Is Kashmiri Culture Out of Fashion?

Mukhtar examines the language and attire of Kashmiris, and concludes that Kashmiri culture is dying


Kashmiri Dies Slowly as Youth Shoulder its Coffin

Mukhtar Ahmed (Kashmir Images)

Srinagar: Unlike in the past when Kashmiri was the principal source of communication here, conversing in the mother tongue is witnessing an alarming decline in Kashmir today. What is lamentable is the way parents encourage their children to speak in Urdu and English, say experts adding that the prospects of spoken Kashmiri is heading for a disaster.

They say that lack of Kashmiri as a subject at school level and the foray of Indian movies and television serials have hampered the conversation in Kashmiri a lot. They point out that by taking a leaf from dialogues of Indian matinee idols, Kashmiris, particularly youngsters are only adding to the woes of the already struggling language.

“The way girls and boys, particularly in cities talk in Urdu or English; it looks as if they are non-Kashmiri. Owing to absence of Kashmiri in school curricula for a long time, our youth developed interest in other subjects. Besides Bollywood movies and television serials are so much liked by our youngsters, that they are repeatedly mimicking filmy dialogues and copying the dress pattern of many Bollywood celebs”, noted Kashmiri critic and writer, Mohammad Yousuf Taing told Kashmir Images

Criticizing the parents for helping their wards in getting accustomed to speaking in Urdu and English, Taing warned “Such parents are not reading the signs of disaster, they are bringing on the cultural identity of Kashmir. No doubt, they may be helping their children shying away from communicating in Kashmiri, but they hardly realize that years down the line, they will be responsible for devastation of one of the richest assets of Kashmiri culture.”

Blasting the government for its lackadaisical role in teaching Kashmiri at school level for a long time, the renowned writer pointed out that being members of “Political Class” our politicians too are responsible for the sorry state of Kashmiri language currently.

“No doubt Kashmiri has been somewhat introduced at school level, but whenever our politicians deliver speeches, they always prefer to speak in Urdu or English. They never realize that being at the helm of affairs, they have to take the lead in promoting the mother language”, he said.

Prominent poet and writer, Zareef Ahmad Zareef echoed the same reasons for the pathetic condition of Kashmiri at the moment. “Many parents phone me to know the meaning of various Kashmiri terms. When they themselves don’t properly understand the literature of Kashmiri language, how come is it possible they will encourage their children to speak in Kashmiri”, Zareef asked.

He acknowledged that even though Kashmiri has been introduced in government schools now, but it is the English medium schools, that are doing the damage as far as communicating in our mother-tongue is concerned.

“The Hindi movies and television serials have restricted our youngsters from learning values of their own culture. From speaking dialogues to copying hairstyles of Bollywood actors, our youth are talking a lead in this made race to out doing each other”, Zareef pointed out.

Meanwhile, when this reporter apprised a 57-year-old USA citizen, Michael Pollock of how Kashmiris are shying away from speaking their mother-tongue, he commented “By doing this, Kashmiris are killing their legacy and cultural identity. USA may have taken giant economic strides, but in no way, have we allowed the ladder of economic success to hamper our mother tongue and culture.”

The US based architect, while eulogizing the Kashmiri culture said “Kashmir has one of the richest cultural histories in the world. By ignoring Kashmiri at domestic and professional level, Kashmiris are doing a great disservice to their beautiful land. I have been here since weeks and I am startled that very few Kashmiris travel by wearing the traditional Pheran. It means that you are deviating from your cultural values.”


After Abandoning Language, Kashmiris Dump Traditional Attire Too!


Mukhtar Ahmed (Kashmir Images)


Srinagar: Even as wearing of traditional dresses is seen as an explicit display of love for one’s native culture, but like so many other things in Kashmir, particularly the language, people here are gradually loosing this marker of their identity too.

Some experts and exponents of Kashmiri culture say that people here, particularly the youngsters by opting for other kinds of apparels, are doing a great disservice to their civilization.

“We are gradually avoiding our traditional dresses. A huge chunk of Kashmiri boys prefer being clad in jeans and other latest imported apparels. I am not saying that we should go to markets and offices draped in traditional blankets (‘Tchadar’), but we should be wary that modernity doesn’t trample over the glory of our conventional garments,” noted writer and poet, Zareef Ahmad Zareef told ‘Kashmir Images’.

Criticizing the way Kashmiris are “madly following” the Bollywood and Hollywood stars, Zareef says, “Movie actors earn hefty amounts for wearing dresses as per the demand of the script. But for no reason, our youth copy their dress patterns. Our girls instead of traditional dresses are dressed in such bad clothing that I find it hard to call them daughters,” Zareef lamented.

Recalling the dress patterns of yore, Zareef said that women would be dressed in such a customary way that even a non-Kashmiri could easily distinguish her from others.

