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.
SRINAGAR, MARCH 29: In view of the Holy Month of Ramadan and forthcoming Shab-i-Qadir and Eid ul Fitr, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri conducted an extensive visit of Shrines and Mosques in Srinagar.
He was accompanied by Addl Commissioner Kashmir, Qazi Sarwar, Commissioner SMC & CEO Smart City, Athar Amir; officers of line departments including Power, PHE, R&B, Sanitation, SMC, Waqf Board etc
While reviewing the availability of electric and drinking water facility, Div Com directed concerned to ensure uninterrupted supply of services to facilitate devotees visiting these Shrines and Mosques.
He instructed illumination of Dargah Hazratbal, Dastgeer Sahib Shrine and Imambarah to reflect an environment of festivity.
He also instructed Dargah Hazratbal Management Committee & SMC to make currently defunct water fountain in the frontier lawn of Shrine functional at the earliest.
Besides, he issued directions for grass cutting and landscape development of premises with reparation of railings. Moreover, he called for a continuous dog catching drive at Hazratbal Shrine to ensure the safety of people and the sanctity of holy place.
He also exhorted to speed up renovation works at Dastgeer Sahab and development of separate Wazu Khana for women at the Shrine.
While visiting Imambarah Zadibal, the Divisional Commissioner was apprised by the Committee regarding requirement expansion of premises and road widening issues and sought his intervention in this matter.
Regarding, Power & Electricity Div Com issued on spot directions to PDD & PHE officials to ensure continuous supply of electricity & drinking water to the Imambarah.
Bidhuri during the visit paid obeisance at Dastgeer Sahib Shrine & Imambarah Zadibal during which he prayed for peace & prosperity of Kashmir.
Fine over Rs 3.53 lakh imposed on erring shopkeepers, one Restaurant and 02 shops sealed
DC Srinagar forms special squads to conduct regular market checking, penalizing illegal profiteers and taking strict action against violators
SRINAGAR MARCH 29: On the directions of the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad the District, the special Market Checking teams of District Administration Srinagar Wednesday launched an intensified market checking in all markets of Srinagar City to crackdown on illegal profiteering and black marketing to control prices of food items and ensure all essential commodities are sold at Government approved rates as per the quality standards.
The checking squads headed by SDMs with Tehsildars of Srinagar South, Eidgah, Shalteng, Panthachowk, Srinagar North, Chanapora and Khanyar Tehsils conducted intensive market checking in Sonwar, Dalgate, Drugjan, Lal Chowk, Rawalpora, Sanat Nagar, Channapora, Hyderpora, Eidgah, Panthachowk, Zewan, Bemina, Nishat, Harwan, Khanyar and other adjoining markets of the City and took action against dozens erring shopkeepers.
During the drive huge fine of Rs 3.53 lakh was imposed on erring shopkeepers for failing to maintain the quality of food items, not displaying rate lists of essential commodities, selling expiry products, besides indulging in practices of profiteering and overcharging. The large quantity of expired food products and rotten vegetables/fruits were also destroyed on the spot.
During the drive, a Restaurant was sealed in for not maintaining proper hygiene besides found in overcharging. Similarly, 2 shops including a Grocery and Bakery outlet were also sealed for violating norms.
The Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar in this regard has asked the Market Checking teams to continue the drive to ensure all essential commodities are sold at Government approved rates as per the quality standards with sufficient availability of consumables in wake of ongoing Holy month of Ramzaan.
SRINAGAR, MARCH 01: The Cultural Unit Kashmir, Department of Information and Public Relations J&K today celebrated Zero Discrimination Day at Joint Directorate of Information Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Cultural Officer Kashmir, Burhan Hussain said that Zero Discrimination Day is observed every year on 1st of March with an aim to recognise everybody’s right to a complete and fulfilling life to lead it with respect.
Zero Discrimination Day contributes to creating a worldwide solidarity campaign to abolish all forms of discrimination.
Organisations like UNAIDS, which fight intolerance against persons living with HIV/AIDS, take special note of the day.
AECO Syed Shakeel Shan while conducting the proceedings said that the day is celebrated for the right of everyone to live life with dignity. It highlights how people can become informed about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace and create a global movement of solidarity to end all forms of discrimination.
A thematic cultural program was also arranged on the occasion. Cultural Unit Artist, Suhail Mohi-ud-Din enthralled the audience by his mesmerizing voice.
All the employees and officers of Joint Directorate of Information Kashmir attended the function.
SRINAGAR, MARCH 1: With an objective to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and an emphasis on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Jammu Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO), under the aegis of the Department of Commerce & Industry, in association with the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), organized an international Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) for local agricultural & food processing sector of J&K.
Addressing the forum virtually, Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta highlighted the improved scenario of law-and-order and thriving business ecosystem within J&K. Chief Secretary said that J&K is more peaceful now, digitally connected, with improving mobility infrastructure resulting in reducing logistic challenges faced by exporters. He highlighted that the rail connectivity to Srinagar would be a reality next year. He maintained that J&K is focusing on improving ease of doing business and expects to be placed within top ranking States/UTs by DPIIT. He called for more such Buyer Seller Meets in coming financial year for promotion of trade and investment and said that such meets should show concrete results in terms of business transactions.
