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Board gets 2 labs to check pollution
Mammoth fossil cries for attention
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Polythene, solid waste choke Ranbir canal
2,500 pilgrims leave for Manimahesh yatra
Cattle smuggling bid foiled, three arrested
Alarming rise in suicide cases by youth
Plans afoot to revamp Trikuta Nagar
ADDC inspects Basohli, Billawar tehsils
J&K Bank, PNB hold Kisan Credit Card mela
Cop manhandles bus driver
APS Srinagar win basketball tourney
Oak Hill School script easy win
Aryan adjudged best boxer
Cricket tournament
State cricketers to attend BCCI’s camp
at Mohali
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Board gets 2 labs to check pollution
Jammu, July 28 The board has so far been unable to take any major action against the industries violating the norms, but with the setting up of these units, it hopes to keep track of pollution levels. In the absence of modern laboratories, the board was forced to send samples for testing in facilities outside the state, which had slowed down the process of taking legal action against the violators. These laboratories, one each at Jammu and Srinagar, will cater to the needs of urban centres, allowing scientists to conduct tests of the samples taken from industries and other areas. Minister for Forest and Environment Mian Altaf Ahmad said: “The two laboratories will help monitor air quality, and industrial and noise pollution levels in the state.” “In spite of increase in water pollution levels in the past two decades, the board has failed to equip its laboratories with infrastructure to conduct analysis of micro pollutants like pesticides, toxic metals and bacteriological parameters in water bodies,” said an official of the SPCB. Factories manufacturing pesticides, batteries, pharmaceutical, paper and pulp, steel, paint, ink, chemical, oil, besides metal recycling units are the main polluters of water bodies in the state. The board had been relying on other laboratories to conduct regular checks, particularly of industrial effluent being dumped in the water bodies of the state. Officials said most samples were sent to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), formerly Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), thus delaying the submission of reports, which slowed down the process of initiating action against units discharging untreated water in rivers and streams. Board Chairman Lal Chand said: “There are some deficiencies but new equipment and laboratories are being set up.” The SPCB was constituted by the state government in 1986 under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 but it did not have the essential equipment at its disposal. Ill-equipped SPCB
In spite of increase in water pollution levels in the past two decades, the board has failed to equip its laboratories with infrastructure to conduct analysis of micro pollutants like pesticides, toxic metals and bacteriological parameters in water
bodies. — An official of the SPCB The two laboratories will help monitor air quality, and industrial and noise pollution levels in the
state. — Mian Altaf Ahmad, Minister for Forest and Environment |
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Mammoth fossil cries for attention
Jammu, July 28 When this elephantine skull was discovered by a Kashmir University student Fayaz Ali in 2001 and later excavated by a team of experts, geologists had declared it as one of the rare finds, putting Jammu and Kashmir on the map of great mammoth era. Sources in Jammu University said exposure to changing climatic conditions and elements in the air for over 10 years has started taking its toll on the fossil, with officials helplessly watching its destruction. The fossil had become a bone of contention between universities of Kashmir and Jammu, with former blaming the Head of Geology Department of JU, Prof GM Bhat, of clandestinely shifting it without their knowledge. It had led to bitter relations in both the campuses forcing the then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to shot off a letter to authorities to shift it back to Valley. However, nothing was done in this regard keeping in view the objection of students’ organisations here. The fossil was to be housed at Sheikh Noorudin Noorani museum, General Zorawar Singh auditorium, but as the place does not have right conditions to hold such a treasure, the plan was shelved. Prof GM Bhat said the process had been initiated to shift it to Natural History Museum being constructed on the campus. “By the end of this year, it will be shifted to the new building,” Bhat said. However, he refused to comment on the controversy behind the issue. Sources said there had been a constant demand from Valley that the mammoth remains be brought back to Kashmir University as it belonged to heritage of Kashmir. “It has become a matter of prestige for both the varsities, while its scientific value has taken backstage. It is quite painful to see the condition of such a rare find,” said a source. A senior professor said even noted expert and retired scientist from the prestigious Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, AC Nanda, had expressed “shock” over the handling of the fragile fossil without expert care when its pictures were shown to him few years ago. The family of elephants evolved 16 million years ago with the ancestor Primelephas. Then around 1,20,000 years ago, some of them started migrating towards northern Europe and adapted to colder climate, while those in Africa developed into genius Elephas, who also spread to Asia and Europe, according to experts, the one found at Pampore must have died during the migration. |
