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New number plate project a slow starter
Farms turning into wasteland
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Mantalai Ashram: Taxpayers’ money down the drain
Youth PDP protests against Flood Control Dept officials
Rousing welcome for Mendhar’s young achiever
Katra residents air their grievances
ACC script narrow win
Unrecognised bodies mislead sportspersons
Youngsters exhorted to take to sports
Old woman hit by traffic vehicle, dies
Youth hangs himself
PDD lineman electrocuted
Engineer found dead
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New number plate project a slow starter
Jammu, June 16 Sources told The Tribune that the state transport department had failed to publicise the project properly. As a result, very few vehicle owners have been turning up at the affixation centres, particularly in the hilly districts of the region. “Around 150 new vehicles are registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO), Jammu, on a daily basis. The average number of visitors to M/S Real Mazon India Limited, entrusted the task of manufacturing and affixing these plates, is 65 to 70,” a source said, adding that its implementation at the district level had remained very slow so far. The vehicle owners, especially in the hilly districts, are not fully aware of the project, as the authorities have failed to disseminate necessary information among the people, sources said. A senior transport official said the rates for these number plates were also higher in the state as compared to the neighbouring states. “The rate of a security plate for a four-wheeler is Rs 214 in New Delhi. Similarly, for a two-wheeler in, it costs less than Rs 100 there. The cost of a complete set of registration plates, inclusive of snap lock and fixing, for two-wheelers is Rs 170 (scooters) and Rs 128 (motorcycles) here. Also, four-wheeler, medium commercial and heavy commercial vehicle owners pay Rs 401 each here,” the official pointed out. He also questioned the credibility of the firm that had been executing the project, saying: “Some states have already snubbed the firm for its under-performance.” On June 1, the state government had joined the league of states having the system of issuing and fastening security plates on vehicles after it started the process in Jammu and Srinagar. The process in other districts was started from June 26, wherein the vehicle owners were asked to get these plates embossed and affixed at the additional regional transport offices. Varinder Singh Salathia, Regional Transport Officer, Jammu, however, claimed that the public response was good and vehicle owners purchasing new vehicles were being directed to affix the security plates from the notified centre. “We have started the affixing of number plates to old vehicles with ‘JKO2AV’ registration series. We will go in reserve order. We hope that the vehicle owners will turn up voluntarily,” he said. The state has over nine lakhs vehicles, including 560,690 in Jammu division and 347,393 in Kashmir. Officials of Real Mazon say it will take around three years to complete the installation of security plates on all vehicles. Safety features
Superior grade reflective sheeting Embossed alpha numerals Security inscribed snap lock Hot stamped chromium hologram ‘IND’ legend Unique laser-inscribed alpha numeral number Unique third licence plate sticker — self-destructive if tampered — on wind screen
Fool-proof plates
The tamper-proof plates are non-replaceable and make tracking down of stolen vehicles easier. If somebody makes an attempt to remove or replace the number plate, it will break the snap lock, making it impossible to install any other number plate on the vehicle |
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Farms turning into wasteland
Jammu, July 16 Under a special project, scientists from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences (SKUAST-Jammu) using remote sensing data from Landsat MSS III found that salt-affected soil has emerged in patches at several villages such as Dyala Chak, Saini, Tarore, Khokyal and Nagri which are considered to be the rice and wheat bowls of the state.
