SRINAGAR: Dr. Syed Wilayat Hussain Rizvi has appointed as Registrar, Cluster University Srinagar here on Monday.
As per Government Order “Approval of Hon’ble Lt. Governor, (Chancellor of Universities) conveyed vide No; LGS/10/Registrar/CUS/23/1185 dated 10.04.2023, vide Government Order No: 120 -CUS of 2023 Dated: 10 .04.2023.”
“As recommended by the Selection Committee and approved by the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, (Chancellor of Universities of UT of J&K), sanction is hereby accorded to the appointment of Dr. Wilayat Hussain Rizvi as Registrar, Cluster University Srinagar in the level 14 of Pay Matrix Rs. 144200-218200 (Pre-revised: PB4, Rs. 374000-67000 with AGP of Rs. 10,000) on tenure basis for a period of five years or up to the age of superannuation of 60 years, whichever may happen earlier.”
“The appointment will be subject to ratification by the Cluster University Council”, the order added.
SRINAGAR: While the Muslim community across the globe is religiously observing Ramazan, the month-long fasting paints the contours of valley in a spiritual shade.
As the faithful seek unflinching bond with the Creator, the rituals involved usher a changed lifestyle during the month.
In valley, a large number of traditional varieties of food find flavor in kitchens and are in high demand during the month.
Babr e Beoul:Basil seeds known as Babr e Beoul in local parlance is a buzz word during the month as its demand rises manifold during Ramazan. Easy to make and capable of being served in different tastes, the Babri Beoul or basil seeds are enjoyed by both the maker and taker as well. Capable of expanding their size exponentially, the basil seeds are soaked in water or sometimes in milk for few hours before the serving. Added with sugar, dry fruits and flavors, the Sharbat is a treat to have particularly after the long hours of fasting.
Collected from the sweet basil plants Ocimum Basilicum , the black coloured seeds take a centre stage in Kashmir kitchens during the Ramazan. Be it a guest or family member, the drink welcomes all during the month of Ramazan.
Gond Katira: Also known as Tragacanth gum finds a good demand during the fasting month in the valley. Soaked in cold water until it turns into jelly is either taken with normal water or mixed with milk and sugar to be taken as desert by many.
Believed to be beneficial for digestive system, cure of dehydration and heart strokes, the herbal crystals made from the sap of the gum plant are extensively used by people during Ramazan.
Aanchar: Come Ramazan and the markets of the valley are flooded with a variety of pickles. From vegetable mixtures to exclusively Nader or lotus stem, Raddish , Haakh or even the Kebab and chicken anchar, the oily food stuffed with spices and edible acid triggers the watering in the mouth of any onlooker. Aanchar is available both in processed form packed in bottles as well as being sold traditionally from open vessels in the market.
“I sell the Kashmiri pickles throughout the year. But the demand in this month is very high. We do advance preparations for making the sufficient quantity of Aanchar for the month,” says Arif Ahmad, a pickle seller from Batamalo while referring to the consumption of spicy and sour stuff during Ramazan.
“On an average I used to sell around 10 kg per day, but the number shoots to around 50 kg during this month.”
While the believers are supposed to change their eating timings during the period, it is believed that having meals on non routine timings leads to the consumption of spicy foods. “With normal curries it is not easy to consume a good amount of food especially rice at Sehri, so the chutney type foods like pickle helps in the collection of extra calories,” opines Nisar Ahmad, a local resident from Dalgate.
Shaista Akhtar, a school teacher from Mehjoor Nagar says that she can not think of Sehri meals without the pickle. “During Ramazan, I particularly ensure that there are atleast three to four varieties of Aanchar in the kitchen,” Shaista adds.
Phirni: Apart from curd, if the consumption of any diary product increases, it is a local dessert, the sweet Phirni. Made from the basic ingredients like rice pudding, milk and sugar, the creamy dessert is added with a variety of dry fruits like coconut, almonds, cashew nuts and raisins. Served both hot as well as cold, the dessert finds flavor in almost all Kashmiri kitchen during the sacred month of Ramazan.