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Polythene, solid waste choke Ranbir canal
Jammu, July 28 The canal, which passes through many localities of the city, has become a big dumping ground and almost clogged by the polythene and other
solid waste dumped by the people. Though strict instructions have been issued that it will be cleaned regularly and action would be taken against the people caught dumping their garbage, nothing has been done to keep the canal clean, which irrigates thousands of kanals of land in Jammu. During the past few years, particularly in winter months, cleaning process is done by private contractors engaged by the department, but for the past few years, it is being ignored. Once considered a lifeline of the Jammu region, it now stands testimony to the official apathy and rampant pollution. Mingled with sewage and muck, it usually flows in summers extending from Akhnoor to the tail end of Bhagwati Nagar, Talab Tillo, Gajansoo, Trikuta Nagar, Satwari and other interior areas. However, it is not only the department which is responsible for the plight of the water body, but people living around it are also responsible for the present position. “They ignore the restrictions imposed by us and dump garbage in the canal. Even during religious festivals, polythene bags are thrown into the canal, which results Official-speak
We are doing what is required to maintain cleanliness around the canal but public cooperation is a
must. — Ashwani Sharma, Chief Engineer, Department of Irrigation and Flood Control, Jammu People ignore the restrictions imposed by us and dump garbage into the canal. Even during religious festivals, polythene bags are thrown into the canal, which results in
choking. — Nadeem Qadrian, an environmentalist |
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2,500 pilgrims leave for Manimahesh yatra
Doda, July 28 The group comprising 2,500 pilgrims started off from Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Bhaderwah, and would halt at Bheja village at night en route Mani and then proceed towards the holy shrine. The pilgrims were seen off by the Additional SP, Roop Lal Bhagat, Bhaderwah Tehsildar Sudershan Kumar and Bhaderwah SDPO Jameel Ahmed besides people from all walks of life. Adequate security arrangements, drinking water facility, medicare and other facilities have been provided by the administration for smooth and peaceful conduct of the yatra. Free langars have also been organised by various devotees on way to the holy shrine.
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Cattle smuggling bid foiled, three arrested
Jammu, July 28 The arrested persons have been identified as Mohd Shafiq of Lowang, Kaka Din of Sujanpur, Pathankot, and Faquir Hussain of Kathua. According to reports, the police acted on information and laid a naka at Chunchli Morh, Lowang, and intercepted one load carrier (JK08B- 7450) driven by Mohd Shafiq . During the search, five bovines were recovered, which were being transported from Lowang to Bhaderwah illegally. The driver and his two associates have been arrested. A case under Section 188 of the RPC has been registered at Bani police station.
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Alarming rise in suicide cases by youth
Jammu, July 28 Reports said about 250 cases of suicide attempts were registered in the year 2010 whereas the number crossed 1,000 in the year 2011 in the region. Sources in the Government Medical College and Hospital revealed that on an average about four to five suicide cases had
been reported at the hospital daily. “Mostly the youths have been found involved in attempting suicide by hanging, consuming poison or drugs or jumping into rivers,” the sources added. Dr Mannu Arora, consultant psychiatrist told The Tribune, “The situation is quite alarming and it would turn more worrisome if society fails to reailse the seriousness of the issue”. He said weakening of emotional bond between parents and children was a major cause for the increase in suicide attempts. He said, “In majority of the cases, younger lot has been found going for such an extreme step. Increasing distance between the parents and children is responsible for this, as parents have not been spending sufficient time with their wards, which is required to strengthen their relations”. Dr Arora said the youth find themselves isolated with no outlet for their emotional distress. “Someone is required to console the broken youths during distress and a sense of insecurity in the competitive world has increased the stress levels among the youth. After failure in any front of life, they consider the situation as end of the world. Guidance of a mature person is needed at that time,” he added. Suggesting a way out, Dr Arora said the parents should spend quality time with their children. He said, “Parents should realise that spending time with their children is more important than spending money on them”. Dr KK Sharma, Medical Superintendent, Government Ayurvedic Hospital, Shalamar, said the increase in such cases was an outcome of flawed grooming. He said, “Such unfortunate happenings reflect the restlessness prevalent in society. It is being observed that lessons of contentment are neither part of academics nor moral education. No one is observing the increasing inner conflicts of our youth; they are not prepared to face rejections and failures.” |
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Plans afoot to revamp Trikuta Nagar