The survey was conducted after the scientists received a number of complaints about a significant fall in yield of paddy and wheat in the area. The scientists took the help of remote sensing to survey the identified area. Sources said the soil science and agriculture chemistry cell of the university conducted survey in the Ravi-Tawi canal irrigation system which irrigates thousands of kanals of land in the state. Soil scientist Dr KR Sharma said they found an increased amount of sodium and salt content in the soil which impairs the plant growth. “Our research says water-logging is the main reason and after opening up of the Ravi-Tawi canal, salinity has increased. We are continuing our research about the future impact,” Dr Sharma said. Scientists said an analysis of images has revealed that out of the total 75,000 hectare area under the canal irrigation system, 25,000 hectare land is either wasteland, waterlogged or salt affected (sodic). “Experiments have shown decreased wheat yields in affected soils. Those farmers facing yield decrease in these areas, especially the low lying areas with water stagnation problems, have been advised to consult the soil testing division. The division advocates use of gypsum with proper provision for drainage after assessing actual gypsum requirement through soil analysis in the affected soil. With crop production in Jammu region showing constant decrease in the past two decades, the Department of Agriculture has further decided to conduct new survey under the technique known as Crop-Cut Experiment to monitor crop production and productivity trends for over a decade. What ails farm ouput
The SKUAST experts received a number of complaints about a significant fall in yield of paddy and wheat in the area A survey was conducted in the Ravi-Tawi canal irrigation system which irrigates thousands of kanals of land in the state Soil scientists found an increased amount of sodium and salt content in the soil which impairs the plant growth Out of the total 75,000 hectare under the canal irrigation system, 25,000 hectare is either wasteland, waterlogged or salt-affected |
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Mantalai Ashram: Taxpayers’ money down the drain
Jammu, July 16 The money has been spent between 2009 and 2011 as part of a government plan to turn the ashram into a tourist spot, but the efforts of the department seem to have failed to yield desired results. Sources say the investment raises a question mark over the planners’ rationale behind sanctioning the money for the purpose. Other tourists spots that witness huge rush continue to lack basic amenities. The official records suggest that the huge property, including orchards, was taken over by the Patnitop Development Authority (PDA) to create a tourism related infrastructure at the place. But no decision had so far been taken to establish a proposed wellness centre at the site. Of Rs 5.98 lakh spent on the development and upkeep of the property, Rs 2 lakh was spent during 2010-11, while the remaining amount was spent during 2011-12. Most of the money has been spent on road patchworks and renovation of bathrooms. The ashram, spread over 1,002 kanals and 8 marlas, was established by Dharinder Brahmachari, considered close to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, at Mantalai in late 1970s. The property had been lying unused after Brahmachari’s death in a plane crash in 1990s. In 2009, the government transferred the property to the PDA to develop it as a tourist destination. “Mantalai was identified for the development of a wellness centre under public-private partnership. The Tourism Department is awaiting the finalisation of the panel of transaction advisers, the process for which has been started by the State Planning and Development Department and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India,” said a tourism official. The present property includes livestock and orchards. While the orchards are not being cultivated, the livestock, comprising three deer, is being looked after by the Wildlife Department. Aparna Ashram, located at Gandhi Nagar, which is part of the property, is also lying unutilised. Minister for Tourism Nawang Rigzin Jora said: “We are trying to develop it as a tourist place and the money was spent to renovate it in a phased manner.” The ashram, spread over 1,002 kanals and 8 marlas, was established by yoga guru Dharinder Brahmachari, considered close to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, at Mantalai in late 1970s. The property had been lying unused after Brahmachari’s death in a plane crash in 1990s. In 2009, the government transferred the property to the Patnitop Development Authority to develop it as a tourist destination |
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Youth PDP protests against Flood Control Dept officials
Jammu, July 16 The demonstration was led by PDP (youth) senior vice president Rajinder Singh Manhas. Addressing the gathering, Manhas alleged that soil erosion in Krishna Nagar was posing a serious threat to the residents of the locality. He said the matter was brought to the notice of the Flood Control Department a number of times but no action was taken. He warned the non-serious attitude of the department would prove to be disastrous for people. Manhas further said the pre-monsoon showers had already exposed working of the department and the situation would take ugly turn during the monsoon. He said during the pre-monsoon showers water over-flowing from a Many villages in Samba and Kathua districts are under threat as the authorities have not taken any step to control flow of water in seasonal nullahs, he said. Manhas regretted that instead of taking preventive steps, the department was trying to befool the people. |
