Vol 10●No 16●Pages 16●September 15, 2017

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म त U N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS MERCMEDIA EDUCATION TIMES RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR

TECHNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION DEVOLVES ‘TYPEWRITTER’S LIFE’

Kashmir University Media Students 2 teachers for Food on the go release heart-throbbing short film 85 students P11 P8 P9 ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U R NI I VE HM RSI AS Vol 10●No 16●Pages 16●September 15, 2017 TY OF K 2

TEENAGERS TURN INTO Poor infrastructure haunts athletes ENTREPRENEUR v Mehwish Mumtaz

Budgam: Bakshi Stadium, one of the oldest stadium of the valley, where every now and then, hosts of activities are being organized by spectrum of sports bodies and till date the authorities managing it have not undertaken any initiative to renovate the filthiest toilet where sewage overflows in the bathroom area and v Musaib Mehraj stench haunts the budding athletes. Apart, from unhygienic toilet, the young sports men or women Srinagar: Three teenagers have set an example have no changing rooms. by launching their own firm to turn their passion for The stadium which was constructed in 1960 software development into a working business model. continues with the same outlook and in fact Basar Qari from Bagh-e-Mehtab area of Srinagar joined has gone from bad to worse as evident from the hands with two of his close friends, Zuhaib Zahoor and condition of the stands or ground. Saad Khan, for the initiative. “Bakshi Stadium is one of the oldest stadium but The trio showcased their services—web designing, look at the condition of the toilet where human application development, graphic designing, and excreta overflows the toilet commode and other dirty waste changing room for girls due to which they often face problem marketing—on their website WebCycle.in. splashes under washbasins,” says a group of girl athletes from while participating in any sports event. Basar Qar studies at Delhi Public School, Srinagar. Kothibagh Higher Secondary School out to participate in “We female participants guard outside the room when others Basar, who founded the firm, studies in class 10 while football tourney. change their clothes. It becomes embarrassing at times to ask two of his friends and colleagues study in class 11. Arooj, a participant said that, “the washroom inside the others to keep a watch outside changing room,” said another The teenagers said they had only Rs 500, which they stadium is unclean and not in a position to be used by athletes.” girl participant. collected out of their pocket money, to launch the firm. “Nobody here prefers to use this bathroom as it emits filthy “The athletes have to drink cold water from taps which risks Basar said, “On 1st July our dreams came true and we smell and waste. Besides many bathrooms don’t have doors. their health. At least there should be proper drinking water launched the website,” the students said.After launching The Sports Council should have maintained them properly so facility in the stadium,” said Sabreena. the company we got first order of making a website.” that athletes don’t face any problem here,” she added. “We have only one stadium but unfortunately it lacks the basic Basar is passionate for web designing and used to search The girl athletes said that the stadium is without proper facilities, nothing is in place,” said Afshana, one of the athletes. internet-based resources to learn it. “Thanks to the internet which exposed me to the vast data,” he said. He said that he and his friends began watching video tutorials on video sharing website YouTube and referred Shahnawaz selected for national team to other resources on the internet. He said he now develops web and mobile applications. “We were initially clueless about what to do but our passion drove us,” Basar said. “We wanted to create something extraordinary.” His colleague Zuhaib Zahoor, who does graphic designing and event management, said his family did not support him in his endeavor initially. “They opposed me and would raise eyebrows whenever I would surf the internet. They thought I was doing something wrong on the internet but they believed me when Basar launched Shahrul Ramadan application in May this year,” he said. The third colleague, Saad Khan, said he does web designing. “We had no idea about this thing but we did it under the continuous guidance of our school teachers, who insisted us to go beyond the norms,” he said. He said the team sacrificed its precious time on the internet rather than being at marketplaces or playgrounds. The students said the ‘credit goes to our teacher’ who trained them in programming codes and encouraged Rahil Hussain The Secretary , J&K State Sports Council Mr Waheed Ur Rahman them to launch the firm. Para appreciated the Association for great efforts of promoting the They said they need to be updated with digital BUDGAM: Shahnawaz Hussain Mir of district Budgam has game in the state of J&K and selected player in Indian squad or innovations to keep pace with the fast-changing world. been selected as a senior player in Indian national baseball team. team and hope they will bring laurels for the country “We want to serve the people of Kashmir who are While as General Secretary , J&K Baseball Association Fida Nazir Ahmad Joint Secretary, J&K SSC, sent off Shahnawaz and stabbed by web designers outside the Valley. We want Hussain Fidvi has been appointed as manager of Indian team for Fidvi for the said India camp and participation to Malaysia at to provide our customers quality work and discount on the upcoming International Baseball Championship to be held at Bakhshi Stadium, Srinagar special occasions in creating websites as well as hybrid Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. President, JKBA, Mr MM Gazanfar congratulated the Association applications,” the young entrepreneur said. Mir represented the state many times in Senior National Baseball for the selection of its senior player in Indian Baseball contingent Championships at different states of the country. for prestigious International tournament at Malaysia. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U N IR IVE M RS ASH Vol 10●No 16●Pages 16●September 15, 2017 ITY OF K 3

LIVE WIRES POSE THREAT JASHN-E-DAL, SHIKARA TO URI RESIDENTS RACE KICKS OFF almost touching the rooftops of houses. The line has suffered extensive damage at many places and if it gets cut at any moment, it could cause huge tragedy,” a delegation of locals said, adding “Around 5,000 households of the town are facing the threat.” “We many times raised this issue with the officials of the Power Development Department (PDD) but they turned deaf ears to our repeated pleas,” they said. v Shahzad Ashiq Students and teachers of a local school here are aghast over the callous attitude of the concerned SRINAGAR: Residents of main town Uri in department for relocating the high tension lines. north Kashmir’s Baramulla district said that their “This high tension line is crossing through our lives are under constant threat due to the presence school premises and posing a grave danger to the of overhead high tension wires that are lying low life of students and employees of the educational and touching the roof tops of their residential institution,” said a teacher. houses. The HT line passing through main town Uri They said that the 11,000 KV high tension wires originates from grid station Salamabad and that are passing above their houses could cause supplies electricity to villages like Garkote, any major damage to humans and the property. Nambla Hathlanga, Syedpora, Silikote , noorkhah, “The high tension wires are hanging very low and kanchan and many others. v Rafia Manzoor

SRINAGAR: Water sports festival Jashn-E-Dal and Shikara Race – 2017 organized by Jammu and Kashmir Police in the world famous Dal Lake, Nehru Park kicked off. Various water sports events Art exhibition, ‘Confluence’ including Shikara Race were organised during the 3-day festival. 900 players participated in different competitions in three day water sports festival. inaugurated in Srinagar Director General of Police, Dr. S.P Vaid inaugurated the water sports. The event was aimed to engage the youth in healthy competitions of v Faila Khan if all artists were present to explain their work,” sports and shun arms and drugs. State’s Director General of Police (DGP) said another visitor. S.P. Vaid said, “Activities like these would usher in peace and harmony in SRINAGA: The event of the two day While talking to the organiser, she said, “the whole the Valley. A number of sports programmes have been charted out lined contemporary art exhibition named ‘Confluence’ thing is meant to revive the art culture back in up and are going on throughout the State which are providing a platform was inaugurated in a building in Post Office Lane Kashmir, despite the fact of the ongoing turmoil, to the youth to showcase their talent.” Rajbagh. The exhibition was held by Kashmir Art talking about art work, we sold many art works and “Jammu and Kashmir Police organises various sports activities Quest, an art foundation and was price ranged from Rs. 1000 to Rs. under CAP for the holistic development of State youth to channelize their hosted by Zoya Khan, who is an 2.20 lakhs. energies in positive directions,” he added. Referring to the achievements architect and an urban planner by Among other artworks being of the State in the water sports, Dr Vaid hoped that the players and teams profession. The event showcased showcased includes first lady of the State will touch new heights in future. the 132 artworks by 34 Kashmiri sculptor of Jammu and Kashmir, Hundreds of youths took part in the festival, with activities such as artists. Shaiqa Mohi’s wooden sculptures. dragon boat, canoe-polo, water ski, water polo swimming, free style The art work of different artists The art work of prominent swimming of boys, relay swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. reflects Kashmir images of artists like, Yousuf Naqashbandi, One of the participants namely Irfan said, “This is the good step conflict, of helplessness and Masood Hussain, M.A Mehboob taken by J&K police, I am very thankful to the J&K police for giving us of hope. Other than the art was displayed among others. this opportunity.” This festival has been taking place since the last three work, the event showcased Titled “Body and Soul” the years but it couldn’t be held last year due to unrest. “This festival should best photographs by various collection collection of artworks be organised every year because it promotes the spirit of sportsmanship professionals of the valley. includes old tubelights and bulbs among the youth of Kashmir Valley, said Irfan. “It is quite appreciable that such that have been artistically painted Minister of Education, Syed Mohd. Altaf Bukhari, was the chief guest, an initiative took place here, from inside by Sameer Hussain. who distributed the prizes among the winners of different competitions. art is way to connect to people, The exhibition is a collection of Speaking on the occasion, Bukhari said, “Such competitions showcase the whole event is vibrant and varying art works such as creative Kashmir and Kashmiriyat to the outside world and cultivate positive I personally liked the series, landscapes by artist Naushad vibes and energies in the youth.” “houses of kashmir” by Zoya Khan,” said Sadia Gayoor to water colour and acrylic paintings by L Mohanti ADGP (Armed) also spoke on the event. He said, “Such Khan one of the visitors. artist Yousuf Naqshbandi who had even showcased events give us new talents, players which will help in bringing more “I liked the art work but I would have liked it better, his artworks from his student days laurels to the State in future.” ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U R NI I Vol 10●No 16●Pages 16●September 15, 2017 V M ER H SITY OF KAS 4 Theatre artist enthralls audience at Tagore Hall v SADIA MIR of theatres in Jammu. But now we want to revive it in Kashmir. We want to create an involvement of the SRINAGAR: To revive the culture of theatres in the people with the theatre as well,” said Mushtaqque Ali valley, a day-long theatre was organized by SAMOOH, Khan, Chairman ACT. a Jammu based production house in collaboration with “We will be holding such more programs in near Actors Creative Theatre (ACT), a non-governmental future in Kashmir as the place is lacking the theatrical organization at Tagore Hall here in Srinagar. Samooh culture,” said Sudhir Mahajan, the founder of SAMOOH Theatre staged world classic tragic play “Oedipus Rex”, productions adding “We will be also giving the local written by Sophocles and directed by Ravinder Sharma. artists a chance to show their talent as well”. The Play represents the story of a man’s doomed attempt Director of the play Ravinder Sharma said that they to outwit fate, it dramatizes Oedipus, painful discovery were happy to hold their play in Kashmir. “My team was of his true identity and the despairing violence the truth eager to hold this show in the valley, so we are here and unleashed in him. we are very happy with the response we have got,” he All the characters who acted on the stage belong to Nikita, Pallavi, Avinash, Rohit Bains, Anita Chandpuri, said. the city of temples- Jammu. Sandeep Thakur, Sandeep Yogeshwar Singh, Yeshvinder Bali and Neeraj Sethi Ayushi Bhatt, a nine-year old girl was the youngest Manhas, Chaten Charak, Samdhish Kumar, Shubam helped in Back Stage work of the play. among the other actors. Bhatt also praised the Kashmir’s Singh Nag, Abhishek Sharma, Tarun Charak, Rohan The organizers said that the motive of holding this beauty on her debut visit. “I have never seen a place as Sharma, Neha Langeh, Hempreet Kour, Aashima Dutta, theatre was to restore the culture of theatres that is lost beautiful as Kashmir and I would love to visit again and Ayushi Bhat and Deepika were the cast of the play. in the valley since a long time. “There is a rich culture perform here,” she said.

