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Hans India
5 days ago
- Climate
- Hans India
Kathua cloudburst: Army deploys troops, resources to help in rescue operation
The Indian Army was at the forefront of the relief and rescue operation on Sunday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, where four people were killed and many injured in flash floods triggered by a cloudburst in the Ghati area. Army's Rising Star Corps said on X, 'Indian army Columns on the ground in #Kathua — rescuing families, giving hope, food & care after the #Cloudburst'. The Army also posted pictures of its soldiers helping with the rescue of injured people, shifting them to safety so that they can be evacuated on time for medical attention. Meanwhile, Nagrota headquartered White Knight Corps also said on X, 'In the aftermath of a cloud burst at #ChisotiVillage, #Kishtwar, troops of #WhiteKnightCorps swiftly mobilised for rescue & relief ops. Efforts are centred on safeguarding lives and aiding survivors. Search for missing continues. Relief stores, medical teams & rescue gear rushed to site. We Serve, We Protect.' Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh informed that helicopters have been pressed into service for the timely evacuation of the injured people from the disaster site to the hospitals. Dr Jitendra Singh has posted an update on the Kathua cloudburst, saying on X that helicopter services have been arranged for shifting the injured to appropriate hospitals. '6 injured have been airlifted for hospitalisation in Mamoon, Pathankot, which was found to be relatively nearer destination. DIG Police, Sh Shiv Kumar Sharma, along with his team, is camping at the spot and is in constant touch with me. Further assistance will be arranged, as and when required,' he wrote on X. Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to J&K L-G and CM, assuring all support from the Central government in the relief and rescue operation underway in Kathua. He said on X, 'Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site. 'Assured every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K,' he said. At least four people were killed and many others injured after a cloudburst hit Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district during the night intervening Saturday and Sunday, said officials here, adding that a rescue operation is now underway in the affected area. Dr Jitendra Singh was the first to post the news about the Kathua cloudburst when he said on X, 'Spoken to SSP Kathua Sh Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloud burst in the Janglote area. 4 Casualties reported. In addition, damage has occurred to Railway track, National Highway while Police Station Kathua has been affected." CM Omar Abdullah's office said that the Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by landslides in several parts of District Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana, which claimed 4 lives and left many injured. 'He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance. Chief Minister has directed the administration to carry out immediate relief, rescue and evacuation measures to ensure the safety and support of affected families,' the CMO said. The district administration issued a weather advisory and said "heavy to very heavy rainfall" is reported across the district. It also requested the public to stay away from water bodies. This is the second cloudburst to hit Jammu and Kashmir during the last four days. On August 14, a massive cloudburst hit the Chashoti village in the Padder sub-division of Kishtwar district. So far, 65 bodies have been recovered, and over 100 people have been rescued in the Chashoti cloudburst disaster. Meanwhile, 75 people have been reported missing by their families, although locals and eyewitnesses claim that hundreds may have been swept away by flash floods and buried under giant boulders, logs, and rubble. Among the deceased were two personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and a Special Police Officer (SPO) of the local police, the officials added. The disaster struck Chashoti, the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata temple
Hindustan Times
08-08-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
MP education dept holds workshop on yagnas, computer learning in consonance with dharma
From teaching how traditional Hindu yagnas (fire rituals) can purify air to drawing civil engineering lessons from the Ramayana, there are many ways to incorporate traditional Indian knowledge in modern education according to a workshop that ended Wednesday in Bhopal and which was organised by MP Government Higher Education Department with support of National Institute of Teachers Training and Research (NITTR). At the training session in Bhopal. (HT PHOTO) For three days, 54 professors and assistant professors from government colleges across Madhya Pradesh assembled at the National Institute of Teachers Training and Research (NITTR) in Bhopal to participate in training sessions by experts from Vijnana Bharti and Vidya Bharti Akhil Bhartiya Siksha Sansthan, organisations affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh. The Madhya Pradesh government has made Indian traditional knowledge a mandatory module for first-year undergraduate students across all streams from this academic year as part of the National Education Policy 2020. The topics introduced include Tvasta (double helix of DNA) in biochemistry, Indian fermented food and beverages from the Vedic period in biotechnology, influence of Sanskrit on the English language, data handling, data organisation, and indexing retrieval in the Vedic period, and ethical computer learning according to dharma. In 2024-25 , the state government set up a wing in all 570 government colleges for starting teaching traditional knowledge. The colleges were asked to purchase 88 books which included Swabhasha Lao-Angrezi Hatao (bring local language and remove English), Uccha Shiksha Bharatiya Drushti (Indian perspective in higher education) and Puja Ho Toh Aisi (Prayer should be like this) for students. But there was a problem. Coordinators of the special Indian traditional knowledge cells had no clarity on how to integrate the syllabus about traditional knowledge with the ongoing courses. Step in Vijnanabharati, which describes itself as a 'science movement with swadeshi spirit' on its website. 