January 2023

Srinagar Jan 31:- 2 Hotels constructed illegally on Govt land sealed. The District Administration Srinagar Tuesday launched massive scale anti-encroachment operations in all Tehsils of District to evict Government Land from the illegal occupants and retrieved over 494 kanals of prime land worth ₹ 509 crores from land grabbers. Besides 2 hotels were also sealed.

Special Anti-encroachment squads constituted by District Administration Srinagar were headed by Tehsildars who conducted mass scale anti encroachment drives while taking assistance of Police and other departments.

A team of Revenue and Police Officers/Officials headed by Tehsildar Eidgah, Ishfaq Ahamd Khan launched a massive anti-encroachment drive in Palpora area and retrieved over 50 kanals of State land from the land grabbers.

Similarly, in a major anti-encroachment drive launched at Balhama and Khonmoh under the supervision of Tehsildar Pantha Chowk, Rakib Ahmad as many as 25 kanals of Kacharie land was retrieved. In addition, 27 kanals and 12 marlas of State land was also evicted from the encroachment.

Likewise, in Tehsil North, 36 kanals of Kacharie land was retrieved in Rakh e Zakura and 26 kanals of State land in Ahal area respectively. Similarly, in Khimber 5 kanal 10 marla Kachraie land and 10 marlas of State land was also retrieved by a Revenue Team headed by Tehsildar North, Kaiser Mehmood.

In South Tehsil of the District, a team headed by Tehsildar, Moean Azhar conducted a massive anti-encroachment drive and retrieved over 40 kanals of State land in Maisuma 8 kanals in Nursing Garh areas from the encroachers.

The team also evicted 4 kanals of prime land in Tashwan halqa of the Tehsil.

Similarly, in Khushipora area of Central Shalteng Tehsil over 12 kanals of Kahcharie land and 6 kanals of State land has been evicted in Rakh eGund Aksha areas.

In Chanapora Tehsil over 250 kanals of Kahcharie land was also evicted from land grabbers in Estate Nowgam area under the supervision of Tehsildar Chanpora, Saqib Saleem.

In Khanyar Tehsil 2 hotels namely Hotel In and Hotel Goodwill Commercial cum residential Hotel constructed illegally over 1 Kanals and 11 marlas of land in Brari Nambal were sealed and taken in possession under the supervision of Tehsildar Khanyar Aailya Tabasum.

Pertinent to mention that LG Administration has clearly said that common masses and poor people wouldn’t be touched during the ongoing encroachment drive launched to retrieve state land from encroachers. It has been also said in the statement that the government is concerned to safeguard the interests of poor people and only those who have illegally occupied the Government land by using their positions will be dealt strictly. Accordingly District Administrations have been stressed to launch anti encroachment drives to retrieve land from encroacher so that all Government land is evicted from the illegal occupants.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar has lauded the efforts of the concerned Tehsildars and their teams, the Deputy Commissioner asked them to continue the anti-encroachment drives in their respective jurisdictions as per standing instructions with added zeal and dedication so that all State/Kahcharie land is retrieved.(GNS)

Srinagar, Jan 31 : Jammu and Kashmir administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is likely to come up with a formal order in a week’s time ensuring protection for the poor and common masses during the ongoing anti-encroachment drive aimed at retrieving the land grabbed by the influential people in the past.

Sources in the LG administration, told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), senior BJP leaders of J&K unit of the party, have made personal requests about protecting the poor and common masses during the ongoing anti-encroachment drive going on across J&K.

“I met LG sahib in person and requested him to spare the people having grabbed or constructed homes on State land measuring 8 to 10 malras. I requested him to fix a nominal registration fee for them so that they are not rendered homeless,” BJP General Secretary and party’s Kashmir affairs incharge Sunil Sharma told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

He said that during his conversation with the LG it was decided that “influential won’t be spared and the land grabbed by them in the past will be retrieved at any cost.” “The LG told me that even though he has reiterated time and again that the poor won’t be touched and the influential won’t be spared, he would think on issuing a formal order in this regard,” he said.

