NEW DELHI, July 16:
Over 670 large dams across the country fall under high-intensity seismic zones, the Government today said.
Responding to a question in Lok Sabha on whether various, hydro-power projects, dams and atomic projects have been set up in the high-intensity zone, Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Earth Science replied in the affirmative.
He said seismic zoning map of India has been prepared by Bureau of Indian Standard which shows four seismic zones II, III, IV and V, with last two ones being the most vulnerable.
Of the 672, Gujarat tops the list with 444 such dams/ reservoirs that fall under zone IV and V, followed by Maharashtra, which has 170 such water bodies.
Considering global advancement in geo-technical engineering and developments in design, research and construction of dams, the country is capable of executing development projects including construction of dams, nuclear power plants and hydro power projects that would withstand a seismic jolt through adequate safety measures, he said.
Following the Fukushima incident in 2011, the Government had directed safety reviews of all Indian Nuclear Power Plant in operation and construction.
“Safety reviews of all Indian nuclear power plants were carried out by the task forces on NPCIL and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. These reviews found Indian reactors are safe and have sufficient margin and features in their design to withstand extreme natural events such as earthquake and tsunami,” Singh said. (PTI)
Over 670 dams in high-intensity seismic zones
Neha Lahotra impresses in solo play ‘Parchhayian’
Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, July 16: Shivani Cultural Society’s short solo play ‘Parchhayian’, staged at K L Saigal Hall, here today, was marked by an impressive performance by young actor Neha Lahotra.
Presented by Shivani Cultural Society, today’s play in Hindi was written and directed by Vikram Sharma. The play is about a girl who is musing over her past life which was shattered by the sudden elopement of her elder sister. Not able to bear the shock, the mother falls sick. The ploy of the narrator of writing letters to her mother on behalf of her elder sister fails to console her and she ultimately dies. The climax of the play is when at the end of soliloquy, the narrator, the spirit or shadow of younger sister says good bye to join her dead body in the adjoining room.
Neha Lahotra as the spirit of the dead girl-clad in white sari and walking amongst the desolate setting of fallen leaves, dry braches and fallen logs-was able to bring out the tragedy of a happy family which was devastated by impulsive action of one of its members.
Exhibiting plethora of emotions, subtle modulation of voice and steady body movements to compliment the accompanying dialogues, Neha Lahotra brought forth effectively the heart breaking sequences of events in life of a family.
Tomorrow on third day of ongoing Jammu Natya Utsav, organized by Aditya Bhanu and Nav Durga Kala Manch in collaboration with J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages, Samooh Theatre will present Agni Priksha, a solo performance by Preeti Sharma.
KVK organizes ICAR Foundation Day-cum-Progressive Farmers’ Meet
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 16: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Poonch of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) celebrated foundation day of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) by conducting Progressive Farmers’ Meet at KVK complex, here today.
The meeting was chaired by Dr Sanjay Swami, Programme Coordinator of KVK Poonch in which about thirty five progressive farmers representing all the areas of district Poonch participated.
S S Jamwal, Programme Assistant (Pomology) presented welcome address.
While interacting with the farmers, Programme Coordinator lauded the efforts made by the progressive farmers in achieving higher yields and improving the quality of different kharif and rabi crops along with fruit and vegetables. He highlighted that the KVK Poonch has already established a crop cafeteria wherein different varieties of cereals, pulses and vegetables are raised scientifically to demonstrate the latest techniques for the benefit of farmers and dissemination of the knowledge regarding sowing of area specific crops for optimum output in the field.
The farmers were also informed that keeping in view of fodder scarcity in the district, KVK has also developed a fodder cafeteria with sixteen different varieties of perennial fodder crops.
It was deliberated during the interaction that there is utmost need to increase number of orchards to boost up fruit production.
Dr Muneeshwar Sharma, SMS (Plant Protection), Dr Magdeshwar Sharma, I/c MBRSS, Poonch also spoke on the occasion.
The meeting was ended with the vote of thanks by Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo, Programme Assistant of KVK Poonch.
Deputations call on Chairman Legislative Council
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 16: To listen the grievances and developmental demands of people, Chairman Legislative Council Amrit Malhotra today met various deputations from Jammu city who projected developmental demands of their respective area.