He spoke about harnessing the immense potential of produce from Kashmir by extending market access and emphasized the world-class quality of local products and said that the craftsmanship of JK is unmatchable.
He further assured the buyers from different countries that they can seek any help they genuinely need from government of Jammu and Kashmir and become a partner in the growth story of Jammu and Kashmir.
Principal Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, Prashant Goyal, in his special address to the buyers and sellers present in the event underscored the contribution of Agriculture in the development of the economy of J&K wherein around 70% of the population residing in rural areas directly or indirectly depends on this sector for their livelihood and employability. He also highlighted the progressive, competitive & investment friendly policies of the Union Territory of J&K.
He highlighted that the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) package announced by central government is one of the best financial incentive packages offered by any State/ UT in India with a high return on investment and less input cost. In addition to the incentives offered by the New Central Sector Scheme, the investor can avail incentives offered by industrial policy & the other sectoral policies notified by the government.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri complimented the efforts of JKTPO for the BSM and emphasized on the importance of conducting more such events in near future. He also highlighted the importance of field level investments in the agriculture sector which will enhance the value of the local Agri products from J&K through processing. He also recommended for feedback from both buyers and sellers so that further improvements can be done in the industrial ecosystem of J&K.
Earlier, Khalid Jahangir, Managing Director, JKTPO gave opening remarks and welcomed the Buyers and sellers on the occasion. He said that J&K’s food and agro based products are famous across the world and urged the buyers to procure these products from authentic and genuine sellers of J&K. He revealed since J&K for its diverse agro climatic conditions is blessed with range of niche products that have great export value simultaneously.
The forum was briefed about USPs of products being displayed viz. Honey, Saffron, Basmati Rice, Walnut, Fresh fruits, processed food like juices, jams, bakery etc.
Also, JKTPO is participating and organizing in various trade fairs, exhibitions and Buyer Seller meets besides providing marketing and business opportunities to the sellers, as was given out during this event.
Deputy Director General, TPCI Sandeep Das, gave vote of thanks for the event. In his closing remarks, he said that JKTPO and other relevant departments from J&K should work on building supplying capacity of the sellers to meet the needs of buyers and get bulk orders in near future. He also suggested that sellers should work on improving quality and packaging as per the standards and parameter set by different countries.
It was said that the BSM contributed immensely towards forming new strategic partnerships and assistance in developing market linkages, business leads and networking for boosting trade and exports of J&K Agri& food Processing products.
During this event more than 500 leads were generated which are expected to be converted into potential orders. Above 120 sellers including Food processing units, entrepreneurs, FPOs from Jammu & Kashmir participated in the event.
Director Industries and Commerce, Kashmir, Saloni Rai was also present on the occasion along with other senior officers and functionaries of the department.
SRINAGAR: Known for its beautiful landscape and mesmerizing nature, the world famous Boulevard on the banks of Dal lake has come up with yet another tourist attraction. A multicolored-large sized contraption gliding in the skies hundreds of feet above the surface sends any onlooker into tizzy!
Yes, you have figured it right! Hot Air Balloon hanging mid air, over looking Zabarwan hills is a new adventurist sensation in Srinagar. The endeavor is gaining popularity among locals as well as tourists from other parts of the country. People in droves can be seen booking and waiting for their slots to glide through the air in the balloon.
“We have come to valley for the second time after a gap of about 15 years. It is as beautiful as it used to be. But we have seen this balloon for the first time in Kashmir. As soon as we saw it from hotel room, we decided to take our kids for its ride. My kids are so ex-cited to board the balloon,” says Dr Sidartha Gautam from Delhi, who along with his wife and two kids are waiting for their turn to have a dream ride.
As the balloon has turned into a major tourist attraction, the people associated with tourism are happy with in-creased tourism activity around the place.
Bilal Ahmad, a shikara owner near Zabarwan Park says that the contraption like aerospace has turned into an at-traction in the area. A good number of tourists who take the shikara ride here enquire about the balloon and we ask them to visit the booking counter in-side the park.
“The new adventure has increased their work also,” Ahmad says adding, the adventure has added to tourism ac-tivity in the area.
Run and operated by Highland Excursion India Pvt Limited , a company known for its niche in adventure tourism, the idea of facilitating a unique experience of gliding in hot air balloons to tourists has been conceived by a young entrepreneur, Ifshan Mehraj. Apart from air balloons, young entrepreneur is also successfully operating the raft and para gliding adventures in different parts of the val-ley.
“Earlier we had put the aero balloon on the same spot. But due to some reasons we had to wind it up in 2019. This year, we decided to give a unique experience to adventure enthusiasts around the lake and thus brought a hot air balloon here”, says Ifshan, CEO, High-land Excursions.
The young CEO says that the company plans to start such more ventures in future, as there is an encouraging re-sponse from the people to these activities in the valley.
Tourism authorities have been also supportive and provided all possible support to start the venture. There is a tremendous scope of adventure tourism in Kashmir, as the field still remains untapped, opines Ifshan.
