Srinagar, August 5
The Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) has proposed laying of a Metro network for Srinagar to overcome the problem of traffic congestion in the city.

The Metro lines have been proposed from Gallandar in the south to Narbal Chowk in the north and from Nowgam Railway Station to Ganderbal on the northeast.

As per an official statement, the proposal was put forward during a high-level meeting held here today under the chairmanship of Minister for Urban Development & Urban Local Bodies Nawang Rigzin Jora to review the progress of Srinagar Master Plan.

“In the meeting, it was informed that the scarcity of quality and planned road networks and lack of organised parking facilities in Srinagar led to traffic congestion, which would aggravate further in the coming time. To overcome the traffic and transportation problems in the city, the SDA has, in the new master plan, proposed a network of light Metro and mini Metro, besides suggesting a network of new roads, flyovers, grade-separators and subways for Srinagar,” the statement read.

The proposed Metro line from Gallandar, once set up, would pass through Pampore, Sumarbugh, Panthachowk, Sonawar, Dalgate, Lal Chowk, Jehangir Chowk, Batamaloo, Bemina, JVC, Parimpora, Zainakote and Lawaypora before culminating at Narbal Crossing.

The other Metro line will originate at the Nowgam railway station and after moving over to Bagh-e-Mehtab, it would pass through Chanapora, Natipora, Rambagh, Mehjoor Nagar, Jawahar Nagar, LD Hospital, Jehangir Chowk, Barbarshah, Baba Demb, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Hawal, Alamgari Bazaar, Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan, Nowshehra, SKIMS, Soura-Buchpora, Pandach to culminate at Ganderbal.

As per the proposal, Jehangir Chowk will be the junction of the two Metro lines, which will provide reliable connectivity to the core area of the city.

It was informed that before being put in the public domain, the draft master plan would be throughly reviewed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Pertinently, the technical committee has already put forth its suggestions on the master plan, which stand incorporated in the draft land use plan.

Housing and Urban Development Department Commissioner Secretary Jeet Lal Gupta, SDA vice-chairman Mohammad Shafi Rather and Lakes and Waterways Development Authority vice-chairman Irfan Yasin were among those present in the meeting.

The SDA board, in a landmark decision last month, approved the extension of the greater Srinagar local area from 417 square km to 757 square km.

Srinagar, August 5
Two people were killed and three injured in different road accidents across the Valley, the police today said.

A car on its way from Shopian to Herpora hit a pedestrian, Shakeel Ahmad Dar of Chogalpora village of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, near the Y-Junction Mughal Road office, resulting in his death, a police spokesman said.

In Chattergam, a car hit two motorcycles resulting in serious injuries to the motorcyclists. The injured were taken to the Chattergam hospital, where one of them, Reyaz Ahmad Sheikh, succumbed to his injuries. A case has been registered and the investigation is on.

In another accident at Kangan in Ganderbal district, motorcyclist Uroj Ahmadhad and his pillion rider Mohammad Saleem Kaka were injured. They were shifted to a hospital, the spokesman said. — TNS

Srinagar, August 5
Banning further construction in the area, the J&K High Court has directed the state government to take all necessary steps for preserving and protecting two water bodies in north Kashmir which have been in a neglected state for many years.

In its orders passed today, a division Bench of the High Court headed by Chief Justice MM Kumar directed the authorities concerned to protect Shekhsar and Khurwansar, which are located in Sumbal tehsil of Bandipora district in north Kashmir. The Bench suggested installation of sewerage treatment plants (STPs) to prevent the flow of pollutants into the water bodies.

Abdul Majeed Wani, in a public interest litigation, had sought preservation and protection of the Shekhsar and Khurwansar water bodies. He had appealed that these water bodies should be restored to their original glory by stopping earth filling, construction, dewatering and land plantation here.

As the matter came up before the Bench today, the counsel for the petitioner submitted that the court directions dated June 26, 2013, had not been complied with by the authorities.

It also came to light that a team of officers, which was constituted on the court's directions, had visited the water bodies on July 6.

"The observations indicate that there is no report about fencing, plantation and number of buildings on one side of the water bodies. Likewise, many other violations have been pointed out. The committee has recommended that the water bodies need to be protected," the bench observed in its orders today while referring to the observations and the recommendations made by the committee.

The state counsel, however, submitted that some encroachments along the water bodies had been removed and notices for removing the remaining had been issued.

"We direct that the recommendations made by the committee should be immediately implemented," the high Court said in its orders, adding that all necessary steps should be taken to preserve and protect the water bodies.

"We also suggest that STPs be installed there in order to ensure that no waste is discharged into the lakes. The number of STPs to be installed may be determined by experts," the High Court said. It said no further construction should be allowed in the area.

The bench also directed the Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, to file an updated status report within four weeks and observed that its earlier directions had been taken casually by him.

Srinagar, August 5
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ali Mohammad Sagar today directed the officials concerned to carry out the necessary acquisition of space at Bul-Bul Lankar in old city so that the area can be developed on the "heritage" pattern.