Considered as a light food, the dessert is mostly served at Iftaar, when the faithful break the daylong fast. Consumed widely during the period, Phirni is a preferred commodity distributed among the faithful at mosques and other religious centers.
“It is a must food for our family in the Iftaari. My two teenage children always demand the same after breaking the day long fast,” says Mehjabeen Ayoub , a local resident from Ganderbal district in central Kashmir while adding that the sweet dessert is a favorite food of children and kids during the month.
Kander Tchout: An oven made bread in local parlance is much sought after commodity during Ramazan. Though the people of the valley are accustomed to the bread consuming it through out the year, the taste and demand for Kander Xchout during Ramazan is altogether different. Laden with loads of ghee, milk cream and dough, the demand for traditional bread increases manifold during the month.
“Normally, we are two people operating this shop. But during Ramazan, I have to employ two more men to cope up with the demand”, says Imran Sofi from Qamarwari area of Srinagar, while acknowledging that there is a good demand for the traditional bread during the month.
Different varieties of traditional breads displayed on local bakeries are a common sight in the valley especially during the sacred month.
Khajoor: Dates form a part of culture in Islamic world. Their consumption during the month is all times high in the valley, as people prefer to break their day long fast with this cherished food of the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH).
“As our beloved Prophet liked to break his fast with dates, it becomes a preferred choice of the faithful to follow the same,” says Haji Ghulam Mohammad from Pattan area in north Kashmir, while referring to Sunnah of breaking the fast with dates.
“The product is in good demand during these days. We get additional consignments of this dry fruit in advance for this month from whole sale dealers,” says Mushtaq Ahmad from famous Nowhatta market in Shehr e Khaas area of Srinagar while displaying a large number of date varieties on a push cart kiosk in the Holy month.
SRINAGAR, APRIL 10: Sh Kalyan Chaubey, President All India Football Federation called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan, today.
Sh Chaubey, accompanied by Dr Shahji Prabhakaran, Secretary General, AIFF discussed with Lt Governor the roadmap for Football activities in J&K.
The Lt Governor asked the AIFF officer bearers to set up at least one Centre of Excellence each in Srinagar and Jammu and organise capacity-building programmes for local referees so that they are eligible for officiating in bigger events like I-League etc.
The Lt Governor further asked the AIFF to include J&K in the panel of states and union territories that will host national level competitions, international and I-League matches on regular basis.
AIFF should also come up with programme for promotion of women’s football in the Union Territory and nurture them to excel at national and international competitions, he added.
Sh Kalyan Chaubey, President AIFF assured the support of AIFF in the development of football in the UT. AIFF is ready to work with all the stakeholders to help the youth of J&K to hone their abilities, he added.
Sh Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary, Youth Services & Sports and Ms Nuzhat Gull, Secretary, J&K Sports Council were also present during the meeting.
SONAMARG, APRIL 10: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari today inspected Zojila Tunnel ,Asia’s longest tunnel to establish all weather connectivity for Ladakh and an important project implemented in Jammu and Kashmir with the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha and members of Parliament of Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Road Transport and Highways.
19 tunnels are being constructed in Jammu and Kashmir at a cost of Rs 25000 crore. Under this, the construction of 13.14 km long tunnel and approach road at a cost of Rs 6800 crore is in progress in Zojila. It is a 7.57 m high horseshoe-shaped single-tube, 2-lane tunnel, which will pass under the Zojila Pass in the Himalayas between Ganderbal in Kashmir and Drass town in Kargil district of Ladakh. The project includes a Smart Tunnel (SCADA) system, which has been constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method. It is equipped with facilities like CCTV, radio control, uninterrupted power supply, ventilation. The use of modern technology in this project has saved the Government of India more than 5000 crore rupees.
