The making of new Indian Parliament Building, opinion 5 June 2023 .

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The making of new Indian Parliament Building 

Realizing People’s Aspirations

Mohammad Adnaan

The power of the Indian democratic system manifests in our Parliament, which weathered the Indian freedom struggle from colonial rule and witnessed many historical milestones. The existing building served as independent India’s first Parliament and witnessed the adoption of the Constitution of India. Thus, conserving and rejuvenating the rich heritage of the Parliament building is a matter of national importance. 

An icon of India’s democratic spirit, the Parliament building sits at the heart of the Central Vista. India’s present Parliament House is a colonial-era building designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, which took six years to construct (1921-1927). Originally called the Council House, the building housed the Imperial Legislative Council. The Parliament building witnessed the addition of two floors in 1956 to address the demand for more space. In 2006, the Parliament Museum was added to showcase the 2,500 years of rich democratic heritage of India. The building had to be modified to a large extent to suit the purpose of a modern Parliament.

“India is the mother of democracy. It is also the foundation of global democracy. Democracy is our ‘Sanskaar’, idea & tradition,” Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has said in his first address from India’s new Parliament building on May 28, 2023 in a ceremony which began with an early morning havan and multi-faith prayer ceremony. 

Earlier, PM Modi installed the sacred ‘Sengol’ in the Lok Sabha chamber, right next to the Speaker’s chair, after performing puja. He was handed over the historic ‘Sengol’ by Adheenams before it was installed by the prime minister in the new Parliament building.

After initial deliberations about the shape of the building, a circular shape was finalised by both the architects, Herbert Baker and Sir Edwin Lutyens as that would give the feel of a colosseum design for the Council House. It is popularly believed that the unique circular shape of the Chausath Yogini temple in Morena, (Madhya Pradesh) had inspired the design of the Council House, though there are no historical proofs for this.

The Parliament House building construction was started in 1921 and commissioned in 1927. It is almost 100 years old and a Heritage Grade-I building. Over the years, the parliamentary activities and the number of people working therein and visitors have increased manifold. There is no record or document of the original design of the building. Therefore, the new constructions and modifications have been done in an ad-hoc manner. For example, two new storeys constructed in 1956 over the outer circular part of the building hid the dome of the Central Hall and changed the facade of the original building. Further, the coverings of Jaali windows have reduced the natural light in the halls of two houses of the Parliament. Therefore, it is showing signs of distress and over-utilization and is not able to meet the current requirements in terms of space, amenities and technology.

The present building was never designed to accommodate a bicameral legislature for a full-fledged democracy. The number of Lok Sabha seats has remained unaltered at 545 based on the delimitation carried out on the basis of 1971 Census. It is likely to increase substantially after 2026 as the freeze on total number of seats is only till 2026. The seating arrangements are cramped and cumbersome, with no desks beyond the second row. The Central Hall has seating capacity only for 440 persons. When the Joint Sessions are held, the problem of limited seats amplifies. Due to limited space for movement, it is also a huge security risk.

Over the period addition in services like water supply lines, sewer lines, air conditioning, fire-fighting, CCTV, Audio Video system, which were not originally planned, have led to seepages and destroyed the overall aesthetics of the building. The fire safety is a major concern as the building is not designed according to the present fire norms. Numerous new electric cables have been put up which are potential fire hazard.

The new building is triangular in shape, mostly because the plot of land that it is built on is a triangle. According to architect Bimal Patel, the shape is also a nod to the sacred geometry in different religions. Its design and materials are meant to complement the old Parliament, with the two buildings expected to function as one complex.

The new Parliament building has three storeys and a built-up area of 64,500 sqm. The Lok Sabha chamber will have 888 seats, up from the existing 543, with the option of expanded seating up to 1,272. The Lok Sabha will be used for joint sittings of both Houses in the absence of a Central Hall, which was the fulcrum of the old building.