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Rousing welcome for Mendhar’s young achiever
Poonch July 16 Dr Malik, who hails from Kasbalari village in Mendhar teshil of district Poonch, has brought laurels to this border area of the state by becoming the Vice-Chancellor of Sai Nath University, Agra, at a young age. Shahzad did his early education at a remote Poonch village and then went to Agra to pursue BSc Agriculture. A PhD from Ch Charan Singh University (UP), Dr Malik joined the Sai Nath Group of Education as Director in 2006. He took over as the founder Vice-Chancellor of this university. Malik said only quality education could take the society and the country towards development and prosperity. He said, “The youth of Poonch have a great potential which only need direction and proper counseling.” He appealed to the youth to concentrate on education so that their energy can be channelised. Dr Malik was accompanied by BSP leader and MP Munnawar Salim and CP Agarwal, chairman, Sai Nath Group of Colleges. He was also accorded a warm welcome in Poonch town by educationists and various social organisations. On his arrival, Mendhar MLA Mendhar Raffiq Malik, PDP district vice-president Vikram Singh and other prominent citizens of Jammu also welcomed Dr Malik. Addressing mediapersons, Malik said he owed his success to his parents and teachers. He said the youth should not rely only on government jobs. |
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18 months on, farmers yet to get relief
Jammu, July 16 The authorities have “conducted” a survey to assess the total loss but no relief has so far been sanctioned to these farmers. While opposition parties have been struggling to get compensation for the aggrieved farmers, the authorities claim that only a few cases are pending, while a majority these have been disposed of. Kathua Deputy Commissioner Zahida Khan told The Tribune that only a few such cases were yet to be settled. “We have already forwarded these compensation cases and relief will be sanctioned soon,” she said, while claiming that a majority of such cases had been settled. On the claims of some farmers who had been struggling to get compensation for over one and half years, she said only those cases were pending that did not meet the requisite norms. Senior Congress leader from Billawar Pankaj Dogra said compensation should be awarded to the affected farmers at the earliest. He said at some places, crops had been completely destroyed in the hailstorms. PDP leader from Billawar Balbir Singh also alleged that some farmers had been struggling to get compensation for years. During a public darbar at Dharmkote village in Billawar tehsil today, the villagers demanded compensation to the farmers whose crops had been damaged in hailstorms. They alleged that a survey was conducted to assess the losses, but compensation was never awarded. They said the farmers had been facing hardships due to the delay in the release of compensation. The villagers also highlighted the problems being faced by the residents of this belt due to an inordinate delay in the completion of the Bhini bridge to connect Billawar tehsil with Basholi. The villagers pointed out that the work on the bridge was started six years ago and had not been completed so far. “It is a matter of concern that the construction of this bridge was started six years ago and was yet to be completed,” said Dogra, adding that it caused a lot of problems for local residents during the monsoon season. The public darbar was convened by the Deputy Commissioner to address the grievances of the people. The villagers raised issues related road connectivity, drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, fresh BPL survey, early construction of patwarkhan, shortage of teaching staff, repair of Bhini bridge, upgrade of schools, installation of hand pumps, construction of a double-lane road from Phinter to Sukarwal Mata, construction of a school building, shortage of LPG, early disposal of widow and old age cases, shortage of ration, etc.
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Katra residents air their grievances
Katra, July 16 The meeting was attended by Mohan Lal, Additional SP, Katra; Assistant Commissioner, Revenue, Inderjit Bhagat; Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Rashpal; Executive Officer, Municipal Council, Katra , Ravi Kumar and officers of various departments. The major demands that people talked about were power supply, shortage of drinking water and cooking gas, supply of hygienic drinking water, over charging by porters, proper sanitation and drainage system at Katra town, declaration of Katra as polythene-free zone, installation of public water point at Katra, repair of Katra-Panthal-Jajjar road, enhancement of labour charge for porters, removal of encroachments in town, decongestion in Katra bazaar among others. Sharma said a regular electricity supply would be ensured after repair of transmission line and directed the officials to display contact numbers of their employees so that people might not face inconvenience. He said that every possible steps would be taken to streamline the working of different departments to help people and also promote tourism industry. The DDC instructed the officials of various departments to work with dedication and also warned them of strict action if any lapse in duty was found. He instructed the SSP to organise a meeting with citizens to prepare a plan regarding decongestion of traffic within a week. Sharma directed the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board officials to open more yatra slip counters for the convenience of the yatris at different locations.
