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Meagre 10 pc of total
money spent on pollution control By Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Oct 29: Renovation and construction of offices and expenses on administrative affairs is more ....more ‘Gupta inaugurates community hall Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 29: Over Rs 25 lakh have been spent for execution of development works in block Pouni of district Udhampur ...more JKNF
gives bandh call Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Mr T R Sharma, convenor Jammu and Kashmir Nationlist Front (JKNF) has said that Jammu region,,,,,,more Army-JU organising seminar on ‘Jammu and Kashmir: The Way Ahead’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: In a joint venture, the University of Jammu and Headquarters 16 Corps are co-sponsoring a seminar on ‘Jammu and Kashmir: ......more Foundation
stone for Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: The Works Minister, Mr Ali Muhammad Sagar today laid foundation stone for Hazrat Sultan-ul-Arfeen Memorial Auditorium-..more |
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Road
connectivity prog Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: Government have formulated an integrated Rs.10 crore road connectivity programme under Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak....more No
information passed to concerned PS about suicide Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Two persons including a teen-aged boy ended their lives by hanging themselves with the ceiling fan at their respective residence...more First congenital heart disease surgery performed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Government Medical College Jammu has achieved a landmark with the beginning of congenital heart disease surgeries.These surgeries became possible because of the guidance and generous help provided by Dr Naresh Trehan,.. ....more Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 29: Driver of Northern Railways was found murdered at village Manthal this morning under mysterious circumstances.Giving details of incident, SSP Udhampur Mr Deepak Kumar told EXCELSIOR that some villagers spotted the body of driver of Northern ......more |
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Meagre 10 pc of total money
spent on pollution control By Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Oct 29: Renovation and construction of offices and expenses on administrative affairs is more necessary for the State Pollution Control Board (PCB) than controlling the ever increasing pollution level in the State. The Board during the five years from 1995 to 2000 has spent 65 percent of the total expenditure on the administrative affairs, 25 percent on renovation of buildings and meagre 10 percent to control pollution levels. During this period, the Board spent Rs 3.74 crore on administrative affairs out of Rs 5.79 crores which it received in the form of grants from the State and Central Governments including contributions from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Board also collects fees from industrial units for renewal and grant of consent for using existing outlets or to bring into use any new or altered outlet for discharge of effluents. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in its report for the year ended March 31, 2000 has said that administrative expenses of the Board (Rs 3.74 crore) constituted 64 percent of the total expenditure (Rs 5.79 crore). Further, 25 percent was spent on construction and renovation of the office-cum-laboratory building amounting to Rs 1.44 crore and only Rs 61 lakh were utilised on implementation of various pollution control activities during the period. The actual unspent balance with the Board at the end of March 2000, as per cashbook, was Rs 79.95 lakh against Rs 70.63 lakh reported by it to the State Government. The variation had not been reconciled due to non-maintenance of ledger accounts, improper maintenance of cashbook from 1995-96 to 1998-99 and non-reconciliation of bank accounts, the report said. The Board is required to maintain proper accounts and prepare an annual statement of accounts and the accounts are to be audited by an auditor to be appointed by the Government on the advice of CAG but it was, however, seen that the Board had not finalised its accounts beyond 1993-94 and the accounts had not been audited by a qualified auditor beyond 1992-93. Due to meagre amount spent on the control of pollution levels and failure of Board to regulate and control discharge of industrial effluents into water bodies the pollution of water bodies and air pollution continue to rise. The Board seems to be more interested in misuse of crores of rupees than acting as per the responsibilities entrusted upon it under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Despite mention in CAG report for the period ending March 1995, the Board even failed to make functional the laboratories for testing of water and trade effluent samples. Under the provisions, the Board had to establish a laboratory to carry out tests of samples of water bodies, sewage and trade effluents and the State Government had also to appoint a Government analyst for conducting analysis of these samples but no analyst had been appointed by the Government since the inception of