Election Commission likely to announce Assembly polls after Diwali

Simultaneously impose Model Code of Conduct

PS BALI

Jammu, Oct 22

In view of the upcoming assembly elections in the state, the election commission is likely to announce the much awaited polls in the flood ravaged Jammu and Kashmir by the end of this week.

According to highly placed sources, the Election Commission of India will formally announce assembly polls after festival of Diwali and simultaneously impose the model code of conduct in the state.

Sources further revealed that keeping in view the climatic conditions and geographical terrains of the state, the commission is mitigating to hold polls in the month of mid-November and December.

He said that the decision came after the Full Election Commission, headed by VS Sampath, Chief Election Commissioner, took first hand information about the possibilities of holding assembly polls of the flood hit state.

During this visit, the Election Commission of India also managed to complete its summary revision of voters' list to take the final electoral roll for the flood-hit state. He said, “Completing the summary revision on time was the first indication that EC is, at the moment, focusing on holding elections on schedule in the state,” he said.

He added that the process of finalizing electoral rolls was completed well on time and the applications are into processing mode, where additions and deletions will be made by the J&K CEO.

Earlier, an ECI team headed by Deputy Election Commissioner, Vinod Zutshi visited the state to assess the possibilities to hold Assembly elections in the state on time, or deferred in view of situation arisen due to floods.

During this visit, the team also met with the representatives of various political parties and sought their views on holding of elections and also reviewed the election preparedness made by the administration.  

However, receiving the hints from the election commission, several political parties have entered into the war of advertisement campaigns.

Flood aftermath Tourist footfall in the state faces steep decline

PS BALI

Jammu, Oct 21: Already suffering huge loss of infrastructure in the recent flash floods, the Tourism Industry of the state is now facing another challenge in services sector, with steep decline in the tourist footfall.

According to official sources, the Tourism Industry in Kashmir faces decline of around 60-70 percent, with majority of reservations remain cancelled, whereas in Jammu 40 percent tourist decrease is witnessed as compared to the last year.

Sources revealed that on the primary reports, lakhs of winter tourists have canceled their trips to Srinagar, whereas the Vaishno Devi pilgrims are also not extending their stay.

He said, "The tourists who haven't booked are holding-off and the ones who have reserved are either cancelling the trips or are trying to get out of it."

“The tourism sector is considered the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and lot of industries including travel, hotels, and handicrafts are directly dependent on it,” he said.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Director Tourism-Jammu, Soujanya Sharma, said that the tourism department of the state has incurred a loss of over Rs 175 crore.

"The infrastructural loss to the Industry is about Rs 175 crore, but decrease in the tourist footfall is affecting the Industry badly," he said, adding that most of the reservations have been cancelled and maximum hotels across the state are lurking for tourists.

He said that although this is a festive season and number of pilgrims in Jammu region remains low, but this time it is much less than the expected number.

"At present we are receiving little pilgrims for Mata Vaishno Devi, but unlike earlier, these pilgrims do not extend their visit to Kashmir," said Director.

However, he said, “After evaluating the primary damage to the industry, Union Ministry of Tourism has assured Rs 100 crore for the restoration of the damaged infrastructure.”

“The recent flood in state of Jammu and Kashmir has badly hurt state’s tourism industry. Many tourism projects in Jammu region are partially or completely washed away, thus incurring loss of Rs 25 crore,” he said, adding that out of the total amount, Rs 12 crore is for the damage of infrastructure directly under Jammu tourism department, while as rest Rs 13 crore is assessed for the damaged to the various developmental authorities across Jammu region.

It is pertinent to mention here that tourism accounts for about one-fifth of Jammu and Kashmir’s Gross Domestic Product.

The people associated with the tourism industry in the state have suffered this much of loss after the 2008 and 2010 unrest.

With the militancy-related violence at its lowest ebb, the Kashmir Valley was enjoying a huge influx of domestic and foreign tourists, but following the floods of September 7 majority of the tourist reservations stand cancelled.

