Jammu & Kashmir

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)

Srinagar, Jan 30 : The government Monday renamed 52 public schools and five other infrastructures after those cops and security forces who lost their lives on line of duty.

Besides, the government also renamed one infrastructure in the name of Makhan Lal Bindroo—a pharmacist who was shot dead at his establishment in Srinagar.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Secretary to Government Piyush Singla said, “Sanction is accorded to the naming of 57 infrastructure and assets after martyrs and eminent personalities.”

Previously, the government had renamed scores of educational establishments and roads after some eminent personalities and the security forces who lost their lives on the line of duty.

Besides, the government had ordered necessary steps to be taken for amending the records for effecting the changes.

According to the order, the School Education Department has been asked to take immediate necessary steps including amending records for effecting the changes.

“Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and Jammu shall personally monitor the naming of infrastructure assets in their respective divisions while the Deputy Commissioners shall ensure that appropriate events are held in connection with the naming of these infrastructures and assets,” it reads—(KNO)

Srinagar, Jan 30 : Donning the Kashmiri traditional gown (pheran), Congress leader and Member Parliament (MP) Rahul Gandhi Monday said he deliberately wore a white T-shirt to give chance to his enemies to change its colour but he received endless love instead of grenades. He said the message Bharat Jodo Yatra(BJY) was to see the end of phone calls giving the message of deaths in the Valley.

Addressing a rally on the last day of BJY at SK Stadium, Sonwar, Srinagar, amid heavy snowfall, Rahul, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that much was talked about his T-Shirt. “I wore (white) T-Shirt to give chance to my enemies to change its colour, but instead I received lots of love and warm wishes instead of grenades,” Rahul thundered from the stage amid slogans from the participants: “Jodo, Jodo Bharat Jodo”

Rahul said he can well understand the pain and agony of Kashmiris. “Every Kashmiri I met during my Yatra had tears in his/her eyes. The main message of BJY is to see the end of phone calls giving messages of deaths. What would be the fate of the families including soldiers, CRPF men and Kashmiris when they get phone calls with messages of deaths/killings of their loved ones? Who else can understand that other than me? I have received phone calls about my father’s death and even my grandmother’s death and thus I could realize the pain of families of those killed in Pulwama,” he said as snowflakes filled the air.

Rahul dared Home Minister Amit Shah and other BJP leaders to conduct or hold Padyatra in the Valley like the one he did. “I am sure they can’t do it as they are afraid and have fear in their hearts,” he said and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of “instigating violence”.

Rahul said that Kashmiriyat was a thought and Kashmir was a home for him. “In fact, the thought Kashmiriyat presents is a home for me. For me, the home is not just four-walls but the thought Kashmiriyat gives and presents,” he said.

While speaking on the occasion, Rahul said that he has not carried out this yatra for himself or for the party, but for the people of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahul’s sister, Priyanka Gandhi said that the main message of BJY was to spread love and call for the end of hatred by bringing the hearts together. “Finally, we have succeeded,” he said.

Former J&K chief ministers including Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti while speaking on the occasion said that they see a ray of hope in Rahul Gandhi.

Earlier in the day, Rahul unfurled the national flag at the yatra’s campsite at Cheshma Shahi in Srinagar. He later hoisted the national flag at PCC office here following which the main culmination event was held in which the former chief minister’s of J&K including Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti also participated—(KNO)

Srinagar, Jan 30 : As the 40-day harshest winter period, Chila-i-Kalan, ended, the normal life was disrupted on Monday after fresh snowfall in J&K led to the closure of Srinagar-Jammu highway as well as the cancellation of all the flights scheduled for today at Srinagar international Airport while as the weatherman here has predicted more snow till tomorrow in J&K parts.

Director Srinagar Airport, Kuldeep Singh told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that all the 68 flights including 34 arrivals and 34 departures were cancelled today due to the low visibility and continuous snowfall here in Srinagar.

