Category: KASHMIR

Facility symbolizes brighter future of seamless travel, economic growth and prosperity

GANDERBAL, JUNE 8: The first semi-arch ‘Wayil Truss Bridge’ on Srinagar-Leh National Highway in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir has emerged as vital link between Kashmir and Ladakh which has significantly helped the J&K administration in easing journey on the highway.

The people have expressed high appreciation to the UT government and all other stakeholders for establishing this unique engineering marvel in the region.

According to bridge experts and engineers at World Bank funded Technical Assistance and Quality Audit Control (TAQAC), the construction of this prestigious bridge was sanctioned under the World Bank funded Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) with a cost of Rs 23.79 crore.

Assistant Executive Engineer JTFRP, Showkat Ali Shah, who was instrumental in conceptualizing the bridge, said that it was heartwarming to see the project proving to be a boon for the people who are reaping the benefits. Recollecting his ideation days on the project, Shah said that he along with TAQAC technical staff went to several places across the country to understand several other technical nuances about this kind of the project. He said that project has undergone three-tier quality checks including environmental, civil and mechanical which make it safe project.

“This is a very strategic road. People of this area have been facing lot of issues due to lack of a vital link. This bridge will be instrumental in giving a big fillip to development profile of Kashmir,” Shah maintained.

“This bridge (Wayil) spans over 110 meters and weighs over a 700 metric tons mild steel for super structure,” he said, adding that “before this all attempts to construct the bridge at the spot on the same foundation pattern were left halfway.

The construction of the bridge was a long pending demand of the locals as well as the travelers as it is the only main link connecting Srinagar with Leh.

“This was our long pending demand from last many years. The pending works of the bridge used to create lot of traffic chaos in this part. Not only the locals were suffering, but the pilgrims, yatris and tourists visiting various areas here have to bear the brunt,” said, Mushtaq Ahmad, a local from Wayil, Ganderbal.

“We are highly thankful to the dedicated engineers and officials of JTFRP who have been part of this project. This has brought a new lease of life for a population of around 4 lakh. This marks the beginning of new dawn in Kashmir with development on top priority of the government,” he added.

Local stakeholders have also lauded the government saying that the construction of permanent bridges over nallah Sindh at Wayil would now ease the traffic snarls due to which the commuters, travelers and pilgrims were facing inconvenience.

After the Wayil bridge in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district was thrown open for traffic, it has brought much relief to the motorists and commuters. The enhanced connectivity brought about by the Wayil Bridge will undoubtedly boost tourism and pilgrimage activities in the area besides bolstering the local economy.

Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, has expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the project and the positive impact it will have on the lives of the people. “The Wayil Bridge is not just a structure of steel and concrete, but a symbol of connectivity, progress and convenience. It will pave the way for enhanced trade, tourism, and overall socio-economic development in the region,” Sinha said.

“We have done our best to put everything in best possible way technically. This bridge has become an engineering marvel so far. We are hoping this brings much relief to the people and the commuters,” bridge engineer (TAQAC), Abid Braroo, informed.

The Wayil Bridge, has been constructed using a unique combination of truss and arch bridge elements and girders, is poised to alleviate the longstanding challenges faced by the commuters in the area. It replaces the old single-lane bridge, which often led to traffic congestion and delays. With its enhanced capacity and improved infrastructure, the bridge has become a crucial link for the people of Ganderbal, facilitating smoother travel and reducing travel time significantly.

Pertinently, the Wayil Bridge stands as a testament to the government’s commitment towards improving infrastructure and connectivity in the region. As its importance reverberates through the hearts of the people of Ganderbal and beyond, it symbolizes a brighter future of seamless travel, economic growth and prosperity. With the Wayil Bridge spanning the gushing waters of Sindh nallah, the gateway to progress and development has been flung wide open, inviting new opportunities and forging stronger bonds between communities.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 07: In a significant achievement, three Kashmiri students have been nominated for the prestigious Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Programme in Science under the SAKURA Exchange Programme in Science.

The students, Danish Javed from UPS, Machipora, Kupwara, Mehvish Reyaz from Class 8, Govt High School Akhran, Kulgam, and Shaida Bano from Boys Middle School, Sheeri Payeen, Baramulla, have been selected for this elite program.

The students’ nomination is a result of their remarkable achievement as they emerged among the top 60 candidates nationwide by securing their place through various innovative projects in the prestigious National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (SLEPC).

Following their nomination, the students will embark on an exciting journey to Japan. The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, will sponsor their expenses up to Delhi, while in Japan, the Japan Science Department (JSD) will take care of all their financial requirements.

The Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Programme in Science, conducted under the SAKURA Exchange Programme in Science, is a collaborative effort between Japan and various Asian countries.

The program promotes international cooperation and cultural exchange in the field of science and technology. It offers young minds from different nations a unique chance to interact, collaborate, and learn from each other’s scientific advancements, fostering mutual understanding and building bonds of friendship.

