Author: ValleyObserver

Categories
EDUCATION

Prof. Kleidon from Max Planck Institute, Germany delivered a lecture at IUST

Awantipora, April 6: Prof. PD Axel Kleidon from Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany delivered a lecture on “Working at the limit: How thermodynamics shapes the earth system” at Islamic University of Science and Technology today. The session was presided over by Prof. Shakil A Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST and was attended by deans, directors, faculty, scholars and students.

In his lecture, Prof. Kleidon discussed the applications of thermodynamics to different processes of earth systems such as hydrological cycle, climate change, photosynthesis, energy conversion etc. He also discussed how entropy sets fundamental directions, limits and constrains the work needed to sustain dissipative dynamics such as climate, life, human societies etc.

Speaking about the relationship of thermodynamics with such branches of science, Prof. Romshoo said that such sessions expose the educators and researchers to advanced knowledge and instil ideas about multidisciplinary programs as envisaged by NEP 2020. Highlighting the relevance of the topic, Prof. A.H Moon, Dean Research said that the applicability of thermodynamics spans across the Bio and Geo processes. The program was coordinated by Dr. Monisa Qadri, Assistant Professor, Journalism and Mass Communication.

Categories
CITY

CS conducts extensive tour of Sgr City

Inspects beautification & developmental works carried under Smart City Mission

SRINAGAR, APRIL 06: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today conducted an extensive tour of the Srinagar city to review the preparations and take stock of developmental works for make over  of the city being executed by Srinagar Smart City Ltd and R&B Department.

He was accompanied by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad; Commissioner SMC & CEO Srinagar Smart City, Athar Amir, Dir Floriculture Kashmir, Chief Engineer R&B, SSP Traffic and officers of line departments.

During his visit to Nishat, Dr Mehta took the stock of upgradation and redevelopment of Nishat Bagh precinct including Road works, Pathways, Plaza, Wooden Deck and Landscaping on EPC Mode.

He also inspected the ongoing work of Lake Front Development along northern Foreshore Road NFR of Dal Lake from Nishat to Naseem Bagh PHC, including Pedestrian, Walkway, Cycle Track and Viewing Decks and other projects.

Besides, he checked the progress of work on redevelopment of footpath on Boulevard Road (RHS) from Dalgate to Nishat and Gupkar Junction & upgradation of Gupkar Road.

While taking the stock of works for development of Cycle lanes, Footpaths, Parking Spaces, CS directed concerned officers of executing agencies to pace up execution of works to complete them by 15th of April without any fail.

While inspected the works being carried out for improvement & upgradation of Moulana Azad Road at Polo View, the Chief Secretary instructed SSCL to make adequate parking space available at MA Road near Polo View and Polo View Market.

On the occasion, he also interacted with the shopkeepers who expressed satisfaction over the face-lift of the market and also took the opportunity to apprise him regarding parking space for customers in its vicinity. The CS assured them that parking shall be taken care of.

While visiting the area, he directed concerned officers for development of Poloview Parks and asked SSCL to use it for cultural activities to increase the footfall there.

Meanwhile, CEO Smart City briefed CS about  all the works including utility shifting of electric poles, widening of Footpaths, underground drainage lines, paid parking spaces created for cycling and vehicles besides option of monthly subscriptions provided to Poloview Shopkeepers.

Among other sites which the Chief Secretary visited today included Residency Road where he was briefed about the conversion of overhead electrical network into underground ducts and redevelopment of Residency Road on modern lines.

Categories
EDUCATION

Prof Sheikh Ajaz Bashir assumes charge as Principal Amar Singh College, Srinagar

NASIR YOUSUFI

Srinagar: Prof Sheikh Ajaz Bashir assumed the charge of Principal Amar Singh College and as Nodal Principal Kashmir Division colleges as well here on Wednesday afternoon.

Prof Aijaz was accompanied by large number of Faculty from Islamia College and was received by Amar Singh college staff and students.

In his message to staff he impressed upon them to work as a team and ensure transparency and honesty in all the initiatives of college.