The building has three ceremonial entrances on three sides for the President, the Vice-President, the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Prime Minister. The entrance for the public, including visitors for the Parliament tour, is likely to be on Parliament Street, near the Press Trust of India building, where a temporary reception has been functioning throughout the construction period.

Built using green construction techniques, the new building is supposed to reduce electricity consumption by 30 per cent, compared to the old one. Rainwater-harvesting and water-recycling systems have been included. It has been designed to be more space efficient, and meant to function for the next 150 years, according to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

As per building codes, since Delhi is in seismic zone-V, the building is primed to be earthquake-safe. While arguing against the legal challenges to the project, the government had said the existing Parliament building was at risk from earthquakes.

The new Lok Sabha chamber has a peacock theme, with designs drawn from the national bird’s feathers carved on the walls and ceiling, complemented by teal carpets. The Rajya Sabha chamber has been decorated with the lotus as its theme, with red carpets. In both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, two MPs will be able to sit on one bench and each MP will have a touch screen on the desk.

The Rajya Sabha chamber can accommodate 384 Members of Parliament (MPs), as opposed to the existing capacity of 250. The increased capacity of both chambers is meant to cater to any future increase in the number of MPs following delimitation.

For the interior and exterior of the building, construction materials have been brought in from across the country, including sandstone from Sarmathura in Dholpur and granite from Lakha village in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Similarly, the wood used in the decor is from Nagpur and craftsmen from Mumbai have led the wooden architecture design. Bhadohi weavers from Uttar Pradesh have made the traditional hand-knotted carpets for the building.

The 16-foot-tall bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, which has been the site of numerous protests and gatherings by MPs and photo-ops for students, will remain on the lawn between the old and new buildings. The statue, which was installed at the main entrance of the Parliament in 1993, was shifted during construction. Made by Padma Bhushan-awardee sculptor Ram V Sutar, the statue now faces the old building, near the entrance used by the Lok Sabha Speaker.

The building is replete with national symbols, including the national emblem — the Lion Capital of Ashoka — that weighs 9,500 kg and is 6.5 metres in height, and is visible from a distance. To support this massive bronze sculpture, a structure of 6,500 kg was constructed on top of the central foyer. At the entrance, the Ashoka chakra and the words ‘Satyameva Jayate’ have been carved in stone.

Before being selected as the site for the new Parliament building, the 9.5-acre plot opposite the old Parliament House was earmarked for “recreational use” in the Delhi Masterplan 2021. While it was supposed to be developed as a park, in reality the site was used for parking and to house utilities for the Parliament complex. The Delhi Development Authority changed the land-use of the plot to “Parliament House” in March 2020.

(The author can be mailed at madnaanmha@gmail.com)

Say no to Tobacco, Cover Story 5 June, 2023

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Say no to Tobacco

News Kashmir Analysis 

Tobacco is a monster adversely hitting our society. Throughout world and also in our country India it poses a grim challenge. Rampant Tobacco use is also a challenge for Jammu and Kashmir region.

Recently This yearly celebration informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.

The Member States of the World Health Organization created World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes. In 1987, the World Health Assembly passed Resolution WHA40.38, calling for 7 April 1988 to be a “a world no-smoking day.” In 1988, Resolution WHA42.19 was passed, calling for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day, every year on 31 May.

The data points out serious issues we are seeing on front of Tobacco use in Kashmir. 

About 32 percent men and one percent women consume tobacco in Jammu and Kashmir with cigarettes being the main tobacco product, NHFS-5 data revealed.

Official data available showed that only 1 percent of women in the age 15-49 group use some form of tobacco.

“Tobacco products mostly used by men are cigarettes (27%), bidis (4%), hookah and cigars or pipe (2% each). Among women and men, the use of any form of tobacco is slightly higher in rural areas (1.4% for women and 35% for men) than in urban areas (0.7% for women and 24% for men),” the data adds. “Over one-third (35%) of men who smoke cigarettes smoked 5 to 9 cigarettes in the past 24 hours.”