Sharma said that he was hopeful that the LG administration may issue a formal order in this regard within a week’s time. “The order may have a mention about the registration fee for the poor having possession of State land up to 10 malras,” he said.

Another BJP leader, wishing not to be named, said that on behalf of the party, he too has urged the LG administration to spare the poor during the ongoing anti-encroachment drive. “Though it is up to the government to finalise whether they would keep 10 malras as the limit for having the State land for the poor lot who have constructed their homes or bring the number down to 5 malras or so. This is a matter of discussion and is being currently discussed by the Revenue officials and other officials of the LG led administration seriously,” the leader said, adding that “we expect a formal order shortly in this regard.”

J&K BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur said several delegations of farmers and poor people from Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir came to BJP office in Srinagar with a request that they have constructed homes on just 5,8 and 10 malars of State land and if they would be evicted, where would they go.

“We have requested the LG Sir not to touch the poor but go hard against the politicians especially all 34 former ministers whose names have surfaced in the list of land grabbers,” he said.

Congress party’s J&K unit too had vociferously opposed the eviction drive of the LG led administration and sought a formal order mentioning protection for the poor and farmers. Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi also expressed his displeasure over the J&K administration’s anti-eviction drive. In his press conference at Srinagar during Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY), Rahul said that “poor are being left homeless and farmer’s land is being snatched during the eviction drive of the J&K administration.” In the J&K’s anti-encroachment drive, action has been taken against former ministers and officers. “The list of land grabbers is so long that it will take years to retrieve the land. The drive is on as per the directions from the LG office,” an official said, wishing not to be named—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Jan 31 : After the moderate to heavy snowfall in Kashmir, the tourist destination in Sopore, Rampora Rajpora continued to remain cut off from the rest parts of the Valley on Tuesday as the roads leading to the place have not been cleared yet by the administration, causing immense hardship to the local populace.

Reports reaching the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the area has received at least 3 feet of snow, blocking the 14 km road stretch from Sangri Top to Rampora Rajpora.

The local residents said that the administration here has failed to clear the snow from the Rampora – Rajpora road, which is some 25 kilometers away from the Sub divisional headquarter Sopore, causing inconveniences to them.

“The main road that connects Rampora-Rajpora village with the sub district headquarter is yet to be cleared of snow, causing hardships to the local populace,” they said.

“The snowfall of around 3 feet has accumulated and there is no road connectivity at all,” said Khazir Mohammad, a local Sarpanch.

The residents, however, demanded that the administration should take swift action with regard to the clearance of snow bound roads in the outskirts of Sopore town—(KNO)

Srinagar, Jan 31 : The closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway due to landslides and snow triggered shortage of mutton in Kashmir.

In Srinagar, non-availability of mutton was reported from several areas of Srinagar.

Stakeholders associated with the mutton trade acknowledged to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) shortage of mutton in markets due to the highway shutdown.

General Secretary of Kashmir mutton dealers association Mehraj-u-Din told KNO that more than 80 trucks of sheep are stranded on the highway.

Responding to a query about the status of the revision of mutton rates he said their scheduled meeting with the administration on Saturday last week was postponed after which they are yet to get information on a fresh date.

“We are waiting for a fresh date for the meeting as we have already made a draft to finalise the revision of mutton rates”, he said.

The Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Kashmir had sealed more than 100 mutton shops across the valley stating that the drive was launched to control pricing after receiving reports that mutton is being sold at high rates and beyond the government fixed rate—(KNO)

Srinagar, Jan 31 : A day after moderate to heavy snowfall in Kashmir, the weather turns pleasant on Tuesday while as the weatherman here has predicted mostly dry weather till February 04. However, the University of Kashmir has postponed MBBS, LLB and BA LLB exams, scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday).

Officials in the Meteorological department (MeT) told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the weather would remain mostly dry till February 04.

They said that as per the forecast, there is no possibility of any major snowfall for the next ten days in Kashmir.

