Salute to Sikh Community, Khalsa Aid

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Salute to Sikh community
RAMEEZ MAKHDOOMI

Amid the heartrending scenes of wars in Middle East from Iraq, Syria to Yemen and Libya and Rohingya carnage by Burmese authorities to the pain of Kashmir one has seen humanity getting butchered to core in recent times, leaving this world nearly a meaningless place to exist.
In the ongoing upheaval since past few days Kashmiris are facing threatened but one community that has healed humanity is Sikhs , From discounts to free coaching and medical treatment offers, Kashmiri Muslims are showering their affection on “Sikh brethren for their bravery.”
Across all the social media platforms, the Sikh community is being applauded for sheltering and helping Kashmiri Muslims under attack from mobs in different parts following the deadly Pulwama bombing on February 14 that left 40 CRPF men dead. The community of Sikhs rose above religion and caste, by setting up free kitchens and accommodation in Gurudwaras for Kashmiri students and general public, after their dwellings were pelted by stones and hundreds of vehicles set ablaze.
A local Kashmiri trader stuck in Jammu had stated , “The Sikhs have made it easy, like always. They make us believe that humanity exists. Our vehicles were set ablaze and stones are thrown on our rented rooms after the Pulwama attack ,we had no food, no accommodation, our Sikh brothers came forward and arranged langar, open Gurduwaras for us

Humanity voices may be in minority currently But as it is said Every cloud has a silver lining same has been the case here too with Khalsa aid and Sikh community at forefront in these places rendering a helping hand to humanity and rendering valuable services to those in dire needs irrespective of their colour, creed or religion.
The Khalsa Aid working on the Sikh principle of “Recognise the whole human race as one” has warmed the human hearts with its great work.
In Iraq Yazidi villages had been occupied by extremist fanatics , grown men in their community killed, and older women bussed away to empty land; they were considered useless. Since 2016, Khalsa Aid had seen trickles of Yazidi girls and young women have managed to flee their captors and return to the local community. But most return in the clothes the extremists forced them to dress in. Shopping for new clothes was the last thing they could imagine, let alone afford.
So, Khalsa Aid decided to act with an innovative approach: to give each one a budget to pick exactly the outfits they wanted, after months or years of violent brutal oppression. “We wanted to give the girls the freedom of choosing the clothes themselves” – Kanwar, Khalsa Aid project coordinator had stated . Each trip also offers a social outlet for a group with whom psychological trauma is rife.
Be it Kashmir or Iraq, Yemen or Burma the Sikh community and Khalsa Aid have risen to the occasion to heal the wounds of suffering humanity . As a Kashmiri we are all indebted to the efforts put in by the Sikh community in ensuring the safe return of people of kashmir to their native land amid all challenges .

Defunct traffic lights create mess in Baramulla

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7 months on, defunct traffic signals create mess in Baramulla
DANISH TARIQ

BARAMULLA:The traffic signals which were installed before seven months to tackle traffic jam in Baramulla town are not functioning ,Municipal Council Baramulla (MCB) had installed traffic signals at cost of 33 Lakh at various places in town which are still non-functional from the day of inauguration.

The traffic signals were inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr Nasir Ahmad Naqash who was accompanied by other officials of the district administration in august 2018

“Traffic signals were installed to get rid of the traffic jam in town,but are still lying defunct from as since the day of inauguration lakhs of rupees were spend on these traffic signals but no improvement in the traffic management,said Bashir Ahmad, a shopkeeper He further added many times we contacted the authorities to make these traffic signals functional for smooth flow of traffic in the town, but officials are not paying any attention.

Altaf Ahmad, a local resident said, “With the installation of traffic signals in the town the residents were surprised that the traffic mess will be in restrain, but these traffic signals have just occupied a space after installation of these traffic signals the traffic management is still in worst condition.”He further added administration has installed these traffic signals but they are not capable to keep operational them. Huge amount of money were spend on these signals and they went out of order because of administration’s deep slumber.

Abid Salaam, Vice President Municipal Council Baramulla said, ‘’We know that these traffic signals have errors but we have contacted the Deputy commissioner regarding this issue soon these traffic signals will be made operational, He further added if these traffic signals are now installed and accordingly we have to create a civic sense in the people and also we have shortage of parking space which leads to frequent traffic jam.