The data observed around 0.2 percent women in urban areas and 0.5 in rural areas use cigarettes while 21.1 men in urban areas and 28.7 percent in rural areas smoke cigarettes.

We need to bear in mind that  There are 267 million tobacco users in India, making it the country with the second largest number of tobacco users in the world (behind China).

Approximately 100 million people ages 15 and older currently smoke tobacco (cigarettes and bidis).

Approximately 200 million people ages 15 and older use smokeless tobacco.

Tobacco use is higher in rural areas, among those with a lower socioeconomic status, and among those with lower levels of education.

Tobacco use prevalence is also significantly higher among men (42.4%) versus women (14.2%).

Despite increased awareness campaigns and stringent regulations, tobacco use continues to impact the youth in various ways, leading to both immediate and long-term consequences.

The pulse on ground zero in Kashmir, Country and world is that steps should be taken to end use of tobacco.

Perils of Smartphone addiction. Edit 5 June, 2023 issue .

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Perils of Smartphone addiction 

Smartphones have become integral part of our lives but they have negative impacts .

The new global study gathered data of 27,969 adults aged 18 to 24 years from over 40 countries, including around 4,000 from India. It found that women appear to be more affected.

As many as 74% of female respondents who received their first smartphone at age 6 were found experiencing serious mental health challenges as young adults with scores that fell within “distressed” or “struggling” MHQ range. This decreased to 61% for those who got their first smartphone at age 10 and 52% for those who acquired the device at 15 years. Among those who got their first smartphone at age 18, 46% were assessed as mentally distressed or struggling, the study found.

For males, the trend was similar though less acute. Around 42% of those who got their first smartphone at age 6 were classified under “distressed” or “struggling” mental states, which fell to 36% for those who got the device at age 18.

The study, “Age of first smartphone and mental wellbeing outcome”, used an assessment covering a range of symptoms and mental capabilities that were combined to provide an aggregate Mental Health Quotient (MHQ). These scores were then compared to the reported age of first smartphone or tablet ownership among the respondents.

The findings come against a backdrop of progressive global decline in the mental health of each younger generation across the internet-enabled world that began around 2010-2014. It is particularly relevant to India. According to McAfee’s Global Connected Family study released last year, smartphone use among Indian children aged 10-14 was at 83%, which was 7% above the international average of 76%.

In Kashmir valley too especially the children are facing much adverse impacts of smartphone. The need of the hour is to raise awareness about addiction  towards smartphones.

G20 in Kashmir- A historical success

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G20 in Kashmir – A historical success

The about to end 3 day G20 summit of global powerhouses on Tourism in Srinagar, Kashmir has not just proved biggest mega event of grand success but biggest global event in Kashmir history.
As many as 53 foreign delegates from G-20 nations, invitee countries and multilateral organizations are participating in the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting currently underway in Srinagar, it was said.
Sources said that 53 delegates including 46 from G-20 and invitee countries and seven from multilateral organisations, are taking in the high-profile event being held in SKICC.

Details reveal that five foreign delegates who are arrived here are from Singapore, four each from United Kingdom and Nigeria, three each from USA, Australia, Canada and Spain, two each from Brazil, France, Mauritius, South Korea, South Africa and United Arab Emirates and one each from Argentina, Bangladesh, Germany, Indonesia,Itlay, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands and Russia.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Culture, Tourism and the Development of the North Eastern Region, Shri G Kishan Reddy today addressed the side event on the theme ‘‘Promoting Incredible India through Film Tourism’ on the sidelines of 3rd Tourism Working Group Meeting. The side event was also attended by Secretary Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, Sh. Apurva Chandra.

The side event on Tourism was aimed at furthering the scope of the film tourism sector and highlighting all the aspects of Incredible India.

During the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, India has no dearth of talent having the century old film legacy with leading names of Guru Dutt and Satyajit Ray who have been acknowledged for their art work despite no avenues and facilities, Dr. Singh added.

