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DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2021 (PAGE 3)

IIIM Jammu wins National award

Venkaiah, Dr Jitendra addressCSIR Foundation Day

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Sept 26 : TheCouncil of Scientific AndIndustrial Research (CSIR)today celebrated its 80thFoundation Day. The functionwas held at National PhysicalLaboratory (NPL), one ofIndia's oldest CSIRLaboratories, and wasaddressed by Vice President ofIndia, Venkaiah Naidu as ChiefGuest and Union Minister forScience & Technology, DrJitendra Singh as Guest ofHonour.

On the occasion, CSIRawards were presented in differ-ent categories, including youngscientists, innovations byschool children,Life-Timeachievement and for distin-guished work of the year to theoutstanding among the 37 CSIRlaboratories spread across thecountry.

Indian Institute ofIntegrative Medicine (IIIM)Jammu, which was establishedin 1940s by Sir Ram NathChopra, won the National awardfor initiating the "Purple revolu-tion" of India and thus, redefin-ing and reshaping the entireprofile of agriculture entrepre-neurship for the years to come.

Pertinent to mention thatduring the last one year, IIIMJammu has supported a numberof young Startups to undertakeLavender farming. As a result,young agriculturists from differ-ent parts of the country areapproaching this institute tobegin Startups in agriculture.

Speaking on the occasion,

Venkaiah Naidu lauded PrimeMinister Narendra Modi'sapproach of "Reform, Performand Transform". He also appre-ciated Dr Jitendra Singh for hiswide knowledge in differentfields.

Expressing his keen interestin scientific research andencouraging the young

Scientists, the Vice President ofIndia said, he has undertaken aplan to visit various scientificinstitutes across India includingCSIR laboratories, IITs etc.where he is interacting withScientists from differentspheres. He said he was particu-larly impressed with some ofthe women scientists.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, "Weshould not restrict our ambitionto be best in India but be best inthe world as India is blessedwith the demographic dividendof youth and they can take upany challenge with the righttraining and motivation".

Dr Jitendra Singh said, asthe Nation is celebrating theAzadikaAmritMahostav, thecombined strength of CSIR,

DBT, DST and MoES alongwith other science ministriescan indeed transform the entirecountry in the next 25 years asthe entire progress is going toremain heavily Technologydependant. He said, when Indiaturns 100, it should be a globalleader ranging from Defence toEconomics with strong scientif-

ic and technologicalinputs.

Lauding the 80-year successful jour-ney of CSIR, DrJitendra Singh said, itis heartening to see theevolution of CSIRfrom developingIndia's first IndelibleInk used in elections toproviding IndianStandard time usingAtomic Clocks today.From the development

of Swaraj Tractor to the recenttest flying of HANSA-NG is atestament to the growth of CSIRin the last eight decades, headded.

Referring to the AromaMission of CSIR, the Ministersaid, it has made a difference inthe lives of thousands of farm-ers across India and especiallyin Kashmir. He said, CSIR'sAroma Mission introduced asuperior variety of lavender inKashmir, and today, a purplerevolution is underway inKashmir. He also mentionedthat CSIR has introduced Heengcultivation in India for the firsttime and introduced Saffron innon-traditional areas, apart fromits well-known mark in the areaof menthol mint.

Vice President of India, VenkaiahNaidu and Union Minister Dr JitendraSingh addressing the 80th FoundationDay function of Council of ScientificAnd Industrial Research (CSIR) at NewDelhi, on Sunday.

Union MoS Jal Shakti conductsday long tour of Kishtwar areasExcelsior Correspondent

KISHTWAR, Sept 26: As apart of Union Government'sPublic Outreach Programme inthe UT of J&K, Union Ministerof State for Jal Shakti and TribalAffairs, Bishweswar Tudu onthe second day of his three daytour to district Kishtwar todayconducted a day long tour of thefar flung Paddar area of districtKishtwar.

He inaugurated NTPHCbuilding at Sohal and TourismFacilitation Centre at Gulabgarhof Sub Division Paddar besideschairing a public grievanceredressal camp there.

