Jammu & Kashmir

Amid forecast for widespread moderate rain and snow on weekend, night temperature recorded an increase in J&K, except Gulmarg and Pahalgam, on Friday.

A meteorological department official here told GNS that Srinagar, the summer capital of the J&K, recorded a low of 2.8°C against last night’s 2.2°C.

Kashmir is presently under the grip of 40-day long harshest period of winter, known locally as ‘Chillai Kalan, which started from December 21. It is followed by a 20-day long ‘Chillai Khurd’ and a 10-day-long ‘Chilla Bachha’.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 7.5°C against minus 5.0°C on previous night, he said. The temperature was 2.7°C above normal for this time of the year in the famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Pahalgam, the famous resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 2.4°C against minus 0.6°C last night, he said.

Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, recorded a low of 1.6°C against 0.7°C on the previous night, he said.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a low of 0.4°C against minus 0.1°C on the previous night, the official said.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of 1.2°C , same as on the previous two nights, the official said.

Jammu recorded a low of 10.6°C against previous night’s minus 0.1°C which is 3.6°C above normal for the J&K’s winter capital during this time of the year, he said.

Banihal recorded a low of 1.8°C, Katra 8.2°C and Bhaderwah saw a minimum of 1.7°C, the official said.

Ladakh’s Leh recorded a low of minus 12.0°C against last night’s minus 9.0°C while mercury at automatic station in Kargil settled at minus 14.2°C. Drass, the second coldest place in the world after Siberia, recorded a low of minus 21.4°C against last night’s minus 15.9°C, official said.

“An Active Western Disturbance is Most likely to cause Widespread Moderate Rain/Snow in J&K during 22-23rd Jan,” the meteorological department official said, adding, that the weather system may temporary cause disruptions in surface and air transportation. “(Probability of Occurrence as of today is 75%),” he said. (GNS)

Army and police on Friday claimed to have recovered 31 kilograms of narcotics along the Line of Control in Poonch district.

“Based on inputs of likely smuggling of Narcotics through the Line of Control in Poonch, Indian Army along with JKP launched relentless operations in the area,” Lt Col Devender Anand, Jammu-based PRO (Defence) said in a statement to GNS.

“The operations were backed up with a well integrated surveillance grid coupled with extensive domination of the areas close to the Line of Control,” he said, adding, “On 19 and 20 January, Narcotics weighing approximately 31Kg have been recovered in a search operation conducted by Indian Army and JKP, very close to the Line of Control.’ The nature of the narcotics claimed to have been recovered has not been given out so far.(GNS)

Amid unabated upsurge in covid-19 cases, government on Thursday imposed 64-hours weekly lockdown beginning Friday 1400 hours till further orders.

“There will be complete restriction on non-essential movement in the entire J&K from every Friday 2.00 pm to Monday 6.00 am, henceforth,” Chairman State Executive Committee and Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta said in an order, amending the previous order issued last week.

Amid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the entire J&K and the presence of variant of concern (Omicron), the State Executive Committee, in exercise of the powers conferred upon it under Section 24 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 ordered: “That there shall be a complete restriction on non-essential movement in the entire UT of J&K from every Friday 2.00 pm to Monday 6.00 am, henceforth,” reads an order issued here by the Chief secretary and chairman SEC.”

“Pregnant Women Employees will be exempted from physical attendance. They shall be allowed to work from home,” the order, a copy of which lies with GNS reads further, adding, “These directions shall be applicable till further orders.”

There has been surge in covid-19 cases in J&K. On January 1, J&K reported 169 cases, 165 cases on January 2, 178 on January 3, 199 on January 4, 418 on January 5, 349 on January 6, 542 on January 7, 655 on January 8, 687 on January 9, 706 on January 10, 1148 on January 11, 1695 on January 12, 1966 on January 13, 2456 on January 14, 3251 on January 15, 3499 on January 16, 2817 on January 17, 4651 on January 18 and 5818 on January 19 and 5992 on January 20.

The SEC underlined that Enforcement of Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) was critical in determining the need for additional restrictions.

