Category: CITY

VC Prof. Qayyum calls for inculcating spirit of nation building among students

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 15: Cluster University Srinagar today celebrated 77th Independence Day with the hoisting of the National Flag at the varsity’s Gogji Bagh campus by Vice Chancellor, Prof. Qayyum Husain. Besides the National Anthem, patriotic songs were also played on the occasion.

Those who attended the ceremony included Dean Academic Affairs, Registrar, Controller Examinations, Principles of constituent and affiliated colleges, Deans of various faculties, Chief Proctor, Dean Students Welfare, Sports Secretary, Coordinators of IG programmes, Nodal officers and Conveners of various committees besides the other administrative staff of the university.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor referred to the freedom struggle of India and the contribution of freedom fighters in ending the colonial rule. Prof. Qayyum said the country has come a long way and gained a place of power and respect in the international arena.

Underlining the significance of Independence Day, the Vice Chancellor said, “The country’s strength comes from its strong democratic credentials which need to be upheld and safeguarded by every citizen.”

He exhorted the Principals and faculty members of the constituent and affiliated colleges to inculcate the spirit of nation building among students.

The Vice Chancellor referred to the various programmes conducted by the constituent and affiliated colleges of Cluster University Srinagar as part of “Meri Maati Mera Desh” campaign as a culminating event of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

He said India is emerging as the world’s third largest economy with promising growth recorded across various sectors.

He also referred to various activities carried out by the university as part of India’s G20 Presidency.

Pertinently, the constituent colleges of the university viz., Govt. College for Women; Amar Singh College; S.P. College; Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial Degree College and Institute of Advanced Studies In Education also celebrated Independence Day with flag hoisting ceremonies led by respective principals.

“Leaders emphasize the lessons of sacrifice, urge community to help the needy, and announce upcoming flag-changing ceremony at Imam Bargah Zadibal”

Srinagar: In a remarkable display of unity and commitment, the All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association today convened a meeting at Darul Jawaad (Qamarwari), drawing prominent figures such as President Molvi Imran Raza Ansari and General Secretary Abid Hussain Ansari. The gathering centered around commemorating the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and emphasizing the importance of helping those in need. Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, in his address, shed light on the profound lessons to be learned from Imam Hussain’s (AS) sacrifice, urging people to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. The meeting concluded with the announcement of an upcoming flag-changing ceremony at the revered Imam Bargah Zadibal.

Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, the President of the All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association, passionately emphasized the timeless significance of Imam Hussain’s (AS) sacrifice during the meeting. Ansari encouraged attendees to draw inspiration from Imam Hussain’s (AS) selflessness and use it as a guiding light in their lives. Stressing the importance of compassion and empathy, he called upon the community to actively engage in helping those in need, creating a society rooted in solidarity and support for one another.

Adding to the discourse, General Secretary Abid Hussain Ansari echoed the sentiments expressed by Molvi Imran Raza Ansari. Abid Hussain Ansari passionately spoke about the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) in Karbala, highlighting the enduring message of unity that resonates with people from all walks of life. He emphasized the need for the community to come together, setting aside differences and focusing on common goals for the betterment of society.

Moreover, the meeting witnessed the formation of committees in Srinagar, aimed at tackling pressing local issues. Several dedicated volunteers were selected to work on resolving traffic congestion and improving sanitation in the city. By actively involving themselves in these endeavors, the All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association aims to contribute to the overall well-being and development of the region, fostering a harmonious and thriving community.

The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment among the attendees, as they left with the profound understanding of the need to learn from Imam Hussain’s sacrifice and extend a helping hand to the needy. With the upcoming flag-changing ceremony at Imam Bargah Zadibal, the All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association continues to inspire and lead by example, fostering unity and progress within the community and beyond.

Holds series of meetings with Shia community to review arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram

Line Departments asked to ensure all basic facilities during the Holy Month

SRINAGAR, JULY 15: In view of forthcoming Holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram, the Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad Saturday undertook an extensive visit of various Shia populated areas of City and Imambargahs at Zadibal and Hasanabad to take a first hand appraisal of arrangements being made for smooth observance of Muharram proceedings.