'We asked Vijnanabharati, Vidya Bharti Akhil Bhartiya Siksha Sansthan and other masters of Indian Knowledge system to train the coordinators so that they can become master trainers in their colleges,' said a senior education department official who asked not to be named. Shiv Kumar Sharma, National Secretary of Vijnanabharati, emphasised on the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary education. 'Scientific explanations and thousands of experiment-based evidences are documented in Sanskrit texts and ancient Indian literature. Now, 10,000 such books are being translated into Hindi and English to enlighten both the global audience and our youth,' Sharma added, urging educators to not only teach these concepts but also conduct research to further validate and explore them. In his session, he also told the attendees that students can be taught about the traditional Indian accounting system in commerce, about Vedic algebra in mathematics, and the description of the skies in the vedas in geography. History was easier -- students can be taught the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, he added. Professor PK Purohit, the coordinator of the training programme, asked the attenddees to encourage students to do research on traditional Indian knowledge and linking it with modern education. 'Kautilya's Arthashastra can be linked with contemporary economics . You can teach students on how the chemical composition of materials used in Yajnas has positive impact on environment and how to calculate time through Indian systems,' he added. 'Understanding how politics influenced the economic systems during the Mauryan era and studying taxation in ancient texts like Arthashastra is essential before learning modern taxation,' he said in response to a question. Purohit also urged the attendees to explore the role of Rishis (seers) as early scientists . But he also cknowledged the need for 'more research' and said many supporting texts are now available. 'This initiative aims to reintroduce Indian knowledge systems into the curriculum, which were removed to erase our scientific and artistic heritage. We are not promoting any religion or caste—this is about reclaiming our rich intellectual history,' Purohit explained. State higher education minister Inder Singh Parmar said that the effort is to build an India-centric education system and added that Madhya Pradesh is taking the lead in this. 'From the 2025-26 session, students will benefit from new courses (on Indian Knowledge systems) developed through the dedication of our educators. These efforts will be remembered as a milestone in rebuilding India-centric education.'
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
100 dams in 6 Himalayan states at risk of glacial lake outburst floods
1 2 Dehradun: Over 100 dams in six Himalayan states are facing a heightened threat of flash floods triggered by glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), prompting the Central Water Commission (CWC), under the ministry of Jal Shakti, to issue new guidelines last week to mitigate these risks and safeguard dam infrastructure. The advisory applies to dams across Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Jammu & Kashmir. CWC director Shiv Kumar Sharma, in a LinkedIn post, said the guidelines followed consultations with stakeholders including National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, Tehri Hydro Development Corporation, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd, Northeastern Electric Power Corporation, and Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation. The directive came amid growing concerns about glacier melt and swelling glacial lakes due to climate change. Recent studies found over 329 glacial lakes larger than 0.05 sq km in the Indian Himalayas, with a nearly 70% increase in glacial lake area between 1990 and 2020. Many of these lakes are located near vulnerable downstream infrastructure. India, which has over 6,000 large dams — the third-highest globally — has already witnessed disasters linked to GLOFs, including the 2021 Chamoli tragedy and the 2023 Teesta-III dam breach in Sikkim. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo In the Sikkim disaster, South Lhonak Lake breached after heavy rainfall, washing away the dam and causing extensive loss of life and infrastructure. The CWC identified avalanche-triggered breaches, landslides, and seismic activity as potential triggers for sudden GLOF events. To address this, it recommended a mix of structural and non-structural interventions. For new dams, the guidelines mandated spillways capable of handling peak flood loads and debris-heavy surges. These must include high-speed sluice and surface spillways with gates driven by variable-speed motors capable of opening at 1.5 to 2 metres per minute to avoid overtopping. Existing dams were advised to undergo retrofitting of hoists, reinforcement of piers, and added protection for gates, trunnions, and power packs. High-performance concrete and downstream sediment traps were recommended to manage heavy debris flow. Additional protections for earthen dams included parapet walls and reinforced river channels. At the source of GLOFs, the CWC advised structural interventions such as lake siphoning, artificial drainage channels, and debris-trapping weirs wherever possible. Chorabari glacier near Kedarnath, which retreated by 7 metres per year between 1976 and 2016, is one of several rapidly shrinking glaciers creating new lake hazards. Non-structural measures included installation of early warning systems, SCADA-controlled gate operations, satellite-based communication, and preparation of emergency action plans. In cascaded hydropower setups, upstream reservoirs must maintain lower levels during monsoon to buffer possible surges, with cost-sharing between downstream operators. The CWC also urged coordination with defence agencies for real-time surveillance and response to emergencies. Sharma said in a LinkedIn post, "While they fill a critical gap, these guidelines also highlight the need to update existing codal provisions."
