26,746 disconnected in January alone; SDOs directed to bring down losses, improve billing, collection efficiency
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 17: Managing Director, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Mussarat Islam, today chaired a meeting with all Sub Divisional Officers of KPDCL to review the feeder-wise AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) losses in Kashmir Division.
The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer, Distribution, Kashmir, Er. Sandeep Seth, SEs of all O&M Circles and Executive Engineers of all Electric Divisions.
During the review meeting, MD KPDCL issued standing directions to all SDOs to bring down AT&C losses and show visible improvement in smart metering saturation as well enhancing billing and collection efficiency.
Directions were also issued to snap the power connections of those consumers who fail to pay their pending electricity dues.
In order to ensure charging of already-installed LT-AB cable and shifting of smart meters from bare conductor, the MD issued express directions to SDOs to liaise with the Project Executing Agencies for conversion so that power pilferage, especially hooking, is completely plugged. He also tasked Executive Engineers to facilitate the charging of already installed LT-AB cable in their respective Electric Divisions.
MD was informed in the meeting that 26,746 consumers were disconnected in the month of January 2024 for non-payment of electricity dues. He was also informed that funds to the tune of Rs.7.50 crore were collected on account of penalties imposed on those consumers who were stealing power by unauthorised means.
KPDCL has further intensified its disconnection drives against consumers for non-payment of electricity dues across all Divisions.
The Chief Engineer (Distribution) emphasised upon the SDOs that there shall be zero tolerance on power theft and Revenue default. He also directed SDOs to further intensify their disconnection drives against those consumers who have huge outstanding dues pending.
He further advised SEs of all 06 Circles to analyse the performance of SDOs and take necessary corrective measures to improve AT&C index.
GANDHINAGAR, GUJARAT, JANUARY 12: Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha met the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel today.
The Lt Governor discussed with the Gujarat Chief Minister the collaboration between J&K UT and Gujarat in various sectors and initiatives for strengthening the trade relations, exploring opportunities for mutual growth, exchanges of knowledge and capacity building.
The Lt Governor tweeted:
“Glad to have met Hon’ble CM of Gujarat, Sh Bhupendra Patel Ji. We discussed collaboration between J&K UT and Gujarat in various sectors and initiatives for strengthening the trade relations, exploring opportunities for mutual growth, exchanges of knowledge & capacity building.
Industrial delegations involving industry associations and trade bodies from both the regions to identify potential areas for investment and industrial partnerships, to establish a platform for networking and to share best practices in various sectors.
We also discussed about reciprocal visits of official delegations from Jammu Kashmir to Gujarat and vice versa, capacity building of emerging entrepreneurs and start ups and collaborations with leading IT companies in Gujarat and sectoral partnership”.
Molvi Imran shed light on the unparalleled significance of Lady Fatima (SA)
Rahi Shamshad
Srinagar: Glowing tributes were paid to Hazrat Fatima Zehra (SA) during the poignant Majlis Ayaam-e-Fatimeya (SA) at the revered Imam Bargah Durbal, Bemina here on Tuesday.
A day-long Majlis was organised by the J&K Shia Association. Thousands of mourners thronged the Imambara Bemina, where they recited the Holy Quran. It was followed by Marsiya by the prominent Zakirs of the Association.
President JKSA Molvi Imran Raza Ansari presided over the Majlis. On the occasion Molvi Imran shed light on the unparalleled significance of Lady Fatima (SA) and her profound contributions to Islam.
In his sermon, Molvi Imran highlighted the uniqueness of Lady Fatima (SA) as the “lady of the light” and emphasized her exemplary life as a role model for Muslim women. Ansari expressed, “Without Fatima (SA), the mission of the Prophet (PBUH) would have remained incomplete. Her husband, sons, and daughters dedicated themselves to serving Islam, offering sacrifices, and facing persecution to uphold the true tenets of Islam against hostile regimes.”
