The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

353 fall prey to gastro
Water samples in Tangmarg and Pattan areas found contaminated
Amin Masoodi

Baramulla, September 30
As many as 353 cases of gastroenteritis have been reported from Tangmarg and Pattan areas since September 21. Many of the patients are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Tangmarg, Pattan and Baramulla. Some of them were discharged.

Besides, few cases of cholera were also reported from these areas.

No case of gastroenteritis has been reported from these areas over the past two days. Doctors have advised residents not to eat spicy food and consume boiled water.

In view of the wedding season, rich Kashmiri food (wazwan) often causes gastroenteritis, warned the doctors.

Dr Mohd Younis, CMO Baramulla, said, “Water-borne diseases were reported more from Pattan and Tangmarg areas. For past two days, we have not received any case of gastroenteritis from Tangmarg and Pattan. We were able to contain the disease in these areas after eight days,” said Dr Younis.

He said water samples from different sources in the affected Tangmarg and Pattan areas were found contaminated after tests.

“The water samples collected from different sources had been found contaminated. We had advised people several times to consume boiled water only,” he said.

Necessary medicines, including IV fluids had been made available at health centres in Tangmarg and Baramulla areas.

“At least eight to ten bottles of IV-fluid are administered to a patient suffering from gastroenteritis to make for the loss of water due to diarrhoea,” said a doctor.

Many victims were discharged and other health centres are still undergoing treatment.

“Cases of acute diarrhoea and vomiting are undergoing treatment at Pattan and Tangmarg. Many other patients were discharged,” a doctor said.

Water samples from many villages including Khepora, Kunzar, Pattan, Kazipora and Ferozpura had been found contaminated and unhealthy for human consumption.

156-year-old heritage health centre awaits a new lease of life
Amin Masoodi

Kupwara, September 30
The Primary Health Centre (PHC), Trehgam, established in 1856, is yet to be upgraded to a sub-district level hospital. The local residents have been demanding for a long time that the PHC, which caters to the needs of 20,000 people falling in its catchments area, should be up-graded at the earliest.

Patients from several remote areas, including Doolipora, Gugloosa, Hanjipora, Shumnag, Gofabal, Hirri, Hayan and many areas of Villgam come to the health centre. At least 160 patients get registered at its Out Patient Department (OPD) on an average day.

“The health centre built in 1856 during Maharaja Gulab Singh’s reign has not been upgraded to the sub-district level hospital. It is centrally located in Trehgam and has road connectivity from almost all sides,” said Shabir Ahmad, a resident of Trehgam.

The post of a woman assistant surgeon has been lying vacant for past over two months. In the absence of a surgeon, women patients are forced to visit the sub-district hospital in Kupwara.

“Especially expecting mothers are forced to visit Kralpora and Kupwara hospitals for treatment. The health centre is without a woman doctor for past over two months,” said Asha Begum of Hayan, three km from Trehgam. The health centre does not have an ambulance at its disposal.

The up-gradation of the health centre would enable specialist doctors to conduct important surgeries. “Even for minor surgeries, the patients have to visit hospitals in Kupwara and Kralpora,” a local resident said.

The rush of patients to Kupwara hospital could be reduced if the health centre at Trehgam is upgraded, they said. Three doctors, including an ISM doctor and a dental surgeon are catering to the rush of patients at the health centre. The health centre has USG and X-ray facilities but in the absence of a radiologist, the doctors here are forced to conduct tests themselves.

The directorate of health services had demanded a feasibility report for up-gradation of health centre at least seven months before but so far nothing has been done in this regard.

“We have already submitted a feasibility report to the higher authorities but nothing has been done so far,” a senior doctor said.

Kayaking players eye Olympic medals
M Aamir Khan
Tribune News Service

Sonamarg, September 30
While the national White Water Slalom tournament was held here for the first time ever in the country, the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA) wants Sonamarg to be the training ground for Indian paddlers eyeing 12 medals at the 2016 Olympiad.

IKCA general secretary Balbir Singh Kushwaha said the association had sent a proposal to the Centre for setting up a training centre here to prepare players for the next Asian and Olympic events.

“There are 12 medals in slalom, kayaking and canoeing. We want to train the players at Sonamarg because of its natural water resources that would adequately prepare the players for 2014 Asian Games and 2016 Olympics. We have already sent a proposal to the Government of India and the Sports Authority of India,” Kushwaha told The Tribune.

