NEW DELHI, July 31: Amidst a weak trend in global markets and subdued spot demand, copper prices fell to Rs 432.05 per kg in futures trade today as speculators reduced their exposures.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, copper for delivery in August shed Rs 2.70, or 0.62 per cent, to Rs 432.05 per kg in business turnover of 804 lots.
The metal for delivery in far-month November traded lower by Rs 2.45, or 0.55 per cent, to Rs 439.60 per kg in 27 lots.
Analysts attributed fall in copper futures to weak global cues and subdued demand at domestic spot markets.
Globally, copper for delivery in three months fell 0.20 per cent, to USD 7,113.50 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange and metal for delivery in September slid 0.50 per cent to 50,560 yuan (USD 8,190) a tonne on the Shanghai Futures Exchange. (PTI)
PUNE : With five more bodies being extricated today from the debris of the landslide that devastated Malin village near here, the death toll has gone up to 28 even as 150 people were still feared to be trapped under the huge mound of mud-and-rock debris.
While recovering 28 bodies as part the rescue operation since yesterday morning, the NDRF jawans also rescued eight injured persons who were being treated at nearby hospitals, Pune Deputy Collector Suresh Jadhav told PTI.
Rescue work, though affected by rain and muddy terrain, was continuing without a break in the village, he said, adding that the pace was slow because utmost caution was being exercised to ensure safety of those still alive under the debris.
About 150 people could still be trapped under the huge mound of landslide debris of mud and stones, he said.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is at the mishap site to inspect the relief and rescue operation, Jadhav said
As many as 44 houses were crushed in Malin village, located at the foot of a hill in Ambegaon taluka, about 120 kms from the district headquarters here in Western Maharashtra, by the massive landslide that occurred yesterday morning.
Scores of JCB machines, dumpers and ambulances have been pressed into service to clear the rubble and shift the dead and survivors to hospitals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had yesterday condoled the loss of lives in the tragedy and asked Singh to rush to Pune to take stock of the situation. (AGENCIES)
SRINAGAR : Traditional pujan of Chhari-Mubarak, holy Silver Mace of Lord Shiva, will be performed at Amreshwar temple near here tomorrow on the occasion of ‘Nagpanchami’. Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the holy Mace, will led the devotees, including sadhus, to join the pujan at the temple at Dashnami Akhara, Maisuma at 1600 hrs. On the occasion of ‘Tritiya’, Chhari -Sthapana and Dhwajarohan ceremonies were performed at Dashnami Akhara yesterday.
Mahant Giri led the devotees to perform pujan on the occasion.
The Chhari was taken to Shankarchariya and Shairka Devi Temples for pujan as per age old tradition last week. (AGENCIES)
SRINAGAR : The annual pilgrimage to holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas was going on smoothly though the number of yatris has now started decreasing.
However, the number of yatris, who have visited the cave shrine so far since the commencement of the 45-day-long pilgrimage from June 28, was more than the number of pilgrims during corresponding period last year. A yatra official said pilgrims, including women and sadhus, left Baltal base camp early this morning for the holy Cave shrine as the weather remained pleasant though there is a forecast for light rain and cloudy weather today on yatra track.
The pilgrims are scheduled to reach the cave shrine this afternoon to have darshan of the self made Ice-Lingam at the cave shrine, situated at 12000 feet above sea level. Meanwhile, pilgrims, including those who had reached the cave shrine after tracking 45-km-long traditional Pahalgam track, also started their return journey this morning to Baltal base after paying obeisance yesterday. Yatra official said fresh batch of pilgrims, including sadhus and woman, also left Nunwan Pahalgam base camp for the holy cave this morning. Majority of these yatris will have night stay at Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on the traditional track, he said, adding that other pilgrims, who had night stay at different other station, also started their foot journey towards cave this morning. However, pilgrims, who had night halt at Panjtarni, have paid obeisance at the cave shrine after tracking five km track this morning.
With this, a total of about 3, 56 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Holy Cave since the commencement of Yatra. (AGENCIES)
JAMMU : Amid tight security, the 35th batch of pilgrims today left for the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas from here.
