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Hero Realty Expands to Greater Noida, Acquires Land for Development

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Hero Realty has expanded its footprint into the Greater Noida real estate market with the acquisition of an 18,215 square meter land parcel in Sector MU. The land was secured through an auction conducted by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority, signaling the company’s strategic move into a rapidly developing region within the National Capital Region (NCR).

Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the newly acquired site is strategically positioned along a 60-meter-wide road, offering excellent connectivity to the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway. This advantageous location also provides easy access to key institutional hubs and is in close proximity to the operational Jewar airport. The proximity to the international airport is anticipated to significantly enhance the project’s long-term investment appeal, aligning with a growing trend of urban development driven by airport infrastructure.

Rohit Kishore, the Chief Executive Officer of Hero Realty, commented on the acquisition, stating that the move comes at a crucial juncture. He highlighted that the Noida International Airport is poised to redefine the growth trajectory of the region. Kishore emphasized that the airport’s development is expected to serve as a significant catalyst for improved connectivity, increased economic activity, and a subsequent appreciation in property values, thereby positioning Greater Noida as an attractive destination for both prospective homebuyers and astute investors.

The Greater Noida region has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, driven by planned infrastructure development and the establishment of various industries and educational institutions. This has led to an increased demand for residential and commercial properties. The entry of established developers like Hero Realty into this market underscores the region’s potential and its evolving status as a key real estate hotspot within the NCR.

The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has been actively promoting investment in the region through various initiatives, including land auctions and streamlining approval processes. The authority’s efforts aim to attract developers and businesses, fostering economic development and creating employment opportunities. The acquisition by Hero Realty is seen as a positive development for the region, potentially leading to new housing projects and further enhancing the local real estate landscape.

The strategic acquisition by Hero Realty is expected to contribute to the development of modern residential and commercial spaces, catering to the growing population and business needs in Greater Noida. The company’s plans for the acquired land parcel are likely to be revealed in the coming months, with expectations of a project that leverages the region’s growth potential and the infrastructural advancements, particularly the Noida International Airport.

The Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar Airport, is a greenfield project that aims to enhance air connectivity for Delhi and the NCR. Its development is expected to spur ancillary development, including logistics hubs, commercial centers, and residential areas, transforming the economic and social landscape of the surrounding regions. Hero Realty’s investment in close proximity to the airport aligns with this vision, positioning the company to capitalize on the anticipated growth.

The real estate sector in India, particularly in key urban and peri-urban areas like Greater Noida, continues to be a significant contributor to economic activity. Developers are increasingly focusing on locations that offer robust infrastructure, good connectivity, and future growth potential. Hero Realty’s latest acquisition is in line with this market trend, reflecting confidence in the long-term prospects of the Greater Noida real estate market.

Delhi Police Bust Drug Supply Network, Arrest Medical Store Owner

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New Delhi: Authorities in outer Delhi have dismantled a significant drug supply network with the arrest of a medical store owner. The individual, identified as Tushar Malhotra, a resident of Motia Khan, was taken into custody following a raid in Paharganj on April 2.

Information was available with The Chenab Times that the operation stemmed from a case initially registered at the Nihal Vihar police station on March 26. In that preceding action, three individuals were arrested with contraband, including codeine syrup and buprenorphine tablets. During subsequent interrogation, one of the accused provided crucial details regarding the source of the illicit supplies.

Acting upon this intelligence, a joint operation was launched by police personnel and drug inspector officials. The team raided Malhotra’s medical store, where they discovered a substantial quantity of codeine-based cough syrup and psychotropic capsules. Officials stated that Malhotra was unable to produce valid purchase records for the seized medications, leading to his apprehension.

The recovered items included 60 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup and 296 Tramadol capsules. Police have indicated that further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals potentially involved in the wider network.

The seizure highlights concerns over the misuse of prescription drugs. Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of codeine-based cough syrups, particularly those containing chlorpheniramine maleate, are subject to strict regulations, including bans on their manufacture and sale in India by the Central government. These restrictions are attributed to their high potential for addiction and a lack of proven safety profiles for widespread public access.

