Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 27: Maintaining that the Government is restoring the pristine glory of the old Srinagar city, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that a comprehensive plan has been formulated for the beautification of the same on heritage pattern.
The Minister was interacting with the people of different localities while inspecting the pace of work on the beautification/ renovation of the historic Zainakadal and its adjoining areas.
He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Baseer Khan, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ata-ullaha Qadri, Chief Engineer R&B Mr. Mushtaq Lone, MD JKPCC, S.E Irrigation and other senior officers of different departments.
While inspecting the renovation work being carried out on the historic Zainakadal, the Minister asked the officers to ensure that the necessary work is carried out as early as possible so that the people of the area do not face any inconvenience. He directed the officers to ensure that the shopkeepers whose shops would be acquired in the beautification plan should be provided with adequate alternatives within the shortest possible time and that too in their catchment areas.
At Bohrikadal, the Minister directed the officers that the necessary acquisition of the structures is carried out after giving the requisite compensation of the families.
“The Government is abreast with the problems being faced by the people of the old city and necessary mechanism has already been put in place to ensure that they are redressed within the shortest possible time. We have also formulated a comprehensive plan for beautification/ renovation of this historical city and necessary measures are also being taken to bring it on the tourist map of the State”, the Minister assured the people.
Comprehensive plan formulated for Beautification of old city: Sagar
14-month-old child killed, 13 injured as taxi rolls down
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 27: A 14-month-old child was killed while thirteen others got injured when the passenger taxi, they were travelling in, skidded off and rolled down near Amar Chasma, Batote.
The ill-fated passenger taxi bearing registration number JKO6 3464 was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar when it met with accident at Amar Chasma due to the negligence of the driver.
On getting information, a police party headed by Additional SP Ramban Anil Magotra, rushed to the spot and started rescue operation. All the injured were immediately rushed to Batote Hospital in police and other vehicles.
At Batote hospital, doctors declared 14 months old child namely Mirdalu, son of Kamal Kishore, resident of Hiranagar, district Kathua as brought dead while the other thirteen persons were later referred to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), for specialized treatment.
The injured persons were identified as Kamal Kishore, son of Chuni Lal of Hira nagar, Tripta Devi, wife of Kamal Kishore, Gohar Basher, son of Basher Ahmed of Tral Pulwama, Baby, daughter of Avtar Krishan of Jammu, Shobawati, wife of Kasturi Nath, Prito, wife of Bachan Lal of Simbal Camp, Jammu, Ashwani Kumar, son of Ashok Kumar Koul, of Budshah Chowk, Srinagar, Ravinder Kumar Koul, son of Anand Kumar Koul of Roop Nagar, Jammu, Subash Kumar, son of Sat Paul of Amritsar, Neelam, wife of Naresh Kumar of Amritsar, Kalwant Singh, son of Ragbeer Singh of Chatta, Jammu, Jaspaul Singh, son of Joga Singh of Satwari, Jammu and Raj Kumar, son of Dhani Ram, resident of Miran Sahib, Jammu.
BJP appeals people to make Bharat bandh call a success
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 27: BJP State president Shamsher Singh Manhas today made an appeal to the people of J&K to make the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) Bharat bandh call on May 31 against the unprecedented rise in petrol prices a grand success.
Talking to reporters here today along with BJP National Executive Member and chief spokesperson of the State, Dr Jitendra Singh and general secretary of the Party, Sat Sharma (CA) he said BJP which is a major alliance partner of NDA is duty bound to make the bandh call a success in the States where the Party has mass base.
He, while making a dig at Congress led UPA Government at Centre for unprecedented price hike of petrol prices said that it is slated to affect the prices of essential commodities as well and hit the common man to hilt. The people are already reeling under steep hike of prices of essential commodities all over the country and they can’t afford more hike now.
Accusing the wrong policies of UPA main cause of hike in prices of essential commodities including petrol, he said the BJP has protested against the same several times throughout the country but the UPA failed to roll back the same. He warned that in case the UPA failed to roll back the price hike the NDA will intensify the nation –wide agitation against the same and mobilize the public opinion all over the country.
Mr Singh made an appeal to traders, transporters, Bar Association and other organizations to observe complete bandh on May 23 to lodge the protest against the wrong and anti people policies of UPA Government.
He recalled that during the six year long BJP led NDA rule the prices were under control and they escalated soon after UPA took over as it is in league with capitalists and big businessmen.
People protest, block Highway
Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, May 27: The people from Barian and Sapwal area held protest demonstration and blocked Jammu-Pathankote National Highway for about two hours after an accident near Hanuman Mandir, just near Devak bridge in Vijaypur area late last evening.
The villagers came out on the road to lodge protest at around 9 pm when a youth Vishal, son of Parshotam Lal of Narwal in Satwari, Jammu was critically injured in motor-cycle accident near Hanuman Mandir. The boy was hit against divider and met with accident. He was rushed to GMC hospital Jammu.