Jammu, July 28 The minister said this while addressing a large gathering at Ward No. 54 in Trikuta Nagar after launching Rs 80 lakh public utilities projects like construction of lanes, drains, public convenience opposite RBI besides two water coolers and sprinkle system at Trikuta Nagar garden. Officers of floriculture, R&B, JMC besides president of the Mahila Congress and senior Congress leader Chanchal Popli accompanied the minister. For improving the drinking water scenario in the area, the minister said Rs 2.5 crore had been approved for laying of water supply pipes in the water-deficit areas of the Trikuta Nagar. He said the work of laying water supply pipes was under progress and would be completed within time frame. He said after the completion of the project, no household would be left without adequate drinking water facilities even at the tail end. He said the government had issued directions to the PHE and ERA departments to put their sincere efforts in providing adequate drinking water facilities so that the people do not feel any inconvenience during the summer season. Bhalla said the government was making all efforts to provide improved basic amenities to the people across the state, adding that for this purpose the Central government had earmarked Rs 8,000 crore annual plan besides Rs 1,248 crore for construction and upgradation of road network in three regions of the state. He hoped that people would cooperate with the executing agencies in effective implementation of development works in their localities. In order to provide respite to people from the acute power crisis, he said the government had sanctioned Rs 200 crore for purchase of additional power and Rs 12 crore for speedy repair of damaged transformers and other system improvement works. With this decision, he said the availability of electricity would increase by 250 MW. |
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ADDC inspects Basohli, Billawar tehsils
Kathua, July 28 During the tour, the ADDC inspected the trauma centre, Mahanpur, causeway at Parnala, building of Government Higher Secondary School Parnala. He also inspected the lift irrigation schemes at Pallan, construction of Neru Canal, modernisation work of Dhrung Canal, protection work of Bhini and Naj nullah under the irrigation and flood control sectors. He also took stock of the ongoing development works under the Rural Development Department. Directions were issued to the executing agencies to ensure the quality of construction work and completion of works in time. He directed the executing agencies to take sarpanches of the areas concerned into confidence while executing the work. Xen PWD, Xen, Irrigation and Xen, Flood Control, accompanied the ADDC during the inspection. — TNS
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J&K Bank, PNB hold Kisan Credit Card mela
Katra, July 28 The bank's zonal head, Jammu (west), RK Chhibber, distributed 190 credit cards among the farmers in the presence of prominent citizens, which included S Ranjit Singh, Om Prakash Sharma, Jeet Ram, sarpanches and panches of the adjoining panchayats. Speaking on the occasion, the zonal head said, "Public service is our priority. We are continuously upgrading and improving our systems and procedures, so that people have a hassle-free access to our products and services." He apprised the farmers about various initiatives taken by the bank to boost the agriculture sector. He appealed to the young farmers to take up agriculture as an enterprise. He said, "The bank is keen to bring all the farmers under the KCC scheme umbrella. All the farmers should avail the benefits of interest subvention scheme extended by the bank to KCC beneficiaries." He appealed to the farmers to avail the benefits of various loan schemes available at lower rate of interest. The bank’s business unit head Sham Sunder, in his address to the mela participants, sought cooperation from the farmers for making the gesture of bank a success. He said, "Timely repayment of loans will not only make them cheaper but will also strengthen the relationship to get more financial support in future." While presenting the vote of thanks, Captain Ram Lal appreciated the role of the bank in the development of the area. Udhampur: Punjab National Bank (PNB) on Saturday organised a function to distribute Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) among farmers at Samroli in Chenani tehsil. A total of 21 KCCs were distributed by the bank. Speaking on the occasion, the Agriculture Extension Officer, Jyoti Parkash, advised the farmers to use Kisan Credit Cards judiciously by purchasing good quality of seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and other farm machinery to increase the agricultural production. Highlighting the benefits of the KCC, the officer said it serves as an identity to farmers besides providing crop insurance, accidental insurance and monetary support. They also apprised the farmers about various schemes of the state government for uplift of the farming community. PNB manager Romesh Kumar Raina, agriculture officer Pardeep Kumar, sarpanches and panches of different panchayats and farmers were present on the occasion.
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Cop manhandles bus driver
Jammu, July 28 Reports said Surjit Singh, assistant sub-inspector of the Railways Police, manhandled a SRTC driver this morning which led to a two-hour-long sit-in protest by the SRTC employees. Sources said the policeman and the driver entered into verbal spat over some issue related to parking of the SRTC bus. When the cop started beating the driver, his colleagues got enraged. The issue was later resolved with the intervention of Shiv Kumar, SP, Railways and Crime, and other officers of both the police and the SRTC. The SP attached the erring cop and assured action against him.