Codeine is classified as an opioid drug, derived from the opium poppy. It functions by acting on the brain’s cough-control center, effectively reducing the urge to cough. Its primary medical application is for the suppression of severe, persistent coughs. Additionally, codeine is recognized for its mild pain-relieving properties. However, due to its chemical composition, codeine is converted into morphine within the human body. This conversion can lead to side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, and nausea. In certain individuals, particularly children or when consumed in high doses, it can also result in slowed breathing.

The investigation is continuing to trace the origins and distribution channels of the illegal substances.

Punjab: GNDU Students’ Viral Video Sparks Debate Over ‘Punjab 95’ Film Delay

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A recent viral video featuring students from Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar has ignited a discussion surrounding the prolonged delay in the release of the film ‘Punjab 95,’ a project fronted by actor Diljit Dosanjh.

Information was available with The Chenab Times that the eight-minute dance choreography, performed by students from the Department of Engineering and Technology during the university’s inter-department fest ‘Jashan,’ has garnered significant attention for its implicit critique of the film’s censorship. The students’ performance directly questions the reasons behind the continued hold-up of the movie, which is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.

Student Performance Questions Film’s Stalled Release

The choreography commenced with a symbolic portrayal of a young girl holding ashes, seeking answers from her grandmother about the fate of her grandfather from years past. Through the performance, the students revisited the painful era of extrajudicial killings and disappearances that marked Punjab during the insurgency and counter-insurgency operations in the 1980s and 1990s. The act, which has been stalled for over two years, was conceived and directed by Gulzar Singh, a student from GNDU’s Music Department, and Bacchanpal Singh, a university alumnus and theatre artist.

Gulzar Singh stated that the intention behind the performance was not to provoke political reactions but to question the rationale behind delaying a film that delves into a significant and factually documented period of Punjab’s history. Karanbir Singh, a BTech Computer Science student who participated in the enactment, echoed this sentiment, explaining that the act aimed to encourage young Punjabis to voice their opposition to all forms of oppression.

“A film about Jaswant Singh Khalra, who is widely known for standing against extrajudicial killings at the time, must be released. Let people watch the story and decide what is wrong in it,” Karanbir Singh commented. He added that labeling individuals who support the film’s release as ‘Khalistani’ or ‘separatist’ is unjust. Gulzar Singh further emphasized the desire to avoid any provocative messaging, contrasting the situation with films like ‘Dhurandhar’ which achieve commercial success with music by prominent Punjabi artists. He argued that ‘Punjab 95’ also represents Punjab’s narrative, featuring Diljit Dosanjh, a globally recognized Punjabi artist, and that the public deserves to know this story.

Background of Jaswant Singh Khalra

Jaswant Singh Khalra was a prominent Sikh human rights activist who played a crucial role in exposing approximately 25,000 extrajudicial killings that occurred during Punjab’s anti-insurgency period. His investigations led to the prosecution and conviction of several high-ranking Punjab Police officials. The film ‘Punjab 95’ aims to document Khalra’s research, his findings, and the circumstances surrounding his abduction and death while he was investigating police brutality.

The film features Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role of Jaswant Singh Khalra, with Honey Trehan serving as the director. The controversy surrounding its release has brought renewed attention to the sensitive historical events it portrays and the complexities of historical narratives in contemporary Punjab. The viral video by GNDU students has amplified calls for transparency and timely release of films that shed light on important, yet often contested, chapters of the state’s past.

Delhi MC Clears Over 300 Tonnes of Legacy Waste in Daya Basti

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The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda meeting the Mayor of South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), Shri Subhash Arya and the Mayor of East Delhi Municipal Corporation (E…
The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda meeting the Mayor of South Delhi … — Ministry of Health and Family Welfare / GODL-India

The Delhi Municipal Corporation (MC) has successfully cleared approximately 300 metric tonnes of legacy waste from the Daya Basti area, situated along the railway tracks in the Karol Bagh Zone. The intensive, late-night sanitation drive aimed to address accumulated waste and improve the cleanliness of the locality.

Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the operation was conducted under the direct supervision of Dilkhush Meena, Deputy Commissioner of the Karol Bagh Zone. Meena was present on-site to oversee the proceedings and ensure the efficient and timely completion of the clearance work. The Railway Department provided crucial support for the initiative, facilitating a coordinated effort between the municipal authorities and the railway administration.