Furthermore, Molvi Imran offered prayers for the reconstruction of Bibi Fatima’s shrine, demolished in Saudi Arabia around 1925, urging for the restoration of this sacred site.
The Majlis concluded with tears and wails from the devoted attendees, reflecting the deep emotional connection to the legacy of Lady Fatima (SA) and the sacrifices endured by her family for the sake of Islam.
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 23: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today chaired a review meeting on the overall Power supply situation in the UT of Jammu Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department; Sh Santosh D Vaidya, Principal Secretary Finance Department; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor and other senior officials.
Detailed discussions took place on various aspects to meet the high electricity demand in both Kashmir and Jammu Division.
During the meeting, the Lt Governor asked the Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, H. Rajesh Prasad for strict compliance of curtailment plans, uninterrupted and quality power in 100% smart metered feeders and timely replacement of damaged transformers to avoid any inconvenience to the people. He said the team on the ground must closely monitor the situation and take proactive actions to meet the peak electricity demand.
The Lt Governor also took appraisal of the status of the installation of smart meters, manpower and power infrastructure.
Nubra(Ladakh): The rugged terrain of Ladakh is not only about exploring nature or hiking into mountains; the camel safari in the cold desert of Nubra Valley has emerged as one of the major tourist attractions nowadays. Once regarded as a burden, the double-humped camel brings prosperity to the tribal village in Nubra Valley’s Hunder village in Ladakh.
Fourteen years ago, a 56-year-old pastor from the remote region of Nubra in Ladakh gifted all four of his double-humped camels but one to a distant relative due to the lack of resources to feed them. Now, Mohammad Ibrahim, the 32-year-old son of the same pastor, keeps a troupe of eight camels to run a successful safari business in the cold mountains of Nubra. While recalling the incident, Ibrahim says he has a vivid idea of how his father and he drove those camels for miles across white sand dunes to hand them over to an acquaintance in Diskit.
Luckily, the one we kept back has become a source of prosperity for us now. I have raised almost a quarter dozen Bactrian camels and thank God, I use all of them for tourist safaris,” says Ibrahim, who, along with his two younger brothers, is now running a successful camel safari business in his Hunder village in Nubra Valley. Once regarded as a burden and used occasionally as a means of local transport to carry loads and rations in the remote parts of Ladakh, the ship of the mountain is now the main source of livelihood for scores of families in the region.
Not only Ibrahim, but a sizable number of youths from the historic tribal village are now engaged in running camel safaris and other tourist-related services in the area, earning their livelihoods. Every day, hundreds of tourists take their dream ride on sand dunes abundantly found between Hunder and Diskit villages—a ride on a double-humped camel.
A famed ride
The remote Hunder village in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley has added many dimensions to mountain tourism, and a ride, especially on a double-humped camel, is never to be missed among them. A large number of tourists in the village can be seen riding the camels and taking selfies with the prized animals.
“I had heard about this camel from a friend who had visited this place earlier. Since then, I dreamt of a ride and a selfie with this fine friend,” says Raveena, a school teacher from Pune who is visiting Ladakh with her husband. Riding this type of unique camel is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, adds a jubilant Raveena.
According to Feroz Ahmad, a local tour operator from Nubra Valley, hundreds of tourists visit the valley every day. From mountain biking, trekking, and heritage trips to cultural exploration, these tourists engage in a variety of pursuits. However, the one must-have pleasure for all these people seems to be the camel ride and taking selfies with the prized animals. The Bactrian camel has lately turned into a source of handsome seasonal income for the youth in the area.
Growing Numbers:
Once struggling to survive in the seventies, the population size of India’s only double-humped camel found in Nubra has witnessed an uptick. From about 40 camels a decade ago, there are now hundreds of these camels in the region.
According to Mohammad Iqbal, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Leh, there are 298 double-humped camels in the region, as per the latest census conducted by the department. Experts believe that the main reason behind the growth in the population of this otherwise critically endangered species in the region is their usefulness in generating income for many local families through safaris. As per the camel keepers, they earn about Rs 1500–2000 from a camel per day during the season. However, the animal needs special care.