The Deputy Commissioner also visited the Shrine of Shamsuddin Araqi and Shia populated areas enroute Mir Behri Dal.

During the visit, the DC was accompanied by Additional District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, SSP Traffic Traffic, Muzafar Ahmad Shah, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Syed Ahmad Kataria, SP Headquarter, Arif Amin, besides, Joint Commissioner, SMC, Chief Medical Officer, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers of R&B, PDD, PHE, SDM, East, SDM West, Tehsildars of Eidgah, Khanyar and North, ARTO and other senior officers from Police and Civil Administration.

On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner passed several onspot directions to the line Departments and stressed on elaborate arrangements and sustained efforts facilitating the observance of important proceedings especially on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The DC also stressed on conducting Department wise audit of the essential services on the occasion of the Holy month.

At Zadibal Imambara, the DC held a detailed interaction with the local Shia leaders and public representatives to have first-hand feedback of the arrangements to be put in place during the Holy Month of Muharram-ul-Haram.

On the occasion, the Chief Medical Officer and officers of the Health Department were asked to keep first aid facilities, Medical teams and Ambulances available in the areas and also accompany the processions to ensure immediate first aid/ medical treatment.

Similarly, the DC asked the SMC and allied Departments to repair all dysfunctional Street lights including High Mass lights around Imambaras and make them functional well before the important days of Muharram. He also stressed on ensuring cleanliness of lanes and drains inside the compounds of Imambaras, Shrines and roads enroute Procession routes. He also asked them to enhance manpower for ensuring proper cleanliness during the Muharram days.

The DC also asked the concerned Departments to take immediate measures for cleanliness and desilting of drains in Zadibal, Alamgari Bazar, Madain Sahib Hawal and other routes leading to Imambaras and through which Muharram processions will pass so that people do not face any difficulty.

Similarly, in order to ensure uninterrupted electricity and water supplies particularly in Shia populated areas, the DC passed on spot directions to concerned Officers for making all arrangements. He also asked Executive Engineer PHE to keep provision of water tanker supply wherever required.

The Traffic authorities were also impressed upon ensuring smooth movement of traffic enroute to the Muharrum processions particularly on 7, 9 and 10th of Muharram. They were also asked to maintain proper coordination with the Police Department.

The DC also enjoined upon the officers to keep proper vigil on prices of essential commodities and conduct intensified market checking to avoid profiteering and hoardings.

At Hasanabad Imambara, the DC holds a meeting with the concerned leaders of the Community and took stock of the similar arrangements and asked officers to complete all arrangements well before the start of the Holy month. He also asked the LCMA authorities to take up immediate work for the levelling of Auqaf Bagh besides other cleanliness measures.

Meanwhile, the DC also visited the Shrine of Mir Shams-ud-din Muhammad Araqi at Zadibal to oversee the arrangements being made for the smooth observance of Muharram.

During the series of meetings, the DC was presented detailed charter of demands which was listened by him patiently and necessary instructions were given to all the concerned Departments to fulfil them well before the commencement of Muharram

Later, the Deputy Commissioner undertook a comprehensive visit to Mir Behri Dal, the interiors of densely populated Shia areas.

On the occasion, the DC met scores of people of the Shia community and assured them that adequate arrangements shall be made available on the eve of the month of Muharram ul Haram.

NASIR YOUSUFI

Srinagar: On a hazy morning, a 21-year-old youth is taken aback as soon he steps out from his house. A pack of fish is afloat near his house but the fish are all dead. Mohammad Abbas Moti from Moti Mohlla, Dal has never seen lifeless fish floating atop the waters in the vicinity in such large numbers.

“At first, I thought there were only few fish. But as I paddled my boat little away, there were thou-sands of them piled over the weeds. The sight was totally scary,” said Moti. “Throughout my life, I have never witnessed such a large scale destruction of fishes in the lake.”

In the third week of May, thousands of fish in the Dal Lake reportedly died suddenly creating a con-cern among the local residents and experts across the realm.

The dwellers of Dal Lake raised the alarm. Seconding Moti, Mushtaq Ahmad Sultan, a 48-year-old resi-dent from Sultan Mohalla Dal too expressed shock over the large scale death of fish.