Under the Zojila Tunnel project, the main Zojila tunnel of 13,153 meters with 4 culverts of total length of 810 meters, 4 Nilgrar tunnels of total length of 4,821 meters, 8 cut and covers of total length of 2,350 meters and three 500 meters, 391 meters and 220 meters of vertical ventilation shaft are proposed. So far 28% work of Zojila Tunnel has been completed.
With the construction of this tunnel, there will be all-weather connectivity for Ladakh. Curently the average travel time to cross the Zojila Pass sometimes takes three hours, after the completion of this tunnel the travel time will come down to 20 minutes. The reduction in travel time will ultimately result in fuel savings.
The terrain near Zojila Pass is extremely inhospitable, with many fatal accidents taking place here every year. After the completion of Zojila Tunnel, the chances of accidents will be zero. This tunnel will provide year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, which will be extremely important for the development of Ladakh, promotion of tourism, free movement of local goods and movement of Indian armed forces in case of emergency.
ZOJILA, APR 10 (UNI):- Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha visiting Zojila Tunnel to inspect the ongoing work on Monday. UNI PHOTO-22U
GANDERBAL, APRIL 10: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari in the presence of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha and Members of Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Road Transport and Highways inspected the Geo-strategically important Z-Morh Tunnel on Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH-1) today.
19 tunnels are being constructed in Jammu and Kashmir at a cost of Rs 25 thousand crore. Under this, construction work of 6.5 km length Z-morh tunnel and approach road is in progress at a cost of Rs 2680 crore. This 2-lane road tunnel is being built under the mountain glacier Thajiwas Glacier between Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district of Kashmir.
Under the Z-Morh tunnel project, a main tunnel of total length of 10.8 meters with a modified horse shoe shape escape tunnel of total length of 7.5 meters, D-shaped ventilation tunnel of total length of 8.3 meters, 2 major culverts of total length of 110 meters and 270 meters, 1 small culvert of total length of 30 meters is proposed. Till now 75% work of Z-Morh Tunnel has been completed. A target has been set to dedicate this tunnel by December 2023.
Intelligent Traffic Management System has been installed in Z-Morh Tunnel which will make it easier to control traffic. Along with this, traffic will be facilitated through the dedicated escape tunnel. The Z-Morh tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to the Sonamarg tourist town. The debris generated during the construction work of this project has been used for way-side facilities and development of the area.
The area of Z-Morh tunnel is strategically important as its construction will ensure seamless connectivity between Srinagar and Kargil and there will also be considerable reduction in travel time between Srinagar and Leh. This tunnel will promote social and economic development in the entire region. Tourism in Sonamarg will be promoted including activities like whitewater rafting on Thajiwas Glacier and Sindh River.
Our policy ‘Patient First’; endeavor to make J&K amongst best 5 in Health care in the country& promoting medical tourism: CS
SRINAGAR, APRIL 08: National Health Mission (NHM), J&K in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) Friday celebrated World Health Day here at Government Dental College, Srinagar.
The occasion also saw the felicitation of Best Performers under Ayushman Bharat Comprehensive Primary Health Care and Kayakalp Awards. Today, the day was celebrated as the 75th anniversary year with the theme “Health for All’ which aims at attaining good health for all for a fulfilling life in a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.
Chief Secretary DrArun Kumar Mehta who presided over the function said the day is being celebrated to raise awareness about health issues and ensure that healthcare facilities are accessible to all.
Dr Mehta maintained that our collective endeavor should be to keep interests of patients paramount over all other concerns. He urged the medical professionals to adopt ‘Patient first policy’ for extending best medical care up to the satisfaction of all visiting the hospitals for their treatment.
He assured that turning UT into the hub of medical tourism in future is the primary goal of LG administration. He revealed that with the promising prospects of the New Industrial Policy J&K has received dozens of proposals from medical entrepreneurs.
The Chief Secretary underscored the need for addressing gaps on Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms, which should be first priority for the administration this year. He made out that adoption of these guidelines would strengthening the Public Health Care Institutions. He said that we are going to put in best efforts to achieve high quality of health care across the UT by following scientific and evidence based approach to health care.