Tourism Industry suffers Rs 175 cr loss

Flood aftermath

‘GoI assures Rs 100 cr package for infrastructure’

PS BALI

Jammu, Oct 21: Government of India (GOI), Ministry of Tourism has assured a package of Rs 100 crore to flood affected Tourism Industry of J&K state, which is among the worst sufferers of recent flash floods and incessant rains, with an estimated loss of Rs 175 crore.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Director Tourism-Jammu, Soujanya Sharma, said that the tourism department of the state has incurred a loss of over Rs 175 crore, including Rs 150 crore in Kashmir and Rs 25 cr in Jammu region.

He said, “After evaluating the primary damage to the industry, Union Ministry of Tourism has assured Rs 100 crore for the restoration of the damaged infrastructure.”

The Tourism department is hopeful to receive rest amount from OTHER government agencies, which are presently assessing the damage.

“The teams of Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank are assessing the flood damage and we are hopeful that they will provide Rs 75 crore to the Tourism department for infrastructure loss,” said Soujanya.

He further shared that project proposals have been submitted with the Union Tourism Secretary and the grants will arrive according to the project in regular intervals.

 “The recent flood in state of Jammu and Kashmir has badly hurt state’s tourism industry. Most of the tourism projects in Jammu region are partially or completely washed away, thus incurring loss of Rs 25 crore,” he said, adding that out of the total amount, Rs 12 crore is the damage of infrastructure directly under Jammu tourism department, while as rest Rs 13 crore is the damage to the various developmental authorities across Jammu region.

He said besides, this infrastructural damage, the industry has also incurred huge loss in service sector, as tourist flow in the state has witnessed steep drop in last two months.

Lakhs of winter tourists have canceled their trips to Srinagar and pilgrim flow in Jammu is also witnessing downfall.

The official data of the tourism department reveals around 40 percent tourist decrease in Jammu as compared to the last year.

Sources maintained that around 95 percent of tourist reservations in Kashmir remain canceled after floods.

He said, "The tourists who haven't booked are holding-off and the ones who have reserved are either cancelling the trips or are trying to get out of it."

It is pertinent to mention here that tourism accounts for about one-fifth of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy.

The people associated with the tourism industry in the state have suffered this loss after the 2008 and 2010 unrest.

With the militancy-related violence at its lowest ebb, the Kashmir Valley was enjoying a huge influx of domestic and foreign tourists, but following the floods of September 7 majority of the tourist reservations stand cancelled.

R&B deptt falling short of funds to carry forward temporary restoration

25 cr spent: 169 approach roads, 42 roads and 28 bridges yet to restore in Jammu

PS BALI

Jammu, October 17: Despite spending huge amount of money on the temporary restoration of roads and bridges across the Jammu region, the Roads and Buildings (R&B) division of Public Works Department (PWD), has failed miserably to resurrect large portion of infrastructure in the affected areas, due to lack of funds.

Official of the R&B, wishing anonymity said that they have released more than Rs 25 crore for the temporary restoration of the damaged roads and bridges, across the Jammu region. He said, “We have released more than 25 crore rupees for the temporary restoration of the damaged infrastructure, but still large portion of motor-able roads and bridges remain untouched, because of lack of grants,” he said.

He added that to revive motor-able communication, the department have temporarily restored 2666 road links out of damaged 2708 roads, with a total stretch of 2692 kilometers in the ten districts of the Jammu province, while the work on the rest of roads is on halt due to lack of sufficient funds.

“The work on, at least 42 roads, 20 approach roads to the major bridges and 149 approach roads to the foot bridges is on halt due to insufficient funds,” he said, adding that the department is falling short of adequate funds to temporarily restore the affected infrastructure.

“The department is falling short of funds to temporarily restore the affected roads and bridges, especially in the hilly regions of the province. I am afraid how they would arrange funds for permanent restoration, which is much more than what temporary restoration takes,” said official of R&B department.

