July 2023 | Page 13 of 18

Failure to Learn Lessons from 2014 Kashmir Deluge: A Concerning Reality

July 11, 2023 Editor

As the flood threat abated following decrease in water level of river Jhelum, people have started raising questions over the lackadaiscal implementation of much publicised “Flood Control Project” of centre which was announced after devastating 2014 floods. With an improvement in weather, the water started receding from river Jhelum and other streams across Kashmir and the flood threat abated. The Jhelum river which originates from south Kashmir’s Verinag that had crossed the flood declaration point is now flowing below the flood alert level and with each passing hour the water…

J&K Powercom Urges Public to Exercise Prudent Electricity Usage

July 11, 2023 Editor

The Jammu and Kashmir Power Corporation Limited (JKPCL) has appealed the people to cooperate with department and use power judiciously in view of low power generation due to incessant rainfall in the region. “It is for the information of general public of Jammu and Kashmir that due to the incessant rainfall experienced in Northern region over the past few days, the water level in Chenab River has risen above the reservoir level. This has caused heavy silt deposition in hydro power plants both under state and central sectors. These power…

Rescue operation saves four in Flood-Hit Kathua; Srinagar Highway blocked on Third Consecutive Day

July 11, 2023July 11, 2023 Editor

Trapped in a flash flood in Kathua, four people were rescued on Monday. After receiving information, a team of the State Disaster Response Force, along with policemen, rescued them from the Ravi river, officials said. As many as 58 people were rescued from various flash flood-hit waterbodies in the district on Sunday. Srinagar Jammu National Highway Monday remained blocked on the third consecutive day due to the sinking of a portion of a road at Chamba-Seri near Ramban. Officials said, “It is likely to be restored for vehicular traffic on…

Mounting Waste Crisis Poses Grave Threat to Kashmir’s Ecosystem

July 11, 2023 Editor

By: Sameer Mushtaq, Suhail Bhat Kashmir’s breathtaking landscape is threatened by massive amounts of trash being produced and recklessly dumped, endangering its delicate environment and highlighting the urgent need for action. For years, a silent yet significant threat has been looming over Indian-administered Kashmir. The valley produces an astonishing 3,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste annually, with over 17,00 metric tonnes being recklessly dumped into agricultural fields, green forests and water bodies. The dumping of waste poses a severe threat to the fragile ecosystem, prompting urgent calls from experts to…

Police in Srinagar detain separatist activists and ex-militants over alleged plans to revive JKLF and Hurriyat

July 10, 2023 Editor

The Jammu Kashmir police on Sunday claimed that they have brought ex militants and erstwhile separatists to Police Station in Srinagar. Reports said that the detained persons had arranged a get-together at a hotel in Srinagar. “A Search was conducted on basis of credible info about meeting of some ex-trts of JKLF & erstwhile separatists in a hotel in Srinagar.They were brought to Kothibagh PS for verification,” said Srinagar Police in a tweet. The tweet further reads that “Inquiry has started, prima facie it came out that they were planning to…

Smartphones: The Mother of All Evils?

July 10, 2023July 10, 2023 Editor

By: Javid Amin In today’s hyper-connected world, smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. These powerful devices offer convenience, connectivity, and a plethora of possibilities at our fingertips. However, an increasing body of evidence suggests that smartphones may also be the catalyst for a multitude of societal evils. From addiction and mental health issues to social disconnection and unethical behaviors, smartphones have garnered a reputation as the “mother of all evils.” In this article, we delve into the concerning aspects of smartphone usage and explore their potential…

Tragic Accident: Director Finance, Wife, and Son killed in Mughal Road accident; Daughter sustains injuries

July 10, 2023 Editor

Ranbir Singh Bali, Director of Finance, Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, his wife and son died and his daughter was injured after a vehicle they were travelling in fell into a gorge near Pannar bridge along Mughal road on Sunday. Official sources told GNS that the accident took place at 1940 hours when a swift car (JK02BD -4635) on way to Surankote from Kashmir Valley via Mughal road. Three among those travelling in the car died on the spot and another was injured and evacuated to a nearby hospital by…

Downpour Alert Issued as Rains and Landslides Claim Five Lives, Srinagar Road Remains Closed

July 10, 2023 Editor

A red alert has been issued for Kathua and Samba districts along with lower catchment areas amid incessant rains. An official says almost all water bodies, including Chenab, Ravi, Tawi and Neeru, have crossed the danger mark at several places. A red alert has also been issued for Ladakh amid snowfall and rains. The Leh-Kargil-Srinagar road saw a landslide in Lamayuru. Heavy rainfall and landslides left five persons dead in J&K and Ladakh in 24 hours. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which was closed for traffic on Saturday due to weather…

Minor Quake of 4.9 Magnitude Rattles Doda, No Immediate Reports of Damage

July 10, 2023 Editor

An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 hit Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district early on Monday, the National Centre for Seismology said. The quake occurred at 5.38 am. There are no immediate reports of any damage, officials said. The epicentre was 10 km below the surface of the earth in Doda region. It occurred at latitude 33.15 degrees north and longitude 75.68 degrees east, the NCS said. According to officials, 12 tremors with varied intensity have jolted Doda since June this year. A 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit the district on June 13,…

Water Recedes in Jhelum River; A Respite for Kashmir Valley

July 10, 2023 Editor

People living in the low-lying areas of Kashmir, including Srinagar city, heaved a sigh of relief on Sunday as a flood threat eased due to a dip in the water level in the Jhelum river following improvement in weather conditions, officials said here. ”The weather is improving and the water level will drop, but those living in low-lying areas should take precautionary measures at least for Sunday. Rains are expected in south Kashmir over the next 24 hours but not of the same intensity as on Saturday. The danger of…