Immediately after it the people led by village Sarpanch Zorawar Singh held protest demonstration and blocked road. These villagers alleged that this spot has become accident prone due to negligence of National Highway authorities. He said the work on Devak bridge is on for the last several months. No sign board has been raised to alert the road users/ drivers. Daily accidents are taking place. DC Samba was also requested to intervene but nothing was done. Later DSP and SHO concerned reached and the people lifted dharna on their assurance.
Govt committed to socio-economic empowerment of people in faroff areas : Slathia
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 27: The Minister for Industries and Commerce, S S Slathia today conducted an extensive tour of his home constituency Vijaypur and took stock of ongoing developmental works, besides laying foundation stone of two Water Supply Schemes in the area.
Addressing the locals after laying foundation stone of Water Supply Scheme at Khanpur, Mr. Slathia called upon the people to come forward and supplement Government efforts to ensure equitable development of every part of the State.
Taken up under NARABD, the Water Supply Scheme would be completed at a cost of Rs. 2.20 crore and on its completion 7922 souls of Kaulpur, Khanpur, Rattanpur, Khanpur Camp, Kajyal Kalan, Kajyal Khurd, Kajyal Bajawati, Pakhri, Kesso, Kamore, and adjoining areas would be benefited.
Listing the development projects in the area, the Minister said that equitable development of all three regions of the State was the prime motto of the Coalition Government headed by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah. He said that last three years have witnessed massive development activities which have changed the developmental profile of the State.
Responding to local demand, Mr. Slathia announced construction of women bathroom at Khanpur. He also assured that the work on the approach road to local cremation ground would be taken up soon and the same would be completed in a stipulated time frame. He also announced 40 electric poles for the areas.
About the benefits of IAY and old age Pension, the Minister said that the names of beneficiaries would be recommended by local Panchayat Representatives (PRs) to ensure that no deserving person was left out.
Mr Slathia exhorted upon the officers to ensure that the benefits of various development and welfare scheme reach to the deserving beneficiaries in time. He said the Government was committed to socio-economic empowerment of the people especially those living in hilly, remote and far-flung areas. He emphasized on regular monitoring of the development works, besides redressing genuine grievances of the people.
On the occasion, Sarpanchs, Panchs and local people apprised the Minister about their grievances and demands which included provision for uninterrupted power supply, potable drinking water, road connectivity, Anganwari centres, filling of posts in local schools and better medicare.
Mr. Slathia assured them that all their genuine demands would be addressed at the earliest and issued on spot instructions to the concerned for early disposal of the issues brought up in the public meetings.
At Kamala village, the Minister laid foundation stone of tubewell under water supply scheme Badali to be completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 195.50 lakh. The Scheme, on its completion, will benefit the people of Kamala, Kullian, Channi Manhasan, Najwal and other adjoining villages.
Addressing Public meeting at Kamala, Mr. Slathia announced 2 hand pumps each at Kullian and Kamala, besides 1 passenger shed at Kamala.
Sham launches work on WSS, inspects pace of work on Ayurvedic College
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 27: Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma today launched the work on Water Supply Scheme Bala- a far off Kandi village in border Tehsil Akhnoor.
The proposed Water Supply Scheme to be completed at a cost of Rs 2 crore include drilling of deep tube well, construction of reservoir besides laying of water supply lines. On completion the WSS would cater to the potable water needs of highly water stressed Bala village and its adjoining habitations.
The drilling work of deep tube well which was started in presence of the Minister would be completed in a stipulated time frame.
Addressing the locals soon after launching drilling work, Sham said that the Government has paid special attention to develop dependable water supply schemes in Kandi areas which are chronically water stressed. He said besides restoration of traditional water resources, including the local ponds and wells, projects for exploitation of ground water have also been formulated to meet the local water demands. He said that provision of safe drinking water, better health services, sanitation, dependable road connectivity in rural areas have been prioritised by the present Government.
Responding to the local demands, the Minister announced that a Primary Health Centre would be soon established at Godhan Bala soon.
Later, the Minister inspected the proposed land for construction of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Jammu-II at village Narradi in Akhnoor. The Minister also inspected ongoing construction work on Ayurvedic College and Nursing School at Sangani.
Several steps initiated to conserve, protect water resources : Taj, Sagar
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 27: Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Taj Mohi-ud-Din alongwith Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar today inaugurated the augmentation of water supply from Rangil plant to fort area at Pokhribal water treatment plant which has come at a cost of Rs. 42 crore.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Mr. Taj said that Government during the last three years has done enough to conserve and protect the water resources of the State. He said J&K was the first State in the country to enact laws regulating usage and ownership of water resources. He said many other states followed this model.
The Minister said with the collection of water usage charges, the State would be getting an annual revenue of Rs. 1000 crore which would be used to buy back power projects which would give the economy of the State a greater push. He said work on Wullar conservation would be completed within a year which would stabilise water level in Jhelum ensuring more power generation during winter months.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sagar said the present Government has taken many path breaking steps like empowerment of panchayats, steps leading to transparent governance and improvement of road, health, education and social infrastructure in the State. He said peace is imperative for development, adding that due to peace the State is witnessing a good tourist season this year.