“All the Government Department(s)/Office(s) shall minimise conducting in-person meetings/interactions etc. All Administrative Secretaries/ Head of the Departments)/ Institution(s) shall ensure optimal use of virtual mode for conducting official meetings etc,” reads an order by SEC.

To reduce the rate of transmission within J&K, the SEC said that all efforts shall be made by authorities through active involvement of PRIs, Community Leaders, Market Associations and Federations.

“IEC campaign for containing surge in Covid cases/3rd Wave shall be undertaken immediately by all District Magistrates (Chairperson, District Disaster Management Authorities) in their respective jurisdictions highlighting the necessity of Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB).”

The SEC reiterated that maximum number of people permitted to attend any indoor or outdoor gathering shall be strictly restricted to 25.

“Banquet Halls in all the Districts of J&K are permitted to allow gathering up to 25 vaccinated persons (with verifiable RT-PCR or RAT not older than 72 hours) or 25% of the authorised capacity (whichever is less), preferably in open spaces.”
It ordered that cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes, restaurants, clubs, gymnasiums and swimming pools are permitted to function at 25% of the authorised capacity with due precautions such as CAB and adherence to SOP
As regards the education institutions, all Colleges, Schools, Polytechnics, ITIs, Coaching Centres for Civil Services/Engineering/NEET etc. have been asked to adopt online medium of teaching. “There shall be no in-person teaching.”

Also night Curfew shall continue to remain in force in all Districts from 9 pm to 6 am with complete restriction on non-essential movement.

“There shall also be complete restriction on non-essential movement during weekends in entire J&K,” the order reads, adding, “All Deputy Commissioners shall intensify testing and ensure full utilisation of available RT-PCR and RAT capacities. There shall be no drop in testing levels.”

The Deputy Commissioners have been also asked focus on the positivity rates of the Medical-Blocks under their jurisdictions. “Intensified measures related to Covid management and restriction of activities shall be undertaken in these Blocks.”

The DCs have been also asked to keep active track of the positivity rates in their respective jurisdictions. “Strict perimeter control (Micro-Containment Zone) shall be implemented for localities where Covid-19 Positive Cases number reaches 3 and above. This shall be done to ensure no movement of people in or out of these zones, except for medical emergencies and for maintaining supply of essential goods and services.”

Inter State movement of passenger transport of SRTC or Stage Contract Private Passenger Buses have been permitted for fully vaccinated person or persons with verifiable RT-PCR not older than 72 hours or based on RAT on-spot with strict compliance with CAB.

“Entry into Parks shall be permitted to vaccinated persons only with due verification. Surprise checks shall be conducted by inspection teams to assess the implementation and initiate corrective measures.” (GNS)

Weatherman on Thursday revised its earlier forecast by now predicting widespread moderate rain and snow during 22 to 23rd January in Jammu and Kashmir.

“An Active Western Disturbance is Most likely to cause Widespread Moderate Rain/Snow in J&K during 22-23rd Jan,” an official of the meteorological department here told GNS, adding, that the weather system may temporary cause disruptions in surface and air transportation. “(Probability of Occurrence as of today is 75%),” he said.

Light rains lashed plains in Jammu and Kashmir while upper reaches including Gulmarg received fresh snowfall, officials said on Thursday.

A meteorological department official here told GNS that Srinagar received 2.9mm rain in last 24 hours till 0830 hours today while the summer capital of the J&K recorded a low of 2.2°C against last night’s 2.7°C.

Kashmir is presently under the grip of 40-day long harshest period of winter, known locally as ‘Chillai Kalan, which started from December 21. It is followed by a 20-day long ‘Chillai Khurd’ and a 10-day-long ‘Chilla Bachha’.

Gulmarg had about 8cms of fresh snowfall during the time and recorded a low of minus 5.0°C against minus 6.0°C on previous night, he said. The temperature was 2.7°C above normal for this time of the year in the famous resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Pahalgam, the famous resort in south Kashmir, had 4cms of snowfall and recorded a low of minus 0.6°C against minus 1.9°C last night, he said.

Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, had 2mm of rainfall and recorded a low of 0.7°C against 1.3°C on the previous night, he said.
Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, also had 1.6mm of rain during the time and recorded a low of minus 0.1°C against 0.2°C on the previous night, the official said.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir received 3.4mm of rainfall during the time while as it recorded a low of 1.2°C , same as on the previous night, the official said.

Jammu, received 5.1mm of rains and  recorded a low of 8.5°C against previous night’s 9.1°C which is 1.4°C above normal for the J&K’s winter capital during this time of the year, he said.

Banihal recorded a low of 1.4°C, Katra 7.5°C and Bhaderwah saw a minimum of 1.6°C, the official said.

Ladakh’s Leh recorded a low of minus 9.0°C against last night’s minus 11.4°C while mercury at automatic station in Kargil settled at minus 15.0°C. Drass, the second coldest place in the world after Siberia, recorded a low of minus 15.9°C against last night’s minus 19.2°C, official said. (GNS)

A woman was charred to death while four persons including an elderly couple and a personnel from fire & emergency department were injured in a devastating fire incident in which four houses were completely gutted and three others were partially damaged at Khawaja Bazar Nowhatta locality in Srinagar on Thursday.

Official sources told GNS that fire erupted in one of the houses at the congested locality and apparently there was some gas cylinder blast. Subsequently, they said, the fire spread to other houses and caused extensive damage to all four structures and partial damage to three others before the fire was controlled.

Unfortunately, they said, one woman who did not move out was charred alive while three civilians including an elderly couple—Abdul Aziz and his wife Fazi Begum—were injured along with the leading fireman Mohammad Rafiq. The injured have been hospitalized. The woman was lost life in the “tragic fire incident” has been identified as Shakeela wife of Ghulam Mohammad Khosa.

A police officer told GNS that cause of the fire is being ascertained. (GNS)

Photo by Suhail Hameed

The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir Pandurang K Pole today visited Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Sonwar to take on spot review of the preparations for the celebration of Republic Day, 2022.
The Div Com was accompanied by DC Srinagar; officers of SMC, Information, School Education, Floriculture, Health Services, PWD (R&B), PHE, KPDCL, UEED, MED, Hospitality & Protocol, and other concerned departments. Besides, officers of Police, CRPF and other security agencies were also present on the occasion.
Div Com directed concerned officers for keeping the exigency plan for snow clearance ready in view of snowfall ahead of Jan 26 to clear ground for conduct of main function of Republic Day.

Pole also directed concerned officers to make the seating arrangements for guests in accordance to the Covid protocols besides setting up tents.

He further directed for covering some particular areas of the ground with tarpaulin by tomorrow in view of snowfall so the ground doesn’t get drenched with water.
Also, Div Com directed health officers to establish covid testing desk at the venue to conduct regular tests of participants during parade practice and monitor their body temperature.

Div Com directed officers of PDD to ensure continuous supply of electricity besides directing CRPF to make arrangements of heating facilities for participants of Republic Day.

Besides, he directed JD information to make arrangements for Public Address System, installation of LED Screens at prime locations besides ensuring smooth coverage of Republic Day function by media.

Massive Fire engulfs at sehyar Jamallata Nawa Kadal in srinagar on Thursday.

@isuhailhameed

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Covid-19 cases continued to mount as Jammu and Kashmir reported 5992 fresh cases while seven persons succumbed to the virus in last 24 hours, officials said on Thursday.

They said 1920 of the fresh cases were confirmed from Jammu Division and 1072 from Kashmir valley, taking the overall tally to 378661.

Giving district wise details, the officials told GNS that Srinagar reported 1306 cases, Baramulla 825, Budgam 636, Pulwama 125, Kupwara 137, Anantnag 137, Bandipora 237, Ganderbal 270, Kulgam 243, Shopian 34, Jammu 1217, Udhampur 200, Rajouri 70, Doda 72, Kathua 105, Samba 86, Kishtwar 47, Poonch 23, Ramban 42 and Reasi 58.