Following the main clearance operation, a subsequent cleanliness drive was initiated the following morning. This extended effort commenced from the New Delhi Railway Station, specifically the Paharganj Gate side, and covered vital routes including those leading to Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and Sheela Cinema. Sanitation teams meticulously removed waste along these stretches, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining a clean environment in the area.

Dilkhush Meena, the Deputy Commissioner, emphasized the importance of inter-departmental cooperation in sustaining cleanliness. He stated that collaborative efforts between various departments would be instrumental in ensuring that these areas remain free from waste and litter on a continuous basis. The initiative highlights the municipal corporation’s focus on tackling long-standing waste management issues through targeted drives.

Legacy waste refers to accumulated garbage that has been dumped over long periods, often in specific areas like railway tracks or undeveloped land, posing environmental and health hazards. The clearance of such waste typically requires specialized machinery and a systematic approach to ensure complete removal and proper disposal. The Daya Basti operation is part of a broader effort by the Delhi Municipal Corporation to address such challenges across the city.

The Karol Bagh Zone is one of the administrative divisions within the municipal corporation responsible for sanitation, infrastructure, and civic services in its designated areas. The Deputy Commissioner plays a key role in planning and executing these essential services. The coordinated effort with the Railway Department underscores the complex nature of waste management in urban environments, often requiring collaboration across different governmental and public sector entities.

The Delhi Municipal Corporation, formed by the merger of the three erstwhile corporations of Delhi, is tasked with providing essential municipal services to the residents of the National Capital Territory. Its responsibilities include waste management, public health, sanitation, road maintenance, and public works. The clearance of legacy waste is a significant component of its sanitation mandate, aimed at improving the overall aesthetic and hygienic conditions of the city.

The successful clearance of 300 metric tonnes of waste signifies a substantial achievement in addressing the accumulation of garbage along the railway lines. Such drives are crucial for preventing potential issues such as fires, rodent infestations, and the spread of diseases. The continued monitoring and follow-up actions by the sanitation teams are vital to prevent the recurrence of waste accumulation and maintain the positive impact of the clearance drive.

The cooperation extended by the Railway Department was a critical factor in the success of the operation. Railway tracks are often susceptible to waste dumping due to their proximity to public spaces and infrastructure. Working closely with railway authorities allows municipal bodies to effectively tackle these specific challenges and ensure the safety and cleanliness of railway perimeters.

This drive in Daya Basti reflects a proactive approach by the Delhi Municipal Corporation to enhance urban cleanliness and public health. Such operations, when executed efficiently and with inter-agency collaboration, contribute significantly to the quality of life for city residents and the overall environmental well-being of the capital.

Jammu Region Faces Multiple Power Shutdowns in Early April

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Jammu, April 4: Residents and industries across various parts of the Jammu region are scheduled to experience significant power disruptions throughout the first week of April due to maintenance and repair work undertaken by the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL). Multiple areas will face outages on specific dates, impacting daily life and industrial operations.

According to details received by The Chenab Times, the Chief Engineer (Distribution) of JPDCL Jammu has issued notices detailing the planned shutdowns. These disruptions are part of routine operational requirements to ensure the stability and efficiency of the power grid.

Areas including Pouni, Dadua, Bharakh, Talwara, Shiv Khori Ransoo, and Laiter, along with adjoining localities, are slated for power interruptions on April 5 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Simultaneously, the power supply to Arnas, Sarh Bagga, Panassa, Dharmari, Chinka, Gulabgarh, Chassana Baddhar Mahore, and adjacent areas will be affected on the same day, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Further disruptions are anticipated in the Devik, Jakhani, Dairy Farm, Army Installation, and Pathi areas, including neighboring regions, on April 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Industrial consumers in EPIP Kartholi Industries and Bari-Brahmana Industry will also experience outages on April 5 between 8 a.m. and 12 noon.

