sheer negligence on the part of officials concerned,” laments Rita Devi, a housewife and resident of Rehari. “Electricity wires besides being uncovered and loose have mingled with telephone cables. Now, there is also a risk involved in touching the telephone cables,” says, Gayatri Sharma, a banker and resident of Bakshi Nagar. “Nobody has ever turned up to check these wires despite repeated requests to the department concerned. It seems that the department takes action only when any unfortunate incident takes place,” says Vijay Khajuria, a resident of Nanak Nagar. A visit to the Raghunath market, Kanak Mandi, Moti bazaar and Jain bazaar reveals that the situation is worst there and any major incident of fire can break out any time. There are some roads where only one person can walk at a time and no other person can even cross him. Fire incidents at such places would be disastrous since fire tenders won’t be able to reach there. |
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Pilferage, worn-out system add to transmission losses
Jammu, November 27 A major factor which attributes to the transmission and distribution losses of electricity in the state is due to the pilferage of electricity by means of kundi connection and the three-decade-old distribution system. Due to the menace of power pilferage and crippled distribution system, the state is facing losses worth crores of rupees. The total production of electricity in the state is 1,400 MW, while the total consumption figures to around 1,800 MW. To meet the gap between the demand and supply, the state Power Department has been purchasing electricity from the northern grid. Under the Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme (APDRP), the department installed tamper-proof electronic meters and was hopeful of minimising the losses incurred due to the pilferage of electricity. But last year, following the two-month-long Amarnath Land Row agitation, which coincided with the failure of 550 MW Gladni grid station, a frenzied mob damaged around 16,500 tamper-proof electronic meters which, after the passage of more than one year, are in the process of being replaced. “We are yet in the process of replacing the damaged meters. A large number of them have been replaced. But there are some pockets where the work is pending,” said BR Sharma, commissioner/secretary, power. To replace the damaged meters, the department has been charging Rs 1,050 from the consumers. But the consumers say as they were not responsible for the damage, they are not bound to pay for them. However, officials of the department say to avoid the inconvenience and burden to people they are taking the amount in instalments. Another major factor responsible for the transmission and distribution losses is the age-old distribution system in the area which adds to the losses and also poses threat to the lives of people. As per official sources to rectify the erratic power supply system and lay new lines in the state, particularly in the urban areas, the department has received a grant of Rs 500 crore under the APDRP. However, the power supply system remains dependent on the old worn-out cables installed around three decades ago. Though around 2,000 km of power lines were replaced under the programme, a lot needs to be done to bring the economically crippled state out of the burden of huge power losses and pilferage. “I am in New Delhi to attend a meeting on the same issue and soon we will have a restructured APDRP that would help in checking the pilferage of power in the state,” Sharma said. Minister of State for Power Shabir Ahmed Khan said the government had chalked out an ambitious hydel capacity addition programme, under which 6,760 MW hydropower would be tapped by the end of the 12th Plan. The minister said the execution of power projects like the Baglihar Stage-II (450 MW), Sawlakote (1,200 MW), Kirthai-I (240 MW), Kirthai-II (990 MW), Lower Kalnai (50 MW), New Ganderbal (93 MW) and Parnai (37.5 MW) were being taken up. He added that the state had a huge power potential of 20,000 MW and efforts were on to harness
it phase-wise. |
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No let-up in sale of adulterated milk
Jammu, November 27 Despite having run an anti-adulteration drive, the Municipal Corporation has not been able to control this menace. Though the JMC has also collected fine to tune of Rs 1,41,200 from violators under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA) 1954, there is not let up in the sale of adulterated milk. Numerous milk vendors and shopkeepers are selling spurious milk in almost all localities in the city without fear. Satish Sharma, chairman, public health and sanitation committee, says, “Though vendors use water in large quantities in milk, big traders use chemical like coconut powder and urea.” It is also alleged that blotting paper and skimmed milk powder are used in preparing adulterated milk to produce a superficial layer that resembles cream or to elevate milk solid. Sharma discloses that a team of heath wing checks the level of adulteration in milk sold in the market with the use of lactometer everyday. “If the lactometer shows the level of adulteration above 25 per cent, it means milk is not fit for human consumption and is destroyed on the spot,” the chairman says. The samples of milk lifted from the market are sent to Public Analysis Laboratory where the fat percentage, solid not fat (SNF) and adulteration are checked. “If any adulteration is found, we register a case against the defaulter,” says Sharma. As per the PFA Act, the violators have to pay a fine which ranges between Rs 200 and Rs 2,000. In view of rising adulteration cases, the MC has now decided to open its own milk outlets in all 71 wards to provide pure milk to residents at reasonable rates fixed by the consumer court. “The proposal has been appreciated by all officers of the MC. The house will pass the proposal soon. Unemployed youth of the respected wards would be given employment in these outlets,” the chairman adds. |
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Sports events lined up as guns fall silent