Anantnag locality reels Srinagar outskirts lack basic facilities under garbage heeps AUQIB SALAM Burzahama, which gets water from Shohama Alesteng water plant is poorly connected to the SRINAGAR: Srinagar outskirts sans basic areas, the water to this plant comes directly facilities of water and electricity. The area from open power canal without proper piping, comprises of some newly established colonies The already insufficient water is used by both including historic village of Burzahama. . households and farmers for irrigation making Sheikh Hamza colony, new colony and Bilal it difficult to provide Burzahama, The proposal colony adjacent to Burzahama, which is connected of piping the electric cannel properly is pending to water line of a nearby water reservoir at Gasoo, from years. lacks the basic facilities of water. Mohammad Maqbool Bhat told MERC Times, The water reservoir due to its limited capacity “The 0.45 inch water line set up in Burzahama is not able to provide for these colonies. during 80s used to cater few house holds, now the The locals there have switched to tube wells in same water line caters 10 times larger area due to Tajamul Islam the surroundings becoming order to obtain water from years now, the water population growth since three decades, the same ANANTNAG: A Chief Minister breeding ground for many lines stay almost defunct in these areas. water line cannot uphold the pressure of this large Mehbooba Mufti herself diseases,” a resident of Kha- Mr. Maqbool Doora, president of Sheikh area due to which the area lacks basic facility of representing the constituency, Bazar, Amil Keen said, adding Hamzah mohallah committee said their colony water.” there are still many areas that the garbage bins have been lacks the basic facilities of water and electricity. Bhat further said, “We have been writing to under Municipal Council lying in the outskirts and left “We use tube wells and other means to get concerned authorities from years and they have Anantnag (MCA) which present there to be eaten by rust. water, the water reservoir at Gasoo Hazratbal been ignoring us despite our several attempts”. stinking look with slow garbage Locals said due to the absence which caters to these areas provide water in shifts, MLA Hazratbal Asiya Naqqash while talking disposal irking the residents of garbage dumping facility, tons but due to huge area and less water available at the to MERC Times said, “We acknowledge the besides creating unhygienic of non-biodegradable garbage plant almost all households run dry”, he said. problem in these newly established colonies, and environment. which includes polythene, He further said, “We are demanding a we have already held a meeting regarding this last Residents of many localities domestic waste and medical transformer from years since the colonies week, there is a proposal of Irrigation Shed that allege that heaps of domestic waste are lying scattered on were set up, we are temporarily connected to we are working on and hopefully the problem will waste is lying scattered across roads at Sarnal, Nai-Basti, the transformer of nearby areas which are far be taken care of soon” the town. Gulshanabad and Iqbalabad away from us and the voltage is very low due to “People from other areas are settling there in “Anchidora, Krangsoo, occupying huge portion of the distance”. fields away from main water line which makes it Bilal Colony, Kha-Bazar, roads. Locals also complained about the difficult to provide water to them at short notice,” Iqbalabad,janglatmandi and “Sweepers are hardly visiting contaminated water. They said the water tank she said. other areas have no garbage our localities and there are at Gasoo, which caters to Bilal colony, Hamzah When asked about water crisis in Burzahama bins so people throw garbage large mounds of garbage lying colony, and new colony is not -regularly cleaned she said, “There is not any problem in Burzahama on roads and thoroughfare,” a unattended for days together,” forcing locals to drink contaminated water that and we have already utilized 20 Cr to repair the group of agitated residents said. sahil,a another resident said. they seldom get. electric canal which was damaged in previous “I never came across a Residents have demanded Local MLA visits the area only during the time floods” single dustbin installed by that the concerned authorities of elections asking for votes. We have not seen our On electricity crisis, she added, “We are administration in downtown should install garbage cans and MLA since the time she was elected, they added. looking forward to add 10 MV transformers at areas. The foul smell is dispose of the heaps of garbage The village of Burzahama also decries the receiving station Burzahama by October which ubiquitous in the areas with in a scientific manner. unavailability of water. will solve the low voltage problem of this area”. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U R UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR NI I Vol 10●No 16●Pages 16●September 15, 2017 V M ER H SITY OF KAS Vol 8 | No 12 | OCTOBER 30, 2015 5