He impressed upon the faculty to work towards better enforcement of discipline in the campus. Further he called upon them to express maximum guardianship towards students.

Categories
EDUCATION

Prof. Khurshid Ahmad Khan assumes charge as Principal Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar

NASIR YOUSIFI

Srinagar: Prof. Khurshid Ahmad Khan assumed charge as Principal Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar here on Wednesday.

The Principal was formally welcomed by the outgoing Principal Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir and staff members of the College. The outgoing Principal Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir will assume charge as Principal Govt Amar Singh College, Srinagar. The staff members of the college bid warm send off to the outgoing Principal Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir

Categories
JAMMU

Everyone should know Law being a responsible citizen: Chief Justice

Inaugurates Legal Aid Defence Counsel System at ADR Centre

SAMBA, APRIL 4: Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority), Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, today inaugurated Legal Aid Defence Counsel System at ADR Centre, Samba, in presence of Justice Tashi Rabstan, Executive Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority.

Chief Justice and others also planted trees in the premises of ADR Centre.

Chief Justice inspected all the courts situated in the District Court Complex, Samba and issued directions in respect of different matters. He also interacted with Judicial Officers, Bar Members and staff, listened to their grievances and passed appropriate directions.

Later, Chief Justice presided over an awareness programme held on “Expanding Horizons of Access to Justice and Role of Legal Services Authorities” at Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat, Samba.

Chief Justice, in his presidential address, deliberated upon the importance and meaning of preamble of Constitution of India. He sensitised the student participants about the true spirit behind the Preamble of Constitution of India. He also briefly highlighted the provisions of Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority Act, 1987.

While discussing the role of Para Legal Volunteers, Justice Tashi Rabstan in his special address shared with gathering as to how the Para Legal Volunteers working under District Legal Services Authorities can act as bridge between a common man and various departments and also how can they help the poor and needy people in providing free legal assistance through District and Tehsil Legal Services authorities.

Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, District Legal Services Authority), Samba, Sonia Gupta, welcomed the dignitaries and Hitesh Sharma, Panel Lawyer, DLSA, Samba, presented vote of thanks.

Besides, Anuradha Gupta, District Development Commissioner, Samba also spoke on the occasion.

On the occasion, Ritu Sambyal, Assistant Professor, Bhargava Degree College, Samba; Bandana Kumari, student of BA Semester 4th, Bhargava Degree College, Samba and. Danish Tak, student of BA LLB Semester 3rd Dogra Law College, Bari Brahmana also delivered their respective discourses on the subject. They were presented with appreciation trophy.

These programmes were also attended by Shahzad Azeem, Registrar General; M.K. Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Justice; Yash Paul Bourney, Registrar Vigilance; Rajinder Sapru, Registrar Rules; Amit Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority; Anoop Kumar Sharma, Registrar Computers (IT); Prem Sagar, Secretary, High Court Legal Services Committee; Parveen Pandoh, Joint Registrar (Protocol), High Court of J&K and Ladakh; Benam Tosh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Samba; Judicial Officers of District Samba, Bar Members samba, students of Government Degree College, Samba; Dogra Law College, Bari Brahmana; Bhargava Degree College, Samba and Government Higher Secondary Schools for Boys and Girls, Samba.

The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Rekha Kapoor Nischal, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Samba.

Categories
EDUCATION

Prof. Ghulam Jeelani Qureshi assumes charge as Principal SP. College, Srinagar

NASIR YOUSUFI

SRINAGAR, APRIL 4: Prof. (Dr.) Ghulam Jeelani Qureshi assumed charge as Principal SP. College, Srinagar here on Tuesday afternoon.

The Principal was formally welcomed by the outgoing Principal Prof. (Dr.) Khurshid Ahmad Khan and staff members of the College. 

 The outgoing Principal Dr. Khurshid Ahmad Khan will assume charge as Principal Islamic College for Science and Commerce, Srinagar.