Seven persons also died during the time—five from Jammu division and two from Kashmir. So far 4586 people have died due to the virus—2237 in Jammu division and 2349 in Kashmir Valley.

A number of the fresh cases were confirmed at diagnostic laboratories of GMC Srinagar and Anantnag besides District Hospital Pulwama.

The GMC Srinagar cases include male (18) (NA) from Hyderpora, female (24) (NA) GMC, male (40) (NA) from Baramulla, female (40) (NA) from Kupwara, male (40) (NA) from Rajouri kadal, male (50) (NA) from Pattan, female (40) (NA) from Sgr, female (25) (NA) from Malpora, male (30) (NA) from Kawdara, male (50) (NA) from Sgr, female (30) (NA) from Shopian, female (27) (NA) from Jammu, male (35) (NA) from Kursoo, female (30) (NA) from Shopian, male (45) (NA) from Bandipora, female (45) (NA) from Sgr, male (47) (NA) from Chadoora, male (03) (NA) from Bemina, female (26) (NA) from Eidgah, male (45) (NA) from Qamarwari, male (40) (NA) from Anantnag, female (30) (NA) from Eidgah, male (30) (NA) from Chattabal, female (40) (NA) from Pulwama, female (50) (NA) from Kupwara, male (28) (NA) from Sanatnagar, male (30) (NA) from Sanatnagar, male (42) (NA) from Sanatnagar, male (21) (NA) from Sanatnagar, male (26) (NA) from Sanatnagar, female (50) (NA) from Babdem Sgr, male (39) (NA) from Nawakadal, female (37) (NA) from Iqbal abad, male (30) (NA) from GDC, male (37) (NA) from Chadoora, male (35) (NA) from Budgam, male (30) (NA) from Sgr, female (21) (NA) from Pulwama, male (48) (NA) from Bemina, female (28) (NA) from Natipora, male (29) (NA) from Nowgam, male (13) (NA) from Hawal, male (42) (NA) from Hawal, female (10) (NA) from Hawal, female (26) (NA) from Pampore, female (35) (NA) from Shopian, male (14) (NA) from Lawaypora, male (35) (NA) from Chattabal, male (17) (NA) from Bandipora, male (39) (NA) from Batamaloo, female (14) (NA) Bagi mehtab, female (30) (NA) from Rainawari, female (26) (NA) from GDC, male (21) (NA) from Bandipora, female (18) (NA) from Habakadal, female (30) (NA) from Bemina, female (33) (NA) from Soura.

The GMC Anantnag cases include male (33) from Kulgam, female (26) from Dooru Ang, three males (63, 32, 29) from Zadipora Khanabal, male (23) from Sherpora Ang, male (50) from Wantra Kulgam, male (20) from Sundu Ang, male (27) from Monghall, male (49) from Malaknag, female (34) from GMCA, two males (31, 40) and female (30) from Pampore, female (26) from Qazigund, male (28) from Baghi Mehtab, female (36) from Tarigam, male (37) from GMC Ang, female (31) from Iqbalabad, male (25) from Kadipora, female (55) from Kheram, male (37) from Fatehpora, female (55) from Kokernag, female (21) from Bijbehara, male(70) from Mir Bazar, male (67) from Kp road, eighteen males (34, 7, 30, 22, 55, 32, 53, 32, 5, 50, 23, 50, 50, 35, 73, 15, 26, 45) and five females (12, 65, 34, 42, 48) from Charigam Sallar, male (26) from Heeward Kapran, male (45) from Malik Abad, male (39) from Sadoora Larkipora, female (22) from Dooru Shahabad, male (45) from SDM Office Dooru, male (41) from Ratnipora, male (40) from Tral, female (70) from Keegam, male (35) from Balapora, female (40) from Shadimarg, male (40) from Trenz, male (33) from Imamsahib, male (34) from Shemshipora, two males (28, 60) and two females (55, 25) from Killora, female (44) from Wachi, male (20) from Reban, female (15) from Chitragam, male (32) from Devipora, male (70) from Kawarigam, male (28) from Achabal, male (50) from Bon Dailgam, male (52) from Palpora, female (24) from Brakpora, male (45) from Brienty, male (35) from Sandoo, male (2.5) from Bonigam, female (32) from Dailgam, female (70) from Trahpoo, male (25) from Akingam, male (28) from Damhall, four males (46, 43, 31, 52) from Bijbehara Sirhama, two males (38, 35) from Kokernag, female (35) from Sagam Kokernag, female (20) from Nambal Mattan, male (16) and female (11) from Seer Hamdan, male (27) from Mattan Batpora, female (45) and two males (13, 14) from Lazibal, female (20) from Bamnoo Pulwama, male (70) from Keller Shpn, female (28) from Buderhama, female (45) from Ahmedabad D.H Pora, male (30) from Manzgam DH Pora, male (31) from H V Gam Kulgam, male (22) from D H Pora Kulgam, male (28) from Mattan, male (32) from Malpora Kulgam, male (20) from Kandipora Kulgam, male (32) from Kulgam, male (45) from Shopian, male (30) from Qazigund, male (36) from Ashmuji Kulgam, male (62) from Bhan Kulgam, male (40) from Devsar Kulgam, male (44) from Lamad Kulgam, male (39) from Yaripora Kulgam.