Pertinently, after the wet spell, the night temperature has increased in Kashmir parts with Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, recording a low of minus 8.4 degree Celsius.

Pahalgam in South Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4.7 degree Celsius while the mercury in Srinagar settled at 0.0 degree Celsius.

As per the data, the mercury in Kokernag and Kupwara settled at minus 0.8 degree Celsius while Qazigund recorded a low of minus 0.4 degree Celsius.

Moreover, the Srinagar-Jammu highway has been thrown open for the vehicular movement today for both sides.

“The highway was opened for the traffic on both sides after the road clearance work was completed,” he said.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban, Mohita Sharma said that the intermittent shooting stones and slides are still occurring and advised people to drive cautiously.

“NH through traffic. Intermittent shooting stones and slides still coming at some places. Travel very cautiously. Road slippery”, SSP Ramban, Mohita Sharma tweeted.

Earlier in the day, the flight operations resumed at Srinagar international airport a day after 68 flights (34 arrivals and 34 departures) were cancelled.

“Several morning flights were delayed due to low visibility, but now the flight operations are going on smoothly,” Director Srinagar Airport, Kuldeep Singh told KNO.

The train services also resumed partially after remaining suspended for a day.

Chief Engineer, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Javed Yousuf Dar told KNO that the electricity has been restored across the Valley, barring some places in Tangdhar and Machil where the road connectivity is still blocked.

The University of Kashmir postponed the examinations of MBBS, LLB and BA LLB which were scheduled to be held on February 1, 2023 (Wednesday).

Controller of Examinations Dr Majid Zaman said students from snow-bound areas of Kashmir requested for postponement citing inaccessibility due to heavy snowfall.

“Fresh dates for the deferred examinations will be notified separately later,” he said—(KNO)

Srinagar, Jan 30: In order to assess the situation in wake of overnight Snowfall in the district, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad on Monday toured various areas around the Srinagar City to inspect Snow-clearance operations and take first hand appraisal about functioning of essential supplies.

The DC also reviewed the status of essential commodities and healthcare services available in the district on the occasion.

Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Athar Amir Khan accompanied the Deputy Commissioner during the tour.

During the tour, the DC visited various areas of the City including Karan nagar, Kak Sarai, Batamaloo, Jehangir Chowk, Bemina, Maisuma, Basant Bagh, Gaw Kadal, Lalchowk and other adjoining areas, and took stock of the ongoing snow clearance operations.

He also visited SMHS Hospital to inspect the clearance measures for hassle free movement of ambulances apart from looking into power supply. He took a round of various units of the Hospital and inspected the Emergency unit, ICU, OPD, IPD and enquired about the patient care facilities available at the hospital.

On the occasion, the DC asked the Medical Superintendent SMHS to ensure all healthcare facilities to the patients and take appropriate measures to ensure patient care services are not affected at all. He also directed the other line Departments to make sure periodical Snow clearance is undertaken besides stationing of mobile dewatering pumps to overcome water logging.

The DC also stressed on ensuring free Ambulance movement enroute all City Hospitals. He emphasized on Snow clearance from outer Srinagar areas like Harwan, Dara, Fakir Gujri, Khanmoh, Balhama, Soiteng, Panzinara, etc.

The DC also visited Power Grid Station Bemina and took stock of the power supply. He was informed that currently power supply is being fed to all City Stations/feeders as per notified schedule.

Giving Division wise details power feeders under fault today due to incessant snowfall, the DC was informed that out of total 267 feeders of 11KV capacity only 08 are under fault which are being restored on priority.

With regard to water supply, the DC was informed by the Executive Engineer who was accompanying him during the visit that all water supply schemes including 9 major water treatment plants catering Srinagar periphery are functional as per routine.

Later, the DC inspected the Transformer Repair yard at Basant Bagh and assessed the stock position of buffer power transformers.

On the occasion, the Superintending Engineer, PDD apprised the DC that as many 22 transformers are in buffer stock to cater any need to replace damaged transformers.

The DC was also informed that a 630 KVA Distribution Transformer which got damaged Sunday evening was replaced on Monday morning.