  The staff members of the college bid warm send off to the outgoing Principal Prof. (Dr.) Khurshid Ahmad Khan.

Categories
KASHMIR

1.5 million tulips bloom colorful flowers greet visitors

NASIR YOUSUFI

SRINAGAR: On a sunny morning, a middle aged man leaves for work on his aged bicycle. With his lunch box swinging from a side of the handle, he paddles through the lanes and by lanes on Srinagar outskirts. After paddling  six kilometer distance from his home, he halts his ride only to begin his day overwhelmingly tending  to vast stretch of garden filled with tulip bulbs.

Shabir Ahmad, a 48 year old gardener is not alone, he is soon joined by a number of co-workers in their routine endeavor. Every morning a troupe of workers take to the vast fields in a picturesque garden on the foothills of famed Zabarwan hills growing lakhs of bulbs which finally  grooms into world’s one of the largest  tulip show in  Asia’s largest tulip garden at Srinagar. Through out the  year these workers work in tandem to make the show a real success.

“I have been working in this garden for last eight years. Round the year,  we work hard to grow such a large number of bulbs in this garden. Interestingly all  our labour seems to pay off as the garden  witnesses  a majestic tulip bloom by the end of March ”, says visibly upbeat Ahmad.

The grand tulip display on the banks of Dal lake calls for a lot of care, maintenance and hard work.  “Growing tulips need a lot of hard work. We sow these bulbs in the month of November. From December onwards, the plants need lot of care in the form of pruning and deweeding. Even we clean the snow from patches to provide the requisite care to growing bulbs. From February the plants are sprayed with fungicides periodically. The process continues during their bloom too”, says Shaiq Rasool, Deputy Director Floriculture Kashmir while describing the growth cycle of tulip Himalayan climate. After the blooming period is over, the bulbs are plucked out from the fields, cleaned, sorted, fumigated and then stored in cold storage till the next sowing period. The whole process needs round the clock work and all the credit goes to this team of dedicated workers , adds Rasool while referring to the staff and labourers posted in the garden.

 Formerly  known as Siraj Bagh, the picturesque stretch of 600  Kanals of land nestled among mountains on the banks of world famed Dal lake was transformed and developed into Indra Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in 2007. The sensational additions to the flora of the valley in the form of tulips, daffodils,hyacinth and ranunculus were brought from Europe mostly Holland.

The garden  holds a record for growing the number of tulip bulbs. Comprising of scores of varieties of colored tulips, the soul refreshing garden is expected to bloom about fifteen lakh tulips this year.

 Dr Inam, In-charge tulip garden says this season, 1.6 million tulips comprising of 72 varieties are expected to bloom this season. He says the department has added four more varieties of tulips this year in the garden. 

 The mesmerizing view of thousands of blooming tulips sends any onlooker into gaiety, reminding one of the Words Worth’s ‘Thousands I saw in a glance … ’ couplet.  Made into terraces, the design of garden and pattern of tulip lawns give a unique outlook to the Asia’s largest tulip garden. The successful tulip show has preponed the tourism season in the region.

As the flowers bloom by the third week of March, every year the government throws open the garden for public for about a month. The natural display of vast number of tulips blooming simultaneously is an international fame now. Tourists from the country as wel as outside India  have started to visit the valley to have a glimpse of tens of lakhs of tulips at a single place in the valley.

“I have come to the valley for third time now. Tulips of different colours blooming over such a vast area of land is an absolute beauty. I have been totally mesmerized by the charming spell of this garden. It seems that the Netherlands has come to Kashmir!”, exclaimed a Rohini, a software professional  who has come to visit the garden for the first time with her husband from Mumbai. The tourist couple said that the people should come and visit this garden at least once in the life.

Tulip garden has become a centre of attraction in the spring season in Kashmir. In addition to drawing thousands of tourists from outside UT, the place is a popular destination among the local picnickers too.

 Traditionally valley used to witness the tourist footfall by mid April , But now the tulip garden has added more days to tourism season here, says Dr Ishfaq Ahmad, teaching economics in the university of Kashmir.