The IKCA officials had come here for participation in the White Water Slalom Kayaking & Canoeing championship that concluded today. While 14 state teams of the country participated, Kushwaha said Sonamarg had been chosen to host the first-ever White Water Slalom tournament.

“The first-ever national Kayaking tournament of the country was held at the Dal Lake in 1988 and now we held the first White Water Slalom championship at Sonamarg,” he said.

The championship was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Kayaking and Canoeing Association and sponsored by the Tourism Department Kashmir and the J&K State Sports Council.

Director Tourism Talat Parvez said they had extended cooperation for the holding of the event as it would attract more visitors to this famous tourist resort that is thronged by tourists from all over the world. The Tourism Department stated that it has planned to promote adventure tourism in a big way in Kashmir through events related to water sports, mountain climbing and skiing.

Minister for Forests Mian Altaf Ahmad, who inaugurated the championship on Friday, had promised all possible cooperation from the state government for the holding of water sports programmes here.

Apple export from Valley declines by 50 per cent
Bismah Malik
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 30
Kashmiri fruits will not be seen in abundance this year in cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur and Chandigarh, which have a huge market for them, due to the decline in the export of fruits by fifty per cent.

The State Horticulture Department data reveals that the Valley has exported just 1 lakh metric ton (MT) of fruits till now, which is half the last year’s fruit export from the region.

The reason for the cut down is low production of fruits. According to official record, it has gone down from 20 lakh MT in 2011 to 17 lakh MT this year. This despite the fact that the area under fruit orchards in Kashmir has increased from 2.29 lakh hectares last year to 2.37 lakh hectares this year. The apple yield, which accounts for over 70 per cent of the fruit produce in Kashmir, has hit a new low this year due to inclement weather conditions.

“The fate of the fruit market in Kashmir majorly depends on apples which have experienced a decline in both production and quality. The season for apple harvest lasts till October, hence, chances of a major increase in the production and thereby the export is not very likely,” State Horticulture Department deputy director Ashiq Ahmad said.

Rain deficit of 22 per cent in the region and frequent hailstorms during the March- April season have led to a poor quality of fruit produce with respect to the size and texture. “The overall fruit yield has suffered as the budding and the blossoming of fruits has not happened as desired. It has suffered due to the weather vagaries to a great extent,”

Prof Fayaz Ahmad, a pomologist at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences, Kashmir, said.

Pears, cherries, strawberries, plums, walnuts, apricots and almonds which are vital components of Kashmir’s fresh and dry fruit export, constituting 25-30 per cent of the fruit produce, have not suffered much, he said.

Garbage mound-turned park attracts visitors
M Aamir Khan
Tribune News Service

Ganderbal, September 30
An elevated park which came up over a dumping of muck during the construction of a power house has started attracting visitors at Prang in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district.

The Department of Environment and Remote Sensing developed Baba Nizamuddin Environment Park after a small hillock was formed due to the dumping of muck after the construction of a power house.

"The hillock was formed as a result of dumping of enormous quantity of muck comprising rocks and stones excavated during the construction of the nearby Sindh hydro-electric power project. Eco restoration of the barren hillock was done by the Department of Environment and Remote Sensing," an official said.

Last year, the Tourism Department Kashmir developed viewing points and established a cafeteria and the same have started attracting visitors.

The viewpoints offer a breathtaking view of Sindh (Indus) River that flows through the area amidst the beautiful mountains.

"The view at the park is amazing and I will bring my family here soon," said Rashid Malik, a resident of Srinagar.

However, the local residents of the area say the authorities should advertise the park more as it has the potential of being a major tourist attraction.

"Mostly schoolchildren from nearby areas besides residents of Ganderbal come here for picnics. Even though people from outside the district have started coming here, many are unaware of the park," said Nazir Ahmad, a local.

"If the Tourism Department advertises about the park better more, it will also attract tourists from outside the state. Tourists who go to Sonamarg will come here as well," he added.

Jammu agricultural varsity to start business mgmt course

Srinagar, September 30
The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, is all set to establish a School of Agri-Business Management, a first-of-its-kind in the region.

The approval for setting up the institute was given by the university council during its 8th meeting under the chairmanship of Governor NN Vohra, who is the Chancellor of the university, at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar on Friday. The institute will admit 30 students in each session, which will be of two years.