“Earlier at many occasions I have seen a number of fish dying in the lake, but this one is mass death of the prized aquatic beings. It seems alarming, “said Mushtaq.

The piling up of dead fish along the banks and shores near the interior habitations of Dal lake also raised the health concerns among the inhabitants. The mounds of dead fish emanated foul smell. “Over the days, these dead fish have become source of nuisance. The foul smell and their decompos-ing bodies can cause diseases in the area,” suspected Ali Mohammad, an old aged resident from Teli Mohalla Dal.

However, the authorities have termed the mass death of fish an outcome of routine annual affair.

“The occurrence is a routine annual affair. I have received reports about the deaths of fish in Dal Lake. We have already sent a team to collect the samples from the lake. We found that lot of dead fish around Centaur Hotel,” said Deputy Director Fisheries department Rafiq Ahmad. “Prima facie, it seems that the fish have died due to sudden fluctuation in temperature. This is not unusual as it happens every year. You will find similar occurrences in other lakes like Manasbal (Lake) as well,” Ahmad said.

The concerned officer did not rule out the possibility of other factors causing the large scale death of the fish. Asked if there could be any other reasons, Ahmad said pollution could also be a contributing factor as it changes the parameters of the water. “Coupled with temperature variation, it causes mor-tality among the fish,” he said. A senior inspector of the department has been asked to submit a de-tailed factual report ascertaining the cause of the fish death, he added.

The inhabitants of the lake however believe that there are other reasons too behind such large scale fish death in the lake.

“One of the reasons for the large scale death is the increase in the water level of the lake. The lake authorities have kept the water level up. Now, it has become a problem as the fish have died. The open decomposition of these fish could also pose a health problem in the vicinity,” said Mohammad Shafi, a resident from Dal Lake.

There is a large section of Dal dwellers who blame the pollution for the development.

Furqan Ahmad, who often visits Dal lake puts the blame on the pollution level. There are many pollu-tants which keep seeping into Dal waters. The pollutants discharged from houseboats and waste ma-terial sometimes dumped into the lake are also believed to be responsible for the situation. “The sew-age water and solid waste from Dal habitations and houseboats have polluted the waters in the lake. It has eventually turned toxic for the aquatic life. It is our prime responsibility to avoid any littering in the lake and use scientific means of waste disposal in and outside the lake areas,” Furqan a class 12th stu-dent from Nishat area said while expressing his views about the large scale death of fish in the lake.

Expressing resentment, fishermen community living in and around the lake have raised concern about the development and have appealed the authorities to probe the incident.

“These fish are our livelihood. They sustain our families. We cannot live without proper and conducive environment for aquatic life in the lake,” said Mohammad Ramzan, a local fisherman from Dal Lake.

Our prime objective is to restore the historical glory of the city, create infrastructure that improves quality of living for all the citizens and to provide better and improved urban services: LG

SRINAGAR, MAY 24: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha visited Jhelum Rajbagh Riverfront today and spent a few memorable moments with the people.

At the Riverfront, the Lt Governor enquired about the works and directed the CEO, Srinagar Smart City to establish a visiting room and other facilities like Library and reading room for the students.

“The Jhelum Riverfront captures the grandeur of the city, the river, joy & enthusiasm of the people, and the walk along the river is rejuvenating and an experience not to be missed,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor praised the vibrant ambience and commendable work done by the Srinagar Smart City Limited.

“In the coming days, the Jhelum Riverfront will attract more visitors and provide a high quality of life for citizens. Other development works are also tapping the vast potential and vitality of Srinagar city,” he observed.

The Lt Governor also told the officials that the collective effort should be to make the city come alive and improve infrastructure for people.

“Our prime objective is to restore the historical glory of the city, create infrastructure that improves quality of living for all the citizens and to provide better and improved urban services,” the Lt Governor said.

Sh Athar Amir Khan, Commissioner SMC and CEO Srinagar Smart City briefed the Lt Governor on the works for the development of the Jhelum Riverfront.

Pertinently, Jhelum Rajbagh Riverfront stretch, under Srinagar Smart City, has been transformed into a world-class public space with facilities like walkways, cycling, green space, free wifi, universal access and numerous activities. Hashtag art along with other artifacts have also been installed on the Riverfront.

