#JAMMU: The J&K Sports Council held preliminary discussion with the visiting organizing committee team of Legends Cricket League headed by former international cricketer, Nikhil Chopra along with the Delhi Cricket Association’s (BCCI) pitch curator, Ankit Dutta.

Briefing about the venture, Secretary Youth Services and Sports (YSS ), Sarmad Hafeez, said that a meeting of the organizing committee and Sports Council team was held in Jammu to work out modalities for conduct of some of the matches of renowned Legends Cricket League in November at Moulana Azad Cricket Stadium, Jammu.

Secretary said that the matches are expected to feature former renowned cricketers like Chris Gayle, Virender Sehwag, Aron Finch, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Harbhajan Singh besides others.

Divulging further on the details, Sarmad Hafeez informed that following the preliminary discussion the Legends Cricket league team had a tour of the stadium. They assessed the existing facilities at the venue and expressed satisfaction over the arrangements put in place with a suggestion to make certain minor amends, wherever required.

Earlier, the visiting team was received by J&K Sports Council including Ranjit Kalra, Member Sports Council; Mohammad Hanief, Chief Sports Officer Sports Council; Baljinder Pal Singh, in charge of Divisional Sports Officer (J), and Manager M. A Stadium, Naveen Sharma along with other officials.

During the preliminary interaction, Ranjeet Kalra briefed the organizing committee about the history of sports in J&K. He elaborated how the administration has gone the extra yard in successful conduct of National and International events during past few years.

The team inspected the turf wicket and requested that the venue may be handed over to them as early as possible enabling them to prepare the wicket properly as many former international players are participating in the event.

The floodlights were also switched on to check the intensity and the LUX power for any possible gradation, if required, for proper focusing of light during the hours of play.

The team also visited the player’s dressing rooms, VIP lounge, third umpire rooms and commentator’s box and took stock of the minor changes and repairs required for the mega event including shower area, steam bath and ice bath chambers.

Nikhil Chopra, while speaking on the occasion, said that the chief curator shall visit the venue again at the end of this week to estimate the exact time required for preparation of the wickets and outfield. He also requested that during the preparatory time, the premises may not be allotted for any other activity keeping in view the magnitude of the event and the associated works required to make ground fully fit for the international event.

Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull, said the checklist for smooth conduct of the event is being prepared and if all goes well, the M A Stadium may become a regular feature for international and national cricket events in future, she added.

#KATRA: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu today visited the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji and paid obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum. She prayed for the prosperity and well-being of fellow citizens.

She was accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. This is the first visit of  Droupadi Murmu as President to the Holy Shrine. On arrival at the Panchhi Helipad, the President was received by Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

The President inaugurated various state-of-the-art pilgrim-centric facilities at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. These included 250-meter long and 2.5 mtr. wide Skywalk project at an elevation of 20 feet above the existing track which has been constructed in record 14 months time at a cost of Rs 15.69 crore with an aim to overcome the problem of multidirectional flow of yatra. The Skywalk is laced with most modernized facilities like the wooden flooring as a preventive measure for devotees’ comfort in harsh weather conditions, a waiting hall, seating arrangements for about 150 pilgrims, LED screens, resting rooms and two emergency exits.

The pedestrian flyover (Skywalk) has an aesthetically designed entrance with an artistically embellished portray of Nav Durga to give an enriched experience for devotees. After its commencement, now entry and exit routes leading to the sanctum sanctorum have been separated to ensure systematic and smooth movement of yatra.

Besides, the President inaugurated Remodeled Parvati Bhawan which included 1,500 digital lockers, waiting lounge, washrooms and toilets for the devotees. The aim of consolidating multiple facilities under one roof is to curtail the crisscross movement of devotees seeking locker facilities and bathing spaces in the Bhawan area and channelize the devotees towards the Skywalk. The retrofitted Parvati Bhawan is a free-of-cost facility that shall able to facilitate around 10,000 pilgrims per day. The inaugural ceremonies commenced with hawan and pooja rituals.

The President complimented the efforts being initiated by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board under the Chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha towards facilitating the journey and holy Darshans of the pilgrims.

While on return, the President also visited the Bhairon Temple via Passenger Ropeway and paid obeisance.

Meanwhile, the Lt Governor, who is also the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board apprised the President about the initiatives being taken by the Shrine Board for upgrading and expansion of the infrastructure to facilitate pilgrims to the Holy Shrine. These initiatives are aimed at making the yatra more convenient and memorable for pilgrims which is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the Board.