Governorspeak

In his address, Governor Vohra recommended regular interaction among universities of the state. “The Governor suggested that the larger objective of the state would be achieved if the Vice-Chancellors (VCs) and heads of all the universities and institutions of higher learning in J&K could establish effective coordination and collaborative approaches in identified areas,” a Raj Bhawan spokesman said. Vohra also stressed the need for undertaking a study on impact of inadequate rains on agriculture and its allied sectors.

Chief Ministerspeak

In the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asked VCs of both the agricultural universities of the state to chalk out a policy document for the DNA finger printing of elite germplasm of important crops and setting up of such hi-tech laboratories.

The CM said a lot of effort was being made to boost entrepreneurship in the state, adding there was a need to extend its reach to various sectors. While reviewing the infrastructure development programme of the Jammu SKUAST, Omar advised the university authorities to go for third party monitoring of these projects.

Apart from the Governor and the CM, the meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir, Horticulture Minister Sham Lal Sharma, Animal and Sheep Husbandry Minister Aga Ruhulla, Jammu SKUAST VC Dr DK Arora, Kashmir SKUAST VC Dr Tej Partap, Islamic University of Science and Technology VC Dr AR Trag. — TNS

Eight injured in road accidents
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 30
Eight persons were injured in separate accidents across the Valley, the police said. As many as three persons were injured when a car collided with a motorcycle near Cheshmashahi garden here.

The injured were admitted to the hospital and a case has been registered in this regard, a police spokesman said.

In south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, four pedestrians were injured when a cab hit their motorcycle.

The spokesman said the four were admitted to a hospital.

In Pulwama district of south Kashmir, a person was injured when an unidentified vehicle hit him on the National Highway near Awantipora. The injured was shifted to a hospital in Srinagar for treatment, the spokesman added.

270 pilgrims leave for Haj
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 30
The 14th batch of 270 Haj pilgrims, including 100 women, left for Madina today morning. An official spokesperson said the officers from State Haj Committee; airport authority and district administration, Budgam, were present at the airport to see them off for the Haj pilgrimage today.

“As many as 4,589 Haj pilgrims, comprising 2,682 men and 1,907 women besides two infant pilgrims, including the Haj pilgrims of the 14th batch, have left for Madina from Srinagar International Airport till date via 17 flights,” said the spokesperson.

“The first flight with 260 Haj pilgrims left for Madina on September 17. This year over 9,100 Hajj pilgrims from the state would be performing Hajj. The Hajj quota for the J&K has been increased from last year’s 8,441 to 8,670 this year which is highest in last four years. In addition to this private Haj operators are facilitating 500 intending Haj pilgrims,” said an official.

To perform a Haj pilgrimage is a fundamental duty of every Muslim once in a life time. The pilgrims spend 40 days in the cities of Mecca and Medina performing the rituals of Haj, which include stoning the satan and spending a night under open sky in the city of Mina. The pilgrimage is taken every year in the last month of Islamic calendar.

Police public mela organised in Valley
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 30
Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Prasad today inaugurated the 21st Police Public Mela, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, at Bakshi Stadium. “Amid great enthusiasm, after lighting the traditional lamp, the chief guest DGP Prasad described the event as a bridge among the police and the public,” said a police spokesperson.

The DGP said such events provide an opportunity to people and the police to interact with each other. “Prasad appreciated the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Police Wives Welfare Association (JKPWWA) for organising such an event in a befitting manner,” said the spokesperson.

The police chief said the melas provides an opportunity to memorise the sacrifices of the Jammu and Kashmir Police while ensuring security and safety of the people.

The DGP said during the years of turmoil the Jammu and Kashmir Police families suffered as many jawans and officers of the force laid down their lives for the integrity of the state.

“Sacrifices offered cannot be forgotten and it is the prime duty of the police to take care of their families. It was due to the sacrifices of our martyrs’ that peace finally prevailed and the people of the state have a secure atmosphere now,” said the police chief.

“During the event various stalls were established by the different police units and products of different regions of the state were put for sale,” said the spokesperson.

He said the painting competition for the children was also conducted in the mela and prizes were distributed among the winners of the competition. “Cultural groups presented various items which were enjoyed by the people.. Tambola was also the main attraction for the people in the mela,” said the spokesperson.

Akhoon flags off students under scholarship scheme
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 30
Minister for Consumers Affairs and Public Distribution Qamar Ali Akhoon today flagged off 500 students from the Valley for undergoing free professional courses in Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Agra and other metropolitan cities of the country.

The students will study the courses under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir, earlier 299 students who had passed 10+2 examination were deputed and today again a group of 500 boys and girls were flagged off from Srinagar.