Other affected vicinities on April 5 include Smailpur, Rahya, Gurah, Utterbani, Mandal, Central University, and surrounding areas, which will face shutdowns from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shutdowns extend into the weekend, with Gharota, Rajan, Gaur, Thathi, Chak Singha, Shoa, Jandial, Sueke, Chak Bhalwal, PHE, GCET College, Sari Marjali, and adjoining areas scheduled for interruptions on April 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Looking ahead to April 7, Rajinder Nagar, Paloura, EWS Colony, Roop Nagar, PHE Feeder, Lower Muthi, and JDA Flats, along with nearby vicinities, will be without power from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, Sarthal and its surrounding areas are also scheduled for power outages on April 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In the Kathua district, the Superintending Engineer (Distribution), O&M Circle Kathua, has informed about planned power supply interruptions for Samba-I, PHE Installations, and adjoining areas on April 5 and April 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, Ward No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 17, 18, Radio Station, and surrounding areas in Kathua will face outages on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Separately, the Executive Engineer, Electric Division-I, Parade JPDCL Jammu, has notified that several key commercial and residential areas within Jammu city will experience prolonged power disruptions. Patel Bazar, Mandir Right, Link Road, Dhakki Siraja, Near Central Basic School, Peer Mitha, Gali Pada, Mandir Wali Gali, Fattu Chougan, Dhakki Malhotra Gali, Jain Bazar, Khilone Wali Gali, and Afgan Mohalla will be affected daily from April 5 to April 30, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

These scheduled shutdowns are essential for carrying out necessary maintenance, upgrades, and repairs on the electrical infrastructure to ensure a reliable power supply in the long term.

Punjab Teenager Critically Injured After Falling from Moving Bus in Sahnewal

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Accident news
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A 15-year-old girl sustained severe head injuries after she fell from a moving private bus in Sahnewal, Ludhiana, while returning home from a computer course. The incident occurred near her village, Umaidpur, on Tuesday.

Information was available with The Chenab Times that a case has been registered at the Sahnewal police station against the owner of the bus based on a complaint filed by the victim’s father. The bus involved in the incident has been impounded by the police, and authorities are actively searching for its owner and driver.

The injured teenager, identified as Kamaljeet, was travelling from Sahnewal towards Umaidpur in a private bus operated by Grewal Company, bearing registration number PB 10 F V 7081. According to the police, the girl was standing near the bus door when the driver, reportedly driving rashly, applied sudden brakes. This abrupt action caused Kamaljeet to lose her balance and fall onto the road, resulting in a critical head injury.

Gurmit Singh, the victim’s father, who was at the Umaidpur bus stand to receive his daughter, was alerted to the incident. He immediately rushed her to the Civil Hospital in Sahnewal. From there, she was referred to a private hospital in Ludhiana for further treatment, where her condition is currently stated to be serious.

In a statement, Gurmit Singh expressed deep distress over his daughter’s medical condition and his financial inability to cover the treatment costs. He mentioned that he had supported his daughter’s education until her senior secondary examinations with great difficulty and now finds himself penniless, unable to afford the expenses of private hospital care.

A case has been lodged against the bus owner, identified as Pritpal Singh of Pohir village, under Sections 125(A) and 125(B) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigating officer, Dharampal, confirmed that the bus has been impounded and efforts are underway to apprehend the driver and the owner. He reiterated that the driver’s alleged rash driving led to the accident, and a thorough investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Pune Municipal Corporation Area Collects Record Service Tax Revenue

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The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has achieved a significant milestone in its service tax collection, registering a record amount of ₹1.1 crore from a slum development area. This collection surpasses previous records and highlights a successful revenue generation initiative in an often-underserved urban sector.

Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), which manages a large urban agglomeration adjacent to Pune, has reported this unprecedented collection. The revenue was generated from property tax and other service charges levied on residential properties within a designated slum rehabilitation zone.

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) operates under the jurisdiction of the Maharashtra state government and is responsible for urban planning, infrastructure development, and civic amenities for a rapidly growing population. The corporation has been implementing various strategies to enhance its revenue streams to fund essential services and development projects across its vast area.

The collected service tax revenue of ₹1.1 crore is particularly noteworthy as it originates from an area typically characterized by lower-income households and informal settlements. Officials from the PCMC’s tax department attributed the success to a more streamlined tax assessment and collection process, coupled with increased awareness among residents regarding their civic responsibilities and the benefits derived from property tax contributions.