During the tour, he also heldan interactive meeting with PRI,senior citizens, HimalayanBuddhist Society and politicalparties besides SHGs and theYouth club members at BDOoffice Gulabgarh.

Earlier, the Minister inaugu-rated newly constructed buildingof New Type Primary HealthCentre (NTPHC) Sohal whichhas been undertaken by PWDdivision Paddar at an estimatedcost of Rs. 171.45 lakhs andTourism Facilitation Centre(under PMDP) building atGulabgarh taken with a project-ed cost of Rs 244.08 lakhs con-structed by KishtwarDevelopment Authority.

During the grievance redres-sal programme at BDO officeGulabgarh, Union MoS listenedto the grievances of the variousdelegation lead by local PRIs.The delegations highlighted thevarious demand for their redres-

sal.The Minister listened to the

grievances and demands andassured that their genuinedemands will be fulfilled in timebound manner besides assuringthat other demands will be takenup with the concerned quartersat Central and UT level forimmediate redressal.

Minister said the CentralGovernment is bound for thedevelopment of Jammu andKashmir and is extending everypossible help to the people of JKUT. He said that people have towait and feel the difference indevelopmental scenario on theground level.

The Minister also inspectedthe stalls installed by variousdepartments for displaying thelocal products and departmentalexhibits.

Enroute, he also visited theDul Hasti HEPP and reviewedthe outlay plan besides takingstock of daily activities andpower generation capacity ofHEP.

During his tour he wasaccompanied by DeputyCommissioner Kishtwar AshokSharma, SSP Kishtwar ShafqatHussain Bhat, DDC memberPaddar Hari Krishna, DDCmember Nagseni MohammadAshraf, ADDC Kishtwar ShamLal, ADC Kishtwar Kishori LalSharma, CEO KDA/SDMChatroo Inderjeet Singh Parihar;SDM Paddar Varunjeet SinghCharak; District PanchayatOfficer Kishtwar Sunil Bhutyalamong other officers from civil,police and health department.

Union MoS Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs during tour ofKishtwar areas. —Excelsior/Tilak Raj

Union Minister for I&B inspects progresson Z-Morh, Zojila tunnel projects


GANDERBAL, Sept 26:Union Minister for Informationand Broadcasting and YouthAffairs and Sports, Anurag SinghThakur reached Sonamarg yester-day evening on a two day visit todistrict Ganderbal under UnionGovernment's Public OutreachProgramme.

On day one, the Minister con-ducted inspection of Zojila and Z-Morh tunnel projects

During his visit to ZojilaTunnel, which is envisaged toprovide all weather connectivityto Union Territory of Ladakh, theconcerned officers said that thework on Zojila Tunnel is in fullcapacity and NHIDCL is gearedup to continue the work in win-ter months. The Ministerstressed for putting in everyeffort in place to complete theproject well before the scheduledate.

Speaking on the occasion,the Minister said that the Zojilatunnel is of a significant impor-tance with regard to nationalsecurity, development andtourism for both UTs of J&Kand Ladakh as it will provideround the year connectivity toLadakh region- Kargil and Leh.

He further highlighted vari-ous important tunnel, rail androad projects of the country thatwere completed on priority bythe Government keeping inmind border security alongsidedevelopment and said varousinfrastructure development proj-ects are going on in full swingthroughout J&K from last fewyears to boost the socio-eco-nomic development in J&K.

While inspecting the workprogress of Z-Morh tunnel, theofficials of NHIDCL informed

the Minister that the project isbeing executed on DBFOTmode with an approximate costof Rs 2378 crore.

Regarding physical progress,the Minister was informed thatthe breakthrough of Escape tun-nel has already been achieved on16 September, 2021 besides thework in the main tunnel which is6412 meters long for regular bi-

directional traffic is going on infull swing and its breakthroughis expected before the forthcom-ing winter season.

While discussing the provi-sions for safe movement of traf-fic, the Minister was informedthat lay byes, motor and pedestri-an cross passages, fire fightingniches and SOS communicationare kept for safe movement oftraffic even during emergencysituations.