Shri Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and other senior officers accompanied the Lt Governor.

SRINAGAR, MAY 23: The Administrative Council (AC) which met here under Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha gave approval to theabsorption of 145 Employees of Hotel Corporation of India Limited (HCIL) working at Centaur Lake view Hotel, Srinagar, in different corporations under the Tourism Department.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Dr.Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, J&K; and Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor attended the meeting.

The decision was taken on the recommendations of the committee that the existing staff of the Hotel Corporation of India Limited will be absorbed by the UT of J&K on the existing terms and conditions while the payment of retirement gratuity and other benefits of the employees for the period they worked with HCI will be borne by HCI.

The Hotel Corporation of India has 145 permanent employees of Centaur Lake View Hotel as on 01.05.2023 which will be absorbed on existing terms and conditions in Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation Ltd, Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation Ltd and Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre, Srinagar, as per their requirement and absorptive capacity to be determined by the Tourism Department.

SRINAGAR, MAY 22: The Administrative Council (AC) which met here today under Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha approved Upgradation/Revamping of Transport Nagar, Parimpora(Srinagar) at an estimated cost of Rs. 31.58 Crore.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Dr.Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, J&K and Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor attended the meeting.

The project components include laying of road network, sewerage & drainage network, electric network to the tune of Rs. 30.00 Cr. It also includes development of Parks/Green Spaces & contingencies including consultancy to the tune of Rs. 1.58 Cr.

The project aims at decongestion of Srinagar city besides bringing all the transport agencies on one platform outside the city. It also envisages ensuring proper facilities both in terms of road network and other amenities at this vital business center. This project once completed will benefit nearly 76 transport agencies, besides, providing/improving the livelihood of people/traders dealing with various trades.

Takes stock of ongoing projects in campus

SRINAGAR, MAY 10: The Director Planning, Higher Education Department, Ashu Gupta today paid a visit to Sri Pratap College to take stock of the ongoing projects in the campus.

She along with Principal of the College, Prof (Dr) Ghulam Jeelani Qurashi took a tour of the college and keenly reviewed the progress with respect to all the projects.

She also stressed upon having a girls hostel in the college for which she proposed the college authorities to submit a DPR so that residential facility for girls is created at the earliest.

SRINAGAR, MAY 14: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha conducted on-site inspection and reviewed ongoing construction work of the transit accommodation for PM Package employees at Zewan, today.

The Lt Governor appraised the progress of works being carried out at the site, and directed the officials for timely completion of the project.

The housing colony at Zewan will have 39 blocks comprising 936 residential units.

Earlier in the month of April this year, the Lt Governor had inaugurated newly constructed 576 residential accommodations for PM Package Employees at Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal & Shopian.

Sh Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Public Works (R&B); Sh Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Sh Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and other senior officials were present.

SRINAGAR, MAY 12: The Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad today undertook a visit to Narayan Temple in Tulsi Bagh area of the District to assess the spot position of the Temple for its Restoration, Revival, Preservation and Maintenance of Architecture and Heritage.

During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Chief Planning Officer, Deputy Director, Culture Department, Executive Engineer R&B, Tehsildars South and other Officers of concerned Departments.

On the occasion, the DC along with Officers took onsite inspection of the required upgradation, renovation, and repair works and asked the concerned Officers to prepare a DPR regarding the same by May 14, 2023 so that works related to Restoration, Revival, Preservation and Maintenance of Architecture and Heritage of the Temple are taken up at the earliest.

The DC also asked them to incorporate the works related to the upgradation and augmentation of drainage system of the temple in the ongoing drainage network project to overcome the waterlogging issue at the premises of the religious place.

The DC also asked for submitting a proposal for landscaping at the premises besides face-lifting of the main entrance and pathway to the Temple.

The DC also asked to prepare a DPR for Khatamband Ceiling inside the Temple with visible impact while maintaining Architecture and Heritage of the Kashmir Valley. He further asked them to incorporate all necessary repairs and face lifting works in the project to give an aesthetic look to the temple.

During the visit, the members of the Managing Body of the Temple apprised the DC about the renovation measures required to be taken up.