Community Archives | Page 27 of 185

Khanmoh Fossil Park, slated to be the world’s second, remains a pipe dream

June 20, 2023 Editor

Despite the passage of several years since its inception, the Fossil Park at Khanmoh on the outskirts of Srinagar is yet to materialise. After China, this was supposed to be the first rich Triassic Park with decades-old formations. USA’s The Penn Dixie-Natural History Society had agreed to the Kashmir-based Environment Policy Group (ECG) to develop the park further. The massive bio-extinction, which was believed to have occurred 252 million years back in the geological times of Permian Triassic Era, is fully stored in a great rock system at Guryul Ravine…

Alarming increase in Child Sex Abuse cases unveils Kashmir’s hidden crisis

June 19, 2023 Editor

By: Farzana Nisar It was a balmy afternoon, the sun shone through the veil of clouds, casting a diffused glow across the fields of Shopian. But for eleven-year-old Farah*(name changed), it was just another day, as she made her way to tuition classes. With her school bag slung over her shoulder, the little girl, brimming with jolliness, looked forward to learning from a teacher whom both she and her family deeply respected. However, unbeknownst to them, hidden beneath his respected facade, lurked the true nature of a beast. In a…

Kashmir: A Haven for Dogs – The Canine Paradise

June 18, 2023 Editor

Days back it happened again. A 10-year-old boy was chased by stray dogs. The little soul fell into a drain. Seriously injured, he finally succumbed to injuries at Children’s Hospital, Bemina after some 13 painful days. And his parents will suffer the pain for all the life they are destined to live. It was not the first such tragic death, it happened earlier also. Just before this incident a seven-year-old girl was mauled by a pack of dogs in Kulgam, and was shifted to SHMS hospital in a very bad…

Smart City Project: Commuters frustrated by Slow Progress of work

June 17, 2023 Editor

Slow pace of Smart City Project works in the summer capital has evoked strong resentment among commuters. They said after the G20 meet, pace of works under the Smart City Project has slowed down. Prior to G20 meet, Srinagar witnessed fast-track beautification. One of the prominent areas affected by the slow pace of works is Lal Chowk. Even the renovation work of Ghanta Ghar, historic clock tower, is facing delays. Footpaths from Regal Chowk to Ghanta Ghar are still incomplete. Additionally, pending works along the Jhelum riverfront have also witnessed…

Empowering the Poor: Teach them Skills for Sustainable Change, not Crowdfunding

June 16, 2023June 16, 2023 Editor

Teaching Skills Over Crowdfunding By: Javid Amin Poverty is a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, there is one thing that is clear: simply giving money to the poor is not enough. In order to truly empower them and help them break the cycle of poverty, we need to teach them valuable skills that will allow them to become self-sufficient. Crowdfunding can be a great way to raise money for short-term projects, but it is not a sustainable solution to poverty. Once the project is complete, the money will…

Restrictions imposed on over 40 food items at Amarnath Yatra, Pilgrims advised to prioritize physical fitness

June 16, 2023June 16, 2023 Editor

More than 40 food items have been banned at the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and the pilgrims have been advised to achieve physical fitness by walking at least 5 kilometres a day, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board said in its health advisory issued on Thursday. The banned food items include drinks, fried and fast food items. The health advisory also called upon devotees undertaking the pilgrimage to the Himalayan shrine located in south Kashmir for achieving physical fitness and asked them to start a preparatory morning and evening walk, about 4…

Experts express concern over rising number of Earthquakes across Jammu & Kashmir

June 15, 2023 Editor

The earthquake of magnitude 5.4 that hit Jammu Kashmir on Tuesday with its epicenter in Doda and a depth of six kilometers inside the earth has refreshed the concerns of a major environmental disaster among experts. The earthquake was felt in the neighboring regions including Punjab. It has led to many speculations and confusion around the seismic activity in the region and many wondering if we are heading to a major catastrophe. Five earthquakes have been recorded following yesterday’s event, which are likely the aftershocks of the Tuesday earthquake. An…

Smartphone Misuse and Substance Abuse: A Growing Threat to Youth in Kashmir

June 13, 2023 Editor

By: Javid Amin In recent years, the widespread availability and usage of smartphones have revolutionized the way we communicate, access information, and interact with the world around us. While smartphones have undoubtedly brought numerous benefits and conveniences, there is a darker side to their extensive usage, particularly among the youth in Kashmir. The misuse of smartphones, coupled with the alarming rise in drug addiction and substance abuse, has emerged as a significant threat to the well-being and future of the young generation. Smartphones, with their plethora of features and applications,…

Upsurge in crimes against Children observed across Kashmir Valley

June 13, 2023 Editor

There is no let up in child abuse and exploitation crimes in Kashmir that can have long-lasting impacts on the victims with south Kashmir’s Anantnag district topping the list while north Kashmir’s Kupwara district recording a low rate. “In Kashmir, Anantnag tops the list of child abuse and exploitation during last year,” a senior Police officer told KIF. “Kupwara district recorded a low rate.” Giving the breakup, he said 87 cases of child abuse and exploitation were reported in Anantnag, 77 in Srinagar, Budgam 53, Baramulla 47, Kulgam 37, Ganderbal…

Neglecting Elderly Parents: A Growing Concern in Society

June 13, 2023 Editor

The Alarming Trend of Abandoning Parents: A Cry for Respect and Love By: Javid Amin In recent years, there has been a distressing rise in the phenomenon of children abandoning their aging parents. It is a bitter truth of life that youthfulness fades with time, and old age renders people helpless and dependent. As the body becomes feeble and wrinkles appear on the face, parents enter a phase of life where they are in need of care and support. Parents hold a significant place in our lives, and they are…