Official informed that the recent floods affected 2708 roads, 54 approach roads to the major bridges and 177 approach roads to the foot bridges in 10 districts of the Jammu.

“The engineers of the R&B department have temporarily restored road network of 2666 roads, besides 34 approach roads to the major bridges and 28 to the foot bridges,” said official, adding that people of hilly terrains, especially Poonch continues to suffer, as around 28 affected bridges are still not restored for vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement.

While talking to Greater Kashmir, Chief Engineer, R&B, Abdul Hamid, said that they have pressed all necessary machinery for the restoration of the road connectivity in the region and have succeeded in temporarily restoring it. But due to the extensive damage to the infrastructure at many places, especially of approach roads, temporary restoration won’t work.

He said, “Both the governments are very serious in early restoration, as central teams are personally visiting affected areas to estimate the loss,” adding that for some areas, where temporary restoration is not possible, tendering process is under progress.

He informed that assessment of losses due to road network in Jammu region has been put at about Rs 400 crore and proposal has been submitted with the respective governments.

Serious upsurge of PTSD patients in Jammu hospitals

‘More cases likely to come’

PS BALI

Jammu, Oct 15

The incidence of psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the Jammu Psychiatrist hospitals has risen by more than 100 per cent, following the flash floods and most recent cross border firing, according to psychiatrists at Jammu hospital.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Manu Arora said that the number of patients have doubled in the past two months and on daily basis, eight to ten patients visit them.

Dr Arora said that since September, due to flash floods and border firing, the number of patients is on rise and will escalate further. He said that of those treated, 82 per cent are middle aged, besides youth.

He said that at present they are dealing with two types of patients suffering with PTSD.

“Due to prevailing situation in the state, we are dealing with two types of patients, those who are already suffering with psychological problems and those who are terrified by recent flash floods and border firing,” said Dr Arora.

He said that due to firing at borders, the minor psychological symptoms among patients got exaggerated because of lack of proper treatment.

“40 percent of the patients are those, who are already undergoing treatment, but due to lack of proper treatment their problems exaggerated,” he said, adding many new cases are pouring in, complaining depression, sadness, anxiety and insomnia.  

“The two consecutive tragic episodes in the state during September and October have pushed figures in mental health problems upwards,” said Dr Arora. He added, “From my experience, I would say people are frightened and disconnected due to conditions they went through.”

When asked about the kind of treatment they provide to the PSTD patients, Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Arora said they give symptomatic treatment to the patients, depending upon the level of symptom.

“We are giving psychosocial counseling to the patients with minor symptoms, especially those who are affected of floods and border firing. While those who have shown exaggeration in symptoms are being medicated as well as counseled,” said he.

Expressing apprehension of more cases in coming days, Dr Arora said, “At present everybody is saving life, but when things will come back on track, more people are expected to visit hospitals with minor psychological symptoms,” he added that property loss would be the major concern of people that may give rise to psychological trauma and PTSD.

'Hudhud to have minimum affect in Jammu and Kashmir’

State likely to receive moderate rains and snowfall in coming days, temperature falls

PS BALI

Jammu, October 14

Cyclone Hudhud, which hit the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, might have minimum affect in the state, more precisely it will only create a sheet of dense clouds with moderate rainfall in the Jammu region, said Director, Meteorological Department, Sonam Lotus.

The Jammu and its adjoining areas today witnessed light to medium showers. The sky remained cloudy for the entire day, thus bringing down the maximum temperature by nine degrees. It was five to six degrees below normal.

The Director, MET, Sonam Lotus said that the rainfall in the state is not because of cyclone in Andra Pradesh, but due to western disturbances and it will continue for next two days, which will gradually plunge the temperature in coming days.

“The rains in the various parts of the state has plunged the temperature to 21 degrees and further fall in the temperature is expected in coming days,” said director, MET. He added that the higher reaches of Kashmir and Leh will receive moderate to heavy snowfall, while plains will experience moderate rainfall.