#SAMBA: In a significant step towards providing housing to the landless, District Development Council Chairman, Keshav Dutt Sharma and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Abhishek Sharma today handed over land allotment orders to 11 landless beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G).

This step follows the decision taken by the Administrative Council headed by Lieutenant Governor (LG) and consequent order issued by the Revenue Department, paving the way for the allotment of five marla (125 square yards) of state land to the eligible beneficiaries on lease basis.

The event took place at the DC office complex in Samba and was attended by DDC Vice Chairperson Balwan Singh, DDC members, ADDC, Rajinder Singh; ADC, Suresh Sharma; ACD Siddharth Dhiman; SDM Vijaypur, Rajesh Kumar, SDM Ghagwal Sunaina Saini besides others.

The allocation of land is part of the government’s efforts to address housing needs of the landless population. The selection of the beneficiaries has been done from the Permanent Wait List of 2018-19.

The chairperson extended his gratitude to all the officers involved in the process of allotment and acknowledged the positive impact it will have on the lives of the beneficiaries.

JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta on his visit to the Jambu Zoo at Nagrota reviewed the facilities being provided to the visitors there besides overall functioning of Zoological Park thrown open for public last year.

While making his observations, the Chief Secretary made out that the footfall to this facility needs to be improved in view of the attractions available here. He observed that the school children and other nature lovers could also be imparted with awareness about animals, their behavior and salient features related to them.

Dr Mehta also maintained that the footfall to the Zoo could also be increased by making visitors coming to the city aware about its features and location. He noted that there is no advertisement before the Zoo to attract the onlookers.

He impressed upon the authorities that in order to make the tourists aware about this attraction, big permanent hoardings at Airport, Railway Station and enroute should be installed for attracting attention of visitors. He also advised that lakhs of pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine needs to be encouraged to stop by for refreshments here as the Zoo falls on their route to the cave shrine.

Dr Mehta also took note of the closed cafeteria and Nature Interpretation Centre in the campus. He called for making both these facilities functional forthwith so that people coming to the Zoo find it all inclusive and informative. He also told them to make available the traditional foods of Jammu in the Cafeteria including those made from Millets as these are healthy and in demand all over the nation.

The Chief Secretary while visiting different animal enclosures complimented the staff for keeping all the animals in a good shape. He asked them to take care of all these animals to keep them healthy and lively. Regarding other interventions he suggested that the Tiger can be brought in easily by 15th and Lion by 25th of October vey easily. He remarked that such animals are liked by most of the people and would allure most of the visitors including children. He enjoined upon them to think about bringing in Hippopotamus as an added attraction to the Zoological Park.

The Chief Secretary also remarked that given the hot weather of Jammu in Summer season, the authorities should envisage keeping the Zoo open for public in morning and evening hours too. He enjoined upon them to think in terms of opening the Zoo from 7.00-10.00 am in the morning and 5.00-9.00 pm during hot weather days so that people have some cool place to visit to during this weather.

He also took note of some sinking portions of land there. He directed for roping in the concerned experts for its careful study and suggesting some low cost remedial measures to address this issue at an earliest.

Those who accompanied him on the occasion includes Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF); Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Deputy Commissioner, Jammu; Chief Wild Life Warden; Zoo Manager besides other concerned officers of the Department.

#JAMMU: The Directorate of Tourism Jammu and SKAT (Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team) team of the Indian Air Force today extended a warm and enthusiastic invitation to the public for grand Air Show and awareness camp being held at Air Force Station Jammu on September 22.

Speaking at a well attended press Conference, the organizers invited everyone to be part of the extraordinary event that promises a symphony of excitement and adventure like never before.

This prestigious press conference was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Director of Tourism Jammu, Vivekanand Raj; Lt. Colonel, Suneel Bartwal PRO (Defence), Joint Director Tourism, Sunaina Sharma Mehta and Indian Air Force Officers from the Surya Kiran Aerobatic team.

This event promises to be an exuberant celebration of thrills and adventure that you absolutely cannot afford to miss, they said.

It was informed that the Directorate of Tourism Jammu will set up an informative publicity stall at the venue, providing an opportunity for attendees to gather insights about upcoming tourism activities, enticing destinations, and promising opportunities.