From school children , peer groups, families to foreign tourists, as the visitors enjoy the natures bliss  on the Zabarwan foothills, the workers like Ahmad cherish the moments watching the smile and smell in the air.

Categories
CITY

Saddar Treasury Sgr warmly farewells Mir Anayat Hussain, Bashir Ahmad Wani

SRINAGAR: Saddar Treasury, Srinagar gave a warm send-off to two staff member of the Saddar Treasury Srinagar, Mir Anayat Hussain and Bashir Ahmad Wani who attained their superannuation on 31st March 2023.

The Treasury Officer of the Saddar Treasury Syed Shabir Ahmad, Basharat Ahmad Zargar, Hilal Ahmad Kalla, Bilal Ahmad, Mubashir Shaheen, Syed Athar, Khurshid Tahir, Mehraj Din, Joginder Singh, Arshad Hussain, Sanjay Kumar, Mir Umar, and others were present at the farewell event.

On this occasion, the Treasury Officer of the Saddar Treasury Srinagar, Syed Shabir, congratulated them on the successful completion of their active services. He also highlighted their zeal and dedication towards their work.

He added that their punctuality and commitment towards the office will continue to inspire them and wished retirees a very happy and fulfilling post-retirement life.
At the end of the function, Basharat Zargar extended the vote of thanks on behalf of the staff to all the staff members and guests who attended the function.

Categories
CRIME

Police arrests 08 gamblers in Kulgam, stake money seized

Kulgam, April 01: Acting tough against the social crimes, Police in Kulgam have arrested 08 gamblers and seized stake money from their possession.
Acting on specific information regarding gambling in the jurisdiction of PP Mirbazar, a police party led by Incharge PP Mirbazar raided the suspected gambling site at Palpora and apprehended 8 gamblers on the spot. They have been identified as Mohd Yousuf Malla son of Ghulam Mohammad Malla resident of Kawaki Bazar Qaimoh, Nasir Ahmad Ganie son of Mohd Rafiq Ganie and Umar Hammid Wani son of Abdul Hammid Wani, both residents of Furrah, Mudasir Ahmad Rather son of Abdul Rashid Rather resident of Waghama Bijbehara, Bilal Ahmad Mir son of Mohd Ismail Mir and Nisar Ahmad Khanday son of Mohd Afzal Khanday both residents of Bumthan, Nisar Ahmad Mir son of Ghulam Hassan Mir resident of Zadoora and Tariq Ahmad Matoo son of Ghulam Mohammad Matoo resident of Gangipora.
Officers have also seized stake money of ₹50,000/- 08 mobile phones and a set of playing cards from their possession. They have been arrested and shifted to police station where they remain in custody.
Accordingly, a case under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Qazigund and further investigation has been initiated.
Persons found indulging in criminal activities shall be dealt as per law. Community members are requested to share information regarding the crimes in their neighbourhood with the local police units.

Categories
BUSINESS

J&K’s economic growth Vibrant: CS

Releases Economic Survey 2022-23 of the UT

JAMMU, MARCH 31: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today released the Economic Survey 2022-23 of the UT, a document presenting the elaborate picture of the economy of J&K for the closing financial year prepared by Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Planning Development & Monitoring Department.

On the occasion the Chief Secretary observed that the document is vital in gauging the progress made by the UT. He also called the document a true account of what we have achieved during the financial year.

He complimented the Department for coming up with this Survey at an opportune time. He said that the survey presents a fine picture of our economic trajectory which is encouraging for all of us. He remarked that the yearly economic growth of the UT is a notch higher than National average which shows that approach we have adopted during last few years is working well for the economy.

The Survey reports that J&K is expected to grow at 8 per cent as against 7 per cent at National level during 2022-23 at Constant Prices. At Current Prices, GSDP of J&K is expected to record a growth of 15% which is at par with National level. Economy of J&K grew faster than the national average in recent years.