Jammu, November 27 To begin with, the state first hosted Ranji Trophy matches in the Kashmir Valley and then the state police hosted the 10th All-India Police Lawn Tennis Championship recently, which would be followed by the North Zone Inter-University Hockey (men) Championship. About 101 men in uniform from both state and central police forces participated in the five-day 10th All-India Police Lawn Tennis Championship. Among the participants were not only just DSPs, SPs, SSPs, but also senior cops like ADGPs, IGs and DIGs. The teams of Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, UP, J&K, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, SSB, BSF, CRPF, RPF, IB, SPG and NIA took part in these games. Notably, after a long gap of 27 years, the North Zone Inter-University Hockey Championship is also going to be held from December 1 to December 7. And the lone hockey stadium in the winter capital is full of players, practising hard to improve their game. A total of 28 teams from across the country will participate in the week-long championship to be held at KK Hakhu Astro Turf Stadium here. All participating teams have been divided into four pools. The University of Jammu has been included in Pool-D, along with Dr BR Ambedkar University, Agra; Amity University, Noida; Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar; Allahabad Agricultural University, GKV University and GB Pant University, Hardwar. Pool-A will comprise Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut; Panjab University, Chandigarh; Chaudhary Charan Singh Agricultural University, Hisar; CSJM University, Kanpur; Delhi University;
JMI, New Delhi; and Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana. Pool-B will comprise Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra; MJP Rohilkhand University, Bareily; Bundelkhand University, Jhansi; Dr RML Avadh University, Faizabad; HNB Garhwal University; Allahabad University and MD University, Rohtak. Pool-C will comprise Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; Kumaun University, Nainital; HP University, Shimla; Punjabi University, Patiala; Lucknow University; University of Kashmir, Srinagar and Aligarh Muslim University. |
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Shrine to be developed as tourist destination
Jammu, November 27 A proposal in this regard was sent to the Union government in 2007. While sanctioning the amount, the ministry has made it clear that funds will be utilised only for the purpose for which they are released and the state government shall not rent/lease or transfer the property without the permission of the Union government. Located on the banks of the Tawi, the shrine is one of the oldest and most revered temples of the city. It was built in the 15th century during the rule of Raja Ajaib Dev for Siddha Ghareeb Nath. As the sage was respected by both Hindus and Muslims, he was entitled as a peer. The formulating of a comprehensive plan for the development of this shrine was a long pending demand of locals. Although the Union government has sanctioned the funds, some restrictions have been imposed to avoid their misuse. The government has made it clear that the state government shall not keep the amount unutilised for more than six months. In case, the funds were not utilised by such time, the same will have to be surrendered to the Central government or formal approval should be taken to transfer/adjust the amount against other central financial assisted project. It is also directed that the project should be commissioned within 18 months subject to funds being provided well in time from the date of issue of sanction and any cost escalation on the account of delay would be met by the state government. Meanwhile, the state government has issued directions for the execution of the project through deputy director (planning), Tourism, and said the work should be started immediately to ensure timely utilisation of funds and to avoid cost escalation. To provide all information to pilgrims, a tourist reception centre would be construction, besides the renovation of the ancient temple. |
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Dogra Mandir gets facelift
Kathua, November 27 Indian and Pakistani troops were engaged in a bloody war in Jammu and Kashmir, 38 years ago, beginning from December 3 to December 17. The temple falling on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway at Palli Morh, 3 km from here towards Jammu, was set up by the Seven Mechanical Infantry in 1972 as a mark of respect to all ranks of the first Dogra Battalion of the Dogra Regiment. Forty jawans and officers had sacrificed their lives while fighting the enemy forces in the Shakargarh Sector. Out of the martyrs, 29 were sepoys. Second Lieutenant SK Jaswal and Subedar Ragunath Singh were awarded the Vir Chakra, while Naik Jagroop Singh was posthumously given the Sena Medal. The temple, which is considered as a symbol of victory, is visited by both civilians and men in uniform everyday. The pujari of the temple, however, said: "Dogra Mandir remains flooded by people during the first two weeks of December every year who come here to pay homage to the martyrs, some of whom hail from the district". "Besides being a place of worship, our national pride is also involved with Dogra Mandir," said octogenarian Bishan Dass, while recollecting the tragedies of the 1971 War and how India triumphed over its enemy. |
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Amandeep Murder Case
Presently on police remand, facing charges of bribing police and FSL officials so as to fudge evidences in the Amandeep murder case to save his son Jatinder Singh, alias Raja, Nagar is facing the most turbulent phase of his life. It may be recalled here that Jatinder had allegedly shot dead Amandeep Singh, son of a former MLC Deepinder Kaur, outside his Shastri Nagar residence on August 29. Police sources said Nagar had survived a couple of attacks on his life in early 80s. The sources said, “In 1982, a criminal, Pappu Jhatkai, had attacked him with a dagger followed by another attempt on his life by a financier, who was later murdered”. One among four siblings, Nagar began his career as a small-time contractor in early 80s, but over the years he became a big name among contractors and eventually, he ventured into other businesses as well, they said. From a brick-kiln at his native place, Raipur Satwari, to parking lots, canteens, royalty business in the Tawi, supplies to the defence forces, real estate and even a power project in Kishtwar, Nagar had come a long way. Initially, Nagar and his brothers used to sort out property disputes in lieu of “commission”. It is also alleged that Nagar earned big money by indulging into betting in international cricket matches. The murder case so far has witnessed several upheavals, including suspension of six police and FSL officials. Nagar and his two brothers, Rakesh Singh and Ujagar Singh, surrendered before a Munsiff Court on November 17 and the same day CJM Jammu YP Bourney sent them in judicial custody till November 25. However, a day later, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case requested police remand of the accused on certain grounds, to which the court granted the permission, but with a rider of ensuring the presence of counsels of the accused during interrogation.