Board. The Board had purchased equipments worth Rs 53.26 lakh in 1989-91 to set-up laboratories at Srinagar and Jammu but laboratories had not been established as on April 2000 as a result of which Rs 53.26 lakh remained usurped. Due to the non-functioning of laboratories and in absence of an analyst, the mandatory functions of carrying out sample tests of water bodies, sewage and trade effluents were not carried out by the Board. But to befool and deceive the Government, the Board reported to the Government physical targets and achievements of testing samples of water and industrial effluents but there was no record available which is a big question. The question how could the samples be conducted when the Board had neither any laboratory nor had it made any payment to any outside recognised laboratory for the purpose looms large on higher authorities of the Board. Moreover, no data of test reports indicating the levels of pollution detected were available. However, a study conducted by a team of CPCB, which visited Jammu in December 1996 had observed that all the 72 drains of Jammu city with outfall in Tawi river, were highly polluted with high biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) content raging from 110 to 629 mg/litre and 246 to 1164 mg/litre against permissible limit of 30 mg/litre and 250 mg/litre respectively. A large number of industrial units are operating in the State without consent and without installing anti-pollution devices and neither Board examined, analyse the trade effluents of industrial units and conducted survey for identifying units which were functioning without obtaining consent nor prosecuted them. According to CAG report, the Board granted consent in 357 out of 489 cases who had applied for the same during 1995-2000. The consents were, however, granted arbitrarily without conducting any analysis of trade effluents discharged by these units. The Board had 195 personnel, technical and scientific 61, administrative 16 and ministerial 118 in position against sanctioned strength of 467, technical and scientific 198, administrative 27 and ministerial 242 leaving 58 percent of the sanctioned posts vacant which was predominant in case of technical and scientific posts. The posts were sanctioned without laying down any norms of work to be performed by each member of the staff. The test-check, however, revealed that due to limited activities carried out by the Board owing to non-setting up of laboratories for conducting samples tests, inadequate monitoring and inspections, the effectiveness of Rs 3.74 crore incurred on salary of staff was not ensured. |
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‘Gupta inaugurates community hall Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 29: Over Rs 25 lakh have been spent for execution of development works in block Pouni of district Udhampur so far under MPLAD scheme. This was disclosed by the Union Minister for Food Processing, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta while inaugurating a community hall building at Pouni constructed at an expenditure of Rs 5.55 lakh under the scheme yesterday. A team of Punjab Kesri Relief fund Committee, Jalandhar also accompanied the Minister. The Minister while addressing a large gathering at Pouni, he announced an allocation of Rs. one lakh from his MPLAD fund for the construction of Durga Natak Mandli accommodation at Reasi. The cement required for the construction will be provided by the Amba Cement Factory, Pabbar Reasi. Prof Gupta cautioned the people to remain vigilant against the nefarious designs of anti-social and anti-national elements who are bent upon disturbing the peace by launching false propaganda. He said Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of India and no power on the earth can snatch it from us. The Minister distributed with ration and blankets among the Prankote and Dhakikote Migrants on the occasion. Prof. Gupta thanked the Punjab Kesri Relief team for extending their whole-hearted support by providing ration, blankets and medicines for needy persons in the State. The people of the area put forth their demands which include construction of lanes, drains, link roads, providing of drinking water, electricity etc. The Minister after listening them patiently assured early solution of their problems. Later a meeting of tehsil officers of Reasi convened by the Minister. He exhorted upon them to discharge their duties honestly and dedicately. |
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JKNF gives bandh call for Nov 5, claims massive support Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Mr T R Sharma, convenor Jammu and Kashmir Nationlist Front (JKNF) has said that Jammu region is simmering with discontent because of the highly deplorable discriminatory attitude of the State Government towards the people of Jammu for more than 54 years. Addressing a press conference here today Mr Sharma said that people are intentionally subjected to deprivations fact of paying the highest revenue to the state exchequer. The people of this region are giving full revenue in return getting longest hours power cuts affecting industries, students studies and also creating conducive clime for the terrorists to pay their nefarious games. Referring to the entry to the professional institutions, Mr Sharma said Jammu