The DC stressed on interagency coordination to ensure hassle free essential services across the City.

Besides, Chief Planning Officer, Mohammad Yaseen Lone; the DC was accompanied by officers from Mechanical Engineering Department, Public Works Department, Public Health Engineering, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, UEED and officers from other line departments—(KNO)

Uri, Jan 30: At least three residential houses were damaged even as normal life disrupted in the aftermath of ongoing snowfall in frontier Uri town in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Reports reaching GNS that three residential houses belonging to Ghulam Hassan Khan and Jahangir Ahmed Khan were damaged in Mohura while as another house belonging to one Ghulam Murtaza Khan was damaged in Challan Boniyar.

With incessant snowfall, thin public movement was witnessed on roads and markets even as the traffic movement also remaining largely effected.

Most of roads conecting tehsil headquarters of Boniyar with Uri were still closed for vehicular movement, at the time of filing of this report.

Many villages in the Uri town face power outage as the snowfall damaged electricity poles and wires at various places.

The relatively high downpour of the season has reportedly also caused huge damage to fruit trees including apple, walnut, pear, apricot, pomegranate in upper villages viz. Nambla, Garkote, Balkote, Silikote, Sohura, Mothal, Chrunda Kamalkote, Lachipora, Bijhama, Boniyar.

When contacted, a PDD official told GNS that electricity has been restored at many places. “The supply in remaining places will be restored tomorrow (Tuesday)”, the official said.

Meanwhile a PMGSY Department official told GNS that several roads were cleared today only. “There has been accumulation on few roads due to continuous downpour”, he said adding the roads will be cleared and made accessible for movement once the weather conditions improve. (GNS)

Srinagar, Jan 30 : The government on Monday ordered transfer of four JKAS officers with one of them, Syed Shahnawaz Assistant Commissioner, State Taxes, Enforcement (North), Baramulla, Kashmir, posted as Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir.

According to separate orders, copies of which lie with GNS, Sajid Yehaya Naqash, JKAS, Regional Transport officer, Kashmir, has been transferred and has been asked to await further orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department.

As per separate order, Asif Hamid Khan, JKAS, Member, J&K Special Tribunal, Srinagar Bench, has been transferred and has been asked to await further orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department.

Ashiq Hussain Lily, JKAS, awaiting orders of adjustment in the GAD, has been posted as Member, J&K Special Tribunal, Srinagar Bench. (GNS)

Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Jan 30 : People from several areas in Sopore on Monday complained that authorities didn’t clear roads, causing inconvenience to them.

In Zaingeer and other areas, people alleged that their roads were not cleared of snow.

“We apprised the local authorities via social media about the difficulties we are facing but unfortunately no major step has been taken to address our problem,” a resident of Zainageer said..

An official from the mechanical engineering department told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the continuous snowfall is hampering the clearance process.

He said that they have strict orders to clear the roads once snowfall stops. “Though it’s snowing so, it’s not possible to clear the roads as of now”, he said.

The locals urged authorities to clear snow from roads so that people will have hassle-free commutes on roads.

President Municipal Council Sopore Masarrat Kar told KNO that almost every vital road in the town has been cleared of snow.

She said till afternoon at least three snow cutter machines were on the job and in the evening another machine from Baramulla was sought. “Our main roads stand cleared while inner links will be completed till evening”, Kar said.

She added that they would be pressing men on the job to clear interiors too.

Meanwhile, police issued helpline numbers for the information of the general public requiring assistance in view of the prevalent weather situation and to facilitate the movement of the public.

The general public have been asked to contact the following numbers in case of eventualities;

Police Control Room Sopore (PCR): 9596773024, 9596773025, 01954- 222312, 01954- 225333, Police Station Tarzoo: 9596773011, 01954-223355, Police Station Sopore: 9596773010, 01954-222271, SDPO Sopore: 01954-222422, 9596773004, SHO Bomai: 9596773012, SHO Dangiwacha: 9596773014 and SHO Panzla: 9596773013—(KNO)