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Documentary on turmoil in Afghanistan screened
Srinagar, November 27 The three-day festival (November 23-25), organised by the Anhad Institute of Media Studies (AIMS) in collaboration with the varsity’s Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMMRC), was attended by leading directors like Tanvir Mokammel (Bangladesh), Anju Chhetri (Nepal) and Munizae Jahangir (Pakistan), Ashok Koul, Amar Kanwar and Gauhar Raza. Munizae Jahangir’s 54-minute documentary “Search for freedom” was one of the documentaries screened. The film explores lives of four Afghani women, who were affected by political and social turmoil in Afghanistan, at various times from the 1920’s to the present day. The women- a princess, Afghanistan’s first woman singer, a war widow and a mother of four and a young medical student - relate their stories in the film, recounting what they felt and sensed as events unfolded around them. The film links personal to political by offering an indepth insight into human stories of the Afghan political conflict. Another film, “Swabhumi-the promised land” by Tanvir Mokammel is about the Urdu-speaking community of Bangladesh. It is about 160,000 members of this community, who live isolated in 116 camps or settlements in Bangladesh. This documentary focuses on six decades, three countries and statelessness. “Working on the edge”, a production of EMMRC and Media Education Research Centre’s students, speaks about impending threats faced by the journalist fraternity in Kashmir. The film provides an insight into the lives of journalists who have risked their lives a number of times. The film shows that covering volatile situations like encounters and protests has been a daunting task for journalists. Sometimes they themselves become part of news. The film paid tributes to the journalists, who lost their lives during conflicts. “Quality of life” by Aakash Shakeel aims at highlighting components responsible for the increase of mental illness among people here, its effects on their lives and the system that deals with the problem. This film is expected to create awareness about psychological disorders among people in Kashmir. Gauhar Raza’s black and white film “In the dark times” uses footage from Hitler’s Germany and triumphal of Third Reich to make a chilling point about way fascism grows and takes over (unsuspecting) societies. Chitrita Ganguly, Faiz Ullah and Paromita Ghosh’s “1019 kilometres” is a reflection of notions of home and exile that have been drawn from deeply personal experiences. Another MERC production “Santoor” depicts history, anatomy and use of this attractive musical instrument. |
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srinagar diary Like various other facilities, sacrificial sheep or goat are now available through a phone call, keeping in view a high demand on this Eid-ul-Azha. For the first time in the valley, the facility of home delivery of sheep has been introduced by a small business group. This is for the convenience of people who had to undergo a hectic exercise in arranging sacrificial animals on the occasion and there has been a tremendous response. The group provides a local breed of sheep reared up at two farms in south Kashmir. It has announced its venture with the promise that the prices of the sheep would be exceedingly lower than that of market. Though the government has announced the rates of the sheep or goat at Rs 190 per kg, these are hardly adhered to on the occasion. If the quality and rates of the sheep for the purpose are convenient, the home delivery system would be an encouraging trend. Kangri season
As the winter picks up in the valley, the ancient Kashmiri “weapon” to keep cold at bay is everywhere these days. Streets in Srinagar are full of kangris, wicker-work casing an earthen pot which carries hot embers, and buyers are making a beeline to them as days get colder. Kashmiri literature of yore mentions the earthen pot and it is treated a cultural symbol by society. That is why it continues to survive despite researches showing that it is a potential health hazard. For the poor who find gas and electric heaters too expensive, it is a boon as all they have to do is fill it with smouldering charcoal and keep it close to their body. It is also user-friendly as people keep it under pheran, a lose robe worn here and roam around, enjoying its warmth. Heritage buildings
face neglect
The deteriorating condition of heritage buildings in the valley needs to be seriously looked into. Due to poor maintenance, most of the heritage buildings are losing their charm and glory. These buildings remind one of unique combination of Mughal, Persian and Kashmiri architectural influences. Heritage tourism is gaining popularity across the world. If utilised in a proper manner, the same can earn huge benefits for the state. It, however, seems that they have ceased to be the priority for the government. (Contributed by Ehsan
Fazili, Kumar Rakesh and Afsana Rashid) |
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Jammu, November 27