The Print
19-06-2025
- The Print
Senior cops review security set-up for Amarnath Yatra in Jammu region
The 32-day annual pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas will commence on July 3 from the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter 14-km Baltal track in Ganderbal. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shiv Kumar Sharma also assessed the security arrangements in the border districts of Jammu, Kathua and Samba and underlined the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Jammu, June 18 (PTI) Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti on Wednesday reviewed the operational preparedness of security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra in the region and emphasised maintaining high vigilance throughout the pilgrimage period. The first batch of pilgrims will depart from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp and Ram Mandir in Jammu on July 2. As part of the ongoing preparations, the IGP conducted an inspection in Ramban district, a key transit point on the Yatra route, to assess security readiness, civil infrastructure and inter-agency coordination. He reviewed facilities at the Lambar Ground, including tent accommodation, drinking water, sanitation, and power backup arrangements. Tuti stressed the need for joint drills, intelligence-based planning and public-friendly policing to instil confidence among pilgrims. He directed officers to plug any security gaps through timely inspections and enhanced coordination, and to ensure continuous monitoring and responsiveness during the pilgrimage. A comprehensive meeting chaired by the IGP discussed deployment patterns, convoy regulation, medical emergencies, disaster response, surveillance systems, communication networks and traffic management, especially in high-risk and landslide-prone areas. Tuti also inspected ongoing construction and repair works along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and reviewed the convoy movement plans. Separately, DIG Sharma visited lodgement centres and langar sites in Jammu, Samba and Kathua, and stressed the implementation of Operation Third Eye in coordination with other agencies to ensure foolproof security. He directed intensified checking of vehicles, especially during early morning and late-night hours, and thorough verification of vendors to prevent any untoward incident. The officers were asked to conduct mock drills, review plans regularly and maintain round-the-clock alertness throughout the Yatra period. PTI AB OZ OZ This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
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Business Standard
18-06-2025
- Business Standard
Jammu police to set up additional security checkpoints for Amarnath yatra
Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, police have been asked to identify locations to set up more checkpoints in the border districts of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua for the security of pilgrims. The 38-day-long yatra is scheduled to start on July 3 from the twin routes the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district to the 3,880-metre-high shrine of Amarnath. The first batch of pilgrims will leave for Kashmir from Bhagwati Nagar a day before the start of the yatra. "All the officers were directed to strengthen all the nakas (checking points), especially during night hours. They were also directed to identify places where more nakas can be established for the security of the yatris," a police spokesperson said. This was conveyed to the police officers by Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Jammu-Samba-Kathua range, Shiv Kumar Sharma, during a security audit of various police and paramilitary deployments in and around the base camp, lodgements, yatra route, CCTV installations, and parking areas. Sharma conducted a security review of Ram Mandir Purani Mandi, Geeta Bhawan Parade, the base camp at Bhagwati Nagar, various routes, and the highway, the spokesperson said. He also interacted with officers and security personnel of the CISF deployed at Ram Mandir Purani Mandi, in Jammu and directed them to remain extra alert at their posts, the spokesperson said. All Station House Officers (SHOs) were also directed to remain alert and intensify security measures and patrolling during night hours. The Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu serves as the main base camp for Amarnath pilgrims before they proceed to the Kashmir Valley to pay obeisance at the 3,880-metre-high shrine of Amarnath.