The enhanced collection is also understood to be a result of updated property records and a more accurate valuation of properties within the slum area. This initiative aims to bring more of the informal economy into the formal tax net, thereby increasing the municipal corporation’s financial capacity. The revenue generated will be crucial for providing and improving basic amenities such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, and road infrastructure within these communities.

Urban local bodies across India often face challenges in maximizing tax collection, especially from economically weaker sections. However, the PCMC’s achievement suggests that with targeted efforts and improved administrative processes, significant revenue can be mobilized even from these areas. This success story could serve as a model for other municipal corporations seeking to bolster their finances through efficient property tax and service charge collection.

The civic body has been actively engaged in various development projects within the Pimpri-Chinchwad region, which includes a mix of industrial belts, residential colonies, and developing urban sprawls. The increased revenue will directly contribute to the ongoing and planned infrastructure upgrades, including the improvement of public transport, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. Such financial bolstering is essential for sustaining the development trajectory of a major metropolitan area.

While the specific details of the slum development area were not immediately available, the record collection indicates a significant improvement in the area’s economic activity and the effectiveness of the PCMC’s revenue collection machinery. The civic body has been focusing on digitizing its tax collection systems and making payment processes more accessible to citizens, which likely contributed to the enhanced collection rates.

This development comes at a time when many municipal corporations are grappling with financial constraints, exacerbated by increased demands for public services and infrastructure. The PCMC’s success in this particular instance underscores the potential for robust revenue generation through efficient governance and targeted policy implementation, even in challenging urban environments.

The administration has indicated that the collected funds will be earmarked for local development projects, ensuring that the revenue generated from a specific area is reinvested into improving the quality of life for its residents. This approach aims to foster a sense of community ownership and participation in civic governance, encouraging compliance and contribution towards local development goals.

Delhi Police Recovers Three Bodies in Two Separate Incidents

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New Delhi: In separate incidents across the capital, Delhi Police recovered the bodies of three individuals on Saturday, prompting investigations into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Information was available with The Chenab Times that the first recovery occurred following a PCR call reporting a suspicious bag outside a factory on Rama Road, Prem Nagar Fatak, in West Delhi. Responding officers from the Moti Nagar police station found a white plastic bag emitting a foul odour near the factory gate.

The security guard at the factory, identified as Shankar, reported discovering the bag when he returned to duty on Saturday morning. He stated that he had slept elsewhere on the factory premises the previous night due to a mosquito infestation. Upon noticing the bag and its unusual smell, he immediately alerted the authorities.

A crime team and a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team were dispatched to the scene. Upon opening the bag, they discovered the decomposed body of a man. Preliminary observations indicated that the deceased was wearing blue jeans and a peach-coloured full-sleeves shirt. He had a light beard, and no immediate external injuries were apparent on the body. The body has since been transported to the mortuary of the DDU Hospital, and efforts are underway to establish the identity of the deceased.

In a second, distinct incident, the Uttam Nagar police station received a PCR call around 6:55 pm on Saturday, reporting the discovery of two bodies within a house in Mohan Garden. Crime and FSL teams were promptly deployed to the location.

Investigators at the Mohan Garden residence found no visible injury marks on either of the deceased individuals. Based on initial assessments at the scene, police suspect the deaths may be a case of suicide. The deceased have been identified as Devender, aged 50, and Amit Kumar, aged 48, both residents of Delhi.

The pair were reportedly living together in a rented accommodation in the Mohan Garden area. Inquest proceedings under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to suicide, have been initiated by the police to formally determine the cause of death for Devender and Amit Kumar. Further investigations are ongoing in both incidents to ascertain the identities of the individuals and the precise cause of their deaths.

Unseasonal Rains Batter Maharashtra, Causing Widespread Crop Damage

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Unseasonal rains and hailstorms have swept across several districts of Maharashtra, causing extensive damage to standing crops and orchards. Farmers are facing significant financial losses as the unpredicted weather events have devastated agricultural land, impacting yield and quality.