The fresh snowfall occurred on the culmination of the 40-day harshest winter, Chila-i-Kalan, which began on December 21, 2023. Chila-i-Kalan is followed by a 20-day long Chila-i-Khurd (small cold) that occurs between January 30 and February 18 and a 10-day-long Chillai Bachha (baby cold) which is from February 19 to February 28.

Director Meteorological department, Sonum Lotus told KNO that the weather would remain cloudy with possibility of light snow and rain at isolated to scattered places on January 31.

He further said that on February 01, the weather would remain partly cloudy and advised people not to venture out in avalanche prone areas, unless emergency during the next two days as the possibility of avalanches has increased due to heavy snowfall.

It is pertinent to mention here that some areas received moderate to heavy snowfall today, which include Gurez, Machil, Sadhna Top, Karnah, Kupwara, Pahalgam, Srinagar and other areas.

Moreover, the Jammu & Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority (JKSDMA) has issued a fresh avalanche warning for 10 J&K districts.

Avalanche with high danger level is likely to occur above 2500 metres above sea level over Doda, Kishtwar & Poonch districts in next 24 hours, the advisory said, adding that avalanche with medium danger level is likely to occur above 1500 to 2500 metres over Bandipore, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Kulgam & Ramban districts in next 24 hours.

Avalanche with low danger level is likely to occur above 1500 metres over Anantnag district in next 24 hours, it added.

The snowfall also affected the electricity supply in Kashmir parts with officials saying that the majority of the under fault feeders and tap lines have been restored.

The officials in KPDCL said that 14 feeders of 33 KV, 215 11 KV feeders and some tap lines were under fault due to heavy snowfall. They said that the men and machinery was pressed amid the inclement weather conditions and majority of the feeders have been restored and by this evening the four 33 KV feeders that are under fault at present will also be charged.

The official document available with KNO revealed that 1298 km of road length has been cleared today. Of a total 13101.005 road length to be cleared as per action plan, the authorities have cleared 1298.28 km road length till 4:00 PM today.

The officials in Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) informed that the men and machinery of the corporation has been on the snow clearance job since early morning to ensure hassle free movement of general public and vehicular movement and all the major roads, link-roads, streets and alleys have been cleared of snow—both through machines as well as manually.

However, the Srinagar-Jammu highway remained closed for vehicular movement today amid continuous snowfall. Officials informed KNO that the shooting stones have occurred at multiple places from Banihal sector to Ramban amid heavy snowfall, forcing closure of the highway as precautionary measure.

The Srinagar-Leh highway and Mughal Road continued to remain closed since the first week of this month.

The train service from Banihal to Baramulla was also suspended with officials saying that it will remain suspended till snow on the railway track is removed.

Besides, the authorities here also postponed the examinations, skated to be held till January 31.

The University of Kashmir (KU) and Cluster University Srinagar (CUS) postponed all exams that were slated till January 31, saying that they will issue the next date of examination separately.

Controller of Examination of CUS said, “All the examinations of Cluster University Srinagar scheduled till January-31 have been postponed due to inclement weather.”

He said that fresh dates for postponed papers shall be notified separately.

In the meantime, KU’s Controller of Examinations, Dr Majid Zaman in a statement said, “In view of continuous snowfall reported across Kashmir, all examinations of the University of Kashmir, scheduled to be held till January-31 are postponed.”

Zaman said fresh dates for the deferred examinations will be notified separately—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Jan 30 : The residents of Sopore town in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday alleged that administration was yet to clear snow from the roads even as authorities said men and machinery have been pressed into service.

Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the residents said roads were not cleared properly and main roads and link roads in many areas of the town were still under snow, causing them inconvenience.

“Road leading to SDH is still covered with snow and slippery conditions are causing traffic jams. Officials are making high claims on Twitter, but on ground, the situation is pathetic”, they added.

Meanwhile, officials from R&B department and local Municipal Council told KNO that they have pressed men and machinery into service since morning—(KNO)