As many as 431 pilgrims, including 289 men, 84 women and 8 children left from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu in a cavalcade of 10 vehicles at 4:10 AM, police said.
The convoy has already crossed Peera in district Ramban on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and would reach their destinations at Baltal and Pahalgam base camps by this evening, they said.
With today’s batch, a total of 52,912 pilgrims have so far left from the Jammu base camp for the Amarnath shrine. (AGENCIES)
JAMMU, July 30: In a bold military initiative, the Government of India has not only given nod to construction of 498 kilometers Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line to directly link Leh with New Delhi by rail but also directed the Railways Ministry to start work on project within three months.
The project is expected to cost Rs 22,831 crores if completed within scheduled deadline of 5 years but the cost could escalate if the project jumps the deadline.
Official sources told the Excelsior that the railway project has very strategic significance in view of potential threat posed by China in Leh due to frequent transgressions into the Indian territory and a long term solution for the Army to provide regular military supplies to Leh and Kargil districts throughout the year by rail from New Delhi.
Presently, both Kargil and Leh districts remain cut off from road with rest of the country for nearly six months during the winter due to heavy snowfall. As an alternate measure, the Centre has also directed for speedy construction of two tunnels at Zojila to link both strategically important districts with rest of the country by road in all weather conditions.
Sources said a survey conducted by the Railways to extend Jammu-Katra-Banihal-Srinagar railway line to Leh was not found feasible in view of steep ascents on Srinagar-Leh route. However, the survey conducted to link Leh with New Delhi via Manali and Bilaspur was found feasible and approved by the Government of India as soon as it was placed before the new Government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the Railways Ministry.
Sources said the railway line between Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh to Leh in Jammu and Kashmir would pass through Mandi, Kullu and Lahaul Spiti. From Bilaspur, the Centre proposed to connect the railway line to Pathankot or Joginder Nagar in Punjab for direct connectivity between New Delhi to Leh.
Even in fair weather during summer, it takes Army vehicles at least four days to take supplies from New Delhi to Leh. With the construction of rail line, the timing would be reduced to less than two days, sources said, adding that this would strongly strengthen the armed forces in Leh, bordering China and Kargil, bordering Pakistan in case of any eventuality.
The troops deployed in strategic Siachen Glacier to protect borders with Pakistan would also get boost as they would get supplies directly from Leh instead of New Delhi.
Though most of the boundary disputes with China in Leh after transgressions by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are settled mutually through talks, the Government of India didn’t want to take any chances as China has constantly been strengthening its rail and road network in the areas bordering Leh.
India shares long un-demarcated boundary with China in Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. China has already constructed railway line up to Tibet from its Qinghai province. China has been in advantageous position after connecting most of its areas, bordering India, through rail and road network while India lacks such networks in most of the areas.
Admitting that Railways would face serious challenges in construction of railway line, sources said the Railways had overcome similar challenged while construction of railway line at Konkan and Kashmir Valley and the survey conducted by the Railways on Manali-Leh rail line revealed that the Railways would be able to accomplish the task within the stipulated period of five years.
The survey revealed that Tanglang La in Lahaul Spiti will be the highest railway station in the world at the height of 17582 feet from the sea level once the railway line is completed overtaking the current record of Tang Gula railway station in China, which has been construction at the height of 16,686 feet from the sea level in Tibet, sources said.
The preliminary survey has estimated cost of the project at Rs 22,831 crores and total length of the railway line from Bilaspur to Leh as 498 kilometers.
Sources said in the long run the rail project to Leh would go a long way in meeting requirements of the armed forces in strategically important Leh and Kargil districts.
Apart from meeting the strategic needs, the railway line would also boost tourism in both Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh as there was no railway line to Manali and Leh. Even the road links to two important tourist stations remained in worst conditions during the summer when tourist rush is at its peak.
JAMMU, July 30: In a matter of serious concern for the State as well as Union Health Ministry, the deadly cancer disease has constantly been spreading its tentacles in Jammu and Kashmir during the past several years due to lack of facilities for early detection and awareness among the people about the factors contributing in the same.
