News Kashmir Magazine

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.

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.

News Kashmir Exclusive

Gulmarg  SKI Academy organized a training programme  for  5 to 15 year old kids at world famous Hill resort of Gulmarg Kashmir  for both local and non local children. The programme was held on 7 January .

Pertinently, the scores of Children who attended the Skiing training camp lauded the efforts of their trainers .  On the occasion, many kids who spoke to the media stated : “ We love the experience as we dream to achieve big in Skiing  sports . The Skiing trainers who are well versed like Afzal sir and Faizal sir made us aware about different crucial dimensions of the Skiing Sport . Playing the Skiing under the guard of dynamic  world class trainers has been a sound experience for all of us and we hope the skills we acquired here would enable us to achieve big in the world of skiing sports. We laud the efforts put in by Gulmarg Ski Academy to train us in this enthralling and beautiful sport of Skiing .”

Maria Samuels Director Gulmarg Ski Academy stated : “ We are determined to provide our budding kids all the necessary skills in the Skiing sports. We want our children to shine not just on national level in the Skiing sport but also on the international level. We have got the best training experts and infrastructure to train the kids and youth in all the dimensions of Skiing sports .”

Educationist GN Var also applauded the programme and termed it  important for children in multidimensional way . “ Today education involves holistic development of all aspects be it mental , physical development or the career development and such well designed programmes involving acquiring skills in  important and adventurous sports like Skiing help in all aspects .”

Ski Ninja Kids workshop to make the kids  of kashmir abuzz with latest skills in Ski sport at world famous hill resort of Gulmarg would be  conducted on 7 January .

Pertinently,  the programme would be  organized by Gulmarg Ski academy and will  last from 10 am to 6 Pm.  Important Ski lessons would be  given to kids. From age group of 5 to 15 kids are  eligible for the said Ski training programme .

The renowned Ski Special Instructors Colonel Dhillon, and instructor for SKI certificate Ghulam Nabi will give  training lessons  on diverse aspects of Ski to aspiring kids. The venue would be near  Hill top near Miasa coffe shop.

Kashmiri Islamic cleric and writer Aga Syed Hussain Madni of Sonawari Passed away few days back .Aga Syed Hussain Madni were among the prominent clerics in Nowgam Sonawari of District Bandipora and has worked tirelessly throughout his life time for the betterment of Islam and society.

Religious, Political and Social dignitaries expressed sorrow and termed his death as an irreparable loss and also offered condolence with his Son Aga Syed Muzaffar Madni and bereaved family.

Altaf Bukhari likely CM

In a sensational development, The PDP, Congress, and National Conference (NC) on Wednesday confirmed an alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, ahead of the 19 December deadline to the Governor’s Rule in the state. According to reports, PDP’s Altaf Bukhari is the ‘consensus’ candidate for the post of chief minister.

As the valley of Kashmir is simmering with almost daily killings  in an unprecedented wave of surge in militancy  the India- Pakistan relations are on everyday basis  hitting rock bottom thus making possibility of peace a remote possibility .All this is mostly having adverse impact on Kashmir scenario. Now with govt formation hopes are rising.

The plan of all these three major political parties in its roadmap visualizes  a coalition between PDP and Congress, which have been partners in a government between 2002 and 2007, backed from outside by the National Conference. The PDP has 28 MLAs, followed by NC with 15 and Congress with 12 which will make up for a clear majority. The alliance is being discussed with the aim of stemming BJP’s chances of forming the government in the state again.

Congress has made intentions clear to support the government . “The Congress is ready to support both the PDP and the NC if they are willing to form a government. Both the PDP and the NC have held talks on the subject of government formation. These talks are informal and hopefully these parties will conduct formal talks now,” said Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Congress State Head.

Nothing seems to have gone right in the BJP PDP Government and things have gone from bad to worse .Expert question and analysis is that  with Altaf Bukhari to be new chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Leaders of parties to reach Jammu and present letter of support to Governor. Will Governor act to stop the ‘grand alliance’ juggernaut?.

B.Ed Teacher Trainees of Central University of Kashmir organized two different events at Govt. Higher Secondary School Jawahar Nagar Srinagar
With the motive to eradicate the discrimination against the girl child besides a bid to encourage birth and education of girls .An Awareness Rally on Beti Bachao Baeti Padhao was organised on 12th of November 2018 by B.Ed Teacher Trainees of Central University of Kashmir from Govt. Higher Secondary School Jawahar Nagar and it concluded near LD Hospital Srinagar.The Rally was organised under the supervision of Dr Gowhar Ahmad Bhat (Supervisor B.Ed Teacher Trainees CUK).While addressing Dr Gowhar Ahmad Bhat said that female sex ratio in the country is not good, there is no difference between male and female .There should be strict punishment on Female foeticides and sex determination. No society can develop and progress without the contribution of the women. He stressed for the proper education of the girls.
Besides that B.Ed Teacher Trainees of Central University of Kashmir celebrated Children’s Day on November 14 in collaboration with Govt Higher Secondary School Jawahar Nagar and Govt. Middle School Jawahar Nagar as a tribute to the country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Jawaharlal Nehru, fondly called ‘Chacha Nehru’ was born this day, that is November 14, in 1889. ‘Chachaji’ or Jawaharlal Nehru was known for his love for children which is why his birthday on November 14 is celebrated each year as Children’s Day. “The children of today will make the India of tomorrow. The way we bring them up will determine the future of the country,” Jawaharlal Nehru has remarked, On Children’s Day, chocolates etc were distributed among children.
In the school, it was a day wherein fun and frolic dominated, after the grind and rigour of academics in the morning. The teachers presented a light-hearted assembly dedicated to their students. They entertained the students with a brain-teasing quiz, a thought provoking speech by Principal Ma’am, a short spoof on the quirks of our students, a soulful songs Naats by students.