Hounded Kashmiris

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Hounded Kashmiris
News Kashmir Exclusive

Kashmiris all across India from North to South ,East to West are feeling threatened as the threats and attacks against them have risen drastically post the Pulwama terror attack which killed 40 CRPF jawan .
The political temperatures are running hot with Indo Pak relationship on verge of collapse . The Kashmir based parties are aghast over ill treatment meted to kashmiris . Former Chief Minister and NC Leader Omar Abdullah appealed for better central leadership on Thursday as he decried the targeting of Kashmiris across India in the wake of last week’s terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah said it appeared that those targeting Kashmiris had the blessings of the establishment, pointing out that one state governor had called for a boycott of the community.
Neither the prime minister nor the minister for home affairs spoke of tough action against the perpetrators, Abdullah said, adding that even the leading opposition party — the Congress — was silent on the issue.
Former Jammu & Kashmir chief minister and PDP Leader Mehbooba Mufti also cautioned that mischievous elements must not be allowed to use the Pulwama terror attack as “an excuse to persecute or harass people” from the state, saying the pain of the killings of CRPF personnel must not fuel “such diabolical plans”.

“Understand the pain & (and) anguish. But we musnt (must not) allow such mischievous elements to use this as an excuse to persecute / harass people from J&K. Why should they suffer for somebody else’s action? We need to be united instead of letting people exploit our fears,” Mehbooba wrote on Twitter.
An estimated 4000 Kashmiri students, businessmen and labroures from Jammu, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Delhi and other outer states had reached back home safely in the wake of threats made to them after the Pulwama attack.
On the otherhand, AIP members led by Engineer Rashid holding banners and placards that read “Stop targeting Kashmiri people living in India”, “Give protection to Kashmiri people in Jammu”, “Solve Kashmir issue by self-determination”, “Don’t celebrate killings” and raised slogans against Jammu police and its administration for not preventing attacks on Kashmiris.
While talking to media, Engineer Rasheed appealed the administration of Jammu to discharge its duties towards the masses and take stern action against those who are involved in arsenic and violence against Kashmiri community and damaging their property.
Pertinently, the role played by the Sikh community in undertaking relief and rescue measures for the grief struck Kashmiris have been praised by one and all.

On ground many eminent Kashmiri voices like Editor in Chief News Kashmir Farzana Mumtaz and Journalist Nasir Khuehami played wonderful role in ensuring the safe return of hounded kashmiri community .

Make Pacification not conflagration

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Make Pacification not conflagration
Showkat Ahmad Dar

“”War does not determine who is right -Only who is left””…..
Look around you. Observe the Globe you are Functioning in.
Can you feel the Pulsation of a thousand despondent hearts?
Can you discern the Trepidation for tomorrow in the looks of
people? Can you envisage the Yells of a thousand mothers
who are losing their children each day?
Now ask yourself, is this the place where you always wanted
to live? Is this the place where each child expects to grow up
when they open their impeccable eyes and see the world for
the first time? Are you able to look in the eyes of those
children without the feeling of penitence for this reality full of
evil, which they have to face? Is this what we have prepared
for them throughout centuries and years? We cannot deny the
simple truth that we were the ones who have been constantly
shaping this reality. But another simple truth is that it is not too
late to change something. We can make this world a better
place if we try. So why not to create good instead of evil? Why
not to make peace instead of war? Why not to spread love and
compassion instead of hate and arrogance? No one is born
with evil within. We are born, filled with love towards everyone
and everything around us. But instead of just following our
hearts full of light, we keep feeding ourselves with darkness
over and over again. When did we stop to judge people by
their personality and started to consider the color of their
skin? What urged us to acknowledge someone as an enemy
just because of the place they were born in? Isn’t Earth the
only place all of us were born in? Are the borders that
someone has drawn on the map powerful enough to build in
our souls the borders of prejudice, alienating us from each
other? Yes, they are! As long as we let them be. As long as we
teach our children to let them be powerful enough. When the
world and this life are nearly destroyed by the evil and hate we
spread, we would hardly care about the power we have
towards others. We would hardly care about the God others
are praying for, as long as those prayers can give us a hap to
survive. So why won’t we stop caring about it right now, at this
very moment? Why won’t we start making this world an out
shine place by creating peace and commiseration? And finally,
why won’t we earn the right to look at our children’s eyes with
the feeling of pride for the world we have built for them? Think
about these questions and, no doubt, you will find the
answers. Because the answers to those catechizes are
entombed deep inside each one of us. And we will find out
those answers as soon as we disband the dust of noxious and
distaste from our hearts…
“The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war”.

