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Poonch Welcomes Pilgrims with Vibrant Trishul Yatra | Buddha Amarnath Yatra 2024 Begins!”

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Poonch Welcomes Pilgrims with Vibrant Trishul Yatra | Buddha Amarnath Yatra 2024 Begins!”

Poonch, August 5, 2024: In a grand display of devotion and cultural heritage, the town of Poonch kicked off the annual Buddha Amarnath Yatra with a vibrant and spiritually enriching Trishul Yatra. The event, a significant prelude to the revered pilgrimage, attracted thousands of devotees and set the tone for the sacred journey ahead.

The Trishul Yatra commenced with a traditional Trishul Pujan ceremony at the Nav Grah Temple. Devotees gathered early in the morning to offer prayers and seek blessings for a peaceful and successful pilgrimage. The air was filled with spiritual fervor as participants performed rituals and chanted hymns in praise of Lord Shiva.

Following the ceremony, the procession began its journey from the Nav Grah Temple, winding its way through the historic and culturally rich streets of Poonch. The vibrant parade passed through notable landmarks including Ajote, Purani Poonch, Kha Khanawan, Jernally Mohalla, and Qila Bazar. Devotees, carrying tridents (trishul) adorned with flowers and flags, sang hymns and shouted slogans in devotion to Lord Shiva, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The Trishul Yatra culminated at the College Ground in Poonch, which has been designated as the base camp for the Buddha Amarnath Yatra. The ground was filled with participants, who came together in a spirited gathering to mark the successful conclusion of the procession.

Addressing the gathering, ADC Sandesh Sharma officially inaugurated the Buddha Amarnath Yatra. He highlighted the significance of the Trishul Yatra in setting the tone for the main pilgrimage and emphasized the event’s role in fostering a sense of spiritual unity and connection among the local community.

“The Buddha Amarnath Yatra is a revered pilgrimage that draws thousands of devotees each year. The Trishul Yatra is a vital part of this tradition, symbolizing the community’s devotion and reverence,” said ADC Sandesh Sharma.

Local resident Sanjay Raina expressed his pride in the event, noting, “The Trishul Yatra is a symbol of our rich cultural heritage and spiritual unity. It is heartening to see so many people come together to celebrate our traditions and seek blessings for the journey ahead.”

The Buddha Amarnath Yatra is an annual pilgrimage to the ancient temple of Lord Shiva, attracting devotees from across the region. The Trishul Yatra not only marks the beginning of this sacred journey but also highlights the enduring traditions and communal spirit of Poonch.

As preparations continue for the main pilgrimage, the local community remains engaged in preserving and promoting the rich heritage and spiritual significance of this cherished event.

 

 

Gulmarg to Go Plastic-Free: Hoteliers Directed to Switch to Glass Bottles

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Gulmarg to Go Plastic-Free: Hoteliers Directed to Switch to Glass Bottles

Gulmarg, August 5: In a bid to maintain Gulmarg’s pristine natural environment, the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) has issued a directive mandating a shift from plastic to glass water bottles within all hotel premises in the resort town.

GDA’s Plastic-Free Initiative

The GDA’s circular, issued by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), emphasizes the importance of keeping the tourist hotspot free from plastic waste. “In furtherance of our collective responsibility to keep Gulmarg plastic-free, hoteliers are requested to refrain from using plastic water bottles within their hotels and replace them with glass bottles,” the circular stated.

Previous Green Initiatives

The GDA acknowledged the efforts of Gulmarg hoteliers in adopting green practices, including anti-polythene drives and eco-tourism conclaves. The new directive continues this momentum, with a clear expectation for full compliance within one month.

Collective Responsibility

The Tourism Development Authority highlighted Gulmarg’s status as an eco-fragile zone, underscoring the need for a joint effort in preserving its natural beauty. “In line with the efforts of the GDA, local municipality, and stakeholders to keep Gulmarg clean and plastic-free, it has become imperative to enforce a complete ban on plastic within Gulmarg,” the authority noted.

Implementation Timeline

Hoteliers are urged to implement the necessary changes swiftly to ensure a smooth transition to glass bottles. The GDA has set a deadline for the complete switch within one month to align with their environmental goals and maintain the region’s appeal as a pristine tourist destination.