In his address, MLA, Hazratbal, Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal demanded immediate completion of many PHE and irrigation schemes under execution in his constituency. He hoped that many big achievements would be registered in the coming years by the present Coalition Government.
The Rs. 42 crore augmentation of water supply from Rangil plant to fort area including Badamwari, Makhdoom Sahib and other adjoining areas would benefit more than 70,000 souls in the downtown city. The supply received through the new system would be 80,000 gallons per hour as against 20,000 gallons per hour.
Later, Mr. Taj inaugurated Water Supply Scheme, Mehjoor Nagar at Padshahibagh built at a cost of Rs. 9.88 crore. The scheme is expected to benefit around 40,000 souls of the Mehjoor Nagar, Railway Colony, Jawahar Nagar, Kursoo etc
Addressing the gathering, the Minister asked people to take benefit of various welfare schemes and development initiatives of the Government.
In his address, Minister of State for Home, Tourism & PHE, Nasir Aslam Wani said the present Government has embarked upon a path of development in the State.
Natrang’s series of ten shows on Tagore concludes at Poonch
Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, 27th May : The historic Kishan Chander Park of Poonch town was today vibrated with the electrifying performance of Natrang actors who presented Balwant Thakur’s Dogri play ‘Suno Tagore Di’ in a highly professional and effective manner.
Mr Ajeet Kumar Sahu District Development Commissioner, Poonch was the chief guest on the occasion and the show was witnessed by the thousands of the local prominent citizens, largely women and the people of the adjoining areas.
With this performance the series of ten shows of this play concluded here today amidst thunder applauses. Natrang started its series of shows of this mega theatre production ‘Suno Tagore Di’ from Ramban and afterwards travelled the whole length and breadth of the State and performed at Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Udhampur, Jammu, Samba, Kathua and Rajouri.
The production and staging of this mega Dogri play has been supported by Ministry of Culture Government of India and Ministry of Tourism and Culture J&K Government to commemorate 150 years of Guru Rabindranath Tagore.
The play seeks to reform the total social system and structure which has failed to give the women it’s due. In a highly symbolic manner through a central character ‘Guddi’ the playwright and director Balwant Thakur has interwoven over twenty short stories, novels and plays of Guru Rabindranath Tagore to transcend the vision of Guruji about women. The most praiseworthy effort of Balwant Thakur is to adapt Tagore in Dogri life, culture, language and ethos. In this production ‘Suno Tagore Di’ every women identifies with its every situation which Balwant Thakur has beautifully and intelligently created in the local life. The other unique feature of the presentation was it’s performance language which is not only an original piece of art work but also the most effective par excellence theatricals.
Natrang actors kept the audience spellbound throughout the show and gave remarkable performances which the audience is not going to forget for years to come. Poonch audience was lucky enough to witness the senior most stalwart actors of Natrang like Suresh Kumar, Anil Tickoo, Sanjeev Gupta, Neeraj Kant, and Dimple Sharma. Among others who gave engrossing performances included Rahul Singh, Tajasvi Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Mohd. Yaseen, Balwinder Singh, Stanzin Paldan, Sunil Sharma, Sushil Raina, Vinay Manhas, Atin Tikka, Sakshi Prakash, Vishal Sharma, Ashwani Bali and Shivika Verma.
The light and sound was looked after by Shummy Kalotra, Ashu Kalotra, Rahul Bhat and Karan Kumar.
The show was ably conducted by Predeep Khanna.
Shree Atam Vallabh Jain Clinic opens centre for Neuro Therapy
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 27: Shree Atam Vallabh Jain Clinic, which is serving Jammuites since 1981 by providing free medical aid, OPD facilities besides medicines, today opened its centre for Neuro Therapy at Jain Nagar here.
Ex-Union Minister and MLA Jammu West, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta inaugurated the centre.
Speaking on the occasion, chairman of the clinic, Sudershan Jain said the Clinic is providing free artifical limbs and calipers to the amputees of the J&K and adjoining States totally free of cost. At present, we are running OPD and performing dental surgery at our both branches at Jain Nagar and Talab Tillo, adding that the centre for Neuro Therapy is opened to provide people the remedy from today’s life style.
Ajay Gandhi and Gurmukh Singh from Patiala, Northern Zone Neuro therapy incharge from Chandigarh who today diagnosed about 97 patients, will be treating the patients from tomorrow.
Bhadarwah girl gets top rank in DM Oncology from AIIMS
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 27: Dr Nidha Iqbal Shapoo, D/o Mohammed Iqbal Shapoo of Bhadarwah in Doda district, J&K who got top rank in DM Medical Oncology from AIIMS, New Delhi. She worked under the guidance of Dr Vinod Raina, a renowned Oncologist, Head of Department, Medical Oncology AIIMS.
Dr Nidha Iqbal had done her MBBS as well as MD from Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu on merit and later she was selected for DM Medical Oncology in AIIMS , New Delhi, on the basis of her merit.
It is for the first time that a girl from remotest area like Bhadarwah has topped in DM from a prestigious Medical Institute like AIIMS.