region is being loaded with students from Valley while Valley institutions get 100 % valley students only. Unemployment for Jammu youth is at its zenith while as Kashmir Government is harping in the false propaganda of militancy in the Valley due to unemployment. State Government is encouraging Kashmiris’ settlement in Jammu to change its demographic character, Gujjars and Bakerwals denied ST status despite being declared so by the Central Government. Refugees from PoK all settled in Jammu region denied compensation for their properties left in PoK in 1947 while refugees from across international border are denied any status despite lapse of over 54 years. Officers in the Administration with extra territorial affiliation, having proved links with anti-national elements are being showered with choicest of postings. Another JKNF leader claimed that on Nov 5 when civil secretariate opens here after Darbar move, the JKNF activists have given a call for bandh in Jammu and it has been supported by many organisations. Some political parties have also come forward for this cause. He said JKNF is carrying its flag to national capital on Nov 19, 2001 as a massive protest demonstration and dharna at Parliament house when the winter session commences to impress upon the Central leadership that reorganisation of the state by creating a separate state of Jammu is the only viable solution to the present turmoil in the state. |
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Army-JU organising seminar on ‘Jammu and Kashmir: The Way Ahead’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: In a joint venture, the University of Jammu and Headquarters 16 Corps are co-sponsoring a seminar on ‘Jammu and Kashmir: The Way Ahead’ on October 31 and November 1 at the Brig Rajinder Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu. The subject for discussion being topical and of intimate concern to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the event, it is hoped, will provoke widespread interest. The canvas for discussion is vast and varied-apart from the wider strategic and politico-military implications, the seminar will seek to focus on possible solutions for the imbroglio, the need to correct the imbalance in the Valley centric focus of the problem, the compelling need to incorporate regional and minority concerns in our approach to the problem and the necessity of introspecting on the role of the media vis-a-vis sensitive national issue like the Kashmir dispute. Care is being taken to harmonise strategic, national, regional and military concerns while simultaneously focusing on the nut and bolts issues that intertwine with the daily lives of the people in the state. Spread over five sessions, the seminar will host luminaries from the diverse fields include Mr Salman Haider, a former Foreign Secretary. Mr Shekhar Gupta, Editor-in-Chief of the Indian Express, senior journalists Mr Manoj Joshi and Dr Raja Mohan, Mr Kanti Bajpai and Mr Amitab Mattoo (strategic analysts), Mr Ved Bhasin, members of the academics and political activists from Jammu, the Valley, Ladakh and the Kashmiri Pandit and Gujjar communities. Participation by members of the faculty of the Universities of Jammu and Srinagar and the students fraternity would make the event truly participatory. The seminar to be inaugurated on October 31, 2001 by the Governor of the State, Mr G C Sexena and will be attended by Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Mr Omar Abdullah, Minister of State for External Affairs and host of other dignitaries. The Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof R R Sharma and Dr Rekha Choudhary, HoD, Political Science Deptt, University of Jammu have worked untiringly towards facilitating the success of the event. Preparations are in full swing to ensure a freewheeling and lively exchange of views, concerns and ideas. It is hoped that the discussions, while departing from familiar posturing, will attempt to gravitate towards solutions and comprehensive strategies in order to address one of the biggest challenges before the nation. In the aftermath of the ghastly events on Sept 11, 2001, it was visual experience to see diverse organs of the Americian state rise in unison to meet the consequences of the tragedy. Is it not time for for various pillars of the Indian State to respond to a near similar crisis in a similar manner ? The forthcoming seminar may be an appropriate start point for such an endeavour. |
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Foundation stone for auditorium-cum-community centre laid at Nowhatta Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: The Works Minister, Mr Ali Muhammad Sagar today laid foundation stone for Hazrat Sultan-ul-Arfeen Memorial Auditorium-cum-Community centre at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Nowhatta here. The centre coming up at a cost of Rs 34 lakhs has been dedicated to the student community, out of the constituency development fund of the Minister. Speaking on the occasion, the Works Minister said that the centre would be for multipurpose use of students and the local inhabitants by way of organising various educational seminars, symposiums, conferences, recreational and other indoor sports and cultural activities besides conducting various examinations of adjacent schools. The Centre will also serve as a community centre especially for arranging marriage and other social functions to densely populated areas. Earlier, the Minister inaugurated computer centre in the school set up at a cost of Rs 10 lakhs. The funds for this purpose has been made available by the Parliament Member, Mr Omar Abdullah. The Minister emphasized the need for computer know-how to compete with the challenges of 21st century. He urged upon teaching community to work hard for switching over to computer and e- governance. Among others, the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Abdul Hamid and officers of the district administration were also present on the occasion. |