“Women during those days were the embodiments of ‘Kashmiriyat’ as they used to cling to embroidered ‘Pherans’, head scarves, ‘Kameez-Yazar’ everywhere. But nowadays, women, particularly college-going girls are walking with open hair pulled to their back, half-sleeve shirts and jeans. I wonder what has happened to honour of their parents; who allow them to leave homes in such a way?” rues Zareef.

He points out that Kashmiri boys instead of traditional caps - ‘Karakulis’- the ‘Kameez Shalwar’, ‘Pherans’, customary ‘Sadris’ are now seen wearing rings in their noses and ears.

“During our days traditional apparels were order of the day. Every person from blacksmith to goldsmith, from doctor to patriarchs could be distinguished by their dress codes,” he added.

Noted critic and writer Mohammad Yousuf Taing says a “Cultural Tsunami” has been triggered in Kashmir since past few years.

“What is lamentable is that instead of being torch-bearers, youth is killing the identity of our culture. From dress codes to speaking in the mother tongue, they are getting heavily influenced by Vidya Balan, Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and others,” Taing said.

Giving example of the Japanese people, Taing added that despite being one of the most affluent people, they always adhere to their traditional dresses.

“We also want our youth to progress, but prosperity should not come at the cost of our customary outfits,” he emphasized.

Taing also criticized media for minimally underlining the issues plaguing various assets of the Kashmiri culture.

“Barring a few organizations including ‘Kashmir Images’, I don’t know why our media is not highlighting that despite having one of the finest cultural attires why is it that Kashmiris are gradually shying away from their customary dresses,” said Taing.

President, Kashmir Hotels and Restaurant Owners Federation (KHAROF), Fayaz Ahmad Bakhshi said that tourists are immensely fascinated by Kashmir’s traditional dresses.

“I still remember when former Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi came here during 1980s, she wore the traditional ‘Pheran’ at many occasions in Kashmir. As a result, the dress became a huge hit with Indian people in those days,” Bakshi said.

“Usually tourists will not do without taking pictures in traditional Kashmiri ‘Pheran’ here. Therefore, suppose if wearing of ‘Pheran’ is encouraged among the hotel staff in Kashmir (we will support it anyhow), this will not only fascinate tourists, but will send a strong message about our (Kashmiris’) love for, and interest in preserving every rich asset of our culture.”

The Shopian Tragedy

The author investigated the Shopian murders long before the CBI inquiry. The results were same then as now - that the truth was cast aside in favor of political shenanigans and outright lies. Author's report can be accessed at: http://kashmirforum.org/shopian-tragedy.htm



Shopian Deaths

Srinagar: A city court has reserved its order in an application challenging CBI counsel’s appointment in Shopian rapes and double death case.


The Chief Judicial Magistrate which is the designated court for CBI cases reserved its order and the same will be pronounced on December 8.


Syed Reyaz Khawar, counsel for the accused lawyers in the matter had challenged the appointment of CBI counsel S K Bhat on the grounds that since the case pertains to the Jammu and Kashmir, the state government was supposed to appoint a public prosecutor to plead the case in the court. However, the S K Bhat argued that CBI is within the “well-defined jurisdiction” to plead the case.


“The case was transferred to the CBI for investigation, and there is no reason to oppose my appointment.”


According to advocate Khawar, the CJM will hear the other two applications one filed by Shakeel Ahangar seeking re-investigation into alleged rape and murder of his wife Neelofar and sister Asiya Jan and the second application seeking copy of investigation report conducted by the Special Investigation Team supervised by Inspector General of Police Farooq Ahmad.


Earlier on March 26 this year, Syed Reyaz Hussain, the counsel for Shakeel, Syed Reyaz Khawar counsel for accused doctors and lawyers while objecting to the appointment of public prosecutor were unanimous in their arguments that since the case pertains to the Jammu and Kashmir government, the Public Prosecutor must be appointed by the state government only.

“The CBI counsel can not appear as a public prosecutor in this matter as he has been associated with the CBI investigations and it is the duty of the state government to appoint a public prosecutor in this matter,” advocate Syed Reyaz Hussain had argued during the last hearing of the matter.

The CBI has already filed its objections to the protest petition filed by Shakeel Ahangar husband of Neelofar Jan and brother of Asiya Jan—the two women who were allegedly raped and then murdered in Shopian in May 2009.


Ahangar in his protest petition had sought reinvestigation into the case by any agency other than the CBI. However, CBI has objected to the reinvestigation of the matter on the basis that its investigation is foolproof and there are merits in the protest petition.

In the meantime, an application was moved by the complainant to replace the public prosecutor as according to Syed Reyaz Hussain the CBI counsel was ineligible to appear as Public Prosecutor in this matter.