According to Zuhair Hussain, Manager Hot Air Balloon Counter, the company arranges almost 30 trips into air, carrying about more than 100 visitors in mid air daily. There is a good response from the visitors and adventure en-thusiasts as the people need to book their slot sometimes days ahead of actual ride.
While deliberating upon the functioning of the balloon, Zuhair says that the contraption glides into air by means of hot air which is constantly blown into it through gas flames controlled manually. Though 5 to 6 people can be ac-commodated in the basket, we prefer to accommodate only 4 people and a pilot per trip. Zuhair says, the balloon rises about 200 feet from the surface giving a panoramic view of the city to gliders. Adding the company offers the adventure ride for a nominal amount of Rs 750 per head, Zuhair says that the rates are the cheapest ones in the coun-try.
As the balloon gradually rises high into the air, the team who manages it from the ground works hard to ensure the safety and protection of the people aboard the basket. Made from world class fire proof fabric , the balloon is equipped with sophisticated fire extinguishers and a trained pilots.
“It was a remarkable experience to have such a panoramic view of the whole lake and hills. It will stay back very long with me,” ex-claims Naman , a tourist from Gurjrat, after taking a ride in the balloon.
Amidst the increased footfall of tourists this season, the hot air balloon ride is emerging as a major crowd puller in the capital city of Srinagar!
Srinagar: Once a treasure of fresh water, the Pokher or Springs around Khushalsar are gradually losing their being. Craving for both the public and authorities’ intervention, these fresh water resources are facing the silent extinction.
Located on a corner of the densely populated Shehr-e-Khas or Down Town area of Srinagar, a fresh water body, Khushalsar is spread over acres of land, playing a pivotal role in water rich natural drainage system of the valley.
Around the perimeter of the oval shaped Khushalsar, a large number of springs in the midst of the habitations extend its waters.
Known locally as Pokher or Bawli, a nomenclature of Persian decent, these water treasures of recent past are at a verge of extinction for the constant apathy from concerned authorities and public negligence. Once forming a network of fresh water supply to local inhabitants, the golden heritage of the city has turned into large pits harbouring human refuse and emanating stink.
At Amdakadal Jogiwan vicinity adjacent to Khushalsar, Srinagar, there is a large Bawli. Despite, fortified with a concrete work and iron fencing, the Bawli craves for life. The precious water resource is in a dilapidated condition emanating a foul smell and presenting a look of a large dustbin. “This Bawli had a clean and transparent water until recently. NALCO a local NGO had restored it a decade ago. People used to consume its water. Children used to take bath in a part of it. But the devastating floods during 2014 led to choking of its drainage system. Till date its defunct drainage has not been rectified,” says Ghulam Rasool, a local resident while ruing both the public and government apathy towards these precious water bodies. These Bawli’s play a pivotal role in maintaining the balanced level of water in larger water bodies or Sars, adds Rasool.
President NALCO, Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo says, that it is the duty of both general masses and the concerned agencies to protect and preserve the nature’s bliss. Civil society should also come forward to play their role in conserving this natural heritage.
As per records, there existed a network of Bawlis interwoven around Gilsar, Zoonimar, Eidgah, Narwara etc. But urbanization, horizontal expansion of houses amidst the lack of proper drainage system has led to their disappearance. According to Altaf Hussain, a middle-aged local resident and nature enthusiast, there used to be about Hundred springs around Khushalsar, but over the time they have either disappeared or rendered defunct for the want of care and proper drainage system. Alluding towards a defunct Bawli at Kralpora, Zadibal, He further adds that the level of drains pouring out the water from these Bawli’s into larger water bodies or Sars has rose due to encroachment of Khushalsar and rapid urbanization.
Resultantly, sometimes there is a reverse movement of water into these springs, thus rendering the natural system into a mess.
“I used to take bath in this Bawli during my childhood. We had ablutions from its waters. Its water was very clean those days. It also quenched our thirst amidst the lack of proper tap water supply. But over the years, pollution and filling has rendered the water body useless and instead turned it into dustbin like structure ,” says Abdul Rasheed, while deploring the ruined condition of Bawli at New Colony, Zadibal. Despite repeated appeals to LAWDA, Municipality and others, the concerned agencies have so far failed to restore the glory of these springs, Rasheed laments.
Seconding Rasheed, the views of Syed Amjad from Gasiyar vicinity of Zadibal are same. Before thirty years, there was a proper natural drainage system which drained out the waters from these Bawlis properly. As these outlets are choked and raised now, the water in these bodies is stagnant. These Bawlis served a purpose during the past, but now they are a source of filth and foul smell especially in summers , rues Syed.
According to one of the official from Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), the department has carried few cleanliness drives of these water resources.
The condition of other remaining Bawlis is also shabby. At Abiyar, Zadibal, a bawli constantly emanates the foul smell from the human refuse stuck around the weeds grown on its seemingly muddy waters. At Narwara and other adjoining areas surrounding Khushalsar, these precious water bodies are craving for the attention and proper preservation.
President NALCO, Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo says, that it is the duty of both general masses and the concerned agencies to protect and preserve the nature’s bliss. Civil society should also come forward to play their role in conserving this natural heritage.