The gender that (doesn’t) exist! Antipollution campaign begins at Pahalgam

v Syed Jesarat v SYED BILAL the valley. Locals have hailed the decision of the PDA SRINAGAR: In the Kashmir Valley the transgender community has been PAHALGAM: Pahalgam Development and promised full support to check the struggling for existence as well as identity after being abandoned by their families Authority (PDA) launched a special drive pollution. and shamed by the society. This “other class”, recognized by the Supreme Court as against the use of polythene; hoarding Regarding the use of polythene, Wani said, ‘third gender’, has been forced to withdraw from public life, making their existence erected by various hotels, restaurants and “We have already informed the public not to a “virtual social death.” private organization at the world famous use any polythene here and have also asked While they have been shunned through the history of Jammu and Kashmir, tourist resort. the shopkeepers not to provide customers the there is no documentation of their presence in society and what they did to make a Speaking to MERC TIMES, Chief Executive polythene bags.” living. According to academics and activists, their role as matchmakers—the only Officer (PDA), Reyaz Ahmad Wani said, that “Our utmost priority is to keep this famous source of their sustenance in present-day Kashmir—is now under threat. almost all the hoardings put up in Pahalgam health resort neat and clean and for that we Things could change for the better as the Jammu and Kashmir High Court have been removed and stringent action are taking every possible measure,” he added. has taken notice of an LGBT activist and scholar from Kashmir University. Aijaz would be taken against the erring persons. Ahmad Bund, who has been continuing a struggle for seven years, away from the “Though putting up them at the tourist places Meanwhile, an illegal construction which media glare, is fighting for the rights of the transgender people. violates the environmental norms, a large had come up here in the green belt of “The government, the people; everybody wants us to perish from the face of the number of the hoardings were erected in Pahalgam raised to ground despite stay order earth. So why should they be concerned about us?” said Dazy Jan, who identifies Pahalgam”, he said. from the court. herself as a trans-woman, from uptown Srinagar. She belongs to a group of nine To mention, the hoardings of some famous “It is the fourth such occasion when we have transgender people who are very close friends and have been matchmaking for the hotels, restaurants, and other private demolished this illegal structure. Every time last five-seven years. organizations are erected on the trees, lush we demolish it the encroacher who had raised Most transgender people have been matchmakers, a traditional profession for green hills, inside gardens and near the this illegal structure reconstructs it during them, apart from singing and dancing at weddings in Kashmir .However, now they shores of the rivers at different scenic spots of night hours”, said an official in the PDA. are losing their only source of income to disk jockeys, who are replacing them at weddings and other functions. The financial instability has added to their worries. While their monthly income varies from Rs 6000 to Rs 20,000, many of them, mostly the older transgender people with no source of income, struggle to make ends meet. Chief Justice releases SLSA’s 2016 According to renowned Psychiatrist Dr. Arshad Hussain, the community’s continuing struggle for survival in Jammu and Kashmir has resulted in mental newsletter, ‘Endeavour’ health issues for them. “They are stigmatized in our culture with hugely defined roles assigned to two genders making them misfits not only in the larger society but also within families,” Hussain said to MERC Times For the first time, Kashmir University’s social science department has approved a thesis study on the transgender community. This is being seen as an important step at the academic level in establishing the identity of the transgender people. “It will help to bring the plight of the transgender community to the fore. It is important also because it is first initiative, that too from the highest seat of learning in the state,” said Bund to Merc Times. “Ours is an inclusive movement. We have started with the transgender people because they are the one of the most vulnerable and visible victims in the spectrum,” Bund added. Transgenders of Jammu and Kashmir have approached the High court for protection of their constitutional rights. In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) the transgenders have sought court’s directions to the government for implementation Nazima Rashid in letter and spirit of the judgment passed by the Supreme Court in a petition titled Srinagar in the year 2016 were felicitated by National Legal Services Authority versus Union of India and others. SRINAGAR: J&K State Legal Service Justice Badar Durrez Ahmed, Chief Justice of They have approached the court through Aijaz Ahmad Bund, Shafi Khan and Authority (SLSA) organized Advance Training J&K High Court (Patron in Chief J&K SLSA), Farah Ashraf, pleading that following clear directions of the apex court, the state and Commendation Ceremony of Para Legal Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir (Executive government was obliged to fulfill the necessities of transgenders but till date it has Volunteers (PLV’s) under the patronage of Chairman J&K legal Services Authority), failed to provide any concrete relief to them. Justice Badar Durrez Ahmed, Chief Justice Justice Alok Aradhe, Justice Ali Mohammad The PIL seeks formulation of programs, which will ensure the social, economic of J&K High Court (Patron In-Chief J&K Magrey, Chairman HCLSC and Justice M.K. and political inclusion and rehabilitation of transgenders in the state. It also seeks State Legal Services Authority) and under the Hanjura, Judge J&K High Court. an adequate provision of social security including a monthly welfare fund for guidance of Mr. Justice Mohammad Yaqoob On the occasion, the newsletter of J&K SLSA transgenders. Mir, Executive Chairman J&K State Legal “Endeavour”, (Koshish) was also released by “The government should acknowledge the transgenders of Jammu and Kashmir Services Authority. The Advance Training the dignitaries. as a marginalised and vulnerable section and therefore introduce reservations in was imparted by trained TOT and Assistant The proceedings were conducted by R.N. educational institutions and government jobs for them,” the PIL said. Professors from Kashmir University. Watal, Member Secretary J&K SLSA. On The demands are: The Training Programme was followed the occasion Registrar General Sanjay Dhar, • Housing because they claim a majority of them have been disowned by their by Commendation Ceremony of PLV’s and Registrar Vigilance Puneet Gupta, Jawad families. best PLV’s of the State namely Younis Iqbal Ahmad, Pr. Secretary to Chief Justice, Abdul • Shelter homes for transgenders facing violence at the hands of families. Najar from TLSC Tangmarg, Sarjeel bin Rashid Malik Director Judicial Academy, Mohd • Formal and non-formal educational programmes, setting up counseling Hassanfrom DLSA Ganderbal and Umesh Yousuf Wani, Registrar Judicial, Srinagar centres. Kumar from DLSA Bhaderwah and PLV’s (Wing) Abdul Nasir, Secretary High Court • A transgender welfare board and trangender police stations. who were awarded North Zone best PLV legal Service Committee, Joint Registrar, • Equal applicability of all laws; humane treatment. award in the year 2015 namely Janak Singh Farooq Ahmad, Shabir Malik CPC and Umesh from DLSA Reasi, Gulshan Aara from DLSA Sharma Munsiff Srinagar were present. MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त Vol 10●No 16●Pages 16●September 15, 2017 U N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS 6 Bar body members take oath v Malik Nisar Singh’s role was questioned before High Court. SRINAGAR: The newly-elected Kashmir High The other Bar executive members Court Bar president Zaffar Ali Qureshi and who took oath today include elected vice- his team took the oath of office here today. president Ajaz Bedar, general secretary Zaffar pledged to uphold the Bar constitution. M Ashraf Bhat, joint secretary Shabbir “I will try to fulfill the responsibilities and Ahmad Bhat and treasurer Bilal Ahmad. the obligations towards the Bar Association Bar Election Commissioner AR Keng and the welfare of the lawyers. I pledge to administered the oath of office to the achieve the goals and objectives set by the bar elected members. The outgoing president constitution,” Zaffar said in his maiden speech Mian Qayoom has congratulated the after taking the oath at a ceremony at Sadder team and also reminded them of their Court Complex. constitutional obligations. Qayoom had A senior J&K High Court lawyer, Zaffar, opted out of the race for the top post. was elected as the president of Kashmir Bar “I hope the new team, which is energetic Association on August 30. He represented the and visionary, will strive hard to shoulder victims of Janglaat Mandi encounter case, in their responsibilities. We have full faith in which the present Army chief Gen Bikram them,” Qayoom said in his farewell address

UMEED scheme reviewed by Rural Biggest Water Canal of Tral craves development minister for official attention

Asif Bilal

PULWAMA: The residents of Tral up in arms against the Irrigation department for not restoring the biggest water Canal of the Tral Sub division in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Posing threat to the locals of more than 40 villages as the canal has not been restored since decades in the area. v USEEBA BASHIR While interacting with the members The canal known as “ParganLaer” of the SHGs, the Minister asked them to originates from Aripal area of the reminders to the concerned GANDERBAL: A meeting was conducted increase the production of livelihood stock sub division and distributes the water department regarding the restoration by the state government to review the so that more and more people get benefited to the paddy fields of more than 40 of canal but we don’t know why they are implementation of UMEED scheme in the and are aware of the scheme which would villages in the town. turning blind eye to redress this issue”, Kashmir province. ultimately improve their economic Since long time, The canal lies said Imtiyaz Ahmad. While addressing the meeting, the conditions. in the bad state as loads of waste, “Earlier in 2016, the concerned Minister directed the concerned officials to “UMEED scheme is the hope for debris, garbage and wood pieces are authorities have assured people that ensure that all the developmental schemes the women and the scheme is aimed to accumulated in it, due to which the they would restore the canal in coming are executed efficiently so that benefits encourage rural women to make small canal has become narrow and poses months but a year has gone now and of the same reach to the common masses. savings so that their SHGs will eventually threat to the locals as overflow in the nothing has been done so far to the He instructed the officers to ensure proper become bankable. Upon its successful canal may affect the people and their canal”, one of the residents Ghulam monitoring and execution of UMEED implementation it will change socio- property badly anytime. Nabi alleged. scheme and its components at block and economic conditions of the women in “We have apprised the higher “The school kids of some areas have district levels. He further stressed that state” said Munaza who is affiliated with authorities many times to redress our to go to school every day which are tangible results should be visible on the UMEED scheme. problem so that we may not suffer located on the banks of this canal and ground. The panel was also informed about more in future but our requests always they face a lot of problems because of High authorities informed that there several measures undertaken to ensure go in vain”, said a local resident Imran the risk to get slipped down into the are 11501 Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the phase wise implementation of the Ahmad of Nahir Tral. canal”, he added. Kashmir Division having 105000 members Livelihood Mission UMEED at block level. The canal provides the water to the “I never let my kids go alone to the who are generating income through these On the occasion, the Minister felicitated agricultural land of Nahir, Khasipora, school, because of the overflow in the groups. These groups have own thrift the awardees who have fared well in Monghama, Chatrogam, Panzoo, Diver, canal which could be dangerous for of Rs 14 crore, while as capitalization implementing welfare schemes. Among ChewaUller, Pinglish, hayun, Gamraj, my kids anytime”, another resident of through Department is Rs 39.09 crore and the awardees include Himayat VO, Block Lurgam, Lurow and other villages but Chatrogam Tral said. Bank linkage is Rs 24.23 Crore. There are Khansahib who were conferred with the concerned department is delaying It is pertinent to mention here that 206 Automatic Milk Collection Centers National Award, Rs 2 lakh and citation work on the restoration of this canal the said canal remains dry till March- (AMCC) in the Kashmir province, while as where as Shalimar SHG Block Khansahib due to some unknown reasons, giving April and after that water in the canal milk production stands at 11600 liters per was presented Rs 1 lakh and citation by the tough time to the residents. lasts for a year till November-December day in the province. Union Minister for Rural Development. “We have already given several month. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U R NI I VE HM RSIT KAS Vol 10●No 16●Pages 16●September 15, 2017 Y OF 7 Kupwara residents ASIA’S 2ND LARGEST FRUIT aghast over dilapidated roads MANDI IN SHAMBLES v Shah Tawqeer government has never bothered about the upliftment of v Tahir Bhat this vital sector which can help generate employment in SOPORE: Asia’s second largest fruit mandi situated the state,” he said. KUPWARA: The residents of Harie and Meelyal in north Kashmir’s Sopore area is craving for official The fruit growers complained about lack of water area of northern Kashmir’s Kupwara district are up in attention with traders continuously facing number of supply facility in the mandi. “The mandi has no separate arms against the authorities for failing to repair and problems. water supply scheme despite the fact that every day macadamize the Kralpora to Harie road. According to traders, as much as Rs 2,500 crore fruit 20,000 to 30,000 people visit here when it is peak The road was macadamized few years back. business is being carried out in the mandi every year. season,” they said. However, the road could not with stand rains and “However, the lack of infrastructure is hobbling the “Instead of providing the mandi with a separate developed potholes, locals told MERC TIMES. growth of business as it prevents the foreign buyers to scheme, water is being supplied through plastic tanks. During rains, the dilapidated roads turn into come to the mandi,” they said. We have approached authorities a number of times to cesspools.” When water remains stagnant for a long Established in 1988 on 372 kanals on the outskirts provide separate water supply scheme, but our pleas have time, It further damages road,” said Bashir Ahmad, a here, considered to be the biggest fruit market in Jammu fallen on deaf ears,” the growers said. local. Kashmir, the mandi has recorded Rs 2500 crore business “After two decades the road was repaired but today “Due to potholes vehicles have suffered damages. last year but the fruit growers and dealers alleged that the you will see that the potholes are visible on entire stretch The dilapidated condition of the road poses risk of state government has failed to pay any attention towards from Sopore College to the market,” Bashir Ahmed, a accidents. The road is vital as most of the vehicles upgrading its infrastructure. grower, said. including school buses pass through it,” said Not to talk of any modern trading facilities, the market “If government would have been really sincere Mohammad Ramzan Khan. giving sustenance to more than two million people in in boosting horticulture sector, they should have Accusing the authorities for ignoring their plights, Kashmir (directly and indirectly) by generating revenue constructed a four-lane road leading to this mandi,” he the residents demanded immediate redressal of their of thousands of crores of rupees annually, even lacks said. grievances. some of the basic facilities. “Thousands of buyers and transporters from outside The residents told that the authorities have failed to President Sopore Fruit Growers Association Fayaz the state come here to purchase and ferry apple in trucks. maintain and macadamize the road which has resulted Ahmad told Greater Kashmir that the mandi has been But the poor condition of the road gives wrong impression in the immense hardships to the commuters. neglected by the state government over the years. to them about the market,” a fruit grower said. They said that they approached several higher ups “We are not begging for anything but demanding While this mandi is known throughout Asia, it does in this regard but unfortunately nothing has been something which is our right. Despite horticulture being not have any even a single cold storage facility. “The lack done so far.”Despite assurances by the authorities, the the backbone of the state economy, government has of cold storage facility forces the traders to sell their department has failed to take measures to macadamize totally neglected this sector which is reflected by the state produce at cheaper rates,” they growers said. the road,” they added. of this mandi,” Ahmad said. “We have no alternative than to sell our fruit whatever The residents appealed to the higher ups to look “There is dearth of auction platforms in the market. returns we get, as we don’t have storage facility here,” into the matter and redress their genuine grievances at Present platforms can accommodate only a few growers Muhammad Yaqoob, a grower, said. earliest so that the people especially commuters here to auction their fruit while as there are thousands of An official of Horticulture Department posted at could feel a sigh of relief. traders here. There is minimum requirement of further Sopore Fruit Mandi who wished not to be named said When Contacted DC Kupwara Khalid Jehangir, He 40 auction platforms,” Ahmad said. the government has not sanctioned any funds for the said that people met me regarding the issue I direct “There is no accommodation facility for the traders infrastructure up-gradation here. “This is the reason the the R&b Department to macadamize the said road at and the drivers coming from outside to this mandi. mandi has seen no development,” he said. earliest. We have been demanding adequate accommodation “We have number of times written to the authorities While talking to MERC Times MLA Kupwara facilities for them as they are our guests and prospective to lay the pipes for water supply to the mandi, but Bashir Ahmad Dar, told that I will look into the matter buyers,” Ahmad said. nothing has been done,” he acknowledged, adding that and the grievances of the public will be solved on “When it comes to facilities and infrastructure, we are the infrastructural up-gradation needs intervention priority. far behind any other fruit mandi in the country. The state from the top level, which is not forthcoming.