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ACC script narrow win
Jammu, July 16 Earlier, Angel CC won the toss and chose to bat first. They scored a modest total of 78 runs in 17.2 overs. Neeru Manhas top scored with 21 runs while Bhavika and Meenu contributed seven runs. For Jammu District Girls, skipper and leg-spinner Sapna Jamwal and Asha shared two wickets. In reply, the Jammu District Girls were out for a paltry 68 runs in 16.2 overs. Muskan was the top scorer with 17 runs including two boundaries while Sanjogita contributed 10 and Sapna seven runs. Meenu had a four-wicket haul for Angel CC. Neeru and Isha took two and one wicket respectively. Neeru Manhas was adjudged the woman of the match for scoring valuable 21 runs and fetching two wickets. The second match of the Three-Match Series will be played on July 22 (Sunday) at the same venue. Sopore Sports Club win
Jammu: Sopore Sports Club (SSC) and Ashraf Cricket Club (ACC) defeated their rivals to advance in the ongoing 1st Sopore T20 Cricket Tournament being organised by J&K police under the Civic Action Programme at Khushal Stadium here. In the first match, Sopore Sports Club defeated Naharpora Cricket Club by 29 runs easily. Batting first, SSC garnered 163 runs in the stipulated 20 overs by losing five Naharpora, in reply, were out for 134 runs. Sajad Ahmed of the losing team was declared the man of the match for his all-round performance. In another match, Ashraf Cricket Club beat Bradman XI by six wickets. Bradman XI batted first and accumulated 132 runs in 20 overs losing eight wickets. In reply, the ACC did the needful by losing four wickets. Azhar Ahmed of ACC was adjudged the man of the match. — TNS |
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Unrecognised bodies mislead sportspersons
Jammu, July 16 The Sports Council had also appealed to the parents of sportspersons not to allow their wards to participate in unauthorised tournaments/unregistered games. Sources said the Sports Council had taken a hard stance after it found that the certificates, medals and positions achieved by sportspersons in these unauthorised tournaments later became a source of dispute especially when the candidates approached the council for sports category benefits/weightage while seeking jobs and admission to various courses. But most parents continue to allow their wards to compete in unauthorised tournaments being conducted by unrecognised associations. “How long should we wait for the recognition of the associations with the Sports Council?” said one of the parents. “What really matters for our children is to win medals. The organisers of such tournaments always assure us that their association is affiliated with the national federation,” he claimed. “Even the associations affiliated with the Sports Council have done nothing for the betterment of sportspersons, as they struggle to conduct activities on a regular basis,” said another parent. The J&K State Sports Council has issued a notification asking sportspersons to compete in only those games or tournaments that are directly organised by respective state sports associations or through recognised clubs or district associations recognised by the J&K State Sports Council, the Government of India or the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). A senior official of the Sports Council said: “Parents are solely responsible for allowing their children to take part in unregistered games.” “Those individuals/associations who are organising such tournaments are not only misleading budding players and their parents but also bring a bad name to the state,” he added. Sports Council notification
The J&K State Sports Council has issued a notification asking sportspersons to compete in only those games or tournaments that are directly organised by respective state sports associations or through recognised clubs or district associations recognised by the J&K State Sports Council, the Government of India or the Indian Olympic Association
(IOA)
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Cricketers feel betrayed by JKCA
Jammu, July 16 A group of cricketers, while interacting The Tribune, expressed concern over the present scenario and criticised the apex cricketing body in the state for the alleged inordinate delay. “We were really excited to hear about the foundation stone laying ceremony of the proposed stadium on March 18. But the postponement of the function came in as a heart-breaker for us,” said a cricketer. “In spite of procuring funds from the BCCI for the promotion of cricket in the state, JKCA officials are busy spending the money on other things,” he claimed. “The postponement of the foundation stone laying ceremony reflects the seriousness of the JKCA in constructing the stadium, which is a dream of every cricketer of the state.” “The JKCA has betrayed the cricketers of the state by depriving them of a cricket facility of international standard,” said another senior cricketer. “We are on the verge of quitting the game. There is no initiative on part of the JKCA to announce a fresh date for the laying of the foundation stone of the stadium,” he maintained. “The Himachal Pradesh