Expressing satisfaction overthe work progress, the Ministersaid the Z-morh tunnel will facil-itate locals and tourists to accessSonamarg during the winter sea-son as well and will facilitatesocio-economic boost to the

J&K in general and locals in par-ticular.

Deputy CommissionerGanderbal, Krittika Jyotsna, SSPGanderbal Nihal Borker andother officers were present on theoccasion.

Meanwhile, Anurag SinghThakur laid foundation stone ofZPEO and Zonal Play Field andinaugurated PMGSY road at

Kichpora Kangan.The Minister visited

Kichpora Kangan where he laidfoundation stone of ZonalPhysical Education Office(ZPEO) and Development ofZonal Level Playfield approvedat a cost of Rs 1.14 crore.

Deputy CommissionerGanderbal Krittika Jyotsna,Director Youth Services andSports, SSP Ganderbal and otherofficials of the department werealso present on the occasion.

Later, the Minister distributedcertificates, mementos and sportskits among the students during acolourful function held atKichpora Kangan.

On the occasion, the Ministeralso witnessed cultural programand demo of various sports com-petitions in Marshall Arts, Tug ofWar, Kabbadi and Volleyball.

Earlier, the Minister alsoinaugurated the 1.5 km PMGSYroad constructed at the cost of Rs136.67 lakh at Bonibagh Kanganconnecting Bonibagh Bala habi-tation to the highway.

Union Minister for I&B inspecting progress on a tunnel proj-ect.

MP Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal inaugurating irriga-tional canal project at Brakdongthang Bodh Kharbu in Kargil.

MP Ladakh inaugurates irrigation canal project


KARGIL, Sept 26: MemberParliament (MP) LadakhJamyang Tsering Namgyal inau-gurated a 5-km-long irrigationcanal at Brakdongthang BodhKharbu.

The project completed at acost of Rs 6.10 crore underLanguishing Project will irrigate2171 canals of land and benefit122 farmer households at BodhKharbu and Henaskot villages.

Executive Councillor forAgriculture Moshin Ali,Councillor Khangral HajiMuhammad Qasim, NominatedCouncillors Leela Banoo,Zainab Bee and Padma Dorjay,SDM Shakar Chiktan

Muhammad Sharif Kakpori,Executive Engineer I&FCKargil Muhammad Hassanbesides other concerned officerswere present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion,the MP Ladakh said the develop-mental works in Ladakh regionhave accelerated during thetenure of the presentGovernment, the results ofwhich can be seen on theground.

Div Com reviews arrangementsfor Navratra Festival at KatraExcelsior Correspondent

KATRA, Sept 26: DivisionalCommissioner Jammu, DrRaghav Langer today visitedKatra and conducted spotinspection of the venues pro-posed for conducting differentactivities during the 9-day longannual Navratra festival 2021.

He was accompanied byDirector Tourism Jammu,

Vivekanand Rai; DeputyCommissioner Reasi, CharadeepSingh; SSP Reasi, ShailenderSingh; Assistant DirectorTourism, Ambika Bali; SDMKatra, Chairman MunicipalCommittee, presidents of hote-lier association, wrestling asso-ciation, and other concerned.

It was informed that the nineday festival would commenceon October 7, 2021 and culmi-nate on October 15, 2021.

The DivisionalCommissioner took a round ofvarious places includingAuditorium Spiritual GrowthCentre, Hotel PanchvatiContinent, Fountain Chowk,Yog Ashram, RaghunathTemple, Higher SecondarySchool Katra, SMVDSBStadium Katra, which have beendesignated as the venues for dif-ferent events.

Assistant Director Tourismand Presidents of HotelAssociation, prominent citizens

and organisers apprised theDivisional Commissioner aboutthe proposed activity on eachlocation.

It was informed that devo-tional song program would beheld at Yog Ashram besidesDevi Bhagwat Katha would beheld at Raghunath Temple with50 percent capacity.

