Jammu, September 29
From now on, playing loud music during marriage parties and social functions in Jammu may invite penalty. For, the district administration has banned holding of musical shows by hotels, banquet halls and eating joints following complaints of noise pollution problem by residents of various localities.

Any violation of instructions will be dealt with strictly and it will invite action under Section 188 of the RPC, the order says.

Sources said District Magistrate Sanjeev Verma, who is also Jammu Deputy Commissioner, had received various complaints from residents regarding sound pollution.

“The residents were complaining that many eating houses organised high sound musical shows causing noise pollution in their localities. They alleged that the people, especially elders, were facing problems due to noise pollution caused by musical shows or events,” sources said.

The Deputy Commissioner office also received various representations for holding musical events and parties involving musical shows, sources added.

“The hoteliers and banquet hall owners also made requests in this regard. The administration thoroughly looked into the matter and found that most of such establishments were located within the vicinities of residential areas,” sources said.

The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) had set sound limit within municipal limits. “The board had directed the sound limit in industrial area should not exceed 75 decibel during day time while it should be 70 decibel during night hours. Similarly, it had set the sound limit of 55 decibel in residential areas during day time and 55 decibel during night.

Despite this, various banquet halls and hotels have been violating the guidelines with impunity when organising musical shows and marriage parties.

“Though the authorities directed that DJ sets would not be allowed within city limits after 10 pm, hoteliers and banquet hall owners did not comply with the directions in letter and spirit,” sources added.

The District Magistrate, in a circular, has directed that no establishment (banquet halls, hotels and eating houses) would hold musical events or entertain any request for holding such events.

Though the district administration had also warned banquet halls and community hall owners not to organise events and marriage functions for which they do not have necessary parking space and safety standards, these warnings were also being ignored.

There are 114 banquet halls in Jammu, mostly used for marriage and other social functions. Most of them do not have the required infrastructure, particularly parking space and fire-fighting equipments.

As per the new master plan, a minimum of 16 kanals are required for the construction of a new banquet hall which should cover 30 per cent of the total area. Under the master plan, there should be parking space for 100 cars and the hall should be properly ventilated.

Rajouri, September 29
Opening up of the Mughal Road has thrown open the direct trade route between the Valley and the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch which has enormous economic ramification for the people of rural areas here.

With opening of the route, fruit vendors from surrounding areas will be able to bring apples from Shopian to the twin districts on cheap rates. This despite the fact that apple production in Kashmir is estimated to decline by 50 per cent this year due to adverse weather conditions.

Tariq, a fruit vender from Shopian, brings two quintal apples each day here in a load carrier from Shopian and sells one kg at Rs 20 to people.

“Though the apple we bring here is of not very good quality, people still make handsome money by selling it in the market,” says Tariq. People pay as many as Rs 80 per kg to fruit vendors.

Before opening of the Mughal Road, residents here would get one kg apple at Rs 90 to Rs 100 and they were of good quality.

“But now we get good quality apples at Rs 20 per kg,” says a local resident of Rajouri. Over 40 vehicles bring apples to different places like Sundarbani, Nowshera, Rajouri, Mandi, Surankote and many other adjoining areas of twin border districts. Vinod Kumar Langer, marketing head, Horticulture Department, Poonch and Rajouri, said, “They bring apples that falls from trees to the market which they buy at Rs 5-6 per kg from apple growers and further sell in open market at about Rs 15-20.”

“Last year, they nearly 30,000 metric tonne good quality apple was traded in the two districts.

“Shopian apple is of high quality. The only problem is that apples that fall from trees are brought here but they are still in good condition,” Langar further said.

Rajouri Beopar Mandal president Vijay Gupta said, “Local fruit vendors hardly get affected owing to open sale of Shopian apple in Rajouri. As they have not very high quality product, people get Kashmiri apples at cheaper prices.”

Jammu, September 29
The idol of Shree Ganesh was ceremoniously immersed in the Chenab near Akhnoor with chanting of Vedic hymns today.

Earlier, a shobha yatra was taken out from Parade Ground that passed through various areas of the city. People in large number accorded reception to the idol seeking its blessings.

When on its way from Jammu to Akhnoor, the procession was received with religious fervour at Muthi, Purkhoo, Cangrel, Mishriwala, Domana and Nagbani. People from adjoining villages were standing on the roadside to greet the shobha yatra. At the bank of the Chenab, hundreds of people joined the ceremony.

The idol was installed ceremoniously at Parade on September 19 with the beginning of 11-day-long Ganesh Mahaotsav. The mahaotsav concluded with the immersion of the Ganesh idol today.

Acharaya Sanjay Shastri, Chairman Bharatya Vedic Sansthan, said the ten-day-long festival was celebrated to pray for peace and well-being of all. Other organisers Diwan Chand Bansal, Raj Pal Sharma, Padam Singh Jamwal, Ramesh Badyal, Harbajan Singh, Kaushal Kumar Koushal, Pankaj Chopra, Amit Goswami and Roshan Sharma were also present on the occasion. 