The deputations from Municipal Ward No.1, 2, 7, 10 and adjacent wards apprised the Chairman about their demand mainly related to repair and renovation of lanes, drains, better sanitation, installation of high mast lights, ensuring regular garbage lifting, replacement of old water pipes, repair of damaged transformers, regular powers supply as per schedule, stray dogs issue, besides various other grievances and demands were also projected by the deputations during the meeting.
Malhotra after giving patient hearing to the demands and issue of the deputations passed on spot directions to the concerned officers to put in every effort to redress the grievances of the public at the earliest.
Responding to the demand of deputation from Ward No-7 regarding supply of impure drinking water to their area Chairman directed the officers of PHE to ensure that issues is resolved within four days.
Commissioner, JMC was directed to install water coolers at the identified locations without any delay and ensure sanitation of the lanes and drains in the city.
Delegation from Ward No-7 demanded shifting of fish market and removal of mobile towers from the areas close to schools and residential areas.
Protests against power crisis continue
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 16: The protest against the power crisis continued at different parts of the Jammu and Samba district again today.
Feeling totally cheated by the PDD authorities who yesterday asked the people to lift the road blockade as the transformer in their area will be installed by the evening, the residents of Randhawa Colony and Govindpuri, Vijaypur today again came on streets and blocked the Ramnagar road from 2-30 pm to 7-30 pm in protest against the failure of the department to keep its promise.
The protestors said that they are without power for last six days now as the authorities have failed to replace the local transformer which developed a snag.
The protestors raising slogans against the State Government accused it of total callousness towards the people of the area.
The protestors said that the transformer was damaged 10 times in last two months. They said neither their political representative nor Executive Engineer, PDD took any step in restoring the transformer in the area due to which the people have been forced to pass sleepless nights during the last six days.
Though the SHO Vijaypur and PDD officers today again tried to give assurance to the people but they did not budge and continued road blockade till the evening.
Congress senior leader and former Minister Manjit Singh also addressed the protestors and demanded immediate installation of transformer.
Meanwhile residents of Manorama Vihar, Bohri Jammu also lodged a strong protest against the power failure in the area. The residents accused the PDD of its failure in maintaining power supply in the colony and alleged that there was total blackout in the colony during the last night. The residents said despite the fully metered area the PDD has failed to provide round the clock power supply.
The residents of BB Extn. Gandhi Nagar also express their concern over power failure in their area and callous attitude of PDD authorities towards the consumers.
PFAA’s concern over illegal network of outsider companies
Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, July 16: Poultry Farm Association Akhnoor (PFAA) has expressed serious concern over the alleged illegal business being done by some leading poultry companies of other states in the J&K due to which local poultry units are experiencing huge loss and are on the verge of closing.
In this regard, a meeting of the Association was held here under the presidentship of prominent social worker, Mohan Lal Sharma. The meeting was attended by all the office bearers of the Association, who discussed in detail the impending danger on local poultry business.
During the meeting, the speakers alleged that for last many years some companies of other states have established an illegal network in whole J&K including Akhnoor district and are supplying medicines, chicken and feed illegally with the connivance of some local poultry units and agents.
Due to illegal business of these companies, the local market is experiencing a steep decrease in prices of the poultry products and the local business units are bound to sell their products on less than production cost. Till now, more than 200 poultry units have to shut down due to this reason and more than 5000 youth not only become unemployed but also burdened with debt worth lakhs of rupees borrowed from the Banks.
They further said that the issue was taken up with Director, Animal Husbandry many a times but no action was taken by the department in this regard.
During the meeting, it was decided that a deputation of PFAA will meet State Minister for Animal Husbandry, Mr Gurezi and bring the matter into his notice.
Hughes ton lights up rain-hit day, match ends in a draw
Brisbane, July 16: India ‘A’ bowlers were at the receiving end of some commanding batting from Australia ‘A’ on a rain-hit Day 4 as the second and final unofficial Test match ended in a draw at the Allan Border Field, here today.
Starting on their overnight score of nought, Aussie openers Phillip Hughes (100) and Alex Doolan (91) took the hosts to 202 for no loss after only 50 overs were possible due to rains.