Lotus said that the maximum temperature on Monday was a little more than 30 degrees and on Tuesday it fell to 21 degrees. He further defied the rumours, claiming that rains in Jammu are because of Hudhud cyclone.

“There is no need to panic. The Cyclone that hit Andra Pradesh would have minimum affects in the Jammu and is posing no threat to Kashmir and anywhere in the Jammu outskirts,” said Sonam Lotus.

He said that the coming days in the Jammu and its adjoining areas would have pleasant afternoons, but mornings and nights would be comparatively cold. However, with sudden fall in the temperature woolen clothes came out and people were seen wearing sweaters and jackets.

R&B deptt carries restoration work on war-footing to ensure road connectivity

Restored 2666 of 2708 damaged roads in Jammu

PS BALI

Jammu, October 13

To revive motor-able communication, Roads and Building (R&B) department, equipped with an over 375 excavators and JCBs, have temporarily restored 2666 road links out of damaged 2708 roads, with a total stretch of 2692 kilometers in the ten districts of the Jammu province, while the work on the rest of roads is under progress.

Officials of the roads and buildings department, while talking to the Greater Kashmir, said that the recent floods affected 2708 roads, 54 approach roads to the major bridges and 177 approach roads to the foot bridges in 10 districts of the Jammu.

“The engineers of the R&B department have temporarily restored road network of 2666 roads, besides 34 approach roads to the major bridges and 28 to the foot bridges have also been restored to ensure movement,” said official, wishing not to be named.

Keeping in view the communication problem of the people, R&B have temporarily provided motor-able path in most of the areas, especially in the hilly terrain of Poonch, where as many as 28 bridges, including one major bridge were damaged at various locations, hitting vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement.

Officials, while giving detail, said that the roads, bridges and approaches to the bridges are restored on a temporarily basis, whereas tendering process for the permanent reconstruction of these roads is under progress.

While talking to Chief Engineer, R&B Jammu, Abdul Hamid, said that they have pressed all necessary machinery for the restoration of the road connectivity in the region and have succeeded in temporarily restoring road connectivity. But due to the extensive damage to the infrastructure at many places, especially of approach roads, temporary restoration won’t work.

“We have temporarily restored the damaged roads for the movement, but still at many places roads and foot bridges are washed away, which need to be reconstructed and for that we are working on the tendering process,” said Hamid.

He informed that assessment of losses due to road network in Jammu region has been put at about Rs 484 crore.

Pollution board itself not harvesting rainwater, lack harvesting structure

‘Green Infrastructure not prevalent in state’

PS BALI

Jammu, Oct 9

It would not be perhaps wrong to say that the Jammu Regional State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) is oblivious to the much popular concept of ‘Green Infrastructure’, which is evident from the fact that the head office of the pollution board at Gladni, Narwal is without rainwater harvesting structure.

The board, empowered to label a building or an industry 'illegal' by not issuing the CFE (consent for establishment) certificate, if the building or industry does not harvest rain water, is itself not harvesting rain water at all.

According to a local scientist working on the water pollutants, no government building in the Jammu region has rain water harvesting structure.

“The board, which is supposed to issue guidelines of including rainwater harvesting structures in all new constructions, is itself reluctant to follow it,” said scientist, wishing anonymity.

He maintained that the centre in 2004-2005 announced rainwater harvesting scheme for farmers to provide protective irrigation to the farmlands in the varied agro-climatic and hydro geological regions, which was followed by the state. “In order to provide supplementary irrigation to farmlands through rain water harvesting structures, state government followed the centrally sponsored scheme through construction of rain water storage tanks,” he asserted. He lamented that unknown reasons thwart JKSPCB to imply same scheme for all new constructions in the state.