Jubilant over the development, Prof Parikhat Singh Manhas, Director of State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized the significance of increasing nominations for the INSPIRE-Awards MANAK 2023–24, compared to previous years.

“Encouraging a larger participation in the INSPIRE programme will ultimately foster scientific temperament, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills in the next generation,” reiterated Prof Manhas.

The scheme, Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE), is one of the flagship programs of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India that aims to motivate students in the age group of 10-15 years and studying in classes 6 to 10.

According to the Inspire website, the program’s goal is to target one million unique discoveries or ideas with scientific roots and societal applications in order to promote a climate of creativity and original thought among schoolchildren.

Under this scheme, schools—both government and private— can nominate 5 best original ideas/innovations of students through the official INSPIRE website.

“The nomination of these Kashmiri students for the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Programme in Science highlights the immense talent and potential that exists in Jammu and Kashmir,” Nodal Officer of Inspire Manak, Kashmir Province, Dr Sajad Ahmad Mir, said.

The selection of students is jointly coordinated by SCERT and the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), India, with Ms. Sahreen Shakeel serving as the J&K Coordinator of the INSPIRE-NIF.

Directs for providing good quality of lodging & boarding facilities

SRINAGAR, MAY 30: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on Tuesday visited Hajj House Bemina to take first hand appraisal of arrangements and facilities made for the convenience of pilgrims.

On the occasion, Div Com was briefed by Chairman J&K Haj Committee, Abdul Salam about the arrangements made by the Administration to ensure proper and good quality facilities for Hajj pilgrims.

During the visit, Div Com took the round of all the rooms and halls of Hajj House to inspect the sanitation, cleanliness besides boarding and lodging facilities.

He directed the Chairman J&K Haj Committee to ensure good quality of food and other services to pilgrims besides instructing the concerned to regularly change bed sheets.

The Div Com also held a brief meeting with the officers and officials of the Hajj House and issued a slew of directions for maintaining cleanliness within the premises, ensuring functioning of drinking water points, and electric connectivity besides decoration of Hajj House.

He stressed on close coordination and synergy with other departments for smooth and hassle free arrangements to pilgrims of Hajj-2023.

SRINAGAR, MAY 29: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today convened a meeting to review the power supply scenario along the Baltal axis for the Shri Amarnath Yatra Ji, 2023.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shyambir, Chief Engineer KPDCL, officers of BEACON and others.
The meeting was apprised by CE KPDCL that the Power Cable along the axis has got damaged due to the road widening of track by BEACON which is likely to affect the power supply from Grid Station.
On the Occasion, Div Com exhorted all the officers particularly CE KPDCL to make alternative arrangements immediately to light the route so that yatries and service providers do not face any problem.
Div Com further instructed him to make DG sets available in a large number to ensure lights remain functional with constant power support.
He also directed BEACON to halt the expansion work to avoid further damage to Electric cables and instructed them to install the wire mesh to protect the route and remove the loose soil and rocks.

SRINAGAR, MAY 28: The Union Public Services Commission today conducted Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023 throughout 78 cities across India. For Kashmir based aspirants examination was successfully held at twelve centres in Srinagar.

Government of J&K had Nominated Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri as State Level Observer for Srinagar Centers , while the Assistant Commissioner, Central with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Aadil Fareed was appointed as Coordinating Supervisor for the conduction of Examination.

Besides, the Office of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir had appointed 12 inspecting officers for the said venues in compliance to the measures undertaken to strengthen the process of conducting the Commission’s Examination.

Further, the office of Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar had nominated Mobile Magistrates for each venue.

Pertinently, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir yesterday had held a meeting in connection with ensuring necessary arrangements for smooth conduction of exam which was attended by all Principals, Venue Coordinators, Inspecting Officers and representatives of Police, Security & Traffic respectively.

Following the directions of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, the Assistant Commissioner Central, Kashmir visited all the 12 centers on Saturday and took the stock of all the arrangements.

The Total Number of candidates which were supposed to attend the examination was 4211, however the examination was only attended by 2430 candidates in 1st session & 2408 no. of candidates in 2nd session respectively, making the present percentage 57.7 %.

GANDERBAL, MAY 28: Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits and devotees today visited the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami here at Tullamulla Ganderbal.

Every year, on this auspicious day, Kheer Bhavani Mela is organized at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal and devotees from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir visit the holy shrine here.

Kheer Bhawani is considered to be the deity of Kashmiri Pandits, who have a lot of recognition there. Over the years, the Kheer Bhawani Mela has become a symbol of communal harmony and brotherhood in Kashmir.

The religious sanctity of Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, built atop a holy spring, has a special spiritual significance among Kashmiri Pandit devotees across the world.

The Tulmulla area of district Ganderbal witnessed enthusiastic scenes as a large number of devotees arrived here who paid obeisance and prayed for the entire humanity.

Earlier of the day, the Deputy Commissioner inspected the arrangements and enquired about the facilities being provided to the devotees. Full attention was given to ensure that devotees do not face any issue.