Hughes registered his 26th first-class century with the help of 16 fours and a six, while Doolan managed his 21st first-class fifty, laced with 13 fours and a six.
Pace spearhead Umesh Yadav, who bagged a fifer in the first innings and scored a 90 coming in at No.10, looked out of sorts and conceded 75 runs in his 13 overs.
Medium-pacer Jasprit Bumrah, off-spinner Baba Aparajith and right-arm medium Anureet Singh also went wicketless on a day when the Indian bowlers struggled for line and length.
Manoj Tiwary-led India ‘A’, though, had its moments during the four-day encounter with the team posting 501 in response to Australia’s first innings score of 423.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha struck his third century in as many innings to provide the necessary philip to the batting order. Ojha had scored a double century and a ton in the first and second innings, respectively in the first unofficial Test, which also ended in a draw.
For the James Faulkner-led side, Ben Cutting also made an impact by scoring 96 runs while batting down the order, besides picking up four wickets when he made the new ball to do the talking.
Medium-pacer Chadd Sayers, who shared the new ball with Cutting, also bowled well to bag his sixth five-wicket haul in first-class matches.
India ‘A’ now head to Darwin for a 50-over quadrangular series, featuring hosts Australia ‘A’, South Africa ‘A’ and the National Performance Squad (NPS) of Australia best up-and-coming players.
Brief scores:
Australia A: 423 & 202 for no loss in 50.2 overs (Phillip Hughes 100 not out, Alex Doolan 91 not out).
India A: 501. (PTI)
BJP stands exposed on Article 370: Bhim
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 16: Chief patron of National Panthers Party Prof Bhim Singh has said that the BJP leadership stood completely exposed on the floor of the Parliament when the Government made an exclusive statement that the present status arising out of Article 370 shall remain unchanged.
The NPP supremo said that the people of India voted for BJP on its agenda vis-à-vis J&K. He said that there is a need to amend Article 370 in the Constitution so as to empower Parliament to legislate in respect of J&K as has been the practice in respect of all other states in the country.
Prof.Singh said it is shocking that the Members of Lok Sabha have no idea about the most tragic effects caused by the provisions in Article 370 of Constitution of India which debars Parliament of India to make any law vis-à-vis J&K even the Parliament cannot make any law on Defence, Foreign Affairs or Communication.
He said that 95 MPs in the Parliament are totally ignorant of the fact that Article 370 has vested (illegal) power in the President of India to issue Presidential Orders in emergency if any urgent legislation has to be introduced relating to Defence, Foreign Affairs or Communication. This President of India cannot do unless the President seeks concurrence from the Govt. of J&K. There is another condition that the Government of J&K which is competent to give its concurrence has to be the Government which was appointed by Maharaja Hari Singh (the then ruler of J&K) on March 5, 1948. Further he said that any amendment in Article 370 is possible only on the recommendation of the Constituent Assembly of J&K which died down in 1957 following the enactment of J&K Constitution. The Constituent Assembly is dead and gone.
Prof Singh further said the Monarchy was abolished on August 20, 1952 by the J&K Constituent Assembly presided by Sheikh Mohd. Abdullah and Article 370 from that date became infructuous. He said that Parliament enjoys absolute power Article 368 of the Constitution to amend any provision in the Constitution of India.
He said that all these national and international dramas vis-à-vis J&K shall end the day Parliament of India is empowered to make law on J&K. That is possible only by an amendment in Article 370.
Tension builds up ahead of Lord’s Test
London, July 16: Ahead of the Lord’s Test beginning here tomorrow, an atmosphere of confrontation was building up between the cricket teams of India and England with the hosts filing a counter-charge against Ravindra Jadeja whose complaint has led to English fast bowler James Anderson being accused of violating the ICC Code Of Conduct.
According to British media, England has filed a level 2 charge against Jadeja, who, if found guilty, could be banned for one Test or two ODIs and docked 100 percent of his match fee.
England’s retaliation came a day after Anderson was accused of allegedly “abusing and pushing” Jadeja during the first cricket Test at Trent Bridge.
Anderson has been charged under Level 3 of ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel by India team manager Sunil Dev following the alleged incident that took place on the second day of the match last Thursday.
If proved guilty, Anderson will face a ban of two to four Tests or four to eight ODIs.