Dr. Singh hoped that the business community will help in scaling up the efforts already taken by the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of I&B.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said, ease of film making and up gradation of the existing studious has to be pursued rigorously to support the film industry. Liberalisation of state regulations has to be taken up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to encourage film making throughout India, Dr. Singh added.

We hosted over 18 million tourists last year which was unparalleled since independence. After three decades, the new Film Policy, modern infrastructure and ease of doing business have made Jammu & Kashmir a favourite destination for shooting films: J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha addresses a news conference following the third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting underway in Srinagar.
All were in praise of G20 meet in Srinagar.

Ambassador of Republic of south Korea CHANG Jae Bok while talking to media said that politics should not come in the way of Development we should resolve our differences and work towards development of Global tourism sector.
People of Kashmir are more than elated that G20 summit in Kashmir proves a gamechanger for entire region ,and foreign tourists flood Kashmir.

G20 in Srinagar

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G20 in Srinagar 

The wait is over. Historic G20 meet on Tourism has Kickstarted in Srinagar.  It is the biggest event of Kashmir history since the independence from British in 1947. The mood is over the moon. Tourism stakeholders are expecting that this meet would be great game changer for people of Kashmir, Tourism advisories issued would be now things of past.  Both foreign and domestic tourists will flood Kashmir.

The revival of  Tourism since past two years signals perfect stage for the G20 Tourism summit in Kashmir. 

India has taken up the chairmanship of the G20, an organisation of wealthy global economies. The organising committee has taken on the duty of allocating time and opportunities among selected areas throughout the country, with the primary goal of highlighting its potential. This project aims to highlight India’s inherent diversity, embracing both geographical and cultural features, as per a report published in International Centre for Peace Studies.

The pulse on ground zero is that burning problems of youth like unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir would get swift solutions as conduct of G20 meet would lead long lasting impressions on the place.

Perfect changes are happening . The Kashmir valley has seen a significant increase in investment in recent months.

Notably, the Emaar enterprise, a business organisation based in the United Arab Emirates, has initiated building a commercial tower in the city centre, thereby generating a job market for the local young. 

As a matter of fact, 

The third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting  being held at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Center (SKICC) from May 22 to 24. The first Working Group meeting was held in February at Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. The second meeting was held from April 1 to 3 in Siliguri, West Bengal.

Srinagar has been decked like a bride for the G20 meeting. The Interior and exterior of the venue are being reworked to suit the theme of the meeting. 

People are with sigh of relief stating that G20 meet changes face of Kashmir towards betterment forever.

G20 tourism summit : A historical opportunity for Kashmir . Cover story, 22 May , 2023.

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G20 tourism summit : A historical opportunity for Kashmir 

News Kashmir Exclusive 

History has been written in golden words.On the shores of the Dal Lake, Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) is all set to host this year’s largest international summit from May 22 to May 24. Kashmir hosting G20 summit on Tourism is a historically much optimistic news for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Tourism players in Kashmir believe that the G20 Summit can attract investors and tourists from across the globe.

Stating that G-20 was purely a peoples’ event, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on April 15 said the event would provide a great opportunity to push J-K’s handloom, handicraft, Pashmina, and dry fruit to international markets.

To make the occasion attractive and historic, Srinagar has been transformed into a smart city.

As plans were being finalised for the third meeting of the G20 tourism working group, Kashmir is getting ready to welcome visitors from a number of nations.

“G-20 which is scheduled to be held from May 22 to May 24 in Srinagar will provide an opportunity to push J-K’s handloom, handicraft, Pashmina, dry fruit, saffron and other products to international markets.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the real potential of the Union Territory to the world. It is not administration’s event but purely a people’s one,” the J-K LG said.

The G20 tourism summit would take place at a time when Kashmir is experiencing a boom in tourism and J-K draws significant investments in the tourism sector, besides medical cities, educational institutions, and other sectors.

We spoke to number of iconic personalities on the importance of the event for Kashmir. 

Rekha Mody, eminent women face of the country and head Stree Shakti and world traveller states:” G20 summit is a historical occasion for Kashmir. 