The Div Com stressed that inview of COVID pandemic all

the activities should be plannedaccording to the SOPs. Hestressed on adhering to theCOVID protocols while holdingthe festival events. He also sug-gested excluding activitiesinvolving large gatherings. Healso emphasised on using LEDscreens at different locations toavoid large gatherings at a singleplace.

It was informed that the dan-gal (wrestling competition) willbe held at Sports Stadium withlimited audience and after con-ducting Covid testing of thewrestlers. The entry of the pub-lic will be allowed strictlythrough passes.

He also took stock ofarrangements made for congre-gational programmes likePrabhat Pheris, Shobha Yatra,Mata ki Kahani recitation andother cultural items scheduled tobe organised during the festival.

The Div Com directed theconcerned officers to put in

place all necessary arrangementsand work in a well coordinatedmanner to make preparationswell in advance. He stressed oneffective regulation of traffic,fool proof security, maintenanceof roads, streets, beautificationof shops/ market, sanitation ofKatra town etc.

The inaugural function of thefestival would be held at AsiaChowk Katra followed byShobha Yatra and a grand eventshowcasing the culture and her-itage of Jammu and Kashmirand India as a whole.

Representatives of HoteliersAssociation assured to extendfull cooperation towards facili-tating tourists and guests duringthe festival. They also assured tomaintain cleanliness besides fol-lowing covid related guidelineswhile serving the guests.

The DivisionalCommissioner also had adetailed review of beautificationof the town, provision for sanita-tion, essential services, trafficmanagement and emergencyservices.

Div Com conducting spot inspection of venues in Katra pro-posed for holding different Navratra events.

First ever Monsoon Festival at Patnitop concludes

* Attracts nearly 6000 touristsExcelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 26: The first-ever Monsoon Festival at theworld famous hill station Patnitopconcluded today with enthrallingcultural and musical performanc-es by popular artists and singersfrom within and outside Jammuand Kashmir.

The second day was markedby soulful sufi performance byAli Brothers and foot tappingPunjabi performance by ArmaanBedil.

The folk art giants of Jammuregion including renownedRomalo Ram and Party, RamDitta and Party, Kud DancePancheri Party, Deepak, Vishakhaand Divya Bharti were amongstthe main attractions .

The first day had seen eclecticperformances by Rinku MansarWala, Deepak and Group, andPunjabi Singer, Prabh Gill.

Organised by PatnitopDevelopment Authority,Directorate of Tourism Jammu,District AdministrationsUdhampur and Ramban, the fes-tival as part of Azadi Ka AmrutMahotsav, exposed tourists totraditional culture, music,cuisines, handicrafts, handlooms,fun games, besides performancesby Celebrity Artists from outsideJ&K at a single venue. It alsoprovided a significant boom tothe footfall at Patnitop, so muchso that, the hotels were foundfully packed and which helpedcreating revenue generation, and

employment opportunities forother other tourism stakeholders.

Divisional CommissionerJammu congratulated PDA &Directorate Tourism for the suc-cessful initiative, as it clockedapproximately 6000 tourist foot-fall. Director Tourism, Jammu

said the festival will encouragetourism in the region and pro-mote attractions in the Patnitopcircuit.

Sher Singh, CEO PDA, said,"The festival is aimed at promot-ing tourism of different kinds(leisure, adventure, religious etc)in and around Patnitop, such asSudh Mahadev, Shankhpal,Gouri Kund, Nag Temple,Shivgali, Mantalai."

Further, he added,"Adventure activities likeGandola at Skyview Empyrean,Zipline at Patnitop and Sanasar,trekking at picturesque routesand so on found in this circuithave enormous tourism potentialwhich required to be explored

and harvested. We'll be organis-ing more events in coming days,make them regular annual affair.We are looking at reaching afootfall of more than 6 lakh thisyear."

It may be mentioned here thatnearly 3 lakh tourists have visited

Patnitop circuit since lockdownrelaxations made in second weekof June .