England captain Alastair Cook said that the counter-charge has been filed against Jadeja.
“I didn’t see the incident to be honest. We had a discussion with (coach) Peter Moores and Jimmy, and we spoke to the hierarchy at the ECB as well. Yes, there has been a counter charge levelled against Jadeja,” Cook said.
Cook hit back at India for accusing Anderson of physical altercation with Jadeja and claimed that targetting their pace spearhead ahead of the second Test was a “tactical” move by the visitors.
“Yes I think so. This is tactical from India. This is where all of this has come from. We are surprised it has come to a situation like this to be honest. Level 3 charge is very surprising. It is also possibly because of his competitive streak and it should be about just one incident.
“After hearing Jimmy’s version, it is a mountain out of a molehill to be honest,” he added.
The raging controversy gained further momentum with India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni hitting out at the English fast bowler, stating that he was the one who crossed the line.
“It is not something that we have done. Let’s realise this fact,” Dhoni said.
“Like in a press conference you can ask me tough
questions. I have the right to answer them or not to answer them, but in no way can I go and touch you. Or you can come and touch me. You can put it in whatever way you want to but there are certain things that need to be followed, and it should be followed,” Dhoni said.
“We talk a lot about the spirit of cricket and everything else, and there are guidelines that need to be followed. There have been a few individuals from our side too in the past who have crossed this line. You can be aggressive, you can be vocal, but there are certain guidelines that are laid out and we should follow that,” added the Indian captain.
Dhoni said the incident was serious enough to amount to physical abuse.
“Definitely, we think so.”
When asked specifically if Jadeja was in any way to blame for that incident, Dhoni replied, “No, I don’t think so.
“It was good on Jadeja’s part to not really do something in retaliation. It could have gone a bit far, but I felt he addressed this in the most appropriate manner.
“Someone has to back off at the right time. At the end of the day we play sport and lot of people look up to us, and there is a lot of responsibility on us,” he added.
The Indian skipper denied that Anderson was targeted specifically.
With England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) standing strongly behind its player, there is every reason to believe that the relations between the two teams might sour during the rest of the Test series and an ODI leg to follow.
But Dhoni insisted that he was not too worried about that aspect.
“I am not worried about that. Definitely, I would like to make sure the remainder of the series is played in the right spirit, but at the same time it should not be docile. We want players to be aggressive, say a few things, but at the same time it is very important not to cross the boundaries.
“I think it is our responsibility to play the game in the right spirit. We will try our best to maintain that. I can do what is in my control and move ahead,” said Dhoni. (PTI)
BJP hints at having a go at forming govt in Delhi
NEW DELHI, July 16: BJP today indicated that it was ready to form a government in the national capital, nearly six months after the party refused to take the plunge citing lack of majority.
Newly-appointed Delhi BJP Chief Satish Upadhyay, after two separate meetings with party MLAs and MPs on the issue, said the party will consider taking a shot at government-formation if invited by the the Lt Governor.
Sources said almost all MLAs and MPs were in favour of BJP forming the government and a final decision on the issue is likely to be taken after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from Brazil.
They said senior leader and former Delhi Finance Minister Jagdish Mukhi was the front runner for the Chief Minister’s post as he is known to have good equations with all quarters in the party.
BJP will require the support of five additional MLAs to prove majority in the assembly and the sources said the party was confident of getting them.
“We will consider it (formation of government) provided Lt Governor Najeeb Jung calls us,” Upadhyay said.
The sources said at least five Congress MLAs were ready to form a separate group and extend support to a BJP government.
BJP had emerged the single largest party after in the assembly polls with 32 seats including ally Akali Dal’s one MLA in the 70-member assembly.
The party fell four seats short of a simple majority and had refused to form government in December last year, saying did not have the numbers and will not resort to any “unfair means” to take the reins.
AAP with 28 MLAs had later formed the government with support of eight Congress MLAs.
BJP’s number came down to 28 in the House in May after three of its legislators Harsh Vardhan, Ramesh Bidhuri and Pervesh Verma were elected to Lok Sabha. With the resignation of three MLAs, the strength of the assembly also went down to 67 and the simple majority mark would be 34. (PTI)