Akhoon was the chief guest on the occasion. He asked the students to maintain discipline and live a life of caution particularly while studying outside the state.

Mubarak Gul, Advisor to Chief Minister, asked the students to be the ambassadors of the Jammu and Kashmir State for carrying the message of peace.

Gul while citing the example of a brilliant student of valley, Shah Faisal, the first IAS topper, from the Valley, said every student should fix his target to achieve the goal.

Chairman of People’s Forum Syed Nasrullah and convener Mir Imtiyaz while welcoming the dignitaries appraised the gathering about the activities of their NGO and narrated the success stories registered by them till date.

The function was also addressed by the principal of the Islamia College, Professor Tariq Kawoosa, and Dr Chanchal Baradhwaj of Chandigarh. Principal of the Amar Singh College Professor Zahoor Chatt and many other academicians and students attended the function.

Dr Chanchal Bharadwaj in her address impressed upon the government to constitute committee of parents, government agencies, higher and technical education experts and social activists which will recommend feedback mechanism for organising such events and become the support system for translating the real intentions into practice.

Delegation leaves for anti-graft protest outside Parliament
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 30
A 40-member delegation left the city today to hold a demonstration outside the Parliament in New Delhi against rampant corruption in the state on Gandhi Jayanti. The scheduled protest will be jointly held by the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees Conference (JKGEC), the Jammu and Kashmir Employees Joint Action Committee and the GR Beigh Memorial Trust.

JKGEC president Ishtiaq Beigh said they will hold the day-long demonstration on October 2.

“The 40-member team will stage protests throughout the day as we want to highlight the rampant corruption in the state,” Beigh said before leaving the summer capital of the state.

He said, “The state government has failed to rein in corruption despite tall slogans. The state government has failed to address the issue; we have decided to raise our voice outside the Parliament. We are hopeful that Centre would listen to our grievances.”

India-Pak match bowls over cricket fans
Bismah Malik
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 30
The super eight T-20 cricket clash between arch rivals India and Pakistan generated much interest in the Valley. Be it Facebook, the streets or coffee shops, there was great deal of excitement among the residents ahead of today’s match. The day being a Sunday added to the fun especially for those employed.

Policemen, mediapersons and doctors who work on Sundays made special arrangement so as not to miss out on the excitement. Many headed home early to be part of the excitement.

“We have a cafeteria inside the hospital but due to the disturbance caused after the last India-Pakistan semi final World Cup match inside the hospital premises, the authorities have issued directions that the match cannot be viewed on TVs inside the hospital,” Dr Ashfaq, a resident doctor at the SMHS hospital said.

Then there are youngsters who want the mood to be right at the venue they decide to watch the match. Young boys got together to watch the match in a plush café in Srinagar. Not before they posted an invite to all those wanting to join in on the Twitter like Raheel Khursheed, a communication professional.

Though elaborate arrangements were made at several cafeterias, small shops and even malls, some of which screened the match on giant screens, the good old charm of listening to the radio or being glued to the TV set at home was a more popular choice of the fans in the city.

“I am very thrilled about the match. The excitement increased as the day of the match came closer. As always an India- Pakistan match involves a high dose of emotions. I have witnessed how the streets in the Valley wore deserted look and offices would register no attendance for the match. For me watching the match with my wife and children is an amazing experience,” Muhammad Sayed, a veteran businessman said.

Fencing Championship concludes
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 30
The District-Level Inter-School Fencing Championship for all age groups in both boys’ and girls’ section concluded at the District Administrative Complex Hall, Reasi. About 150 fencers, including 110 boys and 40 girls drawn from various institutions of the district competed in the sporting event which was declared open by Deputy SP Ghulam Hassain and Reasi SHO JS Sambyal.

The bouts were officiated by Abhinav Pandotra and Vinod Kumar Atri.

Later, District Youth Services and Sports Officer Dr Swaran Singh Chib distributed prizes among the winners.

Medal Winners: U-14 boys Foil: Sachin (gold), Domiter (silver) and Vansh (bronze). U-14 Epee: Kamal (gold), Vikas (silver) and Abhishek (bronze). U-14 Sabre: Nikhil (gold), Manav (silver) and Ripudaman (bronze). U-14 girls (Foil) Anu (gold), Saheen (silver) and Neha (bronze). U-14 Epee: Mahapara (gold), Sindhiya (silver), Sonali and Pihul (bronze).