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APS Srinagar win basketball tourney
Jammu, July 28 Earlier, the tournament was inaugurated by the principal of APS, Srinagar, Sandeep Marhatta. In the inaugural match, APS Udhampur thrashed APS Nagrota with a consummate ease. In the girl’s section, APS Akhnoor defeated APS Udhampur. In another match, APS Srinagar thrashed APS Akhnoor. In the fourth match played, APS Srinagar emerged victorious against APS Nagrota. In the girl’s section during the final match, APS Srinagar defeated APS Akhnoor by 25 points. In the boy’s section, APS Srinagar thrashed APS Akhnoor by 12 points to claim the title. Seerat Fatima and Rhea Samyal in the girl’s team and Aditiya Rana in the boy’s team of APS Srinagar were adjudged the best players of the tournament. — TNS
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Oak Hill School script easy win
Jammu, July 28 Batting first, Lucky Star, Budgam, scored 131 for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted overs.
Salman with 49 runs and Anees with 33 runs were the highest scorers. Mubaris took three wickets for Oak Hill. In reply, Oak Hill did the needful for the loss of five wickets. Taufeeq with 40 runs and Mubaris with 27 runs
were the main contributors. Mubaris for his all-round performance was adjudged as
man of the match. |
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Aryan adjudged best boxer
Jammu, July 28 Arun Bhagat of Gandhi House bagged silver in in 24-26 kg weight category and Aditya Jamwal and Shiv Kumar of Nehru House and Tagore House, respectively had to be contended with bronze medal. In 26-28 weight category, Ratul Jamwal of Nehru House fetched the gold medal. Paras Bhagat of Tagore House claimed silver and Ajit Basant of Raman House and Lakshay Mangotra of Gandhi House clinched bronze medals. In 28-30 kg weight category, Parveen Kumar of Gandhi House struck gold while Vipin Choudhary of Raman House had to settle for silver and Jatin Manhas of Tagore House claimed bronze medal. In 30-32 kg weight category, Vasudev clinched gold medal, Vishal Bhat claimed silver while Arul Bhasin and Saathvik Jamwal bagged bronze medals. In 32-34 kg weight category, Sumit Manhas bagged gold medal while Jasmeet Singh clinched silver. Manik Sharma and Swastik claimed bronze medals. In 34-36 kg weight category, Saksham Jasrotia bagged top honours by winning gold medal. Danish Rakwal clinched silver while Saurav Sharma and Prajwal claimed bronze medals. In 36-39 kg weight category, Piyuhdev Singh got gold, Shivamdev Singh claimed silver. Bronze medals went to Harpreet Singh and Nishant Bawa. In 39-42 kg weight category, Saurav Wadia bagged gold, Akash Bhagat got silver and Akib Hussain claimed bronze. In 42-45 kg weight category, Apoorva Mishra got gold while Manmohit Singh claimed silver. Vidaan Bhat and Karan Chib claimed bronze medals. In 45-48 kg weight category, Yuvraj Upadhay clinched gold, Sahil Singh got silver. Akash and Nilesh claimed bronze medals.
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Jhelum Reds beat SKCC
Tribune News Service
Jammu, July 28 Batting first, Jehlum Reds were bowled out for 99 runs in 19 overs. Asif Rasheed with 18 runs was the highest scorer while Suhail and Ashiq took three wickets each for SKCC. In reply, SKCC could manage only 93 runs in the allotted overs for the loss of nine wickets. Suhail was the top scorer with 15 runs. For Jhelum Reds, Javed Bhat took three wickets. Earlier, In the first match, Shivpora-XI defeated Eagle Cricket Club by five wickets. Batting first, Eagle club scored 92 runs for the loss of eight wickets in the allotted 15 overs. Imran Hussain with 24 runs was the notable scorer and Bashir Wani took four wickets for Shivpora-XI. In reply, Shivpora-XI, achieved the required target for the loss of five wickets. Nadeem Wani played a match winning knock of 24 runs. Imtiyaz Hussain took two wickets for Eagle Club. In the second match, Golden Lake Club defeated Asaar Cricket Club by seven runs. Batting first, Golden Lake scored 177 runs in the allotted overs for the loss of six wickets. Abid with 56 runs was the highest scorer and Ahsan took two wickets for Asaar Club. In reply, Asaar Club managed to score only 170 runs in their allotted quota
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State cricketers to attend BCCI’s camp
at Mohali
Jammu, July 28 Both players were selected on the basis of their performances in the BCCI’s u-16 tournament. Nipun had scored over 250 runs in the four matches played against Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana which included two half-centuries. Ateev scored 157 runs against Haryana and accumulated around 300 runs in four matches that he played in the last season. |
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Jammu, July 28
The rare fossil of 2.9 feet long mammoth skull, which was discovered from Pampore in Kashmir more than eight years ago, is still lying shelter less.
Jammu, July 28
The number of suicide cases by youth in the Jammu region is increasing at an alarming rate. But the state government and the agencies concerned seem to be least bothered as they have not taken any step to control it.