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PDD targets defaulters
150-yr-old market losing glory
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Hoteliers against diversion of yatra vehicles
Information centre to assist yatris at Domel
Curtail yatra to one month: Samaj
MLA seeks early completion of Batote-Kishtwar road
Abandoned suitcase triggers panic
Cricket tourney inaugurated
16 clubs qualify for next round
Parvez scripts BSC win in Cricket Cup
Kolkata win T20 cup
Singh Club storm into T20 quarterfinals
Seer Sports, Bradman XI log wins
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PDD targets defaulters
Jammu, June 28 Sources said following revelations that there was an unexpected increase in load by 100 MW in the city, which had led to
huge pressure on various grid stations, the department had constituted a special team of
officials to conduct surprise checks. A recent survey, which had revealed that the transmission and distribution (T&D) losses had gone up to 80 per cent in some areas inhabited by businessmen and politicians, had sent alarm bells ringing among officials. The officials said the drive would continue in the coming weeks, as the power infrastructure was under tremendous pressure and the state was receiving 10 warnings from the Northern Grid on a daily basis. “Even in metered areas, it has been found that consumers have been bypassing meters and running their air-conditioners illegally, which is the main reason for increased load,” said a senior official. In the past one month, the department claims that it has conducted 1,202 inspections, resulting in the revision of load of 580 consumers and regularisation of 285 illegal connections During 2010-11, the department had conducted over 25,000 inspections, thereby imposing a fine of Rs 6.41 crore on offenders. In past few years, the state has spent crores of rupees on improving the power sector, but these measures have failed to curb power losses, as government departments, ministers and MLAs are major defaulters. Power losses due to ineffectiveness of reforms have become a major headache for the state government, which has invited strong reprimand from the Centre. Unscheduled power cuts continue to create problems in the city, as the PDD has still not completed the error rectification process of its two major high-tension lines. Many localities are being supplied power for just six to eight hours, which has led to great resentment among the residents. Nailing offenders
In the past one month, the department has conducted 1,202 inspections, resulting in the revision of load of 580 consumers and regularisation of 285 illegal connections. During 2010-11, the department had conducted over 25,000 inspections, thereby imposing a fine of ~6.41 crore on offenders Even in metered areas, it has been found that consumers have been bypassing meters and running their air-conditioners illegally, which is the main reason for increased
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150-yr-old market losing glory
Jammu, June 28 The market with crumbling structures in the background witnesses long queues of vehicles on a daily basis. The market, one of the oldest, located in the heart of the city is a major attraction for tourists looking for handicrafts and souvenirs. Long queues of load carriers from the market chowk to the other end, meeting the Residency Road, often block the path of pedestrians. A few years ago, the government had mooted a proposal to make the area a traffic-free zone, but to no avail. “Moving through the market is a nightmare for pedestrians, as vehicle zip past them after emerging from the lanes and bylanes of the bazar,” says Nand Lal, a shopkeeper. Lack of adequate parking space adds to the mess, as people park their vehicles wherever they find space, leading to long traffic jams during the day. Also, the drinking water and electricity supply system is ageing and has not been replaced for the past 40 years. “High-tension cables hang precariously over the market. Some of these are so old that they can give way any time,” said a trader. “We had heard a lot about the market, but looking at its plight, we fail to understand why nothing has been done to moderise it,” felt Avinash Yadav, a tourist from Uttar
Pradesh. The historic Raghunath market and surrounding bazars are over 150 years old and were established around the famous
Raghunath temple constructed by erstwhile Dogra rulers. Till Partition, it was a major commercial hub of the state, with traders from as far as Lahore, Sialkote and Muzaraffrabad visiting the place. The Maharaja
The historic Raghunath market and surrounding bazars are over 150 years old and were established around the famous Raghunath temple constructed by erstwhile Dogra rulers. Till Partition, it was a major commercial hub of the state, with traders from as far as Lahore, Sialkote and Muzaraffrabad visiting the place We had heard a lot about the market, but looking at its plight, we fail to understand why nothing has been done to moderise
it High-tension cables hang precariously over the market. Some of these are so old that they can give way any
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Hoteliers against diversion of yatra vehicles
Jammu, June 28 At a meeting of hoteliers’ associations held here today under the chairmanship of AJHLA president Inderjeet Khajuria, it was observed that while around 22,000 pilgrims were performing the yatra daily, only 3,000 were taking the onward journey from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp and other places in the city. Thus, only 12 per cent pilgrims visited the city for pilgrimage. Also, convoys of vehicles carrying pilgrims routed via the Jammu bypass were held up at Nagrota for hours together, causing hardship to them due to lack of arrangements for food and shelter there. The association has urged the authorities to route all pilgrims via Jammu city and allow the halt of vehicles carrying pilgrims at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, where adequate facilities were available. The association further said in view of the total shutdown in Srinagar and other towns of the Valley, on a call given to mourn the devastating fire at Dastgeer Sahib shrine, the authorities should have advised pilgrims to stay in Jammu. — TNS |