Cases confirmed at DH hospital Pulwama include female (20) from Arihal Pulwama, female (31) from Bala Nowpora Pulwama, female (30) from Wanpora Pulwama, female (30) from Shadab kherwa, female (33) from Pirpora, male (30) from Rajpora, male (32) from Pinglena, male (18) from Narwa, male (35) from Padhampora, male (40) from Bonora, male (50) from Bonora, male (50) from Bonora, male (40) from Bonora, male (50) from Bonora, male (50) from Bonora, male (50) from Bonora, male (50) from Bonora, female (30) from Rangmulla, male (40) from Ratnipora, female (40) from Nowgam Sgr, male (50) from Arigam, female (32) from Shadab shopian, male (39) from Sanzwatri, female (45) from Koil, male (40) from New colony, female (32) from Chakoora, female (60) from Panzgam Pulwama, female (12) from Prichoo, female (30) from Wasroora, female (25) from Shopian and male (35) from Tral.

Besides, they said, 1177 Covid-19 patients recovered during the time—716 from Jammu Division and 461 from Kashmir. So far 343031 people have recovered, leaving active case tally at 31044—10535 in Jammu and 20509 in Kashmir.

They said there was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 51 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials said.

They also informed that 35461 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

Jammu & Kashmir Wednesday achieved the landmark of administering over 2 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses in the ongoing Covid vaccination campaign across the country.

On the occasion, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has complimented the efforts of healthcare and frontline workers who battled the odds of tough geographical terrain, weather vagaries, and a host of other impediments to achieve this momentous task.

“Congratulations to the people of UT for their cooperation and resolve to unitedly tackle the public health emergency”, he added.

J&K has been a front runner among the States/UTs in vaccinating the eligible population with the Covid vaccine. The J&K administration achieved the completion of 1 Crore doses of Covid vaccination as early on 18th September 2021. Subsequently, 100% coverage of 1st dose in 18 and above age group was achieved on 14th October 2021. It was on 12th January 2022, the administration achieved 100% 2nd dose coverage of 18 and above age group.

The Lt Governor has been personally monitoring the public health response to Covid pandemic, including the achievement of vaccination, on a weekly basis.

Pertinently, it was under his guidance that the UT government had launched a 10-point campaign in November 2021 to raise awareness and highlight the flagship and other government schemes being implemented at the grassroots level to empower the common man.

Among that 10-point campaign, the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ Campaign laid renewed focus on coverage of all unvaccinated cases across the UT by ensuring Door-to–Door vaccination which substantially boosted vaccination numbers in the region.

As on date, besides achieving 100% double dose coverage of the citizens in the 18 years & above group, the UT administration has achieved 57% coverage of 1st dose in the 15-17 age group, besides administering 1,02,020 precaution doses—(KNO)