Double the Hump, Double the Care
Most of the Bactrian camels feed on Seabuckthorn, a prominent shrub commonly found in community grazing fields in the region. However, the shrub is only available during a few months of summer. Ibrahim says that it is very hard to feed the animal during winters, as the region lacks any viable plant material due to severe cold.
“Our women collect alfalfa hay from the wild to feed the animals during the winter season. But as the numbers of animals have increased, one does not get sufficient hay for the animals. So every winter, the fodder for the camel becomes unaffordable,” Ibrahim says. He adds that during winters, they spend a good amount on feeding them.
Apart from the hard work, the double-humped camel has given a new identity to the historically important Hunder village.
The Last Remnants of the Silk Route
Found in good numbers now in Nubra Valley’s Hunder village, about 135 kilometers from Leh city, the double-humped camel is believed to have come to Ladakh from the neighboring Tibetan region during the 17th century. Apart from Ladakh in India, the prized camel is found in the Hor region of Central Asia.
According to P. Stobdan, who works as a teacher in the Government-run higher secondary school at Chochut, Leh was a part of the famed Silk Route. Until recently, the region remained an important transit point on the historic route. These camels were widely used to carry loads and goods for trade. However, after the closure of the Silk Route in 1950, few camels were left in the region, which are now widely used in tourism activities in the region.
10 Vehicles blacklisted, Rs 15k recovered from offenders
BANDIPORA, AUGUST 23: Continuing the aggressive vehicle checking across Bandipora against traffic violations, Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) Bandipora Wednesday blacklisted 10 Vehicles on Bandipora-Sopore route. The Assistant Regional Transport Officer informed that as many as 40 vehicles were checked on Bandipora-Sopore road. He said during the checking 07 Driving licences, 05 RCs were also seized and notices were issued on spot for traffic violations. It was further informed that 10 vehicles were blacklisted and an amount of Rs 15000 was also recovered on spot from the offenders. The ARTO said that more fines are expected to be recovered from blacklisted vehicles. He said that, during the checking, special focus on installation of Speed limiting devices, overloading, wearing of helmets and seat belts is ensured.
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 23: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha has congratulated the ISRO, team Chandrayaan and the entire space scientists community for successful landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the moon. India has become the fourth country ever to land a spacecraft on the moon and the first country to land on the south pole.
In a tweet the Lt Governor said: “India is on the moon! Heartiest Congratulations to team @ISRO for success of #Chandrayaan3 lunar mission. Absolutely momentous achievement and important milestone in the development of India’s space programme”.
Srinagar, August, 13: Glowing tributes were paid to Hazrat Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS) across Kashmir to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS), who was martyred on the 25th of Muharram-ul-Harram in the Islamic calendar.
Several Majalis and processions were organised across Kashmir on Sunday as part of the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS). The functions were organized by Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association, Jammu and Kashmir Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen, Anjuman-e-Shar-e-Shian, and other religious organizations.
A day-long Majlis was organised by the J&K Shia Association at Chinabal in district Baramulla. Thousands of mourners thronged the Imambara Chinabal, where they recited the Holy Quran. It was followed by Marsiya by the prominent Zakirs of the Association.
On the occasion, President JKSA Molvi Imran Raza Ansari highlighted the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS). Ansari also threw light on the life and teachings of Hazrat Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS) and his contribution to Islam. He also highlighted the importance of communal harmony and solidarity, emphasizing that the event transcended religious boundaries and stood as a testament to the diverse yet united fabric of the region.
In a powerful display of faith and unity, an estimated 50 thousand devotees congregated in Chinabal in Baramulla to commemorate the 25th Muharram procession, dedicated to Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS).
The Jaloos-e-Aza was taken out led by the President Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association, Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, and General Secretary, Al-Haj Abid Hussain Ansari. The procession with humility and reverence, offering prayers and speeches that resonated with the crowd.