Biggest prospect of  prosperity of Kashmir valley is  tourism as in case of Switzerland. Peace will ensure flourishing tourism which will bring economic empowerment for all its native people. Both domestic and global tourism arrivals would see great change  with respect to Kashmir valley.”

Dr Kuwarani Ritu singh, eminent educationist and hospitality personality of the country stated :” 

Under the G20 presidency, the tourism and hospitality sector in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is poised to receive a significant boost to its economy. As one of the largest service industries globally, the tourism and hospitality sector plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and development. With the increasing influx of international tourists, Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to capitalize on this opportunity and further enhance its position as a prominent tourist destination.

The tourism and hospitality industry is one of the largest service industries in India. As other parts of hospitality rely heavily on the success of this all-encompassing sector, without travel and tourism, all businesses in any given location, would not be able to grow or even sustain themselves without this sector.

The recent upward trends in the growth of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir have greatly benefitted the hospitality sector. 

The rise in religious and experiential tourism can be catered to through Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural heritage, adventure sports, and spiritual tourism offerings along with sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices placed ideally against the picturesque backdrop of Jammu and Kashmir’s breath-taking landscapes. 

The emergence of digital platforms and social media has transformed travel experiences, and hospitality businesses can leverage these tools to showcase their offerings.

By promoting film and adventure tourism, Jammu and Kashmir can diversify its tourism offerings and attract a wider range of travelers, ultimately bolstering the economy and creating employment opportunities within the hospitality sector.”

Elected representatives are also voicing their opinions. Safina Baig, Chairman DDC Baramulla stated : ” G20 session in Kashmir is a positive development of historic proportions.  The need of the hour is now that we build the required infrastructure to cater to growing needs of tourism and progress. Often escalating airfares is without a doubt a serious challenge and we need to take a holistic look into it and make them normal. Tourism , international summits all will contribute to peace and prosperity in region.”

Even eminent voices are sharing thoughts  on sustainable tourism.

Shahala Ali Sheikh, renowned entrepreneur and environmentalist stated :” 

 if you really think that the environment is less important than the economy – then try holding your breath while you count your money . We are hopeful that G20 Tourism summit in Kashmir would further strengthen the sustainable tourism in our entire region.”

Dr. Rashmi Singh, IAS, Commissioner Tax Jammu and Kashmir states :”Tourism promotion gives a significant boost to taxes we collect in form of GST.This is on account of hosts of services associated with tourism that come under tax net.

All hotels with room rents over 1000 have to charge GST as per recent notification. We are also bringing awareness amongst other service providers like house boat owners to collect and pay taxes on booking done by them

 Revenue thus collected after all goes to boost infrastructure which in turn further boosts tourism. So development and tax are interconnection.”

G20 tourism summit in Kashmir is a great opportunity to see peace and prosperity in entire region.

She Leads holds brainstorming session on women empowerment at Kashmir

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She Leads holds brainstorming session on women empowerment at Kashmir

Under the auspices of She leads a one day session was held on 10 May at State Guest House Srinagar on topic women pioneering change for peace and prosperity .
The meet was organised by Rekha Mody Founder She Leads , Stree Shakti- The Parallel Force with support of Farzana editor – Founder New Kashmir. Safina Baig, Chairman DDC Baramulla and Haj Committee Jammu and Kashmir, Researcher Dr. Ovee Thorat, Professor Shafiya from Baramulla College, educationist Javed Kamli , social entrepreneur Dr Ritu Singh , State Comissioner taxes Dr Rashmi Singh IAS ,Researchers Mushtaq Ul Haq Sikander and Sheikh Sameer attended the program.
News Kashmir Editor in Chief Farzana Mumtaz anchored the entire program.
Also Journalist Mir Sabeen Gulrez , AIWC member Roshan Ara attended the session.
Rekha Mody affirmed that reservation is an issue of utmost importance as Chattisgarh currently has maximum women MLA in India. While J & K in last assembly had only 2.2 percent women MLA. For several years there is no State Commission for Women in J & K . Half of India’s population is waiting for last 30 years to get reservation in political parties and in legislatives.
Dr. Javed Kamili stated
He termed that financial empowerment of women is the need of hour.
Safina Baig , Chairman DDC Baramulla opined that Political participation of women should should be encouraged and it depends on cooperation from her family and society too. She shared her vision that an inclusive approach is essential, India lives in villages hence we need to take along all the stakeholders. She stated,
” Self help groups are a game changer for women. Women exploring financial avenues through Self Help Groups is changing the face of many areas towards betterment.”