ANIMAL FARMING; A POTENTIAL TO GENERATE EMPLOYMENT

v Sajad Bashir Government has launched various schemes for the establishment of such cottage industries by in collaboration BARAMULLA: Kashmir has a great potential in animal with J& K bank, where loan are given to interested persons farming as climate and topography of Kashmir suits the at low interest rate and easy installment without any rearing and farming of animals. guarantee. Now a days every society of the world is facing the Areas of high altitude are very favorable for the sheep problem of unemployment .One can easily earn his farming as there are huge areas of grasslands which can be livelihood from farming . There are various types of animal utilized and used for rearing of sheep. farming like poultry farming sheep farming, sericulture and Kangan area of Central Kashmir’s District Ganderbal many more. is the area where highest quantity of milk is produced in More than 50% of white meat consumed in Kashmir is Kashmir .They has make great use of the potential. imported from the outside States and hence the large part Locals said, people are today facing the problem of economy is taken away by the other states. . The market of unemployment they should make the use of these demand of animal products like eggs milk and meat is very government scheme to overcome the problem of themselves high in Kashmir. and make opportunity for others also. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  ﻤ ٰ ा MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻠ

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Kashmir University Nadiyar Lake dying Slow Death Media Students v TANZEELA RAHAT release heart- SRINAGAR: Nadiyar lake a popular attraction throbbing short film for visitors and residents of Rainawari area of Central Kashmir’s Srinagar has of late become an eyesore due to the apathy of the public and the authorities while it pleases the eyes of those who drive past now it presents a depressing picture to walkers and pedestrians. The water in Nadiyar Lake has become so polluted at times it smells the stench of urine and is more like a cesspool. Filth is becoming more apparent with each day. “It has been reduced to being a garbage cane and its storage capacity is getting reduced” said Shiraz Ahmad Mir resident of Rainawari. Recent studies indicate that the lake is fast turning into environmental nuisance owing immense eutrophication (ageing of water body with high biological oxygen demand (BOD). Residents have started complaining of foul smell and pollution of lake and also trying hard to solve this matter but authorities have always neglected them. This problem has been now for LAWDA, “He said that the problem of the lake is a long time said another local Nazir Ahmad Dar. our concern and we will try our best to solve the When Contacted Executive Engineer matter by the end of December this year”.

Asim Rajah

SRINAGAR: A group of eleven Journalism students from Kashmir TREES CUT DOWN University has come up with a short film consisting of a message for the society with a message that a small contribute can’t make you poor but can change somebody’s life. ILLEGALLY IN GANDERBAL The film titled as ‘Succour’ has been written by Pardeep Singh Dardi and directed by Idrees Bukhtiyar. Studying in 3rd Semester at Media Education Research Centre (MERC) Kashmir University, the 24 years-old director of the film Bukhtiyar said that the aim of making this short film was to create an awareness an among the masses. “We mostly neglect the poor people who beg in front of us but among there are such type of people who in dire need of money to feed themselves or their families,” he said. “We tried our best to create an awareness to the entire world that a small contribute can’t make you poor but can change somebody’s life,” Bukhtiyar added. Dardi who has penned down the script of the film said the idea was a challenging one for him that has change his life completely. “On my way to University, every day I use to see a number of beggars and where nobody would pay any heed to them. But then, I decided to write a short story over it and make this awareness to the v Fehmeeda Rashid shade and we are already destroying the world public,” he said. with pollution. “In beginning, it was very tough to set the thing on the track in SRINAGAR: In District Ganderbal number of “people should stop and think what we are terms of my script but later my colleagues helped me out and now you trees were being cut down illegally day by day doing.The world is getting more and more can see its result,” Dardi added. especially in areas of wussan and chattergul polluted we should save the trees for future With the duration of 3 minutes and 18 seconds, the film has been kangan.Trees were mercilessly being killed generations.our ancestors left a beautiful ecology shot at Boulevard and Hazratbal, the locations on banks of Dal Lake especially innocent Deodars.Residents of for us Authorities should do more to protect the in Srinagar. Ganderbal have reacted with anger after a trees said “Fayaz Ahmad sheikh Forest guard. The film was released on social media on 28 september at 10:30 number of trees were chopped down without any We are very tense about the situation.The loss of pm and has received more one lakh views so far. notice.Due to cutting of trees these forests lost trees which anchor the soil with their roots cause The cast of the film includes Faisal Sidiq, Arif Zargar. The actors in their own image.The trees were cut for various widespread erosion and will have more chances supporting role include Rahil Hussain and Nazima Rashid. The film items like furniture,houses and for making coal for floods said Residents of Gujjar basti of bale crew includes Useeba Bashir on sounds, Sheikh Saman on make- also without thinking that we are destroying the wussan.”We appealed forest department to take up, Tahil Ali on camera and Syed Jesarat, Faisal Hussain as Line lovely nature that provides us with clean air and step on it as soon as possible. Producers.

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Most of the times we sit idle in our classrooms due to lack of teaching staff. Teachers are focusing on class 10th students and preparing them for board exams. We have several times approached the officers of the education department to ACUTE STAFF deploy more teachers for the school but there was no response said a CRUNCH teacher. Students are deprived of quality education infrastructure GOVERNMENT and basic amenities also.”It is practically impossible to take two HIGH SCHOOL v Syed Irshad government high school Baramulla classes simultaneously. Teachers has 10 teachers for over 200 are normal human beings and they SRINAGAR: The overall academic students studying in classes from cannot work with extra- ordinary BARAMULLA scenario of the government LKG to class 10th.School is facing a powers,” he said. high school continues to paint shortage of teachers and most of the Chief Education officer a grim picture which is situated classes remain unattended during Baramulla said I will contact the five kilometers from district working days due to dearth of staff. concerned headmaster of the school headquarters lacks staff facilities How can a few teachers attend and will try to solve the problems and quality education. The to all the classes a student said” faced by the institution.