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Road connectivity prog in Gulmarg, Tangmarg areas formulated Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: Government have formulated an integrated Rs.10 crore road connectivity programme under Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojna to provide extensive road connectivity to all the hitherto unconnected villages of Gulmarg constituency in South Kashmir. Under the programme, 5 new road projects costing Rs.1.26 crore would also be executed besides upgradation of 20 existing road schemes at a cost of Rs.8.20 crore. The total programme envisaged to be completed within a stipulated period of seven years would benefit a population of about 26,000 souls in the constituency. Stating this here today, the Industries and Commerce Minister, Dr Mustafa Kamal, who is also the public representative of the Gulmarg Constituency said that the new road projects proposed to be undertaken under this prestigious national rural raod connectivity programme include road from Goiwa to Dandara-Dardpora, Mughama-Narpora road, Kangam Dara to Batak Chak, Mughama-Uchtipora-Nengerpora road and Mehmoodpora-Wahigund road. He said after completion of these roads, there will be no village left without metalled road communication facilities. Dr Kamal said that the R and B department during last 5 years has incurred about Rs.16 crore on various development schemes in the Gulmarg constituency. He said the department constructed 4 concrete bridges costing Rs.5.79 crore during the same period in the area. These bridges include 168 meter span bridge at Shrai costing Rs.539.50 lakhs, 15 meter span bridge on Mangloora-Lalpora road costing Rs.47 lakhs, 40 feet span bridge in km first of Wanigam Darakashi road and 16 feet span bridge in km fist of Kunzer-Hardshoora road. The Minister said that about Rs.10 crore were spent on upgradation of Zangam-Kunzer via Yal road, Pattan-Baba Rashi road, Devdager Khaipora- Sheikhpora road, Kunzar-Hardshoora road and Narbal-Tangmarg road under NABARD scheme. Likewise, Rs.30.82 lakhs were spent under Border Area Development Programme for development of roads in various villages of Tangmarg Constituency during last 5 years. |
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No information passed to
concerned PS about suicide Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Two persons including a teen-aged boy ended their lives by hanging themselves with the ceiling fan at their respective residence. According to police reports, a 35-years old house-wife committed suicide by hanging herself with the ceiling fan at her residence at Roop Nagar. She was spotted by family members who rushed her to Government Medical College Hospital where doctors declared her as brought dead. The body was handed over to family members after post-mortem. The cause behind this extreme step and other details were not immediately known as police personnel at Medical College Police Post had not passed information of this incident to concerned police station. There was confusion about under which police station the House No 16 Roop Nagar falls as neither Police Station Janipur nor Domana received any information about the incident despite the fact that the area could either be under the jurisdiction of Janipur PS or Domana. In yet another similar case, a teen-aged boy identified as Suraj Parkash, son of Bansi Lal of Sarwal committed suicide by hanging himself with the ceiling fan at his residence. None of the family member was present in the house at the time of incident. Police said that mother of deceased came at home from market at around 1130 hours and found door of the room bolted from inside. She looked inside the room from window and found Suraj Parkash hanging with ceiling fan. She immediately raised alarm hearing which some neighbours rushed to her house and broke open the door. The boy was immediately rushed to hospital where doctors pronounced him as brought dead. The body was, later, handed over to family members for last rites after post-mortem. Some family feud was stated to be reason behind this extreme step by teen-aged boy who used to work at an electronic goods shop at Sarwal. A case has been registered in this connection and further investigations were on. Meanwhile, a teen-aged girl identified as Jai Mala, daughter of Ram Singh of Subash Nagar allegedly made abortive attempt to end her life by consuming some poisonous drug at her residence. Spotted unconscious by family members, she was rushed to hospital where doctors immediately washed her stomach followed by other medicare. Her condition was out of danger when reports last came in. A couple, who sustained critical burn injuries in an accidental fire at their residence on October 24, today succumbed to their injuries at Government Medical College Hospital. Identified as Rashpal, son of Kirpa Ram of Akhnoor and his wife Prabha, both were struggling for life since October 24 but today both succumbed to their injuries. The bodies were handed over to family members for last rites. |