Vivekanand Rai, Director of Tourism Jammu, extended a personal invitation to the public, promising that this event will be nothing short of spectacular. He informed that the Air show and awareness camp is a joint collaboration of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and Air Force Station Jammu, wherein the Hon’ble LG J&K, Sh. Manoj Sinha, will be the chief guest of the event. He also adds a friendly reminder that carry bags and other eatables are not allowed within the event premises.

Sunaina Sharma Mehta, Joint Director of Tourism, informed that the live streaming will take place on September 22, on all our social media handles: @Facebook: @jammutourismofficial, Instagram/Twitter @jammutourism, YouTube: @jammutourismofficial273. She further informed that public access to the event on September 22 will be through the Peer Baba gate.

Speaking at the press conference, Wing Commander Kartik, Squadron Leader Himanshu Singh, Squadron Leader Allen George, and Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandu from the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) shared captivating insights.

They revealed that this remarkable nine-aircraft team, unique in Asia, has executed an astounding 600 displays. Additionally, they emphasized that the event will feature the Akash Ganga skydiving team, the Air Warrior Drill Team, the Mi-17 1V helicopter operations, and the outstanding SKAT team operations. The Suryakiran Aerobatic team, popularly known as SKAT, inherits the motto “Sadhaiva Sarvottam” with ease, aptly describing the adage “Always the Best”. This spectacular showcase aims to raise awareness about aviation.

This event is not just a showcase of extraordinary talent but also an opportunity for the public to witness the dedication and excellence of the Indian Air Force. It’s an invitation to be inspired and to consider a future in the defense and air force sectors for the youth.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the foundation day of J&K Shri Kashi Vidwat Parishad, Jammu, today.

In his address, the Lt Governor congratulated all the members of the association for their dedicated endeavors to promote ancient values, glorious and rich composite culture, promotion and development of Sanskrit to enrich the knowledge system.

“India has always been considered as a living guide and a vibrant energy field which gave the message of one world, one family and vision to respect all religions, sects and spiritual streams. Ideals of humanism, communal harmony and peace are core of our ancient values,” the Lt Governor said.

He said the welfare of the world was the prime objective of our sages, saints and mystics. They devoted their entire life to awaken the conscience of the people, foster social reforms and provided a treasure of knowledge in mathematics, chemistry, medicine, literature & arts and enriched the world, he added.

“Sanskrit is the source of ideals and values of our great civilization and it has the potential to provide solutions to modern-day challenges, such as Atharvaveda’s teaching on ecological balance, protecting the environment, living in harmony with nature,” the Lt Governor said.

He called upon the J&K Shri Kashi Vidwat Parishad, various organizations and individuals to further strengthen their efforts for the promotion of Sanskrit and ancient values.

He said the ancient India was far ahead in comparison to rest of the world in technology and research.

“Amrit Kaal is the period of India’s cultural renaissance. Entire World is watching us. Every citizen must feel proud to be part of this journey and each one of us has equal opportunity to contribute so that our great country can regain its old glory of ‘Vishwa Guru’,” the Lt Governor said.

Responding to demands projected by the various dignitaries present on the occasion, the Lt Governor assured that all the Sanskrit vacant posts will be filled within one year. It is being ensured that National Education Policy is implemented in letter and spirit, and Indian Philosophy is taught in every university, he added.

On the establishment of Sharda University in J&K, the Lt Governor called for preparing a feasible and viable roadmap for the University and assured all the necessary support in this endeavour.

Citizens from different walks of life were felicitated on the occasion for their significant contribution in diverse fields.

#SRINAGAR: A delegation of PM package employees called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha here at Raj Bhawan today.

The delegation expressed their gratitude to the Lt Governor for the various welfare initiatives taken by UT administration for the employees of minority communities working in the valley.

UDHAMPUR: Acting on specific information, a forest department team with the assistance of Police seized a huge quantity of MFP Guchhi (Morchella esculenta) from a vehicle bearing registration 8157/JK02C.

During the preliminary inspection, it was discovered that one person namely Ramjeet of Thana Desa is transporting 307.00 Kgs. (approx.) of MFP Guchhi from District Doda without any valid documents, which was later on seized along with the vehicle by the department.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Divisional Forest Officer Udhampur,   Rushal Garg and the team was led by   Range Officer Udhampur,   Mahesh Abrol.

As per the Department, the J&K’s Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Policy 2022 is a reform towards the sustainable collection & utilization of NTFPs. This policy democratises and decentralises the process of sustainable collection. It also emphasises on fair price discovery and fair price realization to the local collectors. The traders have been urged to register their NTFP depots under this new NTFP policy to avoid legal action.