Farmers Report Extensive Losses as Unseasonal Weather Hits Maharashtra

Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that an estimated 1.22 lakh hectares of agricultural land have been affected by the unseasonal downpour and hailstorms that have lashed parts of Maharashtra over the past few days. The erratic weather has particularly impacted districts like Pune, Solapur, Satara, Sangli, and Osmanabad, areas known for their agricultural output.

Reports from affected regions suggest that crops such as wheat, jowar, sugarcane, and horticulture produce have borne the brunt of the inclement weather. Orchards bearing fruits like grapes, oranges, and pomegranates have also suffered considerable damage, with fruits being dislodged from trees and exposed to further decay. The intensity of the rainfall, coupled with hailstones in some areas, has flattened fields and rendered much of the produce unmarketable.

The Maharashtra government has acknowledged the severity of the situation and has initiated steps to assess the extent of the damage. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed officials to conduct immediate surveys and provide necessary assistance to the affected farmers. The state administration has pledged to expedite relief measures, including compensation for crop losses, to alleviate the financial distress of the agricultural community.

Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde has stated that preliminary reports indicate substantial damage across the affected districts. He assured that the government would extend all possible support to the farmers, emphasizing that a comprehensive assessment of the losses would form the basis for compensation. The minister also highlighted the challenging nature of unseasonal weather patterns, which are becoming increasingly prevalent and unpredictable, posing a significant threat to India’s agrarian economy.

The unseasonal rains come at a critical juncture for many farmers who were in the process of harvesting or preparing their produce for market. The damage is not only to the current yield but also potentially to the future planting cycles, as the soil conditions may be adversely affected. The hailstorms, in particular, have caused physical damage to the crops, reducing their market value to zero in many instances.

Local agricultural departments and revenue officials have been deployed to the affected areas to conduct detailed panchnamas (spot assessments) of the crop damage. These assessments are crucial for processing insurance claims and disbursing government relief funds. Farmers have been urged to cooperate with the surveying teams and provide accurate information regarding the extent of their losses.

The meteorological department had previously issued warnings for isolated rainfall and thunderstorms in parts of Maharashtra due to a trough extending from the northern parts of the country. However, the intensity and widespread nature of the unseasonal showers that followed caught many by surprise, particularly in regions that were expecting clear skies for the ongoing harvest season.

The incident underscores the vulnerability of India’s agricultural sector to climate change and extreme weather events. Experts have long warned about the increasing frequency and intensity of such unseasonal weather patterns, which can have devastating consequences for farmers and national food security. Calls for more robust climate-resilient agricultural practices and enhanced disaster management strategies are likely to intensify in the wake of this event.

Farmers’ representative bodies have expressed deep concern over the extensive losses and have appealed to the state government for swift and adequate relief. They are advocating for a fair valuation of the damage and a transparent disbursement of compensation to ensure that the most needy farmers receive timely support. The long-term implications of such recurring weather disruptions on the livelihoods of farming communities across Maharashtra remain a significant concern.

Jammu and Kashmir Receives Widespread Rainfall for Second Consecutive Day

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Srinagar, Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir experienced widespread rainfall for the second consecutive day on Saturday as a fresh Western Disturbance influenced the region, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) indicated that weather conditions are anticipated to improve gradually from Sunday, with a reduction in rainfall activity, although isolated showers may persist.

According to details received by The Chenab Times, rainfall commenced on Friday afternoon across Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir, continuing intermittently through the night and into Saturday. MeT data revealed that Srinagar recorded 25.1 mm of rainfall, Qazigund 18.8 mm, Pahalgam 12 mm, Kupwara 14.1 mm, Kokernag 12.8 mm, and Gulmarg 32.2 mm by Saturday evening. In the Jammu region, Ramban registered 24 mm of rainfall, Batote 53.8 mm, Poonch 45.5 mm, Rajouri 61 mm, Jammu 14.4 mm, Reasi 34.5 mm, Katra 32.2 mm, Bhaderwah 26.8 mm, and Banihal 19.7 mm.

Daytime temperatures saw a significant decrease throughout Kashmir. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 16.3 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 10.2 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg 5.3 degrees Celsius, all falling below the seasonal normal. Temperatures in the Jammu region also plummeted below average.