Showkat Ahmad Dar from Handwara is civil services aspirant with four post graduation to his credit.

Awantipora Mayhem

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Awantipora Mayhem
News Kashmir Exclusive

In an unprecedented violent and militant attack in the three decade violence hit history of Kashmir more than 40 CRPF men lost their lives in what has been described as suicide attack at Awantipora.
It seems mayhem has reached new levels in Kashmir .Suicide bombing after two decades is huge surprise.

Police in its press release stated that in police district Awantipora today attended a gruesome terror crime spot at Ladhu Mode Lethpora at about 1515 hours following an explosion by terrorists targeting a security forces’ convoy travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. One vehicle which was part of the convoy carrying CRPF Personnel bore the brunt of the blast resulting in multiple casualties. Exact number of casualties is being ascertained, sofar 33 fatal causalities have been confirmed. Injured have been shifted to hospitals for medical treatment.

Police has registered a case in the matter. Officers investigating this terror crime are at work to establish the full circumstances which led to the blast.
The press release further stated :

We condemn this gruesome terror attack and stand by the families of martyred and injured jawans at this critical juncture.
The man who carried out Thursday’s terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama that left 40 CRPF jawans dead has been identified as Adil Ahmad Dar.
Condemnations poured in from everyone.
Governor Satya Pal Malik too has strongly condemned the attack on a CRPF convoy at Pulwama in which many CRPF personnel lost their lives.

He conveyed his grief and sincere sympathy to the families of the brave soldiers who had lost their lives in this attack and prayed for early recovery of all those injured in this gruesome attack.

Expressing serious concern about the terrorist attack on security forces Governor observed that the Forces responsible for insurgency in J&K are desperate and frustrated and they just want to prove their presence. Visibly it seems to be guided from across the Border as Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed the responsibility.
What important personalities stated on huge attack in Pulwama

Today’s dastardly attack on crpf in Pulwama (J&K) is extremely painful and disturbing. I bow to each and every CRPF jawan who has sacrificed his life in service to the nation. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured: HM Shri Rajnathsingh
Attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama is despicable. I strongly condemn this dastardly attack. The sacrifices of our brave security personnel shall not go in vain. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave martyrs. May the injured recover quickly : PM Narendra Modi

“We won’t be discussing politics today because of the Pulwama attack. We shall now maintain two minutes of silence for the martyrs, Priyanka Gandhi said.
Condolences to all the families who lost their loved ones in today’s attack. Conflict has consumed immense number of lives. It is time for all the parties to initiate serious dialogue. #Time4Dialogue : Mehbooba Mufti, ex Chief Minister and PDP head
I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. My prayers for the injured & condolences to the families of the bereaved: Former JammuAndKashmir former CM , NC head Omar Abdullah on Pulwama attack.
This is unprecdented attack in thirty years of violence of Kashmir conflict.

Undoubtedly the violence has touched new dangerous levels in Kashmir.

Poet Should use easy Language :Sagar Nazir, Poet

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Poet should use easy language : Sagar Nazir, Poet

Known famously by Pen Name young Sagar Nazir (Real name Nazir Ahmad Waza) from North Kashmir famous town of Pattan has over the years risen to be an eminent poet of Kashmir.

In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir, he talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.

How was family support like?
Family support was like anything for me and especially parents stood behind me always. The Almighty Allah has been kind enough to me .Friends, Neighbours and my village people have been great support to me.

Which poets have influenced you?
From the old generation of poets great Rasool Mir has influenced me a lot, from new ones Dr. Aziz Hajini ,Rukhsana Jabeen have inspired me lot and few legendary poets who are behind my success include late Mohammad Ahsan Asan Sahab, who was not dependent on any introduction. Professor Mohammad Zama Azardoo, Ghulam Qadir shaad Dardapori from our side who taught me how to read and write Kashmir language.
How many books have you authored?
It is a very important question and in this regard I would like to first mention that I have compiled works of some unknown poets in form of books which are about seven in number.
My own first book is titled “Thaer Angenich”based on Kashmir poetry and other on children titled ” Zooni Mouj” and the upcoming too is on Kashmiri poetry titled “Panjrich Hayre”.