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Airport authorities jump deadline
Jammu, June 28 The airport is small and currently has just three bays. Paucity of bays causes problems for passengers as well as the authorities. However, the addition of three parking bays will bring some relief to the people. Owing to its short runway, the airport is considered tricky for landings and take-offs. Its total length is 6,700 feet (2.04 km), which, the authorities claim, will be increased to 8,000 feet (2.43 km) by the end of this year. The authorities had chalked out an expansion plan, which was sanctioned 10 years ago. However, the delay in clearances from various quarters forced the work to start only recently. The work on the first phase of the expansion plan is nearing completion. Under the first phase, three parking bays will be completed by the end of June and the length of the runway will be stretched to 8,000 feet by December-end. The runway will be further expanded to 13,000 feet (3.96 km) in the next phase. The Jammu airport, the only one in the region, receives huge rush of passengers but lack of space creates problems for passengers. Its terminal can currently accommodate 320 passengers. The authorities plan to increase the capacity to 720 passengers. The project is expected to be completed next year and is slated to cost Rs 90 crore, which has already been sanctioned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), sources said. The authorities have a bigger project on the anvil, which is expected to cost Rs 350 crore, wherein 136 acres from the Belicharana area will be acquired for further expansion and modernisation of the airport. |
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Gold best bet for investors
Jammu, June 28 With the marriage season still a long way ahead, jewellers around the city are busy doing brisk business, thanks to demand from residents who want to invest in the commodity in these turbulent
times. Neerav Jain, a local jeweller, said though the demand for jewellery has taken a dip in comparison to previous years, it is still considered the best investment option among all sections of society. People invest according to their budget and keep up their steady investment, as gold has no loss credibility and its value always rises. “People invest in gold schemes wherein they can open accounts similar to recurring accounts and keep putting a minimum of Rs 3,000 to buy gold at its current price. This helps them block gold, which can later be used during marriages and other occasions. Apart from gold, people are also investing in diamond, as it yields an equally good return,” says Neerav, on the rising demand for gold. With property becoming expensive and stock market taking a dip every now and then, people feel safe in investing the old fashioned way. “I have been investing in gold for the past five years now. I block some gold in the investment scheme every month. This will help me in the coming years when I’ll need money to finance my children’s higher education and wedding,” says Rajni Mandotra, a schoolteacher. Gold jewellery on the other hand is seeing a changing trend with most customers demanding lighter and more wearable jewellery designs instead of traditional heavy sets. Even though there is a 5 to 10 per cent demand for the traditional heavy sets, the demand is shifting towards more wearable
jewellery. While diamond has found some buyers in the market, platinum is yet to capture the imagination of the people in the city. With property becoming expensive and stock market taking a dip every now and then, people feel safe in investing the old fashioned way
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Information centre to assist yatris at Domel
Jammu, June 28 “The opening of an information centre will prove to be a big help for the pilgrims,” said Shruti, a pilgrim from Haryana. “Separation of individuals from their family members en route to the holy cave has been a major cause for concern for pilgrims. People can now inform the centre, which will make announcements to help the missing persons reunite with their families,” said Naresh Sharma from Jabalpur. In spite of difficult terrain and unpredictable weather, there has been no let-up in the enthusiasm of pilgrims, as they continue to reach the Baltal base camp in large numbers to pay obeisance at the shrine. Rain on the first day of the yatra had caused concerns among the authorities and pilgrims over the flow of pilgrims. Security personnel have been busy clearing traffic snarl-ups at the main entrance to the Baltal base camp. Elaborate arrangements have been made by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board for the smooth conduct of the 39-day pilgrimage. Security personnel, including the Army, the CRPF, the BSF and the J&K Police, have been deployed in large numbers right from Baltal up to the cave shrine for the safety of the pilgrims. Pilgrims as well as community kitchen organisers have been treated to some spectacular views, with snow lining the route to the holy cave. Himanshu, a resident of Zirakpur, Chandigarh, and member of Gouri Shankar Seva Dal, said: “Though snowfall is not something new at the holy cave, this time it has broken all records. I have never witnessed such heavy snowfall during the yatra.” “I have been visiting the holy cave for the past few years but the unprecedented snowfall has brought a new flavour to the yatra,” said a pilgrim, Akhilesh Kumar, from Mumbai. The “ponywallahs” and “pitthus” are making a killing following the influx of pilgrims. “While the authorities have fixed rates to hire them (ponywallahs), they charge at will from pilgrims,” claimed Roshni from Delhi. “In fact, the helicopter service is cheaper as compared to ponywallahs,” she added.