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First congenital heart disease surgery performed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Government Medical College Jammu has achieved a landmark with the beginning of congenital heart disease surgeries. These surgeries became possible because of the guidance and generous help provided by Dr Naresh Trehan, Executive Director Escort Heart Institute, New Delhi. This milestone achievement was made on October 28 at GMC Jammu with the operation of congenital heart disease using heart-lung machine. This was the 4th successful open heart surgery procedure. This procedure was performed jointly by the local team of GMC Jammu and a team from Escort Hospital, New Delhi. Dr Vijay Kohli, Senior Cardiac Surgeon, Dr Ashok Bias and Dr Ajay Dhar from Escort Hospital and the local team comprising of Dr Gurjit Singh, Chief Cardiac Surgeon, Dr Arvind Kohli, Cardiac Surgeon and nursing and paramedical staff trained in cardiac surgery took part in this surgery. In addition, Dr Satyadev Gupta, Dr Samariti, Dr Anita and Dr Muhesk Chug, all trained in cardiac anesthesia gave anesthesia for this operation. With the successful accomplishment of this procedure the open heart surgery for congenital heart diseases has become possible in GMC Jammu. With further improvement in infra-structure and creation of separate department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery in GMC Jammu, further progress is expected in this field which will bring a lot of relief to the poor heart patients of this region who cannot afford to go any where for treatment. |
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Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 29: Driver of Northern Railways was found murdered at village Manthal this morning under mysterious circumstances. Giving details of incident, SSP Udhampur Mr Deepak Kumar told EXCELSIOR that some villagers spotted the body of driver of Northern Railways namely Preetam Kumar Sharma, son of Sansar Chand of Bagyal Tikri lying in the fields this morning. The villagers immediately informed the police and a police party led by Incharge of Police Post Tikri rushed to the spot and shifted the body to hospital for post-mortem. From the body it seems that the youth was strangulated and thrown in fields. According to police, an FIR was also pending against the deceased person at Tikri Police Post. The body was handed over to family members for last rites after post-mortem. The panic gripped Bagyal Tikri village with the recovery of body of a youth under mysterious circumstances. A case has been registered in this connection and two persons were taken into custody for questioning. Police did not rule out possibility of some old enemity behind the murder of youth. Meanwhile, a youth who had allegedly kidnapped a teen-aged girl from village Bagyoti Meghna was arrested from the forest area near Katra. Police said that youth Kaka Ram, son of Mast Ram of Bagyoti Maghna had allegedly kidnapped a girl namely Neetu Devi, daughter of Bansi Lal of same village a month ago. After kidnapping the youth took the girl at Jammu and both resided their for few days and due to shortage of money both left Jammu for Katra. The girl was recovered from near Katra few days back and the boy was taken into custody yesterday. The medical examination of girl was conducted but the reports are awaited. |
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Preservation of forests imperative: Peerzada Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: As a part of programme to inculcate the sense of responsibility among common masses for preservation of forests and to seek public cooperation to curb timber smuggling menace, a joint conference of citizens and administration was held at Baramulla today. The Forest Minister, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Shah chaired while Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Mr A A Vakil, MP Sharief-ud-Din Sharik, Legislators of the district, Chief Conservator of Forests and District Development Commissioner, Baramulla attended the function. In his address, the Forest Minister highlighted the significance of forests for survival of human beings said that the ecological inbalance and unprecedented phenomenon of seasons could be controlled by active cooperation of people in afforestation preservation of forest wealth and extending help to curb timber smuggling. He appealed people to share the responsibility as otherwise it will be difficult to survive in a healthy State. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Defective survey, improper planning and use of sub-standard material, coupled with the faulty execution of protection work has caused loss worth crores to the Government exchequer on 220 KV double circuit transmission line from Kishenpur to Pampore in Kashmir valley. The execution of work and misutilisation of funds amounting to over Rs 92 crores was challenged in a report prepared by a special team of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India recently. It has indicted the officials of the concerned executing agency responsible for laying 174 km transmission line. The report mentioned that 220 KV double circuit transmission line from Kishenpur to Pampore was commissioned in July 1996 after time and cost over run of 28 months and Rs 92.25 crores respectively due to defective survey and improper planning. The project report prepared for realignment of vulnerable locations, execution of protection works etc. indicated sub-standard execution of work. Cases of undue aid to a firm, non-recovery of liquidated damages/ non-supply of spare material were also noticed. While exploring the facts, the CAG team observed that with a view increase the existing power transmission capacity between Jammu and Kashmir division, the Power Development Department in 1988, decided extension of 220 KV double circuit transmission line from Kishenpur (Udhampur) to Pampore in Kashmir valley. The 174 km transmission line taken up for execution in October 1991, was commissioned in July 1996 with an expenditure of Rs 148.51 crore. The test-check of records (Nov.1999) relating to construction of the transmission line revealed that this important line was laid with the objective of to and fro transmission of power between Northern Grid and Kashmir Valley during lean winter months and peak power generation during summer months. Test- check of the details of power transmitted on the line during the lean winter months (Jan 1996, Jan 1997 and Jan 1999), revealed that against the transmission capacity of 600 MWs and the actual power transmitted on the line ranged between 80 MWs and 320 MWs during the lean winter months and between 170 MWs and 420 MWs during peak summer months. This indicated that the transmission capacity created was underutilised to the extent of 47 and 30 per cent during winter and summer months but the reason for the same was not available. The transmission and distribution losses and impact of the transfer of power on overall improvement in voltage had not been monitored properly. The report revealed that the project conceived initially in 1998 with an estimated initial cost of Rs 38.64 crore was not taken up due to financial constraints and was assigned to NHPC in 1990. Anticipating delay in the execution of work by NHPC, the project was taken up departmentally by the PDD in October 1991 for completion by February 1994. The work split in three sections was allotted on turnkey basis in Sept 1991 to three firms on the basis of tenders invited and finalised by the NHPC. The cost of project estimated at Rs 56.26 crore in September 1991, was revised to Rs 93.65 crore in 1992 and again to Rs 161.01 crore in 1995. But the project was commissioned in July 1996 at a cost of Rs 148.51 crore after time over-run of Rs 28 months and cost over-run Rs 92.25 crore. The over all expenditure on the project ending March 1999 has been shown to the tune of Rs 156. 81 crore which included expenditure of Rs 5.21 crore on works and administrative expenses and undischarged liability of Rs 3.09 crore on account of supplies, pending compensation claims with Land Collector. The cost over-run of 164 % was attributed by the Chief Engineer Transmission Line project to non-provision of funds for land/ forest compensation, vehicles, T&P and Administrative expenses in the initial project report and also to increase in the number of towers from 557 to 582. The line, however, immediately after its commissioning developed routine faults and had to be placed under planned shutdown for repairs and for undertaking stablization works. Heavy rains in August 1996, caused damages enroute, endangering many locations due to cracks, sliding, sinking, erosion etc. During re-inspection of of the damages sites/ locations by the senior Geologist and the field engineers, need for taking up additional measures viz. laying of crates, providing effective drain network , construction of toe walls etc. was felt for which the department prepared a project report at an estimated cost of Rs 27.50 crore. The project report envisaged realignment of vulnerable locations, execution of protection work during the 9th Plan period. An amount of Rs 4.38 crore was spent on the protection work/ repairs etc. as of March 1999. Development of faults within the guarantee period which necessitated provision of additional measures as suggested by Geologist / engineering team indicated defective survey and sub-standard execution of work, necessitating additional expenditure by way of stablisation works despite 1152 per cent increase in benching and protection work. Reasons for non-recovery of the cost of these works from the firms especially when detailed survey of the line was within the scope of work entrusted to them and the defects had developed within the guarantee period were neither on record nor intimated. Though works and supplies worth Rs 34.22 crore were executed after extended period of completion in October 1994 and December 1994, respectively, no liquidated damages were levied from the firms and others connected with the project. |