On March 26, advocate Hussain argued that the court should first decide the application filed for replacement of Public prosecutor before proceeding in the main protest petition.

It may be recalled that on its last hearing on November 9, 2010 the court had issued notice to the CBI to file its objections if any to the responses submitted by the accused doctors and lawyers.

The accused doctors and lawyers had furnished their responses before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar who is also a designated court for CBI in Kashmir.

In their responses to the Shakeel Ahangar’s application filed on September 23 last year, the accused doctors and lawyers have expressed their agreement with Shakeel’s demand. Shakeel in his application had sought reinvestigation of the mysterious death of his wife Neelofar and sister Asiya by any agency other than the CBI.

The counsel for accused doctors and lawyers had challenged the appointment of CBI counsel for prosecution submitting that since the case pertains to the state government, it was the prerogative of the state government only to appoint the public prosecutor.

Advocate Khawar had further sought a direction from the court to the CBI to furnish the copy of the report of investigation conducted by the Special Investigation Team. The court later issued the notice to the CBI to file its response to the prayers made by the counsel for accused doctors and lawyers by or before December 11, 2010.

However, CBI had sought time from the court to file objections to the protest application moved by Shakeel in which he had sought reinvestigation of the case.

Supporting the protest application counsel for complainant (Shakeel) Syed Reyaz Hussain had submitted before the court that section 173 (8) of Criminal Procedure Code says that at the time when the charge sheet is presented before the court, the complainant must be put to notice. However, in Shopian case, this law was violated and Shakeel was not asked about his satisfaction about the investigation, Hussain had argued.

Pertinently, the CBI has already described the death of two women as “accidental drowning” and chargesheeted 13 persons including five lawyers, six doctors and two civilians (witnesses) accused of fabricating the evidence and retracting from their statements.

On December 10, 2009 the CBI presented charge sheet against 13 persons before the CJM, Srinagar. The charge sheet said that two women, Asiya Jan and her sister-in-law Neelofar who had gone missing on May 29, 2009 and then whose bodies were found on banks of Ramber Nalla in Shopian on May 30, 2009 have been neither raped nor murdered.

The CBI charge sheet has described the death of two women as “accidental drowning.”

The CBI said that investigation has established that false post mortem reports prepared by the first team of doctors comprising Dr Bilal Ahmad Dalal, and Dr Nazia Hassan and second team of doctors comprising Dr Nighat Shaheen, Dr Ghulam Qadir Sofi and Dr Maqbool Mir in connivance with Dr Ghulam Muhammad Paul. The lawyers accused in the charge-sheet include Mushtaq Ahmad Gatoo, Sheikh Mubarak, Altaf Muhammad, Mohammad Yousuf Bhat and Abdul Majid Mir. The civilian include elder brother of Asiya (victim), Zahoor Ahmad Ahanger and Ali Mohammad Sheikh. The duo has been accused of fabricating evidence and intimidating witnesses to mislead the investigations in the case.

CBI, which took over the investigation from SIT on September 17, 2909 into the rape and murders of two Shopian women, completed its probe in December 2009.

Women's Healthcare

Dr, Zahida Shah, the force behind "Mothercare Clinic" conducts a workshop on women's obesity

(Dr.Zahida Shah, 42, was born in Srinagar and finished her schooling from the Presentation Convent School , Srinagar. Dr.Zahida completed her Medical degree from the Government Medical College, Srinagar, in 1995. After a brief stint of 3 years in Government service, she quit and set up her own Medical center, "Mothercare Clinic" to provide comprehensive health care for women . Apart from routine medical facilities, Dr.Zahida, having specialised as a Clinical Exercise Specialist provided the State with the first exclusive female health counselling and fitness center. Customised supervised physical activity programs as supportive and preventive adjunct to medical management of disease is her speciality. The clinic has now 3 branches in Srinagar. Dr.Zahida is the founder member of the “Care Kashmir International”, the “Chottay Tarey Foundation“, and trustee in the “HELP Foundation“. Constantly striving to realize her dream of empowerment of Kashmiri women, Dr.Zahida Shah has dedicated her life to improve physical and mental well being of women, setting new benchmarks in women’s health in Kashmir.)

Obesity in Kashmiri Women – Our Experience

Globally we see the increasing number of obese population and Kashmir is no exception. An experience of working with more than 1000 obese Kashmiri women , 90% from the urban poplulation, 10% of the rural population , housewives to professionals ,from upper middle class , lower middle class , elite class to few from lower socio economic strata , and the age groups between 14-70,has brought forth the peculiar reasons for the vulnerability of Kashmiri women to this condition,the gravity of which is still largely undermined.

1.Acceptability of obesity in the society.