Professor Shafiya observed that patriarchy related barriers have to be broken so that women can achieve maximum representation in politics and other fields.
Mushtaq Ul Haq Sikander observed that women at the top of political ladder have important role to play in political empowerment of women and urged political parties to give adequate participation of women.
Sheikh Sameer urged to touch the grassroots and remember the unsung heroes among women to achieve a humane world for women.
Dynamic educationist Dr.Kuwarani Ritu Singh termed education as the basic fundamental for achieving women empowerment in every sense.
She also underscored the importance of self help groups . Empowerment at grass root level As well as bridging gaps between government and private sector.

Madeena Mir from PHDCCI evinced her support for the cause of women empowerment and demand of free travel in public transport.
Effective participation of women in local governance is a key to good governance- Dr Rashmi Singh added based on her experience as a prabhari officer of a Gram panchayat as part of Back 2 Village campaign of Govt of Jammu and Kashmir

It was resolved that the goal should be to increase women participation fully in development process . This can be done by building leadership capacity of women in all spheres ie social, economic and political. Role of women leaders is especially important for overall human development through focus on sectors like education, increasing social awareness etc
News Kashmir weekly coordinated in entire event.

G20 Summit 2023: A Historic Moment for Kashmir. Opinion 24 April, 2023 Issue .

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G20 Summit 2023: A Historic Moment for Kashmir

Showkat Ahmad Dar 

When the G20 summit is held in Kashmir for the very first time in May of 2023, people from all over the world will be there to witness this historic event. This momentous event is going to provide a forum for the leaders of the world to discuss and find solutions to the challenges that face the entire world. Additionally, it is going to emphasize the grandeur and potential of the region. Because of Kashmir’s deep cultural past and breathtaking natural surroundings, tourism has always been an important economy in the region. The gathering of the G20 will provide an opportunity to draw attention to the natural beauty of the area and to promote the region’s potential as a tourism destination. After many years of upheaval, the summit will help attract attention to the efforts that the people of Kashmir have been making to repair their lives and their economy. These efforts include rebuilding their homes and their businesses.

The fact that the G20 summit will be held in Kashmir is indicative of the region’s growing geopolitical significance, not only within the region but also throughout the world. When the people of Kashmir attend the summit, they will have the opportunity to engage in conversation with individuals from all over the world and to present the diverse customs, practices, and history that are unique to their region. The world’s leaders will have the opportunity to discuss and find solutions to a variety of global concerns at the summit, including climate change, poverty, and inequality. In order to find solutions to the most pressing issues that the international community is currently confronted with, the leaders of the most significant economies in the world are going to get together in Kashmir. The meeting will take place on April 17

In addition to this, the fact that the G20 summit will be hosted in Kashmir will provide the economy of the region a significant boost, which is something that was not previously mentioned. The presence of delegates and journalists from all over the world in Kashmir will be beneficial to the promotion of the region as a destination for tourism, business, and investment. The people of Kashmir will stand to gain from these fresh opportunities, which will also make a contribution to the region’s economy and ensure that it continues to expand. The fact that Kashmir will serve as host to the G20 meeting will help to dispel the unfavorable stereotypes that are typically associated with the region. The summit will play an important role in bringing to light the rich culture of the region, as well as the peaceful coexistence of its several distinct communities and the region’s potential to become a hub for innovation, education, and technology. The decision to hold the G20 summit in Kashmir symbolizes a critical turning point in history and offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the grandeur and potential of the region to the rest of the world. The summit will bring together the leaders of the world in order to discuss and find answers to the challenges that are now plaguing the entire world. In addition, the summit will open up new doors of opportunity for the people of Kashmir. This significant event will help debunk the unfavorable stereotypes associated with the region and will demonstrate the potential of the region as a centre for innovation, education, and technology.