Mostly Kashmiri Pandits were seen performing the rituals of the festival at the temple besides that Muslims were seen greeting pandits and making arrangements.

Pertinently, the District Administration had made necessary arrangements for uninterrupted power and drinking water supplies, transport, security, fire tenders, ration, bedding, medical camps, and medical facilities at the temple besides free transport facility was also made for the devotees on various routes.

Several NGOs and civil society had also made arrangements to provide wheelchairs and other aids for the convenience of the devotees during the mela.

District Administration & all Government Departments to work out detailed project report for construction of Bhawan: LG Sinha

GANDERBAL, MAY 25: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha paid obeisance at Mata Kheer Bhawani at Ganderbal. He was accompanied by Ms Nuzhat Ishfaq, DDC Chairperson Ganderbal; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary and other senior officials of the UT government.

The Lt Government was welcomed by members of Kashmiri Pandit community and was presented with traditional Pheran by them. The Lt Governor offered his prayers. Thereafter, he reviewed the arrangements being made for the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.

During his visit to the holy shrine at Tulmulla, Ganderbal, the Lt Governor announced construction of Yatri Bhawan at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple to facilitate the visiting devotees.

He directed the District Administration and all government departments to work out detailed project report for construction of the Bhawan.

The Lt Governor appraised the preparations for the upcoming Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela and directed the officials and stakeholders to make all the necessary arrangements for the convenience of the visiting devotees.

He directed the officials to ensure logistical arrangements, power, water supply, essential commodities, medical services & other necessary requirements for Kheer Bhawani Mela.

The Lt Governor also interacted with the members of Kashmiri Pandit community and discussed their issues and concerns.

He instructed the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir to designate a Nodal Officer to receive and resolve concerns of members of Kashmiri Pandit community.

Every year, on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami, Kheer Bhawani Mela is organized at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla, Ganderbal.

Directs for ensuring flawless & hassle-free arrangements

SRINAGAR, MAY 25: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today convened a meeting of officers to review the arrangements for the departure of Hajj Pilgrims on the Holy Journey.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners and SSPs of J&K besides officers of District Administration Leh & Kargil, Chairman J&K Haj Committee, HoDs of various departments including PHE, KPDCL, Health, Sanitation, SRTC, RTO and Hospitality & Protocol.

Addressing the meeting, Div Com stated that after the success of G20 Summit, smooth and flawless arrangements shall also be made for the departure of Hajj Pilgrims.

He issued a slew of directions to concerned officers for ensuring all the required arrangements to facilitate pilgrims.

He directed for making adequate facilities of drinking water, uninterrupted power supply at Haj House Bemina besides conducting regular sanitation and cleanliness drive there.

Div Com directed SRTC to provide buses for transportation of pilgrims from Haj House to Airport.

The meeting was informed that the departure schedule of flights will be published within two days. However, all pilgrims were asked to report to Haj House four hours earlier before departure time.

Besides, the meeting was informed that an adequate quantity of foreign exchange has been ensured in all districts besides more counters will be set up at Haj House.

Div Com also gave directions for hassle-free and smooth clearance of pilgrims at immigration service counter at Airport besides distribution of boarding passes at the earliest.

The traffic police was asked to identify parking space for vehicles of relatives accompanying pilgrims near Hajj House.

Pilgrims of Jammu Division, U.T of Ladakh and far off areas of Kashmir Valley who happen to stay at Haj House shall be provided boarding/lodging facility at Hajj House, Bemina.

Inspects & takes stock of Pahalgam-Chandanwari road

ANANTNAG, MAY 21: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha visited Pahalgam and interacted with the residents, tourists and shopkeepers at the main market, today.

The Lt Governor attended to the queries, issues & demands of the people, and assured time-bound redressal of all genuine grievances projected during the interaction.

Earlier, the Lt Governor inspected and took stock of the Pahalgam-Chandanwari road.

Senior officers of the district accompanied the Lt Governor.

SRINAGAR MAY 08: In order to encourage the meritorious students and to boost their morale, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad today felicitated four students from RISE Institute who have achieved a remarkable feat by securing an outstanding score of 99+ percentile in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2023.

The Deputy Commissioner felicitated the students namely Nadeem Shabir 99.32, Muiz Zubair 99.19, Azhar ul Shams 99.18, Peerzada Shabir 99.05 in his Office Chamber with certificate of excellence, as a mark of encouragement for their future endeavours.

The DC congratulated them for showing brilliant performance and said that the JEE Main exam is considered one of the toughest engineering entrance exams in India and is the gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs).

The DC said this exceptional performance is a testament of hard work, dedication, and academic ability of these students and is a proud moment not just for them but also for RISE and the community as a whole.

The DC hoped that the success achieved by the students would inspire other students also to work hard to excel in their studies and academic careers.

On the occasion, Chief Planning Officer, Mohammad Yaseen Lone, co-founder of RISE, Salman Shahid and other concerned were present.