Key Points:

Directive: Hoteliers must replace plastic water bottles with glass bottles.
Deadline: Full compliance required within one month.
Previous Efforts: Acknowledgement of past green initiatives by hoteliers.
Objective: To preserve Gulmarg’s pristine beauty and maintain it as a plastic-free zone.
This proactive step by the GDA is part of a broader commitment to environmental sustainability and reflects ongoing efforts to safeguard the ecological integrity of Gulmarg.

Jammu & Kashmir Government Introduces New Land Delineation Procedure

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Jammu & Kashmir Government Introduces New Land Delineation Procedure

The Jammu & Kashmir Government has unveiled a new procedure for delegating powers to delineate and demarcate lands categorized as Gair Mumkin Khad, Gair Mumkin Dariya, and Gair Mumkin Nallah in revenue records. This new policy, effective from August 2024, revises the February 2022 order and aligns with the Administrative Council’s decision of July 25, 2024.

The initiative aims to accurately segregate water-course khads (seasonal rainy-water nallahs) and non-water course lands through a scientific and legally robust approach.

Key Aspects of the New Procedure:

Committee Structure: Committees at the UT, Divisional, and District levels have been established to oversee delineation. The powers are delegated based on land size and type.

State Land: The Deputy Commissioner is authorized to delineate any size of State land in accordance with the February 2022 order and the State Water Policy (October 2017). This will be based on recommendations from the District Level Committee in consultation with the Chief Engineer of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department.

Private Land: For private land, the Deputy Commissioner can delineate up to 20 kanal per khasra, while the Divisional Level Committee can recommend changes for 200-500 kanals per khasra to the Divisional Commissioner. Lands exceeding 500 kanals per khasra will be reviewed by the UT level committee and then recommended to the Government/Financial Commissioner (Revenue).

Delineation Criteria: Khads are defined as areas with visible water flow or water signatures. This will be determined using methods such as ground truthing, satellite imagery, drone technology, LIDAR, or digital terrain modeling. Areas with active water flow will be classified as ‘water-flowing khads,’ and those without visible water flow as ‘non-water course land.’

Prohibited and Regulated Zones: Areas with water signatures will be classified as ‘Prohibited Zones’ and managed according to the Jammu and Kashmir State Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act 2010. Non-water-flowing areas adjacent to water-flowing zones may be designated as “regulated” or “buffer zones” to manage risks during heavy rainfall or natural disasters.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): The Divisional Level Committee will develop SOPs for the delineation process with guidance from domain experts such as the Survey of India, National Institute of Hydrology, or Indian Institutes of Technology.

Expert Agencies: The Divisional Commissioners are tasked with forming memorandums of understanding with expert agencies to ensure that the delineation adheres to legal and policy standards.

Implementation: The Revenue Department has instructed that all ongoing cases under the previous procedure should be re-evaluated and processed as per the new guidelines to ensure compliance with the Jammu and Kashmir State Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2010, and the State Water Policy 2017.

This updated procedure reflects the government’s commitment to scientifically manage land resources and ensure accuracy in land records.

Congress Urges Timely Elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Criticizes BJP’s Policies

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Congress Urges Timely Elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Criticizes BJP’s Policies

New Delhi, August 5: On Monday, the Congress party reiterated its demand for elections in Jammu and Kashmir to be conducted within the Supreme Court-set deadline. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the BJP’s approach to the region, alleging that it fails to respect ‘Kashmiriyat’ and does not uphold ‘Jamhuriyat’ (democracy).

Kharge’s statements were made on the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

In a post on social media platform X, Kharge asserted, “The BJP’s policy on Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh neither respects ‘Kashmiriyat’ nor upholds ‘Jamhuriyat’.” He underscored that the Congress is committed to ensuring that elections in the region are held as mandated by the Supreme Court, emphasizing the importance of restoring democratic processes and addressing the concerns of the people in the region.

The Congress’s call for timely elections reflects ongoing tensions and debates surrounding the political and administrative changes implemented in Jammu and Kashmir following the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019. The party’s stance is aimed at advocating for the democratic rights and representation of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir amid evolving political dynamics.

Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2024 Sees Over 50,000 Pilgrims as Arrangements Are in Full Swing

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Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2024 Sees Over 50,000 Pilgrims as Arrangements Are in Full Swing

The Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2024, which began on July 25, has successfully crossed the 50,000 mark in pilgrim attendance, with 8,535 devotees performing darshan at the Holy Shree Chandi Mata Mandir of Machail Paddar today.

This annual pilgrimage is one of the most prominent in the Jammu Division, ranking just behind the Katra Mata Vaishno Yatra in significance. The yatra has gained immense popularity, with over 200,000 pilgrims participating last year.

The holy mace (Chhari) procession is scheduled to depart from Jammu on August 17, following traditional routes and transit points. The weather at Machail Bhawan remains clear, ensuring a smooth experience for the devotees.

To facilitate a seamless pilgrimage experience, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, in collaboration with Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr. Devansh Yadav and local administration, is overseeing extensive arrangements. These include:

Langar Services: Meals are being provided by devotees near Bhawan Machail and along the route.
Accommodation: Lodging is available at the Yatri Bhawan Gulabgarh, Sapphire Guest House, various tent accommodations, and Yatri Sarai near Chandi Mata Bhawan, Machail.
Infrastructure Enhancements: Improvements have been made to roads, water supply, footpaths, sanitation, and security. New bridges and repairs to existing infrastructure are aimed at providing a safe and hassle-free experience despite challenging geography.
Transport: A new road up to Chashoti on the Gulabgarh to Machail axis has reduced the trekking distance to 3-4 hours. Chopper services are also available.
Online Registration: Pilgrims are encouraged to use the official Machail Yatra website https://shrimachailmatayatra.com for online registration and updated information on the yatra, including weather conditions and routes. Pilgrims are advised to carry their Aadhar cards and review the guidelines provided on the website.
With the footfall expected to exceed 300,000 this year, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr. Devansh Yadav has urged all yatris to adhere to the guidelines and utilize the available facilities for a safe and pleasant journey.

The administration remains committed to ensuring a seamless pilgrimage experience and addressing any queries through the official website.

Heavy Rains and Cloudbursts Cause Widespread Disruption Across India

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Heavy Rains and Cloudbursts Cause Widespread Disruption Across India

India is grappling with severe weather-related disruptions as heavy rains and cloudbursts impact several states.

Jammu and Kashmir: Cloudburst Disrupts Key Highway
In Jammu and Kashmir, a cloudburst in Ganderbal district caused the closure of the Srinagar-Leh national highway, isolating the Kashmir Valley from Ladakh and rendering the Baltal base camp for the Amarnath Yatra inaccessible. This sudden downpour triggered flash floods, damaging some buildings in the area.

Kerala and Himachal Pradesh: Rising Death Tolls
In Kerala, the death toll from last week’s landslides in Wayanad has risen to 221, with ongoing rescue operations. Authorities are working to recover bodies and have set up a mass grave for unidentified remains. In Himachal Pradesh, landslides have resulted in 13 deaths. Rescue efforts are underway with 410 rescuers involved, including personnel from the Army, NDRF, and other agencies. The number of missing persons stands at over 40.

Uttarakhand: Stranded Pilgrims Evacuated
In Uttarakhand, over 370 people, including pilgrims, stranded on the trek route to Kedarnath due to a cloudburst, have been evacuated. More than 10,000 people have been rescued from Kedarnath, Bhimbali, and Gaurikund. The trek route sustained extensive damage from a cloudburst near Junglechatti last Wednesday.

Maharashtra: Flooding and Water Discharge
Heavy rainfall and water discharge from the Khadakwasla dam have caused flooding in Pune. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed authorities to remain vigilant and assist with evacuations if necessary. The irrigation department reported the discharge of 35,000 cusecs of water from the dam. The Nashik district administration has issued alerts due to rising water levels in the Godavari river, which have increased flood risks.