Generally speaking every society has a listening and that has its roots.The listening about obesity in Kasmiri society is “khaatey peetey gharaaney ke log”.Slim,healthy ,well maintained people who have made an effort to keep fit are usually discouraged by expressions like" hai kya chu gomut"....”.You don’t seem to be well”and sometimes one feels guilty of not being obese.

Courtesy some patriotic people of our society......we are able to see the century old photographs of Kashmiris...all of us look underfed,marasmic n sick.

Decades back global economic growth found way into few Kashmiri families too and they say when finances improve the first thing the people spent upon is the food.Over years these people could be distinctly recognised as well- to- do from their well fed structures and glowing faces .This information was passed over generations as a mindset till date.And if the society is in a comfort zone about anything ,changing it becomes a real challenge.

Mindset needs to be changed through continued public awareness programmes such that within few years obesity is considered to be disease of ignorant people who do not know how to live and eat.

2.Well knit social fabric:

Hardly we come across a woman in Kashmir who does not make 2 or 3 visits in a week either to a friend,,relative or neighbour.The reason being ,firstly it is a very well knit society and secondly people in small towns have ample time to spare.No problem about that,infact it seems to be very good for soul.But if it is only food-oriented then it plays havoc with health.Such people cannot regulate their food habits,cannot maintain a log of intake,and end up adding a pound after pound.

While counselling about weight management ,I ask my patients do you ever offer a glass of water to your guest.90% were amazed themselves that they never had done so and rest offered only on request.Generally the trend nowadays is that guest is served minimum 3-4 courses starting from Rani juice, dry fruit, lipton chai with all kinds of bakery,then a non-veg dish and finally the namkeen chai with another set of bakery items.Even a simple visit will not be short of so much food.Fresh fruit and fresh water is probably dishonouring the guest.So there is lot bad for health in a good host who never listens to your excuses no matter how grave they are.

Need for hospitality to be simple cannot, but be overemphasised.

3.Ever expanding courses in wazwan:

Wazwan .....inseparable part of our culture has literally become a hazard.Earlier there were few delicacies that everybody used to relish but now the number of dishes drenched in unhealthy fat and spices is ever increasing.Earlier it used to be served only on marriages but now it is served almost on all occasions........happy or sad,formal or informal...Earlier people would wait for the occasions to have it but now anytime you can order because of its easy availability in restaurants or in cans in the departmental store.

Extravagance cannot be nurtured in the name of culture.

4.Household help:

Majority of women especially in urban areas have washed their hands from household work. They are now used to helpers 1,2 and even 3.... full time or part time.

This has made most of the women especially the housewives quite sedentary and their routine is only restricted to supervision of things.Your neighbour may not be knowing the name of the master but he knows the name of your helper because from dawn to dusk you are calling him aloud for one thing or the other.This is not only a compromise on health but also on basic manners.

The working women having less time for housework use all kind of energy saving gadgets, so practically for women especially working in schools ,banks,corporates etc life is almost sedentary with very low physical activity quotient.

If help is unavoidable,let us use the helper as helper and not as servant.This will make us physically more active,give us less stress and not make us guilty of human rights violation.

5.Unhealthy habits in children and adolescents:

There is no concept of self help among children and adolescents.And when it comes to day to day routine work at home ,this young generation feels it is not for them to participate because it is the job of mothers and helpers .So even after seeing people around their house slog they will never offer to help ,they will continue the routine of sitting in front of TV , laptops,PSP’s,or listening to music or busy on books munching away their favourite junk foods.When a girl weighing 100 kgs enters the clinic with a relatively smarter mother,one is bound to question the love ,and you will only hear these mothers say ,”I didn’t want to disturb her in studies,I would even serve food in her bedroom”Sure a professional is added to the community whose own health issues may never let her deliver upto to the potential she had.

Parents need to understand that children have to be prepared for life not just academics,and luxury is the greatest enemy of strife.

6.Weight reduction....a luxury .

Weight reduction is still considered to be a luxury in Kashmiri society. Even if women believe in it ,they do not get the right kind of support from their families especially the in-laws and husbands.Young women suffering from obesity and related disorders are taking all kinds of medications and visiting a chain of doctors but when it comes to maintaining weight ,their families raise questions.Many times it is a pain to watch them suffer for want of some support that can actually make their lives more fulfilling.Some women do join with a promise that so and so relative should not come to know about it.It is a shame on our society ,why a women should feel embarrassed about taking care of her own self when she is sacrificing her whole life taking care of her home and kids.

Woman is the backbone of every family.Her health, happiness and peace is reflected in the whole family.Men need to understand it.

7.Obesity ... generally a disease of lazy ones.

This holds true for 90% obese women.And it is these lazy women who look for short-cuts like diet pills,belts,vibrators etc.May be it is good for achieving short term goals ,but losing weight is not a month or two affair, it is the lifelong habits that need to be changed and the constant energy deficit to be maintained.And unless the people move, even the bariatic surgeries fail in few years.