Talking to Greater Kashmir Regional Director, J&K SPCB Sajjad Mufti said, "It is true that we don’t have rainwater harvesting structure in our buildings, including head office, as the concept of ‘Green Infrastructure’ is not much prevalent in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and JKSPCB is not yet guided by the state government to follow same,” he said.

When asked about the guidelines of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) for encouraging rainwater harvesting, Mufti said, “Not all guidelines of the centre are effective in Jammu and Kashmir.”

However, another scientist of the board, referring to SRO 88 and 89 of the JKSPCB Handbook said that all central guidelines are implemented in the state, except taxes on water.

GAD confirms Darbar move on time without any delay

‘Oct 31 scheduled date for shift’

PS BALI

Jammu, Oct 10

Amid speculations over the delay of three months in the bi-annual ‘Darbar Move’, General Administration Department (GAD) sources, today confirmed that ‘Move is on time’ and October 31, is scheduled date for shifting Secretariat to winter capital.

According to sources, the Secretariat will shift on October 31 and offices will reopen in Jammu on November 10.

He said that the advance party consisting of Gazetted Officer and some Non- Gazetted employees will leave for Jammu on October 21 to receive the records at Civil Secretariat, Jammu, where the offices would reopen after six months on November 10.

Official source added that Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) has been asked to make sufficient number of buses and trucks for the transportation of advance parties and official documents.

Sources said that October 31, is scheduled as the final date for shifting Secretariat from Srinagar to Jammu, after unanimous decision was taken in the meeting chaired by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.

It was reported that owing to the recent flash floods in the state, which caused huge damage to the property, it was speculated that Darbar Move will be delayed by three months.

Refuting reports of some section of media saying, Darbar Move will be delayed by months due to damage to the official documents, GAD official, wishing anonymity said that Secretariat will be moved as per norms and on time.

“It is mentioned in the Handbook that Move will take place on the last Friday of October, no matter it is 26 or 31,” he said adding that Secretariat officials are working to streamline things, messed up by floods.

Pertinent to mention that the bi-annual practice of 'Darbar Move’ between the two capital cities of the state, has been inherited from the Dogra rule, dating back to the 19th century. It is estimated that the whole exercise of relocating offices costs the government several crore every year.

Pathetic condition of Airport toilets irk passengers, staff

PS BALI

Jammu, Oct 5: When most of the government agencies in the state swung into action to realize much ambitious ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, the management at Jammu Airport seems indifferent. Here, the condition of some of the public services is worrisome. Complaints of unkempt bathrooms and frequent power fluctuations have come from the passengers as well as Aviation Staff.

It is not for the first time that passengers have pointed out to the poorly maintained bathrooms at the Airport. “The toilets are in pathetic condition. Flush in the toilets does not seem to be working. Similarly, the toilets look like they are not cleaned regularly. The stink was also unbearable. There wasn't even an air freshener," said Dheeraj Sharma, a traveler adding that some cracks on the ceiling tiles inside the bathroom building are also evident.

Aviation official, wishing anonymity complained that the condition of toilets in the Terminal building is as bad as that of railway station. “Despite receiving huge funds for the maintenance of the Airport, the authorities failed to manage one ‘soap dispenser’,” said he adding that instead of soap dispenser, Airport authorities are using empty water bottles for the purpose.

He also complained about the frequent power fluctuations during the prime hours, thus causing embarrassment to the Airport. “The power supply of Airport gets snapped during peak hours, thus plunging entire terminal building into darkness. Recently passengers and Aviation staff have to face excruciating humidity, when somebody switched on blower instead of Air conditioner,” shared Aviation official.

Denying the complaints, officiating Airport Director, RK Singh said that Airport staff works regularly to maintain the cleanliness. “The damage and mess in the toilets is created by the passengers. People travelling from Jammu litter garbage irresponsibly. They have also damaged the soap dispensers,” maintained Singh.

He also said that some damage in the airport is caused by the recent incessant rains and authorities are working on to restore it as soon as possible. “Our engineering team is assessing the damage in the Airport to restore it,” said officiating Airport director.