Jammu, September 29
Former union minister Chaman Lal Gupta has cautioned the NC-led ruling alliance against reducing the number of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in militancy-affected areas of the Valley. He said the terrorist threat was still large and fiddling with the security apparatus in the state might prove to be suicidal.

Commenting on the reports about the CRPF troops being withdrawn, Gupta said the time was not ripe for any laxity as the militancy was still a major threat to the security of people in the Valley.

“The elected panchs and sarpanchs are being targeted to force them to resign. This is a very serious development. If effective measures are not taken, the future of democracy will be jeopardised. The ruling leadership in Kashmir does not seem to have any policy,” he said.

He pointed out that a large number of troops had already been withdrawn from most of the areas. “Following the reduction of troops, the cross-border terror is again raising its ugly head and the infiltration bids are already on the increase,” he stated.

Rajouri, September 29
Focusing on the impact of mathematics on science and technology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University’s (BGSBU) Department of Applied Mathematics organised a national seminar on mathematics today. Eminent speakers from different parts of the country participated in the event.

Vice-Chancellor of the university Prof Irshad Ahmed Hamal in his inaugural address termed the Department of Applied Mathematics of the University as a unique department of the state.

The seminar was organised on the topic ‘Applications of Mathematics to Science & Technology’ which was sponsored by the University Grants Commission. National researchers, including Prof SD Sharma of Central University of Jammu, Prof. AP Singh of Central University of Rajasthan, Dr S. Pirzada of University of Kashmir, Dr Tariq Chisti of University of Kashmir and Dr Shakeel Raina of J&K State Higher Education Department, presented their views on the topic. Dean School of Mathematical Sciences & Engineering Prof Mohammad Asgar, Dean Academic Affairs Prof AK Koul and Registrar Mohammad Rashid Choudhary also shared the dias in the managed session.

On the occasion several teachers, research scholars and students presented research papers.

Prof Irshad Ahmed Hamal said the applied mathematics has become an important part of life and its need is being necessitated for solutions in every field and every sphere of a real life.

Appreciating that the department’s work, Prof Hamal said if the department will come two steps ahead, the University will help them 5 times more. He said that the universities are not only meant for producing post graduates but there is a need to focus on the research work as well. He also appreciated various departments for their work in this direction.

Earlier, the programme was initiated with recitation of Quranic verses by a student of the department which was followed by a welcome address by the head of the department and organising secretary of the seminar Dr Zaheer Abbas. Abbas in his address presented tributes to world class mathematician Dr S Ramanujan and thanked Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for declaring the year as Mathematical Year in India.

Dr Zaheer also briefed about the performance of the department. Convenor of the programme Dr Javaid Iqbal presented a vote of thanks. The programme was organised by the organising committee headed by vice-chancellor Prof I A Hamal.

Jammu, September 29
In line with the policy of the Union government to increase the popularity of Hindi as an official language of the country, Powergrid Northern Region Transmission System-II organised several programmes during the Hindi Pakhwada from September 14 to 28.

During the fortnight, note drafting, antakshri and poetry recitation competitions held for the employees and their family members at all site offices and sub-stations of the region, comprising J&K, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Chandigarh.

On the concluding day of the programme, S C Singh, executive director of the NR-II, was the chief guest on the occasion.

NRTS-II executive director S C Singh was felicitated with first prize by the Town Official Language Implementation Committee (TOLIC) for his exemplary work in promotion of the language. Around 50 prizes were distributed among the winnersof various contests.

Speaking on this occasion, S C Singh appreciated the efforts of powergrid in spreading the usage of Hindi among its employees. The programmes were coordinated by Subash Sharma, Senior Raj Bhasha Officer and his team.

Jammu, September 29
Abhimanyu Arora got the better of Aryaman Chowdhary by 3-0 frames today in the first round matches of the senior snooker category in the ongoing 22nd Jammu District Open Junior and Senior Billiards and Snooker Championship 2012 organised by J&K Billiards and Snooker Association, at the Billiards Hall, M A Stadium.

Abhimanyu took the first frame by convincing margin of 67-22 and continued his dominance in the next frame as well. He again emerged winner with 78-27 scoreline as Aryaman was clueless against his opponent’s brilliance. Aryaman could not put up any fight and ended up losing tamely by 38-80 in the third frame.

Vishal Mahajan prevailed upon Varun Gupta in a thrilling contest by 3-2 frames. After losing the inaugural frame by 47-62, Vishal clawed his way back in the match with 47-43 win in the second frame.

Varun Gupta then stretched his lead further by pocketing the third frame by 78-43 but he lost his rhythm and lost next frame. Vishal scripted win with a margin of 63-57 to make it 2-2. In the decider, Vishal dominated the proceedings thereby not repeating the mistakes which he committed in the earlier frames. He took the frame by 85-40.

In another interesting match, Sachin Bamba toppled Amardeep Singh with the same margin of 3-2 frames. The frame score read 55-23, 56-18, 20-53, 67-60 and 71-50. In other matches played, Sanjay Sharma beat Nikhil Verma by 3-2 (29-47, 58-47, 68-33, 61-27 and 62-21), Ishan chowdhary trounced Shubham Badyal by 3-1.