Noorbagh inhabitants Dismal teacher-Student ratio demand streetlights

Locals said, in absence of street-lights, the inhabitants face immense problems to venture out during evenings. “People from these localities feel insecure once evening comes as there are no street lights. Once again, we would like to request the concerned authority to look into the matter and we hope that there are no more delays,” Locals said. Talking to Merc Times, Abdul Rehman Bhat, an elderly in the locality said, v Farhad Khan each student” said a teacher. “The streetlights were “”How can we teach 2 classes installed by the Power GANDERBAL: Despite the tall in just one classroom and that too Development Department claims by the education department at one time? It results in chaos, v Iqra Akhoon (PDD) and SMC in 2012 and as soon as the of providing better facilities to confusion, and noise,” he added. installation of street lights, it became defunct government run schools, a school The school also lacks basic SRINAGAR. The residents of Baghwanpora and since then the authorities are yet to repair in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal sanitation facilities. It has area of Noorbagh in old city area are up in the defunct street lights.”President of the district still lacks basic amenities further added to the woes of arms against Srinagar Municipal Corporation Mohalla Behbood Committee, Irfan ahmad and infrastructure. children enrolled in the school. (SMC) for failing to restore street lights, Zargar said that they fear to walk in the The primary middle school at Apart from that, there is no which lies defunct since years. The defunct evening hours, adding, “We even cannot go to Baba Wayil of Gutlibagh area has 85 proper sitting arrangement in street lights in the area have come under Mosque for fear of stray dogs in darkness.”“We students with just 5 rooms in which the classrooms. severe criticism with the commuters, business have approached to the SMC higher ups in this 7 classes are accommodated. It “How can you expect quality community and its residents alleging it to be a regard but our pleas were totally disregarded,” speaks volumes about the standard education when students are reason of immense hardships. Locals from the Zargar added. of education in government-run not even comfortable in their area said that the installation of street lights “It is ironical that despite several reminders, schools. classrooms” – the School Principal was just an eye to the residents here as it got the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) “Two teachers cannot do justice to said. defunct soon after its installation. has failed to re-install street-lights in our all 85 students of different standards When contacted Chief Education Residents of Noorbagh area have expressed area. We appeal the Deputy Commissioner in the school. The class rooms officer (CEO), Mohammad Afzal resentment against failure of Srinagar Srinagar to look into the matter and direct the are very small with poor sitting Sheikh, he assured that he will look Municipal Corporation to re-install street- SMC authorities to redress our demand at the arrangement. It becomes difficult into the matter and solve the issues lights in the area. earliest,” they said. for us to give proper attention to at the earliest.

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Sumbal bridge construction in limbo Nowgam road in shambles, craves for government work has not yet reached its end” - locals said. attention They said the old bridge was dismantled in 2013 and locals were assured that the re- construction of new foot bridge will be done within six months. “The callous approach of the authorities in this regard v Junaid Manzoor is becoming troublesome for us. We have to walk extra 3 kilometres to reach SUMBAL : The construction work of the main market or hospital via another foot bridge in North Kashmir’s sumbal bridge. They said. area has once again come to halt which The authorities are in deep slumber has added to the woes of common and there is nobody to listen to our Sheikh Saman The R&B department has turned deaf people. The unprecedented delay in grievances” -They added. ears towards the issue. construction of the bridge has annoyed When contacted AEE Sumbal SRINAGAR: Roads and Buildings (R&B) “They are not paying heeds towards the local population living here with division , he said “Due to non availability department has failed to repair Nowgam- the difficulties faced by the people,” accusing the authorities of deliberately of funds the project could not be Padshahibagh road which is craving residents said. ignoring the matter. completed. we are looking into the for the government attention from the Demanding immediate repair and “The construction of this foot bridge matter, and hopefully we will start the past seven years evoking widespread macadamization they appealed the is going on since past 4 years and the work soon”. resentment from the locals. Chief Minister and higher ups of Roads According to residents, the three and Buildings department to undertake kilometer link road which is also an easy immediate repair work so that people route to reach railway station, Nowgam have a sigh of relief. was macadamized in 2010 and till now it The residents also said that there has not been repaired. are six schools including two higher EXTRAVAGANCY IN MARRIAGES; A “It has developed potholes. Even the secondary schools in these areas and DANGEROUS TREND pedestrians are not able to walk on the the children are exposed to daily mess route which is regrettable. The road has adding. become a source of daily inconvenience “The road receives huge vehicular for especially children and elderly,” movement each passing day. Despite Auqib Hussain of Charlipora said. being close to Lal Chowk nobody has The link road connects to the localities dared to pay a visit to the localities. We like Nowgam Bunpora, Charlipora, fail to understand where the funds of the Naikpora, Padshahi Bagh and its government go,” residents said. adjoining areas but due to its dilapidated He said it has halted the pedestrian condition, people are facing hardships. movement. “It is difficult to walk on it by Auqib said the road suffered extensive foot leave alone traffic movement.” damage during 2014 floods but till now it Chief Engineer, R&B, Hamid Sheikh has not been repaired giving tough time told that the repair and macadamization to the people of the area. work will be taken up within ten days. The area falls within the jurisdiction “Earlier, the road was sanctioned of Chadoora constituency. to World Bank but they did not agree “Xen Chadoora repeatedly in 2015, to work on the road due to its narrow 2016 and 2017 issued directions to width,” he said. macadamise the neglected road but that “Even the Chief Minister asked us v Naveed Wani innovations that not only show our ever remained a distant dream. They have to complete the work on the road and in increasing love for materialism, but it failed to take up the repair work despite compliance to her instruction we invited SRINAGAR: Extravagance, show-off also takes us away from our religious repeated public outcry.It is impossible tenders which are expected to open and lavishness are all what defines teachings” said Professor Shahnawaz to ply vehicles on the route. The vehicles within five days.” a marriage in Kashmir these days. Shah of Kashmir University. including sumos have also suffered “Hopefully, the repair and While rich can afford all this, a poor is “We need to stop this thing from damage and the drivers are unwilling to macadamization work will be taken up left high and dry by the society’s new happening because the societal elites ply on this road,” Nazir Ahmad Bhat a within ten days,” he said. definition of marriage. who can afford such innovations set resident said MLA Chadoora, Javid Mustafa After the pictures of salad bowls a bad example for people who are “This is unfortunate, people are Mir said that they have taken up the decorated with fresh 500 rupee notes poor. If this continues to happen, our suffering there are potholes and dames. matter with the higher ups of the R&B went viral on social media, people daughters might not be able to get The drivers are thinking to stop the department. from different quarters expressed their married because actions like these service in the locality,” Nazir said. “I personally asked and discussed the concerns and condemned it. While only worsen the situation”, he added. He said even Chief Minister issue it with the department. It has been marriages in Kashmir are already Most of the religious sects in Mehbooba Mufti visited the area. She listed in Detailed Project Report (DPR). infamous for their extravagant attitude, Kashmir have openly talked against gave us assurances that the road will Within a short period of time the road this new move has set eye-balls rolling. the extra spending on marriages yet be repaired and macadamized but the will be macadamized and repaired,” Mir “This is a glaring example of new this phenomenon persists. promises proved to be a hoax. said

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JASHNE-DAL CONCLUDES

v Adnan Hilal more laurels to the State in future Syed Aftabul Mujtaba, Inspector General SRINAGAR: Three day long water of Police Armed and Chairman of the sports festival Jashn-E-Dal and Shikara Organising Committee presented the Race – 2017 organised by J&K Police vote of thanks. concluded today at the world famous He thanked Chief Guest and different Dal Lake, Srinagar Syed Mohd Altaf departments who provide assistance Bukhari, Minister for Education, J&K and help in organizing such a mega was the chief guest, who distributed the event. prizes among the contestants Later on the Chief Guest distributed We are keen to develop sports prizes and trophies among the winners infrastructure to give a fillip to sports of different categories. activities in the State and provide a Winners of different events: platform for budding sportsperson Suhail Ahmad Dar got first position in to hone their skills. We are making 50 mtr free style open swimming while sincere efforts to uplift sports in Idrees Hussain second and Showket Ali Kashmir said Minister of Education, added 900 players from different said this is the second major event third position in the event. Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari while districts of Kashmir participated in on a large scale after the successful Saif Ilahi got first position in 50 mtr concluding the event different competitions held in three day organization of “Run for Peace”. He said free style swimming for school boys, “This event is a real display of water sports festival. In the concluding that such event gives us new talents, while Yawar Abbas second and Ahsan Kashmiriyat to the world” he further presentation L Mohanti ADGP Armed players which will help in bringing Ali third position in the event.