"Government schemes likeFit India, Swachh Bharat, PDA'sinitiative Green Patnitop, CleanPatnitop were emphasized duringthe festival. We are thankful toUdhampur & RambanAdministrations, Police, TourismDepartment and other govern-ment departments for their activedirect and indirect support," CEOPDA said. He made a specialmention regarding the effortsmade by Umesh Shan, AssistantDirector Tourism NHW. Artistsfelicitated by the PatnitopDevelopment Authority &Tourism Department.

Artists performing at Monsoon Festival at Patnitop.

NTPHC Nowgam in Handwara sansdedicated ambulance, locals aghast


SRINAGAR, Sept 26: Thelack of round-the-clock ambu-lance services at New TypePrimary Health Centre(NTPHC), Nowgam in NorthKashmir's Handwara is causingimmense trouble to the peopleliving in the adjacent areas,while the hospital lacks the serv-ices of a female doctor.

The residents said that in theabsence of the service they are fac-ing several issues even as they hadan ambulance stationed at thehospital earlier but the same wasbrought under the 102 service,depriving the area of the same.

Nowgam, a far-flung areawhich is over 30 km away fromHandwara town has a populationof over 5000 souls; however, theresidents rue the lack of basichealthcare services in the area.

"We had a dedicated ambu-lance stationed at the hospital, buta year or so ago, the ambulancewas taken for the 102 ambulanceservice with the result, the ambu-lance does not remain availablethere with the result, patients who

are to be referred or are to bebrought to the hospital in case ofemergency are facing issues,"Nazir Ahmad, the Sarpanch of thearea told Excelsior.

He said that there are only afew doctors are stationed at thehospital even as their numbershould have been higher to caterto the needs of the residents."There are only two doctors whoare performing their duties, atleast we should have 4 doctorskeeping in view the population,"he said.

The locals also demanded thata lady doctor should be madeavailable at the NTPHC, Nowgamso that the women living in thearea are not made to travel toHandwara in situations where theyneed such facilities.

When contacted, BlockMedical Officer Langate, DrGowhar said that the ambulancebeing part of 102 services can beavailable for patients at anytime. "The ambulance does notnecessarily need to be stationedthere, they can call 102 and theambulance will reach theirdoorsteps," he said.

22 evictions concerning migrants’property carried out at Anantnag


ANANTNAG, Sept 26: TheDeputy Commissioner (DC)Anantnag, Dr. Piyush Singla hassaid that the administration has

taken pro-m i n e n tsteps toaddress theissues ofm i g r a n t sb e s i d e scomplaintsfiled by

them through online (portal) oroffline mode.

Dr Singla said that the offi-cers of revenue and other con-cerned departments have beengiven clear directions to addressthe grievances concerning theland and property of themigrants with zeal and commit-ment.

It was informed that 22 evic-

tions on migrants' land and prop-erty have been carried out.Further, 09 Lagan notices havebeen issued and 10 demarcationshave been completed so far.

Redressal of the complaintsas per law and in a time boundmanner is being emphasisedupon the most, added Dr Singla.

The DC once again directedthe revenue officials to ensurespeedy disposal of migrant com-plaints under law.

He said that the relevant pro-visions of law are being fol-lowed in letter and spirit and theadministration is ensuring thegenuine rights of migrants indifferent categories are duly pro-tected.

Meanwhile, the DC has beentaking regular review meetingson the subject and is personallymonitoring the progress madeon the redressal of migrants'issues on daily basis.

Apni Party always stands forrights of J&K people: BukhariExcelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 26: Formerminister and Jammu KashmirApni Party president, AltafBukhari today said that hisparty will always stand for therights of people of Jammu andKashmir.

While talking to the mediapersons after addressing a work-ers meeting here today, Bukharitook strong exception to theremarks made by Lt. Governor,Manoj Sinha about the bi-annual'Darbar move' of shifting capi-tals from Srinagar to Jammu andvice-versa.

He said Darbar move is notonly an official process but alsoa connection of culture and emo-tions between the Jammu andthe Kashmir regions and it can'tbe ceased arbitrarily. He saidthat development, dignity andpeace will be election manifestoof Apni Party.