What prompted you to poetry?
From Childhood I was inclined towards listening Radio Kashmir programme and this translated into my love for poetry and first I started writing in Urdu and then full fledged in Kashmir language I wrote poetry.
My first pen name was Kamran and today I write Sagar Nazir and my real name is Nazir Ahmad Waza.
Your message to young poets?
I would like to request my young and budding writers that my message is they should use language that is easily understood by all and keep in consideration everyone from farmer to vendor . They should also write on current Kashmir pain and write on the culture as well as be cautious to protect our rich tradition.
What are main topics of your poetry?
My favourite topics focus on our tradition, ancient times and culture. I also focus on the current tragic situation of Kashmir wherein a mother is unsure whether the son that leaves in morning for work would come back safely in evening.
One of the song written by me which became quite famous here in Kashmir and Pakistan ,USA and other parts and was translated in other languages Bangi drayokh changiy ma chaak ( You left in morning not to come back .
One of my poetic Ghazal on our rich tradition also became quite famous and was translated in about two dozen languages.
Any thing more?
Yes I would like to state that in my area Chukkar Pattan I run the Sagar Cultural Forum wherein all the budding poets are given chance and many literary events held.
Besides one of my written song when a bride leaves her home is also quite popular titled :”Raji Mauliun travon”.

Industrial growth must

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Industrial growth must

Industrial growth is the backbone of progressive society . The industrial growth in right direction helps to fight grave economical problems. Since the last three decades, industries in Kashmir are being shoddily hit due to the ongoing turmoil and violence . We are also facing the problem of sick industrial units.

Poor industrial governance, infrastructure along with the poor investment climate has left the industrial sector in its infant stage struggling . Due to the unimpressive industrial growth especially in the kashmir valley the unemployment has risen much .

Experts and sane voices state that since the last 30 years of turmoil industries in Kashmir were badly hit due to the ongoing turmoil and clearly state that industrial picture in the Valley of Kashmir is quiet grim. Industrialists despite raising their issues feel badly let down by the government and concerned departments.

  • We need to bear in mind that ,a lot of industrial estate was created with the state intervention programmes like setting up of industrial growth centres, etc, but proportion of their production and employment generation is very small in the total secondary sector. One hope with more industrial estates coming up the employment picture in the state will improve.
    Kashmir needs an impressive industrial growth to fight serious issues like lack of progress .

Kashmir :Uncontrolled Prices

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Kashmir: Uncontrolled Prices
News Kashmir Exclusive

The phenomenon of ever-increasing prices is badly impacting the life of general masses in the state of Jammu and Kashmir especially kashmir valley . Weather vagary this winter has compounded the price rise problem in Kashmir.
As a matter of fact, the monster of inflation is since long badly impacting every sphere of life in our state . Pertinently, Inflation means paying extra for goods than what you were paying previously. Off late, not only necessary goods have seen a price hike, non-essential items have also seen this hike. In other words inflation is making a big dent in the pocket of common man of our valley. One needs to bear in mind that Inflation doesn’t have an effect on everything evenly. Gas prices can double while your home may loses value
The worrying fact is that rising food prices have far outshined the growth rate and overall income rise of masses. Basic vegetables like Tomatoes, Potatoes, onions, eggs and many types of pulses are costing twice as costly as they were about a year or two years ago.
This winter Kashmir has seen inflation problem often due to closed Jammu – Srinagar Highway .

The often closures of Jammu Srinagar Highway has compounded the inflation menace . It is the only prominent road link connecting the valley of Kashmir with rest of country. As a matter of fact, All essentials of life are routed into the landlocked Kashmir Valley through this highway. To add to woes of masses in Kashmir the Hoarders and profiteers hike prices of essentials by creating artificial scarcity each time the highway remains closed for a longer period.
This year too owing to heavy snowfall in all winter, the highway in the most of times especially in the month of January has remained closed giving rise to multiple issues . Despite the promises made that rail link from Srinagar to Jammu would be operational soon the dream has remained so far elusive and will that remain functional during heavy snowfall also remains to be soon. Despite tunnels built the Jammu Srinagar highway has remained a weak point with landslides, blockades wrecking havoc every winter. All this has resulted in goods being scarce in kashmir and consequently food prices hitting.