Unmarked Speed Breakers pose risk to commuters visual warning at night. “These flawed speed breakers are usually unmarked and are spread through the length and breadth of Kashmir. Passengers are sometimes blaming drivers for bumpy rides, but it not our fault,” said Riyaz Sidiq, a driver. “The fault lies with the authorities. They should be blamed for constructing these poor and defective speed breakers,” he added FOOD ON Narrating her ordeal from an incident, Nafeesa Farroq, a resident of Lal Bazar, said THE GO that she was heading to a wedding at Mehjoor Bisma Farooq Nagar when her car suddenly bumped into a speed breaker. SRINAGAR: Instant Food-Van service finally hits Srinagar “The speed-breaker was too high and Street as MBA student from Kashmir kick off mobile food v Bintul Huda was not coloured. I don’t know if authorities are service under the name of ‘Just Bites’. The van is well concerned about the lives of people here,” she said designed and equipped with all the things which makes it SRINAGAR: High, rough, and unmarked speed Saira Mushtaq, a resident of Mehjoor Nagar a perfect mobile prepare and serve house. breakers on the streets of summer capital of said that her car got damaged while negotiating a The special hawkers license has been provided to this the state have become a common sight and an rough speed breaker. mobile food service by the SMC according to which the ignored life threat. “There are number of speed breakers on Van can be parked anywhere in the parking slots. Almost every second street in the city carries Mehjoor Nagar road, and they are hardly Owner Shazan Mushtaq Shah told that “I came up with an overwhelming number of these speed marked. I escaped an accident as soon as I this idea of bring food on wheels after I found people are breakers. Some even have one almost outside crossed the speed breaker. Luckily I was safe. I tired of carrying food along with them mostly students, each house present in the street. noticed the damage in my car when I reached my and employees” further adding he said that high-quality Based on field investigations and research, it destination,” she said. and hygienic food will be our priority. has suggested that speed breakers be provided a “As many as 19 speed breakers are installed This mobile food outlet is offering wide range of food rounded (of 17-metre radius) hump, 3.7 metres at Mehjoor Nagar only within a kilometer,” she items on cheaper prices which includes Snacks, Sandwich, width and 0.10 metres height for the preferred added Ice-creams, beverages etc. The lowest priced items advisory crossing speed of 25 km/h for general Admitting to the issue, Chief Engineer Roads displayed on menu are Onion Ring for 15 rupees, Aloo Anar traffic. and Buildings (R&B) Department Kashmir, for 18 rupees and JB Coffee for 15 rupees. The speed breakers must be painted with Abdul Hamid Sheikh said, “Nothing in Kashmir Despite having lots of innovations in his new venture, Cultural alternating black and white bands or with is right. People are also responsible and compel Kashmiri foods have also been included like Roghanjosh and luminous strips, or be embedded with cat’s eyes our department to install these speed breakers at Kehwaa. Some innovations have also been done on traditional (reflective road safety devices) to give additional wrong places.” Kashmiri food items like TabakMaaz Burger. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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Annual IT event HIGH FREIGHT AND UNDERHAND MARKET ‘TechKnow’ organised by DPS COMMISSIONS JOLT SOUTH KASHMIR

v Danish Pathan grounds will they celebrate it when orchardists are dying under high KULGAM: S Fruit growers and freights, heavy commissions and orchardists in south Kashmir are secret auctions?” they wanted to decrying the rise in freight charges on know. apple boxes, compelling the growers About 95 percent of people in v Hayat Manan to pay a 10-15 percent commission Shopian are wholly dependent per box. Demanding the transport on the horticulture sector while SRINAGAR: A 2-day annual IT event minister’s intervention in resolving the figure stands at 70 percent in ‘TechKnow’ was organised by Cyber Crew, IT the matter, failing to, the growers Pulwama and Kulgam, accounted club of Delhi Public School (DPS), Srinagar. threatened to hit the streets. for mostly by apple cultivation. The tech event aimed at providing a clear “These commission agents are while acknowledging the illegal view of opportunities and the ever-growing looting poor orchardists with heavy deal, Area marketing officer challenges of the connected world to the commission of 15 percent per peti fertilizers, fungicides and other expenses Horticulture kulgam Mushtaq Ahmad students. Around 400 students from classes (box). As there is no open auction in the come to Rs 150-200 per box. Tell us what said, “The department will issue notice 6th to 12th participated in the event. fruit market, they are doing underhand we earn from this harvest.” He reiterated within a couple of days regarding Students were introduced to Web auctions with buyers without informing that if the government did not take strict commission on products which come to designing, layout and vector art application, the orchardists, “said Mushtaq Ahmad measures, the day would not be far when Mandi for sale.” CorelDraw, photo retouching and bitmap Malik, a fruit grower. Sharing the same orchardists would start committing However, I will take up this issue image editing software, Photoshop, video concern another fruit grower suicides. with the Minister of Horticulture to editing and special effects software, pinnacle Irfan Hussain Lone, from devsar A group of orchardists from Kulgam discuss issues related with commission. studio and Adobe after effects. Kulgam, said, “We have to buy wooden told that the government had earlier I assure violators will not be spared and “For students interested in tech, these boxes for Rs 70 apiece and then spend announced that the year 2017 would immediate relief will be given to the kinds of events are an excellent way to get up Rs 100-130 for freight, on top of which be celebrated as ‘Apple Year’. “On what orchardists and growers. He added. to date on the latest developments, find great new services, and get hands on training in one of the areas of his/her interest,” said Aisha Mir, a student of class 11 from DPS. Minister for Science Technology, ARI At KU, students, staff violates rules, Trainings and Social Welfare, SajadGani Lone, Secretary School Education Farooq park vehicles in ‘no parking zones’ Ahmad Shah, Director Information and Public Relations JK, Muneer-ul-Islam and usually seen parked haphazardly on Chairman, Delhi Public School, Vijay Dhar the roadside. were also present on the occasion. The administration has also installed “Technology is like a coin which has both no parking signboards in the varsity positive and negative sides” saidSajad Lone, to educate staff and students, not to while addressing the gathering. “We have an park vehicles on roadside. option to decide how to use it.” The proctor’s office has also advised Sajad Lone also appreciated the school the students and the staff to park their management, staff and students for their vehicles in the authorized parking achievements and said private schools lots to avoid being caught. including Delhi Public School are playing an Even after the notification and the incredible role in providing quality education erection of the signboards, poor to the students of Valley. enforcement of the regulations by the Speaking on the occasion, the Director concerned authorities has resulted Information and Public Relations, Muneer- in blatant parking violation on the ul-Islam lauded the role of the school for roadside. organizing the event. “Such events imbibe A large number of outside visitors quality education among the young minds,” visiting the campus for the variety of he said. reasons park their vehicles on both “This two day event should have been for sides of the road, creating a busy a week. We hope and look forward to attend street scene of the campus. such sessions more,” said HamzahMattoo, a B M Hussain Chief proctor, KU said that common man’s conscience is class 12 student from DPS. responsible for the wrong parking of vehicles. “We as humans Later, SajadGani Lone gave away SRINAGAR: Even though the Kashmir university campus has need to develop the sense of discipline where to park the certificates to the participating students. been declared as no parking zone, the students and the staff vehicle. We have even allotted the space for parking in the The event concluded with a speech by members are seen parking their vehicles on the roadside, thus campus,” he said. Principal,BalasubramaniumMurali who violating the rules. “Earlier few cases were witnessed in the campus, but the rush highlighted the importance of Technology. Though the university authorities have notified a no parking of vehicles in the campus are increasing. We are looking for He also congratulated CyberCrew for zone on the campus and designated proper parking lots within other alternative site to adjust extra vehicles,” Chief proctor organizing the event. the campus which cater only few departments, but vehicles are said. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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90% subsidy not enough Poor implementation of J&K Guest Control Act for entrepreneurs to taken any action against anybody venture into sericulture under this order. Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir government sought people’s feedback to make necessary changes in it. “The Guest Control Order is not a gospel truth which cannot be changed. It is in an evolutionary phase,” Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Zulfkar Ali said at Jammu. Expressing displeasure over the offical apathy in implementing the ‘Guest control act’, in checking the menace. a social activist said v Imran Ali Buth 1, 2017, however, the marriage that the same kind of restrictions functions are being organized as were earlier imposed in valley, but SRINAGAR: The much-hyphed per the cultural norms without proved to be futile. J&K Govt Guest control Act respecting the said act amid under “However, the previous v Muneem Farooq aiming to check the extravagance the noose of concerned authorities. Governments came up with the in marriage ceremonies proved An official speaking on the same Act to curb the menace SRINAGAR: Despite whopping subsidy of 90 per cent to be a damp squib with least condition of annonimity said about of extravagance in marriages on offer, the youth have shied away from venturing into implementation on the ground. the implementation of the ‘Guest but failed due to lack of strict sericulture sector. The order came into force on April Control Act’ that they have not enforcement,”he added. “Sericulture is an agro based industry which has played a vital role in the rural economy of the State. Government should give the sector its full attention as it would give fillip to economy of the state,” said Nazir Ahmed Malik, a technical expert at the department of sericulture. Would Embryo Transfer Technology The average cost of cocoon has also risen from Rs 210 per kilogram in 2008 to Rs 550 per kilogram in 2016, registering revolutionize bovine breeding? a growth of 161.9 per cent in prices and promising good returns. However, the officials believe that the sector would witness further boost if marketing support is provided to the unit holders. For the promotion of sericulture in J&K, government of India has initiated a number of schemes. In one of the schemes, a subsidy of 90 per cent is offered to an entrepreneur – 80 per cent of which is provided by Centre and 10 per cent is borne by the state. Besides, government provides an assistance of Rs 1.25 lakh for the construction of rearing sheds, Rs 40000 for rearing appliances and a free supply of disinfectants worth Rs.700 per ounce of seed to protect the silkworm and improve productive of cocoons. Munawar Hussain 2-10, 2017 throughout the country. The programme is “The beneficiary is also given health insurance cover of implemented with the objective of conservation and up to Rs 20,000 on a premium of Rs 56. The department SRINAGAR: In a country where majority of the development of indigenous breeds under Rashtriya also conducts state tours in which progressive farmers population still dwell in the rural areas, where chief ways Gokul Mission. take part and are benefited are also organized. Various of earning livelihood span from subsistence agricultural Through the use of ETT, a farmer can get a 5-6 fold awareness camps which include the Kissan Mela are also farming to bovine enterprises, it is central and pertinent increase in number of offsprings, the calves so born will held in every district,” to make the furtherance of bovine industry possible. be of high genetic merit and the offsprings born will be Officials in the department said Apart from launching e-portals like e-Pashuhaat, free from diseases. Government also imparts training to silkworms rarer and other platforms to further bolster and sanitize The programme has been initiated in 12 ETT centres and has established a central sericulture research and bovine production, central government is focusing on across the country from 2nd October and will continue training institute at Pampore, for this purpose. However, other potential alternatives to help farmers realize their till 10th October 2017. Under this programme, embryos in spite of all these promotional schemes launched by dream of earning a decent livelihood in coming years as of higher genetic merit indigenous bovines are being the government, the sector has not attracted the desired promised by Indian Prime Minister. transferred in to surrogate cows. Embryos of Indigenous number of entrepreneurs. Embryo transfer technology (ETT) has breeds such as Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi, Ongole, Deoni “The pre-cocoon stage involves only 20 days which is not revolutionized the breeding strategies in Bovines as a and Vechur have been proposed to be transferred under a full time job and provides an income of Rs 20,000 only,” tool to optimize the genetic improvement in cattle. this programme. On first day of ET programme held on said one of the officials at the department. However, the Department of Animal husbandry, Dairying 2nd October, 35 Nos. of embryos were transferred in to post-cocoon stage though being a full time involvement and Fisheries in co-operation with 12 States has recipients. Remaining will be transferred on different entails a lot of investment. undertaken a Mass Embryo Transfer programme days till 10th of October 2017. The technology now The officials said lack of Chalki Rearing Centres is an in Indigenous Breeds under the scheme, National being taken up to the doorstep of the farmers will result obstacle in encouraging entrepreneurs to this sector. Mission on Bovine Productivity. It has been planned in rapid propagation of high genetic merit indigenous “Ideally there should be 22 such centres in every district, to carry out 440 embryo transfers during October cattle. nevertheless two to three Chalki rearing exist.” ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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HANDICRAFT POORLY MAINTAINED AC’S CORP SUFFERS ARE HARMFUL: DAK v Saba Gul Pneumonia (lung infection). worsen asthma and allergies. LOSSES DUE TO People contract this infection through These pollutants can make people’s SRINAGAR: With increase in the use of contaminated air and manifest with high noses clog or run and they can develop UNREST, GST air conditioners at homes, workplaces fever, muscle aches, cough and shortness breathing difficulty. and cars due to soaring temperatures, of breath. ACs pulls out moisture from the skin and Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) Between 5 and 30 % of people who get leaves it dry and stretched. emphasized that poorly maintained air the disease die and people who are most Also, skin becomes prone to developing conditioners are potentially harmful and likely to die are elderly and those with creases and wrinkles which hastens pose serious health risks. chronic medical conditions. ageing process. President DAK Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a Each year, between 8000 to 18, 000 AC environment tends to dry out eyes statement said that poorly maintained people in the United States alone are causing irritation, itching and tearing of air conditioners are breeding grounds hospitalized with Legionnaires’ disease. eyes. for deadly microbes that cause serious Most of the cases in Kashmir go Research shows that people who work in illnesses. undetected because of lack of awareness air conditioned environment experience These cooling units provide safe and many might be dying undiagnosed as chronic headaches and fatigue which environment for some of the dangerous there is no testing facility. leaves them vulnerable to contracting bacteria like Legionella that causes Air conditioning units accumulate cold, flu and other illnesses. Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pollens, mold spores and dust mites that