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Youngsters exhorted to take to sports
Jammu, July 16 The minister was addressing a gathering at the final match between SM Iabal Business School and Wonder Guys, Soura, in the Hamid Memorial T20 Cricket Tournament at Gagoo, Rangreth. The minister said the government was committed to promoting sports in the state, besides providing support to promising sportspersons. Responding to various demands raised by the organisers, Ruhullah assured that the government would make all efforts to construct the Gagoo land sports ground at the earliest. — TNS
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5 held for bovine smuggling
Jammu, 16 July Two vehicles used to smuggle the cattle were also seized during the patrol. The police said during a routine naka on the intervening night of July 14 and July 15, police parties headed by Narwal police post in-charge Azhar Hilal intercepted two different vehicles. A Tata Mobile and truck bearing in which the bovines were being smuggled were seized by the police. Five persons were arrested and a total of 13 cattle were rescued. The arrested have been identified as Mohd Zabir, a resident of Bharnota, Thana Mandi in Rajouri, Mohd Tariq, a resident of Hasplote, Thana Mandi in Rajouri, Mangat Ali, a resident of Kiryani Talab Narwal Bala in Jammu, Abdul Hamid, a resident of Dhalbas, Chanderkote in Ramban and Mohd Hussain, a resident of Babliana, Gangyal in Jammu. A case under Section 188 of the RPC, 3 PCA Act has been registered at Bahu Fort police station. Further investigation is going on in the case.
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Old woman hit by traffic vehicle, dies
Jammu, July 16 Reports said that a speedy vehicle of the traffic police hit Leela Devie (70) while she was crossing the road at Vijaypur. She sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the Government Medical College, Hospital, Jammu,where she succumbed to injuries. The police have arrested the driver and seized the vehicle. The body of the deceased was handed over to her kin after postmortem. A case under Section 279/304 A of the RPC has been registered at the Vijaypur police station. The investigation is going on in the case.
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Youth hangs himself
Jammu, July 16 The body was today handed over to the family after a post-mortem examination. Pranav was alone at home when he took the extreme step. Investigations revealed that he had been under stress for some time. A case has been registered.— TNS
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Jammu, July 16 Reports said that Sardari Lal, a resident of Chakh Bakhtawar village in RS Pura was busy fixing a power line. In the meantime, power supply was suddenly restored as a result of which he suffer a severe electric shock. He was shifted to RS Pura Hospital where the doctors declared him brought dead. The police have registered a case and investigation was underway. — TNS
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Engineer found dead
Katra July 16 Ravi had come here yesterday and stayed at the company guest house which is in a rented building. When Ravi did not come out of his room till 8.30 am, the occupants of other rooms and the guest house staff tried to wake him up. As there was no response, the police was called. The police broke open the door and found him lying dead. SHO Reasi Jatinder Singh Sambyal said the engineer may have died of cardiac arrest. — OC |
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The much-touted project of high security registration number plates for all vehicles, which was started with amid great fanfare on June 1, has remained a damp squib across the region.
Sources told The Tribune that the state transport department had failed to publicise the project properly. As a result, very few vehicle owners have been turning up at the affixation
centres, particularly in the hilly districts of the region.
Activists of the youth wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today organised a massive demonstration against the alleged failure of the Flood Control Department to take preventive steps before the onset of monsoon. The PDP youth wing activists warned they would launch agitation if corrective steps were not taken.
The property