Expert opinion is that this manic inflation in India has hit the common man the most. Kashmirs logistical handicap has another reverse effect – its exports lose their competitiveness due to the relatively high transportation costs.

Naveed Ahmed, a student states : “ Inflation is a very serious issue in our state especially in landlocked areas like Kashmir and Ladakh. inflation always hurts basic standard of living and worst hit is the man on street. This winter highway closures due to snowfall has resulted in increased prices. Rising prices means you have to pay more for the same goods and services. If your income increases at a slower rate as compared to inflation, your standard of living declines even if you are making more and the same has been clearly seen in kashmir . The departments checking the price rise and hoarding should work in more effective coordination so as to check the evil of inflation.”

. The need of the hour is that the concerned authorities wake up more seriously to the challenges posed by the inflation and draft a farsighted mechanism to tackle this evil of inflation as soon as possible.

PM Modi Jammu Kashmir visit complete report

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PM dedicates 220 kV Srinagar- Alusteng – Drass- Kargil – Leh Transmission Line to the Nation; Ladakh now connected to National Grid

 

PM in Jammu – Multiple development projects unveiled. PM Visits Leh – Lays Foundation stone of new terminal building of KBR Airport

courtesy PIB

 

New Delhi, February 03, 2019

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi dedicated the 220 kV Srinagar- Alusteng – Drass- Kargil – Leh Transmission System to the Nation today, a step that would ensure quality power supply to Ladakh round the year. This would give huge boost to the tourism sector and enhance socio-economic development of Ladakh.

Prime Minister had laid the foundation stone for this project on 12 August, 2014 and within 4.5 years, the project has been completed by the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID),a Navratna Company of Government of India, under Ministry of Power. While inaugurating this projects PM said, “We’ve left behind culture of delays”.

The Rs. 2266 crore project will result in minimizing the massive use of diesel generating sets during winters, and thus will help in protection of beautiful environment, of pristine Ladakh region.

About Srinagar- Alusteng – Drass- Kargil – Leh Transmission Line:

Built at a height of around 3000-4000 meters, this approx. 335 km long transmission line has been constructed by POWERGRID. In this project, the four new State-of-the-Art 220/66 kV Gas Insulated Sub-stations built at Drass, Kargil, Khaltsi and Leh will help to ensure 24×7 quality power in all weather conditions. Funding provisions have been in the ratio of 95:05 (95% Govt. of India share and 5% J&K state share).

Benefits to the region:

The implementation of this project was also aimed to supply power to the people of Ladakh in harsh winters and evacuation of surplus power of Kargil & Leh Hydel stations of NHPC in summers. It is a flagship project of Government of India, under PMRP scheme which was aimed to improve reliability & quality of power supply in Ladakh region of J&K by connecting with National Grid.

This will not only help evacuate power in summers, but will also supply power to the region in winters when temperatures dip and hydro electricity generation do not match up. The project will meet the power demand of Ladakh region at economical rates.

With quality electricity available at reasonable rates, hospitality industry in Ladakh will get a boost, as their reliance on diesel sets will reduce. This will also attract tourists looking for affordable stay in all weathers.

Challenges in execution:

This herculean task executed by POWERGRID in unforeseen weather conditions was made possible by immaculate project monitoring skills, high team spirit and strategic planning and use of modern technologies. The line remains snow covered for nearly six months with the minimum temperature going down to as low as -40 degrees at Drass. Therefore, specially designed tower foundations were constructed with assistance from Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) for spotting the tower foundations, as the work force braved the challenge of working at lesser oxygen levels. It shall also provide grid connectivity and reliable quality power supply to the strategically important Ladakh region including defence establishments in the area.

The occasion was graced by Shri Satya Pal Malik, Hon’ble Governor, J&K, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) for Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Haji Anayat Ali, Chairman, Legislative Council, J&K, Secretary (Power) Government of India, Shri A. K. Bhalla, CMD, POWERGRID, Shri Ravi P. Singh, people’s representatives from the areaand senior officials of state government and POWERGRID.