v Saba Khan 2017: A year of expedited road SRINAGAR: Mughal era Jammu and Kashmir Handicrafts Sales and Exports macademisation processes Corporation (JKHSEC) has suffered monument in losses in the unrest-hit last fiscal. Managing Director JKHSEC, Ishtiyaq shambles Drabu said “Against more than Rs 17 crore sales 92 per cent of the target, in Sabeeha shaheen the financial year 2015-16, the JKHSEC only released Rs 13.87 crore in 2016-17, GANDERBAL: In its failure to preserve the historic amounting to just 73 per cent of the target.” archaeological heritage in Ganderbal, institutions like Drabu attributed the decline in the sales Archeological Survey of India and the Waqf Board to the low inflow of tourists, who form Muazzam Bhat dilapidated due to no works for a have added yet another chapter to the abysmal affairs the major clientele for the corporation. long time. of the “heritage history” of the state by leaving Mughal This year, the corporation has been SRINAGAR: Following 2016 “The state government era monument in ruins. witnessing a decline in its business due unrest, this year, state government undertook multiple road projects Popularly known as Malshahbagh Masjid at to implementation of GST (Goods and has expedited macademisation simultaneously in Kashmir. A Malshahibagh, Ganderbal, the monument is believed Service Tax). process in Kashmir by covering major portion of the valley is to have been built by Dara Shikoh, who according to “The July 2017 sales of the Government 1067.46 kilometers of road length expected to be covered by the end historians constructed it in the memory of his spiritual Arts Emporium, run by the JKHSEC, have till the end of August. of this year,” they said. master and Saint Mullah Shah Badakhshi. declined by 30 per cent as against July As per the sources, the Public Under Prime Ministers The place was used for prayers and gatherings 2016. Against the Rs 1.06 crore worth of Works Department (PWD) Development Package, the Centre during the Mughal era. The monument stands in the sales in July 2016, sales of Rs 70.53 lakh estimates to cover a road length of Government has released Rs 100 midst of 300 kanals of orchards owned by the Waqf were witnessed by the JKHSEC showroom only 30.64 kilometers in Kashmir. crore for the road development in Board, which is also the custodian of the monument. in July,” he added Developmental works, Kashmir this year. Income generated from the sale of the produce To enhance JKHSEC sales, JKHSEC particularly road macademisation “The macadamized works are from orchards goes to the Waqf, but locals said the is planning to switch to e-commerce begins in Kashmir after May, in full swing and the road length Board has not spent a penny on its preservation. platform, Drabu claimed. “The when mercury level starts rising of 1302.46 kilometers has been Deputy commissioner Ganderbal Piyush Singhla government has already approved the in the valley. macadamized during the current said he will inquire about the issue. project for which Rs 5 crore has already Last year, almost six months of financial year against the target of Talking to Merc times DC ganderbal Piyush Singla, been sanctioned. The government summer and autumn season were 2100 kilometers fixed for entire “This issue has been brought into my notice for the especially the commissioner secretary consumed by the unrest due to state. The works done cost for first time. It is an important issue and I will get all Industries and Commerce is doing serious which Jammu region surpassed the current fiscal year is of the details about it so that appropriate steps are taken for efforts to benefit the corporation,” he said. Kashmir in development of order of Rs.400 crore,” a source its preservation” Traditionally, the JKHSEC procures roads after reporting 1376.92 revealed. Vice-chairman of Waqf Board, Peer Muhammad goods from the artisans and pays them kilometers road macademisation. As per the document, the state Hussain said, only after selling the handicrafts. The Sources said the government government has drawn a plan to “We will take up the issue with the ASI regarding goods are returned to the artisans in case decided to expedite road for macademisation of roads for the monument. A proposal has been made by the Waqf they go unsold in a particular year macademisation in Kashmir as Rs 630 crore in both the divisions Board for a project to be taken up this year to preserve majority of the roads here looked of the state. it”.