There is no substitute for hardwork.No pain no gain.

8.I have to live with it :

Many women attribute their reason for obesity to Diabetes,Hypothyroidism,PCOD,Genetics and so on....Yes it is true either way,but does it mean that these women need not make any effort.Infact this population needs to be working harder than the normal people .If a normal woman misses her work- outs ,these women cannot afford that.It is a matter of health and wellbeing and supportive treatment for them.Sometimes even if it is a real uphill task for them to loose weight atleast they maintain a certain BMI,have controlled levels in labs, and are better and easier managed by their physicians.

Do not find excuses to ruin your ownselves.

9.Weight reduction for wrong reasons:

Weight reduction for a better appearance can be a motivation for most females irrespective of their age but not a good enough goal for consistency.Only the women whose professions depends upon their appearances,or sometimes young adolescent girls succed.For majority it is a wrong reason because the goal is short lived and as soon as they are near it ,they feel they have accomplished what they wanted and they fail to continue.

So health should be a priority at all ages and looking and feeling better is one of the side-effects of work-outs and it is bound to come .

10.No time:

Kashmiri women have time for absolutely anything , be it six hours wait for wazwaan at weddings , searching the market and shopping for the best dresses and jewellery,gossiping about whole town on telephones,cooking varieties in kitchen for the family,watching TV shows one after the other but once you ask them to take out sometime for exercise ,their expression accuses you of as if you have abused them n quickly without wiasting time like Corporate Heads they answer..”No Time”.Probably it is not a priority for them.

They need to learn time management and prioritize things and list physical activity for better health and future somewhere on top of the priority list.They should realise that they can enjoy all the luxuries on which they are wasting so much time only if they are fit and healthy.

11.Pregnancy and Post pregnancy:

Majority women complain weight gain after pregnancy .I am yet to meet a woman who has not mentioned her weight to be 55kgs before marriage.This is probably because of lack of nutritional counselling during pregnancy and post pregnancy ,prolonged lack of movement and physical activity(for normal delivery our culture gives 3 months rest and for C-sec it is extended to 6 months or more depends how lenient the in-laws are) and ignorance about the advantages of breast feeding particularly in weight reduction.

Regular antenatal and postnatal classes should be attended,nutritionists consulted and we have to remember with due respect that what worked for our grannies may not work for us because of different times and lifestyle changes.Postnatal exercises can be started from day first even after C-sec and prolonged rest is not necessary unless recommended by the obstetrician.

12.Practitioners...not doing enough

Kashmiri women start physical activity only after the recommendation of the practitioners.Practitioners rarely recommend it as a preventive measure and patient usually approaches them when disease is fully established.Infact many a times they stop their physical activity temporarily as a necessary measure for their existing condition without further directions.Barring few gynaecs and orthopaedicians ,majority hesitate to motivate women for physical activity.The new belief that is nurtured among young primis is that 9 months bed rest is the only way sure of their safe pregnancy.

Practitioners have to understand their key responsibility in awareness among women about the importance of physical activity as a preventive measure for better health.They have to realise that for every disease nowadays physical activity is recommended as foremost non pharmacological therapy.Also there are variety of physical activities and they can be designed into a program as per the needs of the individual.

13.Regular walk .....is it possible?

“Do you go for a walk?” “How much do you walk daily?” I have not gone for a walk for few days now” “ I have started to go for a walk” Now I go for a walk daily ,my doc has asked me to do so”. Universally how unnatural we have made the most natural activity of our lives i.e WALKING.... for which our body was so well designed that it still forms the easiest and safest physical activity which does not usually need any specific screening or preliminary check-ups before starting.Other places may have there own reasons but for Kashmiri women the reasons for non compliance of even this simple and natural therapy are....erratic traffic,no walking tracks in parks, dog menace,presence of security personel all around the place,pollution and dust on roads,and ofcourse harsh winters.

We all have to somehow find a space in our lives atleast for this basic physical activity .It does not have to be a morning or an evening walk specifically...it may be a walk to work place,it may be a walk to the shop with your kids,it may be a walk in the garden with your spouse.We only have to believe in its worth to make it a part of our lives.

To conclude , customised physical activity programme is the only way to substitute for the activities our body was designed to perform naturally and maintain the highest ability of its function.

Social Activism

Ahmad represents the best among social activists. He wrote a compelling letter on a basic need, and the article on banking shows his desire to inform the public

(Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Reshi ("Ahmad Kashmiri"), 43, was born in Tangmarg. He attended the Government Middle School Kunzar, and completed his higher secondary education from the Government Higher Secondary School in Chandilora, Magam. Mr. Reshi attended the Government Degree College, Bemina, and received his graduate degrees B.Sc. and B.Pharma from the University of Kashmir, followed by the Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (PGJMC) from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Mr. Reshi is a teacher by profession, and enjoys creative writing.)