The Chief Secretary reiterated that our health infrastructure is one of the best in the country. He stated that there should be no need for sending patients outside for any specialized treatment, except in rare cases.
In order to upgrade the services in our health care institutions continuously and keep up the spirit of competition among them, they should be evaluated every month on set parameters. He also asked for maintaining the health records of patients digitally for easy access and retrieval from anywhere in the world.
Dr Mehta emphasized that Anaemia, TB, Leprosy, Stunting, Malnutrition Mukt J&K is within our reach if everyone joins in the effort with sincerity. He remarked that such Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) are controlled by making certain interventions like early immunization and balanced diet and UT is going to evolve a strategy to nip them all from its population. He suggested that in collaboration with schools the Health Department can carry out early identification and treatment of these maladies.
He asserted that the campaign of NashaMukt J&K should be owned by one and all to eradicate this menace from J&K. He said that the health workers have an additional responsibility to treat the victims of drug abuse with an empathetic approach as they are one among us and deserve better life and respect.
He made out that the number of Health institutions which qualified under Kayakalp has arisen from 73 last year to 175. Our aim is to cover 1000 health institutions in next one year and be amongst the best five in the country, he added.
Mission Director, NHM Ayushi Sudan earlier welcomed the officers present in the event and gave a brief of the importance of the celebration of the World Health Day.
The best performer districts under various categories were presented with trophies and the Chief Medical Officers and District Programme Management Staff were presented with certificates for their commendable work.
District Srinagar and District Shopian bagged first and second prize in operationalization of health and wellness centres.
District Budgam and District Rajouri bagged first and second prize in highest Teleconsultations.
District Ramban and District Budgam bagged first and second prize in highest performance linked payment and team based incentive to CPHC team.
District Budgam and District Ganderbal bagged first and second prize in highest NCD screening. District Anantnag and District Ganderbal bagged first and second prize in highest NCD diagnosed.
District Shopian and District Budgam bagged first and second prize in highest NCD follow up.
District Poonch and District Ganderbal bagged first and second prize in highest ABHA ID seeding. Also, the CPHC team was awarded for the appreciable work done.
The Kayakalp assessment conducted this year in the UT, saw 175 health facilities bagging the Kayakalp Award across all levels of public health facilities.
The Chief Secretary complimented the team led by Secretary Health & Medical Education, Bhupinder Kumar, for the achievement. A total of 4 District Hospitals, 23 CHCs, 56 PHCs, 7 UPHCs and about 85 Health & Wellness Centres qualified Kayakalp criteria as per the Govt. of India guidelines and checklist in a rigorous 3-tier assessment process.
Under the District Hospitals, Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar, Jammu was felicitated. Under the Community Health Centre category, CHC Katra, Reasi was awarded.
Under the Primary Health Centre category, PHC Ukheral, Ramban and PHC Bugam, Kulgam were awarded.
Under the Urban Primary Health Centre category, UPHC Batamallo, Srinagar was felicitated. Under the Health and Wellness Centre Subcentre, HWC Purmandal, Samba, HWC Putshai, Kupwara, HWC Manoon, Katra, Reasi and HWC Yangoora, Ganderbal were awarded.
Also, the Quality and Patient Safety Team, State Health Society, NHM was awarded for the appreciable work done.
The event also had the launch of the IPHS Gap Assessment report of CHC. The assessment was undertaken by NHM in collaboration with Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI), to assess the current status of health system and also to identify gaps which need to be addressed for strengthening health care delivery.
Baramulla, April 08: Police in Baramulla arrested a fraudster involved in selling fake Gondola Tickets in Gulmarg Baramulla.
Police Station Gulmarg received a written complaint from Manager Gulmarg Gondola Project wherein he stated that a ticket checker caught 2 tourists with a fake gondola ticket. On enquiry, the tourists stated that tourist guide has sold them these tickets at a cost of Rs. 2500/- per ticket.
Accordingly, a case was registered under relevant sections of law in Police Station Gulmarg and investigation was initiated.