The minister's directions came during a meeting held to discuss the status of various developmental activities undertaken by the government for ensuring the development of Srinagar.

Sagar said the government had already envisaged a comprehensive plan for developing the Bul-Bul Lankar-Aali Kadal area on the heritage pattern as it had a pivotal role in the history of the state. He directed the officials to prepare a project report for undertaking the construction of a community hall in the area as soon as possible. The hall was announced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while presenting the newly renovated shrine of Bul-Bul Sahib to people.

The minister directed PDD officers to realign electric poles under the ambit of the Syed Mirakh Shah Road project so that other works and the 
landscaping can be carried out by the concerned departments.

Srinagar, August 5
Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Shalinder Kumar reviewed the arrangements for Eid-ul-Fitr along with various administrative officials here today.

He visited various mosques and shrines in the city to take stock of the arrangements being made for devotees.

Kumar directed officials concerned to ensure availability of essentials commodities, including rice, flour, sugar, kerosene oil and LPG cylinders, besides intensifying market checks to regulate the prices of these goods and to keep a tab on quality. He directed provision of an additional 1 kg sugar on each ration card.

The Divisional Commissioner was accompanied by the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation; DIG, Traffic; Chief Engineers of PHE and PDD; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; and Joint Director Information.

Kumar during his visit to Dargah Hazratbal, Peer Dastigeer Sahib, Jamia Masjid, Khanqah Mohalla and shrines of Syed Yaqoob and Naqashband Sahib asked officials to arrange better transport facilities for devotees. He also directed the PHE and PDD departments to ensure supply of drinking water and power during the auspicious days.

Kumar also asked for provision of proper medical facilities.

In north Kashmir's Kupwara district, Deputy Commissioner Itrat Hussain Rafique today convened a meeting of officers of different departments to review the arrangements for the festival.

The meeting discussed measures put in place for ensuring basic amenities and availability of adequate essential commodities to consumers during the holy days.

The Kupwara Deputy Commissioner asked the concerned officers to keep a vigil in markets to keep prices of essential commodities under control.

The Kupwara Municipal Council was directed to maintain cleanliness in and around the mosques. The Power Development Department was asked to provide uninterrupted power supply. Directions were also given to officials concerned for ensuring availability of drinking water.

Arrangements for the Shab-i-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr were also finalised at a joint meeting of the police, civil officers and traders here this morning under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam in south Kashmir.

The meeting stressed for forging perfect synergy between various departmnets to provide the requisite facilities to public. All the sectoral heads were asked to activate their field functionaries to ensure that service delivery was improved to the best satisfaction of consumers.

It was decided in the meeting that under the supervision of Tehsildars, joint squads of police, CAPD, Health and Municipal officials shall undertake market checking in every Tehsil and block headquarters to maintain price line with focus on meat, milk, vegetables 
and fruits.

Executive Officers were asked to undertake special sanitation drives. They were directed to spruce up roads and cleanse drains and to give a festive look to market places during the festive days.

Srinagar, August 5
As Eid-ul-Fitr is round the corner, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has directed its sanitation staff to work in double shifts so that the city, especially important mosques and shrines, is kept clean during the festive time.

After a meeting with senior municipal officers here today, SMC Commissioner GN Qasba passed directions to all ward officers to depute sanitation staff to work in double shifts during the last five days of the holy month so that the sanitation work could be improved.

Qasba told the municipal officers, including all ward officers, to review and upgrade sanitation with a special focus on Shab-e-Qadar and Eid-ul-Fitr.

He directed that a team comprising safai karamcharis and officials 
from the mechanical division, in case of repairing of street lights, be kept on alert at religious places. He said the team should be put on night duty on 
the occasion of Shab-e-Qadar at Jamia Masjid in the old city and the 
Hazratbal shrine on the banks of the Dal Lake to facilitate devotees, who would be engaged in night-long prayers.

The ward officers were directed to hire services of sweepers voluntarily for the "Sunday sanitation" for which they would be paid separate incentives, said an SMC official.

Qasba said the sanitation drive would be conducted till the afternoon prayers of Eid. Eid will be celebrated on Friday or Saturday, subject to the appearance of the crescent.

Srinagar, August 5
Underlining youth as managers of socio-economic development and architects of new and model Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today listed the measures taken to expand the orbit of opportunities for the youth to excel and prove their mettle in all fields of life.

Talking to a deputation of youth at Awami Mulaqaat here today, the Chief Minister said the holistic welfare of the youth and empowering them to draw the road map of Jammu and Kashmir was his cherished desire.

“I want to see you ruling the roast in all fields of life and steer Jammu and Kashmir towards the shore of peace, prosperity and development,” Omar told them and listed the necessary provisions incorporated in the state’s development policy for the empowerment and development of youth in the state.

As many as 30 deputations and scores of individuals met the Chief Minister during today’s public mulaqaat and brought to his notice various issues related to the community and of personal nature.