About POWERGRID:

POWERGRID is one of the World’s Largest Power Transmission Utility, and has a wide network of 150,874 circuit kilometers transmission lines, with 238 Sub-stations and transformation capacity of 351,106 MVA.

 

 

In the second leg of his visit to Jammu and Kashmir,  Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visited Jammu today. He unveiled a series of development projects to give a boost to infrastructure in the state. PM is on a day long visit to Leh, Jammu and Srinagar today.

Jammu visit was marked by the PM laying the foundation stone of AIIMS at Vijaypur, Samba. Mr. Modi said that the  setting up of AIIMS will provide quality healthcare to the people and  address the shortfall of healthcare professionals in the region. PM announced that another 500 seats in the state medical colleges would be added soon.

While inaugurating University Institute of Engineering & Technology, Kathua today , PM expressed his happiness that the youths from Jammu will benefit from the 10% EWS Quota.

He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of Northern Regional Centre Campus of Indian Institute of Mass Communication at Jammu. The campus Tmat Jammu was setup in the academic year 2012-13 and is working from a temporary building since then.

PM laid foundation stone for 624 MW Kiru Hydroelectric project and 850 Megawatt Ratle Hydro Electric project in Kishtwar, Jammu. He said, “New power projects in region will provide employment to youth”. PM also declared 100% electrification of households in the Jammu and Kashmir under SAUBHAGYA Scheme.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for construction of Transit accomodation for Kashmiri migrant employees in Kashmir valley. He announced that the work is afoot to employ displaced Kashmiris in 3000 posts. He said “India will not forget the circumstances in which the Pandits had to leave their homes.” The country must stand with those being persecuted in the neighbouring countries, he added.

PM laid foundation stone of the project aimed at reducing pollution of Rivers Devika & Tawi under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). This project is scheduled for completion by March 2021.

PM told that 14000 bunkers have been built along the border for the safety of our soldiers. He added that while the previous Government tried to hoodwink OROP with a grant of Rs.500 Crore, we have allotted Rs.35000 Crore. Had former rulers been proactive Kartarpur Sahib would have been part of India, he added.

Another highlight of visit to Jammu  today was PM laying the foundation stone of 1640 m span double lane bridge over River Chenab at Sajwal. It will provide an alternative route for the population of Sajwal and Indri Pattian which will reduce  the commuting distance from 47 kms to 5 kms between the two. During the event PM said that Rs.40000 Crore has been  sanctioned to improve the connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

 

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi arrived Leh in Ladakh in the first leg of his one day visit to Leh, Jammu and Srinagar today. He inaugurated/laid foundation stones for various development projects there.

Applauding the crowd for braving a chilly winter, PM  said “Those who live in difficult situations, they challenge every difficulty. Your affection gives me a great motivation to keep working hard.”

He inaugurated the University of Ladakh and said, “Young students constitute 40% of the population of Ladakh. There has been a long standing demand for a University in this region. With the launch of the University of Ladakh this demand would be fulfilled.” This University will be a cluster University comprising of degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi and will have administrative offices at Leh and Kargil for the ease of students.

PM inaugurated 9 MW Dah Hydroelectric project in Dah near Datang village and 220 KV Srinagar- Alusteng – Drass- Kargil – Leh transmission system. While inaugurating these projects PM said, “We’ve left behind culture of delays”. He added that his Government will ensure that for all the projects for which foundation stone is laid by him will be inaugurated by him.

Five New tourist and trekking routes in Ladakh were opened today as well.  PM said that Life gets easier, economically as well once a city is well connected. He added that, once the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line is completed, the distance from Delhi to Leh will be reduced.

PM laid foundation stone of the new terminal building of Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (KBR) Airport in Leh by unveiling a plaque. The new terminal will provide seamless passenger movement with all modern amenities.

These projects will he also said that with the projects will result in better availability of electricity, improved connectivity and thus result in more tourist footfalls in the region. It will also open better livelihood opportunities to many villages.

In addition, Protected Area Permit’s validity has been increased to 15 days. Now tourists will be able to enjoy their journey to Leh for a longer time.

PM said that a few changes have been made in the LAHDC Act and the Council have been given more rights concerning the expenditures. Now the Autonomous Council releases the money sent for the region’s development, he added

About the interim budget the Prime Minister told that for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes, there has been a hike in allocation by 30% and nearly 35% hike for the development of scheduled castes.