Local volunteers and organizers worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth execution of the procession, managing security, crowd control, and essential services. The communal spirit displayed during the procession highlighted the shared values that bind the community together, showcasing the essence of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural and religious diversity.
A daylong Majlis was also organised by the Anjuman-e-Shar-e-Shian at Shalimar Srinagar, which started with the recitation of Holy Quran. Thousands of mourners attended the Majlis and paid glowing tributes to Hazrat Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS).
On the occasion, Anjuman chief patron, Aga Syed Hassan Mustaffa Al-Safvi Al-Mosvi shed light on the life of Hazrat Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS). Later a Zuljanah Sharif procession was taken out from the residence of Al-Haj Muhammad Maqbool of Arabal Shalimar and culminated at Imambara Gulshan Ali Shalimar.
Majlis Hussain was also organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen at Garend Kalan in district Budgam. Thousands of mourns thronged the Imambara Garend Kalan, where they recited the Holy Quran. It was followed by Marsiya by the prominent Zakirs of the Ittehad-ul-Mulsimeen.
President of Jammu and Kashmir Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen, Molvi Masroor Abass Ansari presided over the Majlis.
On the occasion, Molvi Masroor Abass Ansari threw light on the life and teachings of Hazrat Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS) and his contribution to Islam.
Later, a procession was taken out from Imambara Garend Kalan, led by Molvi Masroor Abass Ansari
The Anjuman-e-Shar-e-Shian led by Aga Syed Muhammad Hadi Al-Safvi Al-Mosvi held a daylong Majlis Hussaini at the residency of Aga Syed Iftikhar Hussain Jalali of Doonipora Srinagar which started with the recitation of Holy Quran. Thousands of mourners attended the Majlis and paid glowing tributes to Hazrat Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS).
On the occasion, Anjuman chief patron, Aga Syed Muhammad Hadi Al-Safvi Al-Mosvi shed light on the life of Hazrat Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS). Later a procession was taken out.
We respect the sentiments of Shia brethren and I assure the community that the administration will always stand by them. It is also the testimony to change and normalcy in J&K UT: LG Sinha
SRINAGAR, JULY 27: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha remembered the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and the martyrs of Karbala.
In a statement, the Lt Governor said: “I bow to the martyrs of Karbala and recall sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his ideals. Today is a historic occasion for Shia brethren in Kashmir valley as after 34 years 8th Muharram procession is taking place on the traditional route, from Guru Bazar to Dalgate”.
The 8th Muharram procession used to come out from Guru Bazar and culminate at Imambargah Dalgate before it was banned in 1989.
“For 34 years, Muharram procession was banned on the traditional route. We respect the sentiments of Shia brethren and I assure the community that the administration will always stand by them. It is also the testimony to change and normalcy in J&K UT,” the Lt Governor said.
Today the entire world is witnessing commitment and determination of the government to ensure peaceful environment, freedom, love, compassion and harmony in society, he added.
“It is an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to peace and dedicate ourselves to the progress and prosperity of J&K UT. Several historic decisions have seen the light of the day in a few years and a peaceful J&K has emerged on the horizon. Let’s further strengthen our bonds and unity,” the Lt Governor said.
SRINAGAR, JULY 15: Major General Pawan Bir Singh Lamba, GOC 31 Sub Area today visited S. P. College, here to review the preparations being made to commemorate the Kargil Vijay Diwas. He congratulated the Principal SP College for getting accredited with Grade A+ by NAAC. During his interaction with Prof. (Dr.) Ghulam Jeelani Qureshi, Principal of the college, the GOC emphasized on measures being taken by the Indian Army to reach out to the youngsters especially the student community. Apart from organizing a number of lectures by eminent people, he also expressed his interest to initiate on campus counseling sessions for students regarding Combined Defense Services (CDS) and NDA (National Defense Academy) examinations. Principal of the college appreciated the efforts of Indian Army jawans in ensuring safety and security of our nation. The college administration looks forward to collaborating with the nearby units for the betterment of the nation.