Jharkhand and West Bengal: River Flooding
In Jharkhand, the water levels of the Kharkai and Swarnarekha rivers are rising due to heavy rains. The East Singhbhum district has issued an alert for low-lying areas. In West Bengal, the Damodar Valley Corporation released 1.2 lakh cusecs of water from the Panchet and Maithon dams following heavy rains upstream. Several districts in south Bengal have been impacted.

Himachal Pradesh: Ongoing Rescue Operations
The rescue operations in Himachal Pradesh are ongoing after a series of cloudbursts caused widespread damage. A total of 87 roads are still closed, and intermittent rains continue to affect the region. The local meteorological office has forecasted heavy showers, thunderstorms, and lightning through August 8.

Weather Warnings
The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall in eastern, northeastern, and northern parts of India. Isolated places in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh are also expected to experience thunderstorms and lightning.

The severe weather events across India have caused significant disruption, with continued efforts to manage the impact and ensure the safety of affected populations.

Nine Kanwar Yatra Pilgrims Electrocuted in Bihar, Three Injured

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Nine Kanwar Yatra Pilgrims Electrocuted in Bihar, Three Injured

Hajipur, August 5, 2024: Tragedy struck during the Kanwar Yatra in Bihar’s Vaishali district as nine pilgrims were electrocuted and three others sustained injuries after coming into contact with a high-tension overhead wire.

The incident occurred in Sultanpur village, under the jurisdiction of the Industrial police station, on the night between Sunday and Monday. Rambabu Baitha, the Sub-divisional Officer of Hajipur, reported that the pilgrims were en route to Baba Harihar Nath Temple in Sonepur for Jalabhishekh when the high-tension wire fell onto their vehicle.

Baitha confirmed, “Nine pilgrims (kanwariyas) died and three sustained severe injuries when a high-tension overhead wire fell on their vehicle.” The injured have been admitted to a hospital, where their condition is reported to be stable.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and an investigation into the incident is underway.

India’s Mixed Bag at Paris Olympics: Hockey Team Shines While Other Events Fall Short

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India’s Mixed Bag at Paris Olympics: Hockey Team Shines While Other Events Fall Short

The Indian contingent at the Paris Games experienced a day of highs and lows. The hockey team delivered a standout performance, securing a spot in the Olympic semifinals for the second consecutive edition, but other sports saw mixed results, with no new medals added to the tally.

Hockey Team Makes Semifinals with Resilient Performance
The Indian hockey team produced one of its most resolute performances in recent memory, reaching the Olympic semifinals for the second successive edition. Despite a challenging match, especially after key defender Amit Rohidas received a red card for an unintentional foul, the team held off Britain to a 1-1 draw, forcing a shootout. Veteran goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh played a crucial role, making decisive saves in both regulation time and the shootout. His performance, earning him the moniker “The Great Wall of India,” helped India clinch a 4-2 shootout victory, securing their place in the last four.

Head coach Craig Fulton praised the team’s spirit, stating, “When our backs are against the wall, we’re all roped in. We’re all in this together.”

Boxing Campaign Ends in Disappointment
India’s boxing campaign concluded without a medal. Lovlina Borgohain, who had won a bronze in the welterweight (69kg) category at the Tokyo Games, was eliminated after a quarterfinal loss to Chinese boxer Li Qian in the women’s middleweight (75kg) category. Borgohain, the reigning world champion, lost 1-4 in a closely contested bout marked by frequent cautions for clinching and holding.

Nishant Dev also exited in the men’s 71kg quarterfinals in a tight contest. With a six-strong boxing contingent, including four women and two men, the team’s performance fell short, with four boxers crashing out in the preliminary stages.

Lakshya Sen Falls Short in Gold Bid
Lakshya Sen’s quest for an Olympic gold in badminton was thwarted as he lost to defending champion Viktor Axelsen in the men’s singles semifinals. Sen, who had a notable 22-year-old career start and was a world championships bronze medalist, fell 20-22, 14-21 in a 54-minute match. Despite this setback, Sen still has a chance to secure a bronze medal if he can overcome Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the playoff on Monday evening.