Separation of individuals from their family members en route to the holy cave has been a major cause for concern for pilgrims. People can now inform the centre, which will make announcements to help the missing persons reunite with their
families Though snowfall is not something new at the holy cave, this time it has broken all records. I have never witnessed such heavy snowfall during the
yatra I have been visiting the holy cave for the past few years but the unprecedented snowfall has brought a new flavour to the
yatra — Akhilesh Kumar, a pilgrim from Mumbai |
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Yatra rush hurts commuters
Batote, June 28 Heavy influx of tourists to the Valley during the vacation period had already caused jams on the highway during the past two months. The rush for Amarnath yatra has now added the chaos. “On June 25, the first day of the yatra, I along with my family was travelling from Doda to Udhampur in a car. We were held up at Patnitop for four hours in a traffic jam. Two Jammu-bound ambulances of Ramban and Doda district hospitals, carrying serious patients, were also stuck in the jam. They were, somehow, provided the passage by the traffic police,” said Prof DS Manhas, a local resident. Many locals now-a-days hesitate to travel either to Jammu or Srinagar, except for urgent works. Bread, vegetable and other perishable goods arrive late on account of rush on the highway, thus causing losses to shopkeepers. “On June 25, I had to wait till midnight for bread to arrive from Jammu, which otherwise reaches here before 6 pm. Newspapers also arrive late and hence remain unsold,” said Rishabh Paroch, a local shopkeeper. “Some of my buses are unable to make to-and-fro trips daily between Banihal/Ramban and Jammu because of the traffic jams,” said Jyotiprakash Gupta, a transporter. “I had boarded the bus from Jammu at 6 am today but reached Batote around 12.30 pm instead of 9:30 am. As a result, I could not attend my office,” said Dr Devinder Singh, another resident. SSP (Traffic), NH1A, Virender Sharma said the frequency of traffic jams had increased, as yatra vehicles had started returning from the Valley. “A yatra vehicle is supposed to cross Udhampur before 3.30 pm and Patnitop around 4.30 pm. After this deadline, the police of the respective districts stop the vehicles from proceeding further,” he said.
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Curtail yatra to one month: Samaj
Jammu, June 28 In a letter to the Chairman, Swani Virendranand Giri, chairman, Rajasthan Sadhu Samaj, said: “The ice Shivling starts melting days before the last batch of pilgrims reaches the holy cave, as a result of which, the pilgrims who arrive there on the day of Raksha Bandhan cannot have proper darshan.” The organisation demanded that the yatra should be kept away from any political influence. He also urged the board to provide proper facilities, including electricity, water, oxygen cylinders and tents, to the pilgrims.
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Awareness on ill-effects of drugs
Katra, June 28 The administration, under the guidance of Reasi Deputy Commissioner Nirmal Sharma, conducted a drive on the prison premises to educate the inmates. Organisers said the prisoners were a vulnerable group due to exposure to illegal activities, which made it easy for them to consume contraband. “The prisoners were informed about the ill-effects of drug abuse. We conduct periodic programme to counsel the vulnerable groups but it was for the first time that the district administration came forward to take the initiative," said a senior official of the jail.
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MLA seeks early completion of Batote-Kishtwar road
Jammu, June 28 Interacting with a delegation of National Conference workers from Inderwal constituency, Kichloo said the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had taken major initiatives to ensure road connectivity in far-flung areas of the state. The PMGSY was being implemented with full force and several prestigious projects had been taken under the scheme. The MLA said even the far-flung areas of Warwan and Marwah were now connected with roads. Several other road projects in the district were nearing completion. He said the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road was one of the major projects in the district. Once completed, the road would not only connect the district with the Valley but also provide an alternate highway to the state. Kichloo said the road was under execution for over a decade now. The work was stopped due to various reasons in the past. He also drew the attention of the Chief Minister towards the deplorable condition of the Batote-Kisthwar highway, especially from Doda to Kishtwar. The MLA said the highway, being an accident-prone area, was posing a serious threat to the lives of the people, as work on over 40-km stretch remained unfinished for over a year.