As per the data of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the cases of various types of cancer including prostate cancer and related deaths are on the rise in Jammu and Kashmir during the past some years. The increase in the number of cases is being attributed to unhealthy life styles, use of tobacco and tobacco products and unhealthy diets besides lack of awareness about the factors responsible for this deadly disease.
According to the data, even deaths due to this disease are also on rise during the past some years mainly because of lack of facilities for early detection of this disease. At present, for the cancer screening the patients are paying through their nose to get the same conducted outside the State and this is also contributing in late detection of the disease and subsequently leading to increase in mortality rate.
In 2011, there were a total of 10688 cancer cases in Jammu and Kashmir and this number increased to 11052 in 2012 and 11428 in 2013. During the current year, a total of 11815 cancer cases have come to the fore in Jammu and Kashmir so far.
As far as mortality cancer cases are concerned, the number was 4703 in 2011 and the same increased to 4863 in 2012 and 5028 in 2013. During the current year, 5198 mortality cases have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir so far.
According to the data, the number of prostate cancer cases in Jammu and Kashmir during 2011 was 344 and the same increased to 366 in 2012 and 390 in 2013. During the current year, 415 prostate cancer cases have been reported till date.
The data further revealed that there were 144 deaths due to prostate cancer in Jammu and Kashmir during 2011 and the number surged to 154 in 2012 and 164 in 2013. During current year the mortality cases have increased to 174.
“No doubt health is a State subject but the Central Government is supplementing the efforts of State for improving healthcare including prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer”, official sources said, adding “in the year 2013-14, the Union Government approved a scheme for enhancing the Tertiary Care Cancer facilities in the country under which Tertiary Care Cancer Centres are established with the assistance at the ratio of 90:10 (90% Central Share and 10% State Share)”.
Under this scheme, two Tertiary Cancer Centres were sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir by the then Union Health Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad last year. However, no significant progress could be made in establishing these centres till date.
“The Union Health Ministry has not released funds for the establishment of these cancer centres—one in Super Specialty Hospital, Jammu and another in Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar”, sources informed.
When contacted, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Taj Mohi-ud-Din confirmed that Union Government has yet not released funds required for the establishment of two Tertiary Care Cancer Centres.
“We have submitted project reports as well as designs strictly as per the guidelines of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer”, he said, adding “we have completed all the formalities as expeditiously as possible and whenever the funds are released by the Union Government the work for establishment of these centres will begin”.
In response to a question, he said that each centre would cost Rs 45 crore. Of the Rs 45 crore, an amount of Rs 30 crore would be spent on the purchase of PET Scan and Linear Accelerator while as Rs 15 crore each would be incurred on the building. Both the PET Scan and Linear Accelerator are used in cancer screening and are the most advanced equipment. At present, there is no PET Scan and Linear Accelerator in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that these two Tertiary Cancer Centres would go long way in meeting the requirement of cancer-related treatments within State and would provide respite to the patients from paying through their nose for such treatments in the institutions and centres outside the Jammu and Kashmir.
UDHAMPUR, July 30: Four persons including two Forest Guards were killed while at least 17 others injured, seven of them seriously, when a passenger bus skidded off the road and fell into a gorge near Dhamnote village, ahead of Mongri in Pancheri area of Udhampur, bordering district Reasi this evening.
Reports said the incident took place at around 6.40 pm when the ill-fated bus, bearing registration number JK02F/4247 was on its way to Khor Gali from Udhampur town. This 42-seater bus left for its destination at around 4.30 pm from Udhampur bus stand and it was last bus service to this mountainous area falling near Bhamag belt of Reasi. From Kainth Gali, there is separate road link to Mongri and ahead of it there are several villages falling under remote area of Bhamag.
As the bus reached in Dubi Gali area, the co-driver lost control over the vehicle at a curve and the bus landed into a deep gorge, killing four persons on the spot and causing injuries to nearly 17 others. Immediately after receiving information about the mishap, the locals of the area and police party from Police Post Damnote, rushed to the spot and started rescue operation.