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NSUI flays Govt for water, power crisis Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, Oct 29: Activists of National Student Union of India Vijaypur block in a meeting held on Sunday expressed strong resentment over the severe water scarcity and over ten hours unscheduled power curtailment. As per a release, the meeting was held under the chairmanship of Mr Rajan Sharma president NSUI for Jammu district (rural). Vice-president of PCC Mr Gulchain Singh Charak was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr Rohit Bargotra, block president NSUI Vijaypur, Ankush Khajuria, Rajinder Kumar, Pankaj Mohan, Rakesh Kumar, Khem Raj, Ashwani Kumar and Sunil Kumar highlighted the burning problems of the area which are multuplying and deplored that the authorities are not initiating effective steps for the resolution of the same. A resolution was also adopted on the occasion demanding improvement in supply of water and power. It was stressed that special employment drive be launched here for the Jammu and border area youth. Special bus service for students from Vijaypur / Samba to Jammu be started and adequate staff be appointed at local schools. They also demanded effective telephone facilities. |
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NC Dalit wing holds convention at Reasi Excelsior Correspondent REASI, Oct 29: National Conference provincial president Mr Bodh Raj Bali has said that state government is committed to work for the upliftment of the weaker sections of the society. Addressing one day convention organised by Christian Dalit Association of unit Reasi, Mr Bali said NC Government is also committed to the eradication of social evils from the society. It will fight for the betterment of weaker sections from its very inception. Responding to the demand of one per cent reservation to the Christian Dalits Mr Bali said this issue would be discussed with the concerned authorities after Darbar move. he asked the members of Dalit Association to work for the betterment of the community. Political Advisor to Chief Minister—Mr S. Peter, provincial secretary—Bashir Ahmed, Lt. Col. D S Trehan joint secretary, Abdul Ghani Malik MLA Jagjeevan Lal , Aizaz Ahmed Khan district president Reasi-Gulabgarh, Tariq Bhat and others participated in the convention. The members from Jammu, Kathua, Poonch and Rajouri also attended the meeting. Meanwhile, Committees of the Association for Kathua and Udhampur have also been constituted. For district Kathua, Sohan Lal was elected as president, Raj Massih as chairman, Tarsem Kumar as vice-president, Chaman Lal Gill—secretary, Subhash Khokhar as advisor , Prem Massih—publicity secretary, Rajan Massih Cashier Sawan Chidha as organiser and Arun and Bhushan as members. Mr Beli Ram was elected as president, Chuni Lal as chairman, Makhan Lal as vice-president, Des Raj Legal Advisor while Salim Gill as secretary for district Udhampur Committee. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Provincial office bearers of National Conference addressed one day political conference held at Akhnoor today in which prominent leaders of District Jammu ‘A’ participated. While addressing Mr Bodh Raj Bali, provincial president recalled the history of the National Conference since its inception which under the dynamic leadership of Sheikh Mohd Abdullah had denounced the two nation theory of Late Mohd Ali Jinnah and opted for secular India and subsequently National Conference played a vital role in throwing out raiders from Kashmir Valley. Mr Bali said NC is a premier political party in Jammu and kashmir which represents all the three regions viz Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. General secretary of NC and former Minister Mohd Sharief Tariq said neighbouring country is sponsoring trans-border terrorism which we all will have to fight unitedly. Provincial secretary Sheikh Bashir Ahmed said that Sarpanch and Panches have a greater role to play in the development of their respective areas and ensure upliftment of the poor and weaker sections of the society. They will have to monitor the functioning with regard to development, educational institutions. Referring to forthcoming Assembly elections Sheikh Bashir Ahmed asked the sarpanch and Panches to come forward and join the election authorities who are conducting revision of electoral lists in their respective areas. He demanded intensive revision instead of summary revision of rolls for the larger participation of fresh voters. Pandit Govind Ram Sharma, sitting MLA of Akhnoor constituency informed Sarpanch and Panches about the developmental activities in their respective areas. He demanded degree college at Akhnoor. He informed the gathering that the Government has approved Kandi Canal project involving an amount of Rs 60 crore. he also told that Chowki Choura-Ghar Majoor road involving an amount of Rs 5.7 crore has been sanctioned under NABARD scheme. Some sarpanches joined National Conference. They included Punjab Singh, Madan Lal, Mangal Dass, Jagdish Raj, Gurdeep Singh, Jia Lal and Bhagwan Dass. Mr Bodh Raj Bali, provincial president, welcomed them in the party fold. Others who spoke on the occasion included Lt Col D S Trehan, Shakti Ram Sharma, Madan Gopal Sharma, Om Parkash, Bodh Raj, Karan Singh, Suraj Mahajan, Kuldeep Kour, Balwinder Kour, Suresh Sharma, , Raj Kumar, Krishan Lal, Babu Purshotam, Ram Lal, Ramesh Lal, Mohan Lal Sharma and Sansar Chand. |
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