He said that both Jammu andKashmir are equal in everyrespect and Apni Party will alsofight for the rights of the peopleof Jammu.

He assured the people ofJ&K that his party will alwaysfight for the restoration of state-hood to J&K.

Expressing disappointment

over the statehood issue, hestressed upon the need forrestoring a popular Governmentin J&K as soon as possible.

Bukhari also said that theopening of Jio Marts in Jammuwill create a burden for the busi-ness community of Jammu."Jammu has been a trade hubfrom generations and anychange in the business commu-nity will lead to drastic results."

He said that the Apni Partyis always for the welfare of thepeople of J&K and thus willalways be committed to the goalof serving the people.

Referring to Jammu bandhcall given by Jammu Chamberof Commerce and Industry,Bukhari said it was the result ofthe policies of the Government.

"Apni party's agenda hasalways been the restoration ofstatehood, development, dignityand peace in J&K," he added.

Earlier, Bukhari addressedworkers meeting which was alsoattended by senior leaders of theparty. He asked the party cadreto extend its reach up to the gen-eral masses.

Prominent among thosepresent included, Vijay Bakaya,Manjit Singh, Faqir Nath,Namrta Sharma, PranavShagotra and others.

Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari addressing workers meet-ing in Jammu. —Excelsior/Rakesh

BSF jawan found dead


UDHAMPUR, Sept 26: ABorder Security Force (BSF)Jawan of 16- battalion wasfound dead under mysteriouscircumstances while on duty atSTC Training Center BSFUdhampur, last night.

The deceased was identifiedas Head Constable SurinderKumar, resident of MahendraGarh, Haryana. He was postedat 16- Battalion Ploura Jammubut had been attached at STCTraining Center BSF DharRoad Udhampur.

Reports said that SurinderKumar was found unconsciousduring duty last night. He wasrushed to District Hospitalwhere doctors declared him asbrought dead. Apparent causeof death could not be ascer-tained while Udhampur Policehas registered a case under 174CrPC for further investigation.

SKUAST- J conducts CETfor admission to UG courses


JAMMU, Sept 26: Sher-e-Kashmir University ofAgricultural Sciences andTechnology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) today conducted CommonEntrance Test-2021 (CET) foradmission to the undergraduatedegree programmes in differentfaculties for the academic session2021-22.

The COVID-19 pandemic hascaused a delay in the start of thecurrent academic session Theentrance examination was held atsix different centers located atGGM Science College, Jammu;SPMR, College, Jammu; MAMCollege, Jammu; Govt Collegefor Women, Gandhi Nagar;Faculty of Veterinary Sciences andAnimal Husbandry, R S Pura andFaculty of Agriculture, Chatha.

An overwhelming responsewas received for admission to var-ious professional undergraduateprogrammes in the universityincluding B Sc (Hons)Horticulture which is institutional-ized for the 1st time in SKUAST-Jammu. Out of total 3071 appli-cants, 2524 including the candi-

dates from other states, appearedin the CET-2021, which comes to82.18 per cent of the total appli-cants for admission to 242 seats.

Besides these, 15 percent seatson all India quota are being filledthrough Indian Council ofAgricultural Research inAgriculture and 10 percent seats inVeterinary Sciences by VeterinaryCouncil of India.

The test was conductedsmoothly with appreciable supportof the staff and the Principals andDeans of the above mentionedinstitutions. The SOPs and guide-lines related to COVID-19 pan-demic were adhered to during thetest. The university Flying Squadcomprising of Dr Jag PaulSharma, Director Research andRegistrar; Dr Rajesh Katoch,Dean Student Welfare along withDirector Education, Dr SEH Rizvivisited the centers to oversee theconduct of the entrance examina-tion, said Prof Sushil KumarGupta, incharge UniversityExamination Cell , SKUAST-Jammu. The result, schedule of thecounseling and other updates shallbe available on the university web-site www.skuast.org.