It further stated the GSDP is likely to be doubled in the next five years with emphasis on service sector, industries, agriculture, horticulture and tourism. UT Revenue Performance (Tax plus Non-Tax) is expected to double during current year.

The Survey has also applauded the time bound policies, action plans and development strategies being implemented to carry forward and sustain the positive environment and momentum of economic development. It also talks about various reforms initiated for good governance and transparency which includes, IT enabled innovations in administration like Janbhagidari, E-stamping, PaySys, BEAMS, eHRMS, e-GRAS, e-office, GST which are more secure, cheaper, efficient, time saving and reliable compared to the previous systems.

Besides the document brings forth the unique reformative initiatives like District Good Governance Index, Aspirational Blocks Development Programme, Aspirational Panchayat Development Programme, and Aspirational Towns Programme rolled out first time in the country.

It also discusses the prime ranking of J&K it got in different parameters of registering growth and development. Be it the Ist rank among the UTs in its e-office uptake in almost 400 offices with disposal rate of 97 %, first rank among UT’s in Renewable Energy Development, Ist rank among the UTs in registration coverage under e-SHRAM, Ist rank among the UTs in issuance of SWAMITVA Cards, 2nd rank in Nasha Mukt Abhaan, 2nd rank in performance under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav, 3rd rank at all India level in terms of total road length constructed under PMGSY, 4th rank in incremental progress of SDG, or 5th rank in reducing regulatory compliances burden under ease of doing business at All India Level.

In terms of achievements it makes out that the road network is extended to all the habitations with population over 250 persons as per 2001 census, facilitating growth and development across the UT. World class National highways, expressways, tunnels, bridges, flyovers, ring roads are coming up. J&K’s Rail link is expected to be connected to All India during 2023. Airports are also being upgraded. The Urban development is also high on agenda, smart city projects are being implemented in the capital cities of the UT,the Survey presents.

Regarding power generation capacity it says the same is likely to be doubled in 4 years and tripled in next 8 years. The response of people to the outreach programmes like My Town My Pride (MTMP) and Back to Village Four (B2V4) was also highlighted  in this report.

In education sector the indicators have shown notable improvement as per the survey. Adoption of National Education Policy 2020 and the J&K Education Investment Policy 2020 has set in new challenging targets for J&K. Quality education with provision of skill and research has been introduced at higher education level. The youth of J&K are being motivated to attain higher levels of expertise in productive skills and sports sectors, as per the report.

As far as the Tourism sector is concerned, it says that J&K is developing 75 new tourist destinations, 75 heritage/cultural sites, 75 sufism/religious sites & 75 adventure treks/sites attracting potential for all the four seasons in the areas of nature, adventure, pilgrimage, heritage, sports etc.  More areas of tourism like amusement, water parks, adventure (water sports, Rafting, Rock climbing, Snow parks) etc and entertainment are being explored to attract more tourists.

Empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions is proving game changer as per this Survey. The centrally sponsored flagship schemes like MGNREGA, PMAY, SBM(G) being implemented are rejuvenating the rural landscape of J&K. It further goes on to say that SBM(G) has brought J&K an open defecation free status by providing IHHLs to 1952 villages. Under PMAY(G) 30381 families (1.14 Lakhs cumulative) were provided financial assistance for construction of Pucca houses besides numerous water bodies were rejuvenated under AmritSarovars scheme.

With respect to empowerment of women, the beneficiary oriented schemes are helping women in realising better lives for them and their families. UT envisions achieving Sustainable Integrated Development focusing on Connectivity, Eco-friendly Modern Infrastructure to meet people’s expectations with Transparent Governance over next 25 years. Tourism, Agriculture, Horticulture and Power clubbed with Improved Infrastructure, Connectivity, Logistics, better Health and Education facilities, Digital Governance and effective Grievance Redressal Mechanisms shall be the core areas for realizing Vision 2047, suggests the Economic Survey 2022-23.

Those who were present on the occasion includes Secretary, PD&MD; DG, Planning; Directors of Planning of different Departments besides other officers of the department.

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