The Chief Minister while speaking to various deputations highlighted the importance of utilising the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) for ensuring prompt and time-bound delivery of services from the Government Departments which have been brought under the ambit of the PSGA. He said 69 important public services had been time bound under the PSGA and asked the people to take best advantage of the historic Act and get these services in a time-bound manner.

Deputations from Rajouri, Shopian, Rafiabad, Khaag, Ganderbal, Malroo, Hassanabad, Kupwara, Khodpora, Krungsoo, Pampore, Pulwama, Chuntwaliwar, Qalampora, Soura, Chogam, Budgam and other places brought to the notice of the Chief Minister the issues pertaining to the construction of power receiving stations, upgrade of roads, augmentation of water and power supply, development of sports fields relating to the development of these areas.

Kupwara, August 5
Some families in Darpora village of Lolab valley in Kupwara district are facing severe shortage of water since Saturday. They said the supply of water to 40 families in the village has been snapped.

“For the past three days the water taps have run dry. We are dying for a drop of water and women are forced to walk miles to fetch water,” said Samina Akther, a local resident.

The locals said they requested the employees posted in the village to restore the supply, but to no avail. “They paid no heed to our pleas leaving us high and dry. We appeal to the higher officials to intervene in the matter and ensure the supply of water in Ramadan, at least,” said Shafat Ahmad, a local resident.

Some other families in the village complained that they were receiving water for only one hour during the day. “We receive water for only 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening. Every household gets a few buckets of water which is insufficient to meet our daily needs,” said Abdul Manan, a local resident.

The locals demanded that they should be provided round-the-clock supply of water.

Residents of adjoining villages, including Lalpora, Sunnard, Radinagh and Muqam alleged that they were charged by officials of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) on Ts’ or bends needed to connect pipes to the households. They said they had to pay Rs 100 each for installing bend, which according to norms, the PHE had to provide free of cost to every household.

“It is unjustified that employees charged us on bends which they were supposed to install free of cost. Although we made a representation about the same to the senior officers in the division concerned, but to no avail,” said a resident of Darpora.

A senior PHE official said, “The department has constituted a three-member team to look into the allegations and if found guilty, the employees responsible will be dealt under law.”

Anantnag, August 5
The Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) has been busy demolishing illegal structures on the outskirts of Pahalgam, as per the reports.

According to PDA officials, a serious note of illegal constructions, on the outskirts of Pahalgam, is being taken by the department after few villages were brought into the ambit of the development authority.

"We are identifying the illegal structures in and outside the Pahalgam town," said Nisar Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pahalgam Development Authority, adding that, "If any illegal structure is found within the jurisdiction of the PDA, it will not be spared."

Reports said the PDA officials along with the local police reached the Mavoora village in the peripheries of Pahalgam and demolished some illegal structures.

The PDA sources said some people were taking undue advantage of the recent unrest in the Valley and managed to raise some structures.

Sources said the construction of illegal structures happened the week after the killing of civilians in Gool village by the Border Security Force (BSF).

The CEO, PDA, said they had to take the local police along, as some people are hell bent upon creating problems for the demolition teams.

"We are facing a stiff resistance from villagers who are not happy being brought into the ambit of the PDA," the CEO said. He said such demolition drives would continue in the future.

Srinagar, August 5
The moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference today staged a peaceful dharna demanding the release of political prisoners ahead of Eid.

The faction also condemned the curfew restriction in Palhalan village in north Kashmir for the second consecutive day today, which is tensed after the arrest of a local youth.

Hurriyat’s Public Relations cell head Zaffar Akbar Bhat along with Javed Ahmad Mir, Bashir Andrabi and other activists today staged a demonstration in the Press Colony, Srinagar.

The Hurriyat leaders demanded an immediate and unconditional release of Kashmiri political prisoners from the jails.

“They stressed upon the world community and international human rights organisations to take strong notice of the ongoing oppression in Kashmir,” a Hurriyat spokesman said here.

He said the Hurriyat Conference condemned the state government for deliberately prolonging the imprisonment period of Kashmiris lodged in state and outside jails.

Kupwara, August 5
War of words over irrigation water between two groups of people from various villages in Kupwara ended with the sharing of water between the villagers on Sunday. Incessant rainfall on Saturday and Sunday also came to the rescue of farmers.

Kupwara DC Itrat Hussian Rafique told The Tribune that water was shared equally between the villagers. "Whosoever takes law into his hands will be dealt severely under the law. Water was shared between the villages and dispute were resolved," the DC said. He visited Chowikbal yesterday to ascertain the situation.

Thousands of kanals of paddy fields have dried up and developed cracks in parts of the Kupwara district due to shortage of irrigation water. Farmers of Kralpora and Trehgam towns alleged that the growth of paddy crop was badly affected due to blockade of Kehmil nullah-the only source of irrigation water-by farmers of Ramhal, Villgam and some adjoining villages.

At least six persons were injured in clashes on Thursday that erupted between two groups of people over water. "With the help of the district administration, the water was shared between the two villagers. Although the water level is low, but the farmers are irrigating their fields on rotation basis," said Rafiq Ahmad Dar, a farmer from Kralpora.