Month: October 2023

Despite the augmentation of power infrastructure and the installation of much-hyped smart meters, the electricity woes continue to torment the valley residents ahead of the winter as since past one week, consumers are facing pesky power cuts across the Valley. The situation is equivalent in towns, cities and villages as the consumers have accused the concerned Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) of supplying inadequate electricity to them. “Despite the installation of smart meters, which were aimed to ensure better power supply, we are getting nearly 4-5 hours of electricity supply on a regular basis, which has added to the misery of consumers here,” said Jahangir Ahmad, a local from the Natipora area. “Crores of rupees have been spent on the power infrastructur...

As the chill of winter begins to creep into the Gurez Valley of north Kashmir's Bandipora district, local farmers, with deeply rooted traditions and a profound connection to their land, embark on a centuries-old practice that has ensured their survival through the harshest of winters – burying freshly harvested potatoes. As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the timeless technique of burying potatoes beneath the frozen earth ensures their preservation and usability for several months to come. This ancient storage method according to locals is not unique to Gurez; it is practiced extensively throughout the Gilgit-Baltistan region, a proof to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the locals in adapting to their environment. Gulam Rasool, a local farmer with a deep connectio...

The Jammu Kashmir admin has placed an Additional Superintendent of Police under suspension against a pending enquiry. In an order issued under the number 475 home of 2023, accessed by The Kashmiriyat, the admin has placed Additional Superintendent of Police, Budgam Gowhar Ahmed Khan under suspension. In its order, the admin said, "In terms of Rule 31(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 1956, pending enquiry into his conduct, Shri Gowhar Ahmad Khan, Addl. Superintendent of Police Budgam is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect." It is further ordered that the Officer shall remain attached to Zonal Police Headquarters Kashmir, during the period of suspension, read the order of the Jammu Kashmir admin.

Prominent People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Ahmed Parra has been prohibited from traveling outside Jammu and Kashmir to accompany his ailing father for cancer treatment in Mumbai. The court upheld this travel ban as part of the conditions of his bail, which was imposed in connection with an ongoing trial. Mr. Parra's father is battling an advanced stage of Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and the necessity of his son's presence during his medical treatment was the basis for the plea. However, the Court of Special Judge designated under the NIA Act in Srinagar, Sandeep Gandotra, rejected Mr. Parra's plea after considering arguments from his counsel and the APP for Jammu and Kashmir. The court noted, "The applicant is facing trial before this court in case FIR No 31/2020...

Jammu Kashmir has declared all its 6650 villages across 285 blocks in 20 Districts as ODF Plus Models during the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ Campaign. This milestone signifies a commitment to managing greywater and solid waste alongside promoting sanitation, surpassing the mere construction of toilets. The journey to achieve ODF Plus Model status involved planning and collaboration among stakeholders. Village Sanitation Saturation Plans (VSSP) were developed for each village, ensuring the necessary infrastructure for solid and liquid waste management (SLWM). Greywater management was addressed through the construction of individual and community soak pits, benefiting 4,83,404 households. Biodegradable waste was managed through compost pits, with 1,77,442 individuals and 12,621 community co...

At least 30 small wooden residential sheds were damaged in an early morning fire incident on Sunday at Parimpora area of Srinagar, officials said. An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that at about 4:15 am in the morning, the control room in Srinagar received a call regarding the fire incident in Parimpora Srinagar and fire tenders rushed to the spot. Upon their arrival at the scene, about thirty small wooden residential sheds were found involved in the fire, and due to timely and swift action by the fire and emergency services, the fire was soon brought under control. However, all the sheds have suffered damage in the incident. He further added that the cause of the fire is being ascertained— (KNO)