Jammu, September 29
Jammu will host a mega four-day philately exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi on the theme ‘My Life is My Message’ from October 1-4 at Kala Kendra, Jammu.

This is the first time a stamp exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi is being organised in the state. In the world, maximum number of stamps has been issued on Mahatma Gandhi. This exhibition will showcase these rare and valuable stamps issued by India and other countries, said John Samuel, chief postmaster general, J&K while addressing a press conference here today.

The exhibition will be inaugurated on October 1 at 10 am by John Samuel, chief postmaster general, Jammu and Kashmir and on this occasion M P Singh Isher, vice- chancellor of the University of Jammu, will release a special cover on Mahatama Gandhi. The exhibition will be open for people, school and college students from 10 am to 6 pm from October 1 to October 4.

The entry to the exhibition is free. Four special covers on Gandhiji will be released during the exhibition. The major objective of this exhibition is to promote Gandhian values and teachings among individuals said John Samuel. “Last year, Jammu had hosted a big exhibition titled Jammu Stamp Show. One of the major attractions of the exhibition is the issue of ‘My Stamp’ where people can get a stamp printed with photo of an individual. It is a novel method to connect with people. John Samuel, Chief PMG, Jammu and Kashmir said that “My Stamps’ will be instant stamps and they will be made available to people within 30 minutes of the order.

There will also be a debate on ‘relevance on Gandhian values’ among school and college students on October 2 and 3. 

Jammu, September 29
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under its ‘Horizon Series’ organised Jagarna-a traditional dance form of the hilly terrains of the Jammu region today at Government College for Women Parade.

Speaking on the occasion, regional director of ICCR, Balwant Thakur said that Jagarna has a wonderful traditional background which used to be performed exclusively for women only.

“In the Jammu hills during the marriage celebrations, when male members of the village used to join the groom in baraat. Scared for being alone in the village, all women used to gather at groom’s place in the night. Such a situation gave birth to a very powerful performing tradition which has the rich elements of music, dance and theatre,” he added.

Rakesh Kumar Kona choreographed the event and participants were Arti Verma, Gurmeet Kour, Arti Langeh, Simran Sharma, Prachi Manhas, Komal and Monika.

Jammu, September 29
The department of cardiology, Government Medical College and Hospital, (GMCH) Jammu celebrated World Heart Day here today.

Heads of the different departments of GMCH, along with other faculty and staff members, were attended the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sushil Sharma, HOD, department of cardiology, pointed out that those born with thinner arteries were having a genetic risk for cardiac diseases.

“Indians are more prone to heart diseases with poor physical activities, a fat diet and by steadily shunning fruits and vegetables from their daily meals,” he stressed.

He added, “It is a myth that heart diseases mostly affect males. Moreover not only adults but also the children and teenagers are at risk of heart diseases.” 

Jammu, September 29
A two-day-long J&K State Shito Ryu Seiko Kai Karate Do Championship got under way at Gandhi Bhavan here today. About 200 karatekas are competing in the championship which is being organised by the Shito Ryu Seiko Kai Karate Do, J&K. Sidharth Sharma, joint secretary of the J&K State Sports Council, declared the competition open.

Ambedkar Gupta, 4th Dan Black Belt and president of Shito Ryu Seiko Kai, Amit Sangra, president of Karate Association Kathua district and Dr Mustafa Mir, instructor from Srinagar were also present on the occasion.

Jammu, September 29
Suresh Singh of Kathua district secured first position in the 42kg-weight category in wrestling contest today. The Department of Youth Services and Sports has organised various competitions here.

Mohammad Arshad had to settle for second spot in the same weight category. In the 46kg-weight category, Chain Singh of Reasi and Sanjay Singh of Kathua secured first and second positions respectively.

Youth Services and Sports director Jai Pal Singh was the chief guest on the occasion.

He distributed trophies, medals and certificates among the winner and runner-up players. Ashok Kumar, deputy director of the department, was also present.

Results: U-17 boys (Wrestling): 54kg: 1. Mohammad Fareed, 2. Sandeep Singh; 58kg: 1. Mohammad Sami, 2. Rajveer Singh; 63kg: 1. Bhag Hussain, 2. Kuldeep Singh; 69kg: 1. Arif Kumar; 76kg: 1. Dheeraj Singh, 2. Hardeep Singh; and 84kg: 1. Rishi Joshi.

U-19 boys (Wrestling): 42kg: 1.Mohammad Javed, 2. Dheeraj Singh; 46kg: 1. Sukhdev Singh, 2. Pardeep Singh; 50kg: 1. Irshad Hussain, 2. Pardeep Singh; 55kg: 1. Navneet Singh, 2. Vikrant Singh; 60kg: 1. Raman Saini, 2. Mushtaq Ahmed; 66kg: 1. Liaquat Ali, 2. Shamsher Khan; 74kg: 1. Lovejeet Singh, 2. Shahid Hussain and 84kg: 1. Shubham, 2. Bhupinder Singh.