Due to darkness in the area, the people engaged in rescue operation had to face problem. The police from district headquarters led by Additional SP was rushed to the spot along with ambulances. The locals had also pressed their own vehicles to shift the injured persons to the nearby Mongri Primary Health Centre.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi Range, Gareeb Dass told the Excelsior that four persons have been killed in the mishap. He said the seriously injured were being shifted to Udhampur while some of them were removed to nearly Mongri Primary Health Centre. The area is about 55-60 kms from the district headquarters and it was last bus service to the area. This is basically a link road and condition of this road is not good. It has been alleged by some injured passengers that driver boarded off the vehicle on the way and co-driver was driving the bus. He failed to negotiate a curve in Dubi Gali forest area and the bus rolled down into a gorge.
SSP Udhampur Suleman Choudhary said that all the four dead persons have been identified while about a dozen injured persons were being shifted to District Hospital Udhampur from Mongri PHC. Four others were undergoing treatment at Mongri while one was discharged after providing first aid. He said a police party from PP Damnote had already reached the spot while another team led by ASP Udhampur was dispatched to the accident site. He said the police has started investigation into the matter and it was being ascertained whether person driving the vehicle had valid driving license or not.
The police identified the deceased persons as Raj Singh (Forest Guard), resident of Katra, Sanal Singh (Forest Guard), resident of Landhar, Saif Din, son of Gagga, resident of Nali Nikka village and Rukam Din, son of Feroz Din, resident of Dubi Gali.
The injured have been identified as Pushpa Devi (18), daughter of Krishan Singh of Basnote village, Ganga Ram (48), son of Chand, resident of Nali Nikka, Sanjay (15), son of Jarnail Singh of Kalsot, Sudesh Singh (29), son of Sansar Singh of Dubi Gali, Dhian Singh (27), son of Duni Ram of Dubi Gali, Mandia (55), wife of Birju, resident of Basnote, Bansi Lal (35), son of Birju, resident of Basnote, Romesh Singh, son of Mani Ram of Basnote, Romesh Chand, son of Ganga Ram, resident of Damnote, Rashpal Singh (47), son of Chaman Lal, resident of Basnote, Ravinder Singh (22), son of Krishan Singh of Basnote, Naseeb Raj (35), son of Munshi Ram, resident of Dubi Gali, Shabir Mohd (17), son of Padam Din, resident of Nali Nikka, Romal Singh (45), son of Ram Chand, resident of Dubi Gali, Kewal Kumar (30), son of Chandu Ram, resident of Sujan Dhar and Karnail Singh (16), son of Rashpal Singh resident of Basnote. The condition of Mandia and Pushpa was said to be critical.
A TV grab of the site of landslide in village Malin in Pune district in Maharashtra on Wednesday.(UNI)
At least 18 people were killed when torrential rains triggered a landslide at a village in Maharashtra’s Pune district today, burying over 160 as 400 NDRF personnel looked for survivors and bodies in the mud-and-rock debris battling inclement weather.
Officials said the death toll could go up. 14 injured survivors have also been pulled out of the rubble and admitted to a primary health centre nearby, sources at an emergency control room set up at Khed-Manchar said.
An earlier report had said 15 persons were extricated from the debris alive.
Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said over 160 people were believed to be trapped in the 44 houses buried under the rubble after large parts of a hillside collapsed on them early this morning.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to visit Malin village, the scene of the tragedy, in Ambegaon taluka of the district, some 120 km from the district headquarters, tomorrow, according to a BJP spokesman.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the tragedy and asked Singh to rush to Pune to take stock of the situation.
“The Prime Minister has condoled the loss of lives in the landslide and directed all possible efforts to help the affected people,” a PMO statement said in Delhi.
Large earth-moving machinery have been pressed into service but the rescuers are moving slowly to avoid causing harm to the possible survivors, Pune collector Saurav Rao said, adding the operation to clear the rubble was on.
Crowds have gathered at the spot and villagers could be seen moving fallen trees and rocks with bare hands to assist 300 National Disaster Response Force personnel in rescue efforts.
Scores of JCBs, dumpers and ambulances have been pressed into service to clear the rubble and shift the dead and survivors to hospitals, Rao said.