An official from the MeT department stated that the rains were expected to continue until Saturday evening in the plains of Kashmir, with light snowfall anticipated in higher reaches. Higher-altitude areas and critical mountain passes, including Zojila, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Mughal Road, Sadhna Top, and Razdan Top, received fresh light snowfall, which subsequently hampered traffic movement. Several roads, such as the Mughal Road, Kokernag-Sinthan Top road, Gawran-Margan Top road, and the Bandipora-Gurez road, were temporarily closed due to snow accumulation.

Fresh snowfall was also reported from the tourist resort of Sonmarg, Gulmarg, and the twin Chenab valleys of Marwa and Warwan in Kishtwar district. Higher reaches of Ladakh, including Leh, Kargil, and Nubra Valley, also experienced snowfall. Incidents of shooting stones and landslides were reported at multiple locations in Ramban along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, causing traffic disruptions for several hours.

Weather conditions are projected to improve gradually from Sunday, with the possibility of brief showers in isolated areas. However, information was available with The Chenab Times that another Western Disturbance is expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir from April 7 to 9, bringing a new spell of widespread rain and snowfall in higher reaches. Director MeT Centre Srinagar, Mukhtar Ahmad, advised that the region would continue to experience unstable weather due to successive Western Disturbances until April 10. He further predicted partly cloudy conditions with light rain at isolated places on April 5-6, followed by a more significant Western Disturbance from April 7-9 bringing light to moderate rain and snowfall in higher reaches, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds. A brief spell of light rain or snow is likely at isolated places on April 10-11, before a period of generally dry and cloudy weather from April 12 to 15.

The MeT department has issued a warning for thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kph expected between April 7 and 8. An advisory cautioned that intense heavy showers for brief periods could lead to flash floods, landslides in vulnerable areas, and waterlogging in low-lying regions. Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural operations, and travellers urged to plan accordingly.

Despite inclement weather and incidents of shooting stones and landslides, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for traffic on Saturday, as reported by M M Parvaiz from Ramban. Officials confirmed that intermittent rainfall across the region triggered these incidents at Hingni, Digdool, and other vulnerable points along the Nashri-Ramban-Banihal stretch. Swift clearance operations by road maintenance agencies ensured minimal disruption to traffic movement. Authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, with men and machinery deployed at critical points to manage any emergencies. Commuters have been advised to exercise caution due to the persistent risk of landslides and falling debris.

The Mughal Road was restored on Saturday morning after being closed for vehicular movement on Friday due to snowfall and adverse weather conditions. Sumit Bhargav reported from Rajouri that vehicular movement was temporarily permitted during notified timings from 11 am to 3 pm. Despite the temporary restoration, fresh light snowfall in upper reaches on Saturday evening raised concerns about potential renewed disruptions. Commuters are advised to strictly adhere to regulated timings and exercise caution.

In Kupwara, the main road leading to the Keran sector was blocked near Thandapani on Saturday following a landslide triggered by recent rainfall, as reported by Tarique Raheem. The landslide, which involved an uprooted tree, suspended vehicular movement and caused significant inconvenience. The landslide also damaged electric lines, resulting in power outages in the Keran sector, affecting numerous villages. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, confirmed that efforts were underway to reopen the road and restore electricity, with the road eventually being reopened for traffic movement in the late evening.

The 85-km Bandipora-Gurez road, particularly at Razdan Top, faced risks due to inclement weather, snow, and high winds, as per officials speaking to Greater Kashmir. The road, which had been open for commuters, was closed on Friday evening. An operation was launched by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and police to rescue 38 vehicles stranded at Razdan Top due to heavy snowfall. OC BRO Aman Trivedi stated that all stranded vehicles belonged to locals traveling from Gurez towards Bandipora. Following the overnight rescue, commuters were safely escorted across the pass. The route remained closed to traffic on Saturday, with ongoing snowfall at Razdan Pass creating perilous driving conditions despite relatively light fresh snowfall, exacerbated by high winds causing snow accumulation. Snow clearance operations were prioritized on Saturday, with efforts to reopen the road by Sunday morning. DC Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib indicated that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for travel on the road would be issued with strict adherence to cutoff timings amidst the inclement weather.

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