 

Food Wastage and Kashmir

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Malla Jameel Ahmed

FOOD WASTAGE is a burning issue and we are all responsible and when addressed collectively will get rid of it.

Every year around the globe 1.3 billion tons of food is lost or wasted, that is 1/3 of all food produced for human consumption. Food losses represent a waste of resources used in production such as land, water, energy and inputs.

The losses incurred in developing countries are mainly due to infrastructural constrains related to poor transport, storage, processing and packaging facilities in addition to capacity gaps that result in in-efficient productions.

Our kashmir valley is no exception to the same and is equally fairing in its share of food wastage which comprises of 20-22% of the total waste generated. The quantity of the wastage of food in the land which otherwise takes it a bad thing and a sinful act needs a reprimand to explain the same. If the point of wastage of food is deeply observed at a local level, certain reasons can be attributed to the same.

Transportation:

Kashmir valley is surrounded by mountains and the roads leading to this paradise are full of excitement but with lot of hardships also. The vehicles carrying the food always has to tread these hilly ranges to reach to the Kashmir valley and on a way, the significant amount of food gets wasted even some getting rotted. The problem becomes more persistent in winters, when the heavy snowfall results in avalanches or others completely blockading this age old road which ultimately leads to the perishing of all the items ferried in the stranded vehicles.

Lot of raw food (mainly rice) also gets wasted during the transportation from main godowns to public distribution shops. The wastage may be miniscule but rightly finds its way in one of the factors of food wastage.

Storage

In Kashmir valley, the storage of food is a big problem. The vegetable, fruit and cereal growers does not possess the knowledge regarding the storage of food and various means to increase the shelf life. Resultantly, lot of vegetable & fruit markets can be seen piled up with the waste of vegetable & fruit waste which get decomposed/putrefied due to improper storage. The cereal mainly rice which is distributed in government run fixed price shops are engulfed with rodents and other insects making it highly susceptible for human consumption.

Excessive spending

Consumerism not only led to stalling of minds of people but also led to increase in concentration of the stale food. The increasing in income of the common people has led to the increase in their spending, but in the course of time, people have lost their ability to identify as to which item at what quantity will be useful to them. People spending without any logic on an easily avoidable things has added more to the problem of wastage and if taken the said narrative for the food, it will not be wrong to say, it is one of the factors for food wastage.

Big fat weddings

In Kashmir, the biggest sources of food wastage are the weddings as the quantum of preparation of food is in itself humungous which is bound to get wasted. Kashmiris are by nature known to spend lavishly on wedding. The extra food has been prepared to make sure everyone is well fed which at the end of weddings or function ultimately finds its way in the river streams, dust bins, road corners and many conspicuous places easily accessible to dogs and other animals but deprived to the social animal. Throwing a food which is otherwise consumable clearly shows the ignorance for the oblivious reasons as maximum people do not know what to do with such kind of excess food.

Most common & Easy ways to reduce the food wastage which everyone can implement in their daily life  as the saying goes “great things are done by a series of small things brought together”

Plan your meals in advance so that you will avoid buying items of no need.

First utilize what is already available at home.

Dont go for a shopping empty stomach as it will incite you to buy more and more as the psychologically our brain perceives everything important even if it is not so.

Choose quality over quantity and try to enjoy your meals by eating slowly

Cook only according to your need.

Store food better as correct storage can add days, weeks and even months to the foods. Make sure dry goods are stored in air tight containers to avoid moisture and weevils, freeze leftovers and don’t store all the fruit and vegetables in the fridge as sometimes it will make them deteriorate quicker

Leftovers shall be used judiciously instead of throwing them away.

Freeze for later use

One can use leftovers to be converted into compost.

Preserve seasonal produce,

The significant waste occurs at consumption stage. It is better not to make wasting a way of life. Many people hardly manage a single meal a day and there are still lot of poor people who out of societal fear don’t acknowledge such condition. Hunger is still one of the most urgent development challenges and hunger is global issue , even after the world is producing more than enough food, but the wastage plays a spoilsport.

(Malla Jameel Ahmed is a government employee and is working is Govt. Dental College & Hospital, Srinagar.)