An NDRF spokesman said 158 people—61 children, 60 women, and 37 men— are feared to be trapped under the debris.
He said the landslide-affected village is spread over 50-metre radius and has a total number of 70 houses, out of which 46 have been affected. (PTI)
JAMMU, July 30: Prestigious Bhaderwah-Chamba road project worth Rs 80.66 crore, under inter-state connectivity sector of the Central Road Fund (CRF), is likely to jump another deadline of September 30, 2014, in view of financial crunch and non-payment of fund to the constructing agency.
While all the three important bridges on this 50 kms double- lane road up to Khundi Maral on J&K-Himachal border have been completed, nearly 16 kms road is yet to be black-topped by the agency. Roads and Buildings Department of J&K is initiating work on this important road project, connecting district Doda of J&K directly with Chamba in Himachal Pradesh. From Bhaderwah town, Chamba is nearly 144 kms.
Sources said that pace of work on this road has been slowed down for the last few months in view of financial crunch. The R&B authorities have failed to make payment of Rs 11 crore to the Punjab based company MGC Pvt Ltd.
Locals maintained that road will not be ready before the coming Mani-Mahesh Yatra in Chamba district of Himachal. Over 25,000 to 30,000 pilgrims from Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar districts perform Mani Mahesh Yatra every year. This time, though road has not been officially declared opened, yet R&B authorities have said that remaining 16 kms road is mettled with three layers (G1, G2, G3 specifications) and all types of vehicles can use this route now for the Yatra to Chamba instead of taking to lengthy Udhampur- Dhar Mahanpur-Lakhanpur route.
This road was sanctioned from the Central Road Fund with the initiative of the then J&K Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad in 2007-08. The work actually started in May 2010 and three years’ completion target was given to the company. May 2013 was the dead line fixed for completion of project by the Government. As during winter season, the work can not be initiated in the snow bound areas on higher reaches, some extra time was given to the agency for the completion. Now, Sept 30, 2014 has been given as the final deadline for the completion of the road.
Sources said that over 30,000 pilgrims are likely to visit Mani Mahesh this year from Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban area and all of them intended to use this route. The Annual Yatra Committee members from Bhaderwah had also met the Deputy Commissioner Doda and SE Doda recently in this connection, with the request to improve this road so that maximum pilgrims could use this route for pilgrimage. It has been learnt that after this, the road condition was improved and even on the remaining portion, mettled top work was completed for free movement of vehicles.
Executive Engineer R&B Bhaderwah Division A N Kundal, who is connected with this project when contacted said that 34 kms of road has been black topped. He disclosed that total length of the road up to Himachal (Chamba) border is 50 kms. This is double lane and remaining 16 kms road portion has been mettled with three layers. It is just ready for black topping. The works on most of the culverts/ `Pulis’ have also almost completed. Three vital bridges on this road are also ready for use.
Mr Kundal further disclosed that from Khundi Maral (Himachal border), the distance of Chamba town is 94 kms. From Khundi Maral the distance of small village Langera is 14 kms. Up to this point also, the road is `kutcha’ but it is motorable. But that is the responsibility of Himachal Government. He said the vehicles ply on that side of the border.
When asked whether agency would be able to meet the deadline of September 30, 2014, Mr Kundal said there are two months left and if the funds were made available the target can be achieved. He said there is liability of Rs 11 crore of the private contractors. They have yet to receive Rs 11 crore. Some funds ( Rs 5 crore) are pending for clearance in the Government Treasury.
To yet another question, the R&B officer said that initially the project cost was Rs 74.73 crore but in view of 10 % price escalation, the project cost has been hiked to Rs 80.66 crore. Till now, a payment of Rs 58.34 crore has been made to the constructing agency. Rs 5 crore is pending for clearance in Treasury for last several months, while works worth Rs 6 crore have been performed by contractor. Therefore, Rs 69 crore has been spent on this project so far and if the pending payments are cleared, the work can be performed in next two months. He however, expressed his apprehensions that this rainy season may hamper the pace of work on the remaining 16 kms of road. Kundal said even in view of rains, the work would be completed by October ending but the flow of funds is equally important for the completion of the project.