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Abandoned suitcase triggers panic
Jammu, June 28 The police said an abandoned suitcase was found in the morning in a crowded area of RS Pura. Suspecting an explosive in the suitcase, the police called the bomb disposal squad. The squad immediately shifted the suitcase to an isolated area. Jammu SSP Prabhat Singh confirmed that no explosive material was found in the suitcase. “We were having apprehensions of having some explosive material but tools including a 2-kg gas cylinder and an air compressor were found in it. It was a mechanic’s tool box. No explosive material or timer devices was recovered from it,” he said.
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Cricket tourney inaugurated
Jammu, June 28 In the inaugural match, Gurah Slathia Cricket Club defeated Meen Charkan Club. Batting first, Meen Club scored 69 runs in 20 overs. In reply, Gurah Club took only 6.2 overs to reach the target. Jimy Slathia was declared the man of the match.
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16 clubs qualify for next round
Jammu, June 28 The clubs that have secured a place in the next round include Alfalah Football Club, Chinar Sports, Wolversitin Football Club, Tengpora Football Club, Emman Football Club, DPS School (Srinagar), National Dalgate Football Club, Islamic University Football Club, Polo View Football Club, Blossam Football Club, Blue Brizalian Football Club, Burn Hall School Football Club, Fort View Football Club, Safdar Football Club, Nishat Football Club, Sulaiman ‘A’ Football Club.
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Parvez scripts BSC win in Cricket Cup
Jammu, June 28 Batting first, ACC scored 175 runs in 48 overs. Younis was the top-scorer with 35 runs, while Shafi contributed 28 runs. For BSC, off-spinner Parvez Rasool took five wickets by giving away 28 runs in 10 overs. In reply, BSC reached the target in 34.2 overs by losing seven wickets in the process. Parvez Rasool scored 42 runs off 30 balls with seven boundaries. For ACC, Shafi took four wickets. Parvez Rasool was adjudged the man of the match. The match was officiated by Mudasir Salroo and Ishfaq as umpires. Farhat was the scorer.
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Jammu, June 28 After winning the toss, J&K Blues elected to bat first and scored 132 runs in 20 overs. Mohammad Aamir was the top-scorer for J&K Blues and contributed 30 runs. For Kolkata, Swamik took three wickets. In reply, Kolkata chased the target in 18 overs for the loss of three wickets. Om Paul from Kolkata was adjudged the man of the series. The winning team was awarded a cash prize of Rs 25,000, while the runners-up received Rs 15,000. Pulwama MLA Mohammad Khalil Bandh was the chief guest. — TNS
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Singh Club storm into T20 quarterfinals
Jammu, June 28 Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Singh Club managed to score 130 runs in 16.4 overs. Rohit Sharma was the top-scorer with 28 runs. Sunny Kumar contributed 22 runs off 9 balls with five boundaries. Anshuman took four wickets for his Dandarwan Tigers team. In reply, Dandarwan Tigers were bowled out for 80 runs. Surinder Singh and Zorawar Singh were the main scorers. For Singh Club, Gurdeep Singh took three wickets, while Sunny Kumar claimed two wickets. Rohit was declared the man of the match. The match was officiated by Vikas Bali and Jimmy Mangotra as umpires. Arun Sharma was the scorer. The tournament is being organised by Singh Cricket Club, Akhnoor.
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Seer Sports, Bradman XI log wins
Jammu, June 28 In the first match, Seer Sports defeated Real Star Cricket Club Mahrajpora by 34 runs. Batting first, Seer Sports scored 136 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Real Star Cricket Club were bowled out for 102 runs in 17.3 overs. Parveiz took three wickets. Ishtiyaq Ahmad of the winning team was declared the man of the match. In the second match, Bradman XI Sopore defeated Tata Tins. Batting first, Bradman XI scored 165 runs for the loss of four wickets. Majid Malik and Abdul Majid contributed 62 and 64 runs, respectively. In reply, Tata Tins managed to score only 159 runs. Abdul Majid of the winning team was declared the man of the match.
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administration, which has failed to come up with a facelift plan for the historic market.
The market with crumbling structures in the background witnesses long queues of vehicles on a daily basis.
An information centre has been set up at Domel, near the Baltal base camp, and the Shiv Seva Mandal Samiti of Jaipur
(Rajasthan) has been entrusted the responsibility to run the facility.