 The writer is research scholar from Handeara. 

Heatwaves in India. Editorial 24 April, 2023

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Heatwaves in India edit

Heatwaves in India are going to cause havoc and we are witnessing this during this summer season in many parts of the country. 

Nearly 90% of India is in a “danger zone” from heatwave impact and almost all of Delhi is at the risk of severe heatwave impacts, which is not reflected in its recent state action plan for climate change, says a study published on April 19 in the peer-reviewed PLOS Climate.

The impacts of global warming are thus visible for everyone to see.

On April 16, 13 people attending a public function died of heat stroke in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. While February and March saw record-setting temperatures, deaths have been reported even when the temperatures were not sky-rocketing and people were exposed to extreme humidity.

A heatwave is defined as a period of unusually hot weather with above-normal temperatures that typically last three or more days.

In India, heatwaves are generally experienced during the March-June period and on average, two or three heatwave event occur every season.

Heatwaves are predominantly observed over two areas — central and northwest India and coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Climate change and global warming, current research suggests, have increased the probability of heatwaves in the past three decades.

The study, by Ramit Debnath at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom and colleagues, also suggested that heatwaves, made more likely by climate change, may impede India’s progress toward achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

India has committed to achieving 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) such as eliminating poverty, promoting good health and well-being, and decent work and economic growth.

One hopes we as a nation are able to arrest the drastic impacts of these ugly heatwaves in India .

Rains Drain Trade. Cover story 24 April 2023

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Rain Drains Trade 

Rameez Makhdoomi 

We are going through an era of economic slowdown. The pandemic of Coronavirus has adversely hit hard economy of every region in one way or the other.

In this context, the festivity season becomes great opportunity to revive fortunes. Kashmir valley too is witnessing since some years much slow economic activity and Eid ul Fitr like grand festival offers buisness community to gain profit from their buisness activity and earn valuable financial resources.

Unfortunately enough, during the ongoing Eid Ul Fitr festival the heavy rain continued for several days hit hard the economic fortunes of scores of traders and buisnessmen.

On their part, Traders stated that  sales dipped by 50% due to incessant rains before Eid. 

Rains drenched valley plains for the third day in a row on Thursday, with traders expressing disappointment over a “50 percent” dip in sales, ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

It is worth mentioning here that diverse works of progress and development  being done through Smart City project in the city for the past several months had also kept Eid shoppers away from prominent markets, especially Polo View,  Lal Chowk and the Residency Road. Many customers preferred to visit markets in the Old City for Eid shopping instead of the city centre.

The worst hit were the street vendors of Kashmir who depend on festivals like Eid for their livelihood.  Heavy and drenching rains made their street vending almost impossible. 

However, the positive aspect was that Bakery related buisness and Butchers , poultry professionals did a sound buisness.

Trade and Buisness experts have often opined that 

the overall business post-Covid is down in the different areas of Kashmir  Valley markets.

Young girls and women who are often seen in Kashmir buying 

utensils, fashion products, clothes, or jewellery but due to the inclement weather, they thought  twice about whether to venture out or not. 

In related development, On the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri  extended his greetings to the people of Kashmir.

In his festival message, Div Com Kashmir prayed that this Eid brings peace and prosperity and espouses harmony among citizens.

He said this festival teaches “us to share happiness with poor and needy people by offering charity generously.”

The need of the hour is both the Government and society ponders over the fact that how to compensate for the losses of traders and also street vendors especially in the backdrop of recent heavy rains during current festivity season.

Without a doubt rain has drained trade in Kashmir.