During the course of investigation and after strenuous efforts, a tourist guide namely Aashiq Hussain Magray son of Ab Rashid Magray resident of Shrai Tangmarg involved in the commission of crime was arrested. During investigation, it was revealed by the fraudster that their modus operandi is to pre-book gondola tickets and then sell them to gullible tourists at exorbitant rates.
Our efforts should assure community members that Police is resolved to act tough against the individuals involved in criminal activities.
As a “Tourism Mission” initiative 75 new destinations, 75 Sufi/religious sites, 75 new cultural, heritage sites and 75 new tracks are being developed in J&K UT to open up new economic avenues for fulfilling the aspirations of the people: LG
There is no dearth of budget for development under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji. All the citizens should work together for the progress of the society with a positive approach to build a modern, industrialised and prosperous J&K UT: LG
JAMMU, APRIL 08: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated Tulip Garden at Sanasar, the first such park for Jammu Division, today.
Congratulating the tourists and local residents on the occasion, the Lt Governor said the Garden spread over 40 Kanals with 2.75 Lakh Tulip Bulbs of 25 different varieties, situated amid lush green woods in Ramban district will provide major impetus to tourism & trade activities.
Observing that the tourism potential of Jammu is unique in many ways, the Lt Governor said with breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, magnificent cuisine and warm hospitality, it can create a niche for itself on global tourism map and administration is committed to ensure all the necessary infrastructure & resources.
“As a “Tourism Mission” initiative 75 new destinations, 75 Sufi/religious sites, 75 new cultural, heritage sites and 75 new tracks are being developed in J&K UT to open up new economic avenues for fulfilling the aspirations of the people,” said the Lt Governor.
Development of water parks at twin cities of Jammu & Srinagar, establishment of cultural centres at Ramban, Udhampur, Kathua, Jammu, Rajouri & Poonch will help in building local capacities, boost employment & favourable climate to entrepreneurship, he added.
The Lt Governor said that today even small and remote villages are dreaming big and with ample opportunities, people-focused inclusive and sustainable development policies & availability of robust infrastructure, they are capitalizing on their immense resources to emerge stronger.
There is no dearth of budget for development under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji. All the citizens should work together for the progress of the society with a positive approach to build a modern, industrialised and prosperous J&K UT, the Lt Governor said.
The administration is working for the Aam Aadmi & inclusiveness is in the centre of our journey to high growth. With participatory governance approach & people’s cooperation we will create better future for the generations to come, he added.
The Lt Governor underscored that Hon’ble PM’s Mantra of ‘Development as well as Heritage’ is guiding us in this journey.
Today, J&K has become the most preferred tourist destination. ‘Caravan tourism’ as well as development of unexplored destination will give new momentum to J&K’s tourism growth, said the Lt Governor
The Lt Governor said that Rs 447 crore has been allocated to the tourism sector this year to develop J&K as a modern and smart tourist destination. Samba Fort, Hari Parbat and General Zorawar Singh Palace will also be renovated to revive the ageless cultural legacy, he added.
The Lt Governor urged the people, PRI representatives and the youth to actively participate in the Gram Sabha meetings, being organized in all Halka Panchayats of Jammu Kashmir on 10th April to prepare development plan for the Gram Panchayats, he added.
The Lt Governor said that the construction of the 2.5 km long road from Sana Village to Sanasar will be approved in two months.
On the issue of playground, the Lt Governor said that the tender will be floated soon for developing Playground on the identified 50 kanal land in Ramban. He further assured that the sports infrastructure will be developed on Railway ground for the youth.
Dr. Shamshad Shan, Chairperson District Development Council Ramban, expressed gratitude to the Lt Governor-led UT administration for developing tourism sector of Ramban.
Sh Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Administrative Secretary, Tourism Department; Sh Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Department of Floriculture, Parks and Gardens; Sh. Mussarat Islam, DC Ramban, besides senior officers of UT administration and tourists in large numbers were present.
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.
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.