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म त U Vol 10●No 16●Pages 16●September 15, 2017 N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS 15 Govt committed to promote PMR department in SKIMS adventure tourism proves a non-starter proper degrees and other v WAJAHAT SHABIR group. I have learned many other things during junior residents are non- this trekking. It will definitely help me in near academic,” sources added. SRINAGAR: Emphasizing on the need of future. I will recommend tourism department With the dearth of proper trekking, the Department of Tourism and to conduct such kind of activities”, said Maroof faculty in the department, no Jammu & Kashmir Mountaineering and Sheikh, who was the part of the trekking. postgraduates—apart from Hiking Club (JKMHC) organized a trek to Director Tourism Kashmir, Mahmood A Shah, technical course trainees— Sourse Lake at Pahalgam. said the exercise is part of the Department’s are eventually coming out Some 40 JKMHC members trekked to the commitment to promote adventure tourism of the department as of now, Lake lying at an altitude 3750 meters above the in Kashmir as well as help the local youth in raising serious questions sea level. adventure activities. over the functioning of the The trek to Sourse Lake follows a trek to Tulain “Kashmir has many trekking trails for which department. Lake, lying at an altitude of 3684 meters above sea hikers from across the world visit this place. There is a wide range of level in which some 60 JKMHC members took However, those trekkers need local guides and patients that are visiting the part. we are training our youth through such treks hospital who are suffering Pertinently, the Department of Tourism on regular basis,” he said. v Muhammad Nadeem from different disabilities like Kashmir conducts treks to inculcate the spirit of The Directors also said Kashmir has famous cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, mountaineering and hiking among the local youth high-altitude lakes which also need to be SRINAGAR: Bizarre it may neuropathy, head injury, stroke and bring about awareness about mountain trails promoted and that the Department is targeting seem, but the Physical Medicine and spinal cord injury. and high-altitude lakes. locals to explore the same, adding the latter and Rehabilitation (PMR) The experts are saying that “I have been doing trekking since I was in will help them earn a decent livelihood by Department of Sher-e-Kashmir to run Physical Medicine school and it was wonderful to be a part of this guiding non-local especially foreign trekkers. Institute of Medical Sciences Rehabilitation Department, there (SKIMS), even after spending has to be a trained MBBS doctor crores, is running without proper with three years training in PMR. faculty and facilities. In addition, there has to be a A full-fledged PMR department highly trained paramedical staff POLLUTION CHECKING CENTERS has been rendered to no less than comprising therapist, orthotists, a physiotherapy centre, where prosthetists, occupational patients who require any sort of therapist, vocational therapist, FLAUNT NORMS physiotherapies are being treated, rehabilitation psychologist and Waseem Ahmad not performing the tasks that the speech therapist. department is require to do. As of now, according to the SRINAGAR: Poor enforcement of pollution Sources reveal that the sources, there is no Orthotists, checking norms are allowing pollution checking administration has been Prosthetists, Occupational centers to manipulate the emission reports that neglecting other major sections of Therapist, Vocational Therapist, has led to further deterioration of ambient air in the department by pouring more Rehabilitation Psychologist summer capital area here. money into the physiotherapy and and Speech Therapist, raising An official at Pollution Control Board (PCB) said turning a blind eye towards other eye brows on functioning of the the inspection, which their department carried, basic requirements. department. revealed half the numbers of existing checking According to the experts one Being referred as the pioneer outlets in Srinagar were involved in irregularities should be having a proper degree centre in PMR, the department like tampering the emission reports and giving to perform the duties as PMR at SKIMS is, as per sources even clearance certificates to polluting vehicles. specialist, however, there are lacking the basic need of having a “The sensory stick that is used to test the currently two consultants working workshop where the amputation concentration in the tailpipe is not inserted in the department without a parts required for those who properly. The smoke density test in diesel vehicle Department, pollution checking centers have proper degree. need them would have been which takes some twenty- twenty-five minutes to charge Rs.15 for two-wheelers or cars and “The two consultants are manufactured. are manipulated to save time and reports are Rs.25 for three-wheelers and taxies, but PCCs in currently working in the Interestingly, the patients manipulated,” he said. Batamaloo, Bage-Mahtab, Nowgam and many department who are MD coming to the department, who As per the official records of Pollution Control other places were charging Rs 50 to Rs 70. Medicine, which is a grave are in need of artificial limbs and Board, out of 24 pollution checking centers that According to Zahoor Ahmad, a scientist at violation of norms,” sources said. other parts are asked to get the were operating in the city, 19 were found to be pollution control board, both Pollution control The matter was taken to the court same done from the market, which violating the prescribed norms in the first phase of Board and Transport department is working which quashed the appointment usually costs them around forty to the inspection. together to put a check on the emissions. these two consultants, however, as fifty thousand rupees. Imran Ahmad Ganaie, a motorist from city “The inspection of the pollution checking centers per sources, they continue to hold Abdul Rahim, whose son was in outskirts said, he went to a nearby pollution- was the first step in the whole process. In the first the posts. the need of an artificial limb, was checking centre for a pollution check but was drive that we conducted, almost all the centers After the court order, and even forced to get it from the market, issued a clearance certificate without conducting were found to lack one or other thing. We issue after the appointment getting which eventually cost him around probe. notices to 12 such centers and a time of nearly three quashed, there has so far been no fifty thousand rupees. “The operator only took a photograph and handed months was given to them to fill the gaps. Now all replacement for the same, nor “I am a poor person; he (his over a clearance certificate to me. He committed the outlets are under our strict supervision and if have they been vacated from their son) lost his leg in an accident, the a fraud in front of me. He also charged more than the inspection continues with the same speed we post sources said. hospital should have provided this, the prescribed rate,” he said. will be able to bring down the harmful vehicular “The department is currently not free, but on subsidized rates, As per the prescribed norms of Motor Vehicle emission to a great deal,” he said. having two senior residents with but they did not,” he said. ﻮر य اﻟﻨ गम ﯽ त MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR اﻟ ो ﺖ  ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U Vol 10●No 16●Pages 16●September 15, 2017 N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS 16 Technological evolution devolves ‘typewritter’s life’ v Saher Iqbal Ashawari do use this machine, besides our client age is also from courts here. SRINAGAR: Computers, that have almost ceased the use Sitting at his spacious shop, many refurbished of typewriters our offices and homes, have also hit the typewriters ready for the customers. For him the machine business of those once associated with their repairing. still holds utility as it is cost effective in many ways. With almost fifty years of experience of repairing Ahanger feels that typewriters had a better ability to these machines, Mohammad Yusuf Ahanger (70) heads gauge the knowledge of a person, but on computers a a family of typewriter repairing professionals at Habba person with weak spelling or poor grammar can easily Kadal. survive, besides a perfect typing skill is achieved only on Once a thriving business for this family, Ahangar now this machine. For him many people still do learn typing, has to do thisjob alone as he gets very few machines for but owing one is never a priority for learner. repairs. Adding that at times they have to be ordered from “The government still employs persons having typing At the peak of our business we would receive hundreds Delhi and for the customers who want their machines to skills and that also comes handy for operating computers, of such machines during a month’s time but now repairs run again. Ahangar says. are limited to a few units. Ahangar said that client age has squeezed drastically, He said that government move to hold type test on “The production of these machines has almost ceased with now only police being the lone government computers instead of typewriters too has also been and even to find repair parts is difficult,” he said. functionary to get their machines repaired as they still detrimental to this fading business. Safapora-Bandipora Authorities set road giving tough time to on Jehlum dredging

Nag spring in south commuters Kashmir’s Kulgam district. After running through Showkat Wani road and commuters had to spend almost the entire length twice as much time on the roads. of Kulgam district, the GANDERBAL: Commuters are “Dust that comes out of the nallah joins a tributary of having a tough time due to slow rough road surface causes throat the Jhelum in Khodweni pace of infections during the dry season area of the district. Then construction work on 24 kilometers while the puddled water during it passes through many stretch road from Safapora, the rainy season made the road villages before merging into Ganderbal to Bandipora. Since the non-motorable. Many vehicles the Jhelum at Sangam in commencement of the project last have broken down due to appalling Anantnag district. month, there is hardly any progress condition of the road,” a resident of After the floods in 2014, in the construction process locals Bandipora said. the accumulated silt and alleged. “The contractors have Chief Engineer (CE) of Roads alluvium has formed tiny brought the raw materials to the and Buildings (R&B) department, islands in the tributary, site but work is yet to start properly. Abdul Hamid Sheikh, said the hindering the flow of water. Only temporary repair work was road would be built as per the locals said that the done and after that nothing has proper standards and the pre- government has done progressed,” said Bilal Ahmad, a macadamization process has Ali Mohd Khan nothing to mend the condition of the resident of Bandipora. already been started. tributary, which is a major cause of concern. He said the potholes have “The pre macadamization process ANANTNAG: The tributary connecting “They have been focusing on the dredging resurfaced at places which including ensuring proper drainage Vaishaw Nallah to Jhelum River, despite of Jhelum but when water will overflow in are giving tough time to the and a solid surface is underway. being a major cause of flooding in dozens of this tributary, the dredging of Jhelum will be commuters. “The potholes which It cannot be done overnight and villages in Anantnag and Kulgam districts, rendered useless,” a highly-placed source in were filled some days back have will take sometime. We are more has been left untouched by the dredging the flood control department said once again opened up creating concerned about the quality of the work being carried out in the Jhelum. He said that even the slightest increase in probems. These unruly rough road,” he said. The tributary is a major contributor of water water levels will be enough to submerge the roads discourage the motorist to He further added that the road falls into the Jhelum, and thus poses a risk of flood aforementioned villages. ply on the road which is affecting under Border Roads Organisation to Srinagar and other areas beside the Jhelum. What adds to the concerns is that the the business badly,” he said. (BRO) and their department has The government, as per sources, has tributary majorly affects the Homeshalibugh The locals of several areas taken it over a few months back. done nothing to clear the tributary of the constituency, considered to be the rice bowl including Saderkoot, Nusoo, Ajas, “After accumulated silt and alluvium, or carry out of Kashmir. Sumbal and Garoora alleged that receiving the NOC from the BRO, any anti-erosion work on the embankments “The feared floods will destroy our crops if it traffic woes were mainly caused we will immediately start the repair since the 2014 floods. strikes in the paddy season and will damage by the deplorable condition of the work,” he said. Vaishaw is a nallah originating from Kouser the quality of the soil,” concerned locals said.

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त Tahir Bhat , Junaid Manzoor, Kaisar Bashir, Tanzeela Rahat, Bintul Huda, Waseem Ahmed, Wajahat Shabir , Munawar Hussain, Muneem Farooq, Saher Iqbal, Bismah Faarooq, Imran Ali. U Students Editorial Team: N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS e-mail: [email protected] | website: www.mercs.uok.edu.in