Shooting Events Yield No Finals Qualification
Indian shooters Vijayveer Sidhu and Anish Bhanwala put in strong performances in the qualifications for the 25m rapid fire men’s pistol event but did not make it to the final. Sidhu and Bhanwala shot scores of 92 and 93, respectively, in the final stages, finishing ninth and 13th. In the women’s skeet competition, Maheshwari Chauhan and Raiza Dhillon also fell short of final qualification, ending in 14th and 23rd places, respectively.

Athletics Competition Disappoints
India’s athletics contingent continued to struggle. Parul Chaudhary, the national record holder, finished eighth in her heat for the women’s 3000m steeplechase and 21st overall. Jeswin Aldrin also failed to advance in the men’s long jump, finishing 13th in Group B and 26th overall after fouling his initial attempts and jumping 7.61m in his final attempt.

Overall Standings
With no new medals added to the tally today, India slipped to 53rd in the overall standings, maintaining three bronze medals secured in shooting events. The hockey team’s success offers a glimmer of hope, while other disciplines will need to regroup and refocus as the Games continue.

 

 

BJP Leader Tarun Chugh Criticizes Congress and Regional Parties Over J&K Crisis

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BJP Leader Tarun Chugh Criticizes Congress and Regional Parties Over J&K Crisis

Akhnor, August 5, 2024: In a series of meetings held in the Akhnoor region today, Tarun Chugh, the National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), launched a scathing critique of the Congress party and regional political parties, accusing them of exacerbating the crisis in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

Chugh asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for J&K is one of peace and development, contrasting this with what he described as the Congress and the regional parties’ deliberate attempts to mislead the public and stir anti-national sentiments. He particularly targeted the Abdullahs and Muftis, accusing them of undermining the region’s progress.

Highlighting the upcoming Assembly elections, Chugh urged BJP workers to prepare for a decisive electoral battle. He emphasized that the focus should be on defeating forces he described as anti-national, to ensure that the benefits of the Modi Government’s policies and development initiatives reach every resident of J&K.

In addition to Chugh’s address, former Minister Rajiv Jasrotia spoke at the “BJYM Sammelan” in the Bani Assembly constituency. Meanwhile, DDC Ramban and Seh Prabhari of Doda, Rakesh Thakur, addressed the “BJYM Sammelan” in the Banihal Assembly constituency. Both events underscored the BJP’s commitment to mobilizing support and reinforcing their message of development and national unity in the region.

The BJP’s ongoing campaign in J&K highlights their strategic focus on consolidating their base ahead of the Assembly elections, as they seek to solidify their position in a region that has been a focal point of political contention.

 

 

Shimla, August 3: Rescue Operations Intensify for Missing Persons After Himachal Cloudbursts

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Shimla, August 3: Rescue Operations Intensify for Missing Persons After Himachal Cloudbursts

Shimla – Rescue efforts to locate approximately 45 individuals missing after a series of devastating cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh have resumed as of Saturday. Despite significant efforts, no new breakthroughs have been reported in the search for the missing persons.

A comprehensive operation involving 410 personnel from various agencies, including the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), as well as local police and home guards, is currently underway. The search is being supported by drones to aid in covering the affected areas.

Incident Overview:

Affected Areas: The cloudbursts struck multiple locations including Nirmand, Sainj, and Malana in Kullu district, Padhar in Mandi, and Rampur subdivision in Shimla on Wednesday night.
Fatalities: Eight individuals have been confirmed dead due to the flash floods caused by these cloudbursts.
Stranded Individuals: Approximately 300 people stranded near Shrikhand Mahadev in Kullu have been reported safe. Additionally, around 25 tourists at Malana are being assisted by local residents.
Relief Efforts:

Immediate Assistance: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who visited Samej village in Rampur where over 30 people remain unaccounted for, has announced immediate relief measures. The victims will receive Rs 50,000 in immediate aid, and a monthly rental assistance of Rs 5,000 for the next three months. They will also be provided with gas, food, and other essential items.
Current Situation:

Search and Rescue: Despite extensive efforts by the rescue teams, there have been no new developments in locating the missing individuals. The operation continues to focus on searching through the debris and affected areas.
Authorities remain committed to the search and are urging residents to cooperate with the ongoing efforts. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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