Provide us Drinking Water

Dear editor

Up till recently the water of Nallah Ferozpora in Tangmarg was used directly for drinking as it was considered as naturally safe for drinking. But now the time has reached when many villages are running high and dry for the scarcity of it as the water supply schemes are worst hit.

Gonipora water supply scheme has remained the mere name for the pipeline that runs through these villages and is guarded by employees of public health engineering. The inhabitants of the villages that depend on Gonipora Water Supply Scheme do not get any water whatsoever, not to speak of
the portable drinking water.

The populace of the villages like Chanpora-Kunzar, Gonipora, Takiya and Kassayee mohalla has been running from pillar to post to get hold of the concerned officers in the PHE department to share their miseries. Though the officers gave a patient enough to listen, but they did nothing to address these issues.

People especially patients, old aged and children have been suffering for last few days for drinking water. The “Gonipora water supply scheme”, in itself is a joke, for the reason that there neither any filtration plant nor is any reservoir there to keep the water stored.

Instead, of resolving the issue, our supply pipes have been dipped into Nallah Ferozpora and the water running into the Nallah enters these pipes and reaches the villagers in the name of drinking water.

The hallmark of the situation is that many consumers in these villages possess registered water connections and pay the subscribed water fee to the department.

In fact there has been lot of uncontrolled digging in the Nallah Ferozpora for last several years. The residents expressed surprise for they failed to understand that why after all the authorities do not do the needful and why consumers who pay their fee suffer for want of this basic necessity. The people have demanded for construction of a filtration plant/ reservoir at a higher place for the safe drinking water. The populace of these villages have threatened that if the water supply is not restored that will be forced to come out on roads and approach the consumer court.

Bankers, Borrowers at Fault; Guarantors Exploited Socially!!!

The loan systems of the banks have resulted in the trouble of thousands of people who stand third party guarantors to these loans lend by the banks to different persons, parties and the institutions. Some people who are associated with the bank believe that the economic development is reinforced or to say strengthened by the dispensation of credit. But I believe that such type of development and credit system which lacks inbuilt and automated loan security system has rendered guarantors in trouble and desperation which does not implement any moral obligations and is bound to become counter productive someday. Though numerous people who as guarantors have been suffering for years now yet there is a dire need for giving knowledge and appraisal to general masses, also there is scope for a possible debate on the issue with regard to various dimensions of it.

“According to “Bank Norms “there are usually three parties in the contract of guarantee: Creditor/Banker, Principal Borrower and the Guarantor. Contract of Guarantee is complete when the Guarantors execute a deed of Guarantee on Non Judicial stamp paper of requisite value. The deed should be attested by a Notary Public and adhesive stamp of requisite value is affixed thereon.

The bank can proceed against the guarantor without proceeding against the principal borrower. The liability of the Guarantor is independent of borrower’s liability. In case where there is one borrower and he has died prior to institution of the suit, suit has been filed against a dead person; the suit abates to the extent of the borrower it survives in respect of Guarantors.

Lien empowers the bank with a qualified right to exercise over all the monies of the borrower which come into any account and can set off this amount with their outstanding. The banker is constrained to lay its hands on the guarantors account and exercise lien, what in borrowers language called, ‘account has been frozen.”

Eve Teasing

Shafi highlights challenges faced by women in a male dominated society
(Mr. Shafi A. Athar, 54, was born in Khrew and completed his high school education at the Government High School in Khrew. He graduated from the Sri Pratap College Srinagar, and received a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). He was formerly the editor of the Urdu News Magazine, "Takbeer", and a columnist for the Greater Kashmir. He currently writes for the Rising Kashmir daily newspaper. He enjoys developing scripts for radio and TV programs.)


We the People

The life of Romana Javed, a young girl was cut short by eve teasers at a busy Chowk in Srinagar a couple of years back. Reading reminisces of the fatal episode published by her father raises few important questions about the society we live in. The recent killing of two young boys Keenan and Reuben in Mumbai, who resisted eve teasing of their female friends, is a show case as to what could be in store for those who raise their voice in such incidents. Friends of Keenan and his colleagues took out candle light processions and formed a website to raise the issue of eve teasing.

While these things can’t bring the young lives back, but there is every possibility that people in general could be made conscious of the menace which can be turned into a mass movement against the ill effects in the society. However, such movements don’t take place in our land as is evident in the case of Romana where her father fights a lone battle. Eve teasing is not some new phenomenon in our society or any other city in the world .But the issue is as to what extent it can lead to where even the lives are lost. Eve teasing is a euphemism used in India and sometimes Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal for public sexual harassment or molestation of women by men, with use of the word "Eve" being a reference to the biblical Eve.

Though the problem received public and media attention in 1960s, it was in the following decades, when more and more women started going out to colleges and work independently, which means they more often are not accompanied by a male escort as had been a norm in traditional society. Subsequently, the problem grew to an alarming proportion. Soon the government had to take remedial measures, both judicial and law enforcement, to curb the menace and efforts were made to sensitize the police about the issue and police started rounding up eve teasers. The deployment of plain-clothed female police officers for the purpose has been particularly effective. Special squads to nab eve teasers were formed in Kerala. Other measures seen in various states were setting up of Women's Helpline in various cities, Women Police stations, and special anti-eve-teasing cells by the police. Also seen during this period was a marked rise in number of women coming forward to report incidence of eve-teasing like cases of sexual harassment due to changing public opinion against eve teasers. In addition, the severity of eve-teasing incidences grew as well, in some cases leading to acid throwing.

Public response grew in direct proportions. ‘Fearless Karnataka’ or ‘Nirbhaya Karnataka’ is a coalition of many individuals and groups including ‘Alternative Law Forum’, ‘Blank Noise’, ‘Maraa’, ‘Samvada’ and ‘Vimochana’. After rise of eve teasing cases in 2000s, it organized several public awareness campaigns, including 'Take Back the Night’, followed by another public art project titled, ‘The Blank Noise Project’, starting in Bangalore in 2003.In Delhi, one of India's most dangerous cities for women, the Department of Women and Child Development established a steering committee in 2009 to prepare the city for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

In Mumbai, Ladies Special trains have been introduced to allow women working and studying in the city to travel without the fear of eve-teasing, for the length of the journey at least. Given that the number of women needing to travel has doubled since 1995, there is a very strong demand for these kinds of services. About Mumbai’s Ladies Special train Helen Alexander and Rhys Blakel wrote in Times Online UK, 14-Oct-2009 ‘Mumbai’s Ladies Special train leaves the commuter sex pests behind’.

Today "Ladies Special" Compartments are present in all local trains of the big cities.

There is a strong feeling that inadequate protection exists in the law for the victims. In the Indian Penal Code, the word ‘eve-teasing’ does not exist. Eve teasing is an attitude, a mindset, a set of behaviours that is construed as an insult and an act of humiliation of the female sex.
However, victims of eve teasing could take recourse to certain sections of the IPC. Section 298 (A) and (B) of the Indian Penal Code sentences a man found guilty of making a girl or woman the target of obscene gestures, remarks, songs or recitation, will be behind the bars for a maximum tenure of three months. Section 292 of the IPC clearly spells out that showing pornographic or obscene pictures, books or slips to a woman or girl draws a fine of Rs.2000 with two years of rigorous imprisonment for first offenders. In case of repeated offence, when and if proved, the offender will be slapped with a fine of Rs.5000 with five years imprisonment. Under Section 509 of the IPC, obscene gestures, indecent body language and acidic comments directed at any woman or girl carries a penalty of rigorous imprisonment for one year or a fine or both.

Eve teasing is not something which can be ignored, but needs to be responded on societal level. Every group has to play an important and effective role. Feminine voices may play powerful as it would help females to approach public places fearlessly.

Gender bias is not the solution to this social evil!

The Woeful State of Kashmir's Healthcare System

Kashmir's healthcare system needs a massive overhaul. Does anyone care? Fida's commentary followed by two related articles

(Mr. Fida Iqbal, 47, was born in Sopore. He attended the D.A.V. School in Nayadyaar, Rainawari, and the Government Higher Secondary School in Sopore. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Floriculture and Landscaping from Chowdhry Chottu Ram College at Muzaffarabad Nagar in Uttar Pradesh. Mr. Iqbal works with the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department as a landscape architect. He enjoys kitchen gardening, reading writing, and is very a passionate and dedicated golf player.)

Crumbling Healthcare

Last week I missed my weekly column because of some unavoidable situation. One of my close relations required medical attention followed by some inevitable curative intervention. The whole schedule was more chaotic than challenging. As disciplined taxpayer I sought remedial help from the state run medical health system through proper channel. As earlier, even this time my experience with bewildered ‘sarkari’ healthcare system proved more disastrous. But this time round, I firmly managed to come out of state’s crumbling healing system to seek temporary refuge within the exploitative but comparatively safer cover of private healthcare system.

Followed by murkier but thriving real-estate trade, selling dreams of health and education is the most lucrative enterprises in Jammu & Kashmir state. A novel Nexus between exploiters, politicians and few devious elements within the administration has allowed these murky trades to flourish unabatedly. Healthcare is the most vital aspect of our survival and requires utmost attention and perfection with highest degree of honesty and sincerity. While on one hand, state run healthcare organization is in mess, the private healthcare system is out for a kill to mint money out of the desperation and sufferings of the common people. Lack of monitoring and proper legal control over private health sector has turned private health entrepreneurs’ into rogues.

Even after possessing huge infrastructure and qualified manpower, our state run health sector is in confusion since long; unable to provide proper healthcare service. Millions are spent for maintaining the sterile atmosphere within our hospitals, but almost every healthcare center is a potential pathogenic bomb, about to explode any time. Hospital acquired infections within our hospitals, particularly in post-operative stages are very common; in many cases leading to septicemia and ultimately excruciating death. In the first instance the surroundings and ambiance outside our hospitals is horrible, looking like gateways to a nightmarish departure. From rude response and treatment to disgraceful discharge the experience is painful. At every stage only favored few are catered with love and care and rest all are condemned to agonizing misery. Our ‘Shafa-khanas’ (temples of wellbeing) have turned into ‘Zabah-khanas’ (slaughter houses).

Certainly, the private healthcare sector is growing on modern scientific lines but their unfair trade practices and exorbitant price packages are disappointing. This sector, yet being in its nascent stage can be streamlined by proper regulation, restraining and weeding out unscrupulous exploitative elements. Unless, a separate suitable regulatory authority is constituted to monitor this growing sector, it will grow in a haphazard manner. Presently there is no regulation of rates, capacity and required infrastructure and qualified manpower. Monitoring of pollution status, sanitation and other ecological aspects within private health enterprises is almost zero. A cursory look within and outside these units provides a pathetic look; giving a damn to most vital aspect of healthcare—the pathogen factor. Several, virtual healthcare quackeries run out of shanties by unqualified persons either in connivance with the monitoring authorities or by exploiting loopholes within the existing regulatory rules.

Thank God! This time, I could manage a safe refuge within the existing private healthcare system, obviously, by parting with more than two months of my legitimate earnings, but what will be the fate of a poor soul who is unable to make his two ends meal, leave alone the luxury of seeking curative help from private sector? As if adding fuel to the fire, the recent startling revelation made by World-famous cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Naresh Trehan about the spurious drug scenario is an eye-opener for the health authorities in Kashmir. Authorities should take note of this complex disclosure, as it can be equally nefarious and honest in nature and design—both ways it is killing for the common man. This statement of Trehan speaks volumes about the stakes involved in private health sector, particularly in Kashmir. Undoubtedly, his multi-pronged spurious drug statement was aimed at desperate and gullible healthcare seekers of Kashmir.

Hospital Woes

Editorial, Rising Kashmir

Notwithstanding the claims of successive governments to revamp the healthcare across the state, the hospitals in Srinagar continue to bear the ever growing burden of patients from different parts of the valley. This is bound to affect the efficiency of doctors and subsequently the patient care. The reliance on city hospitals is necessitated by poor infrastructure in the sub-district hospitals and public health centres in rural areas.

Besides, even if the infrastructure is in place, doctors dither to work in far off places thereby forcing people to seek treatment in the city. Take for instance Lal Ded Hospital. One would have expected the hospital to cater mainly to city and adjoining areas, but it continues to receive most of the patients from rural areas. The massive rush witnessed by the hospital tells upon its functioning. Reports of medical negligence, often leading to violent altercation between the hospital staff and attendants, has marred the reputation of the valley’s biggest maternity hospital. Though the maternity facility is available in all district hospitals, Lal Ded Hospital continues to bear their share of patients throughout the year. With the capacity for around 400 patients, one can well imagine the crisis triggered by the excess patient burden. No wonder one can see two patients on a single bed in the hospital. Though a separate building with the capacity for 220 beds is under construction, one cannot expect it to bring any major relief for the hospital, given the ever increasing population and poor state of rural healthcare. Lal Ded hospital bears the brunt even when 30 public health centers (PHCs) are functional in all districts. Islamabad, Baramulla and Kupwara each have four PHCs, Budgam has six, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam have two each while Ganderbal and Bandipora have one each. Other city hospitals, particularly SMHS and SKIMS also suffer from over-burden which ultimately tells upon their efficiency. Official figures indicate the exponential increase in the patient flow at the two premier hospitals. The problems caused by the huge patient influx are further compounded by the lack of requisite infrastructure. Increasing bed strength won’t address the problem. The government should focus on strengthening the healthcare at all levels so that the city hospitals don’t have to bear the excess burden. There is also a dire need for effective monitoring of various health schemes so that common people can avail their benefits adequately. The authorities should ensure close vigil on the hospitals. They should also check the growth of nursing homes conducting regular inspections and initiate action against those not fulfilling the mandatory norms and formalities. The pending projects should also be completed in the scheduled timeframe.

Burglars on Looting Spree in GB Pant Hospital

Mansoor ul Hassan (Greater Kashmir)

Srinagar: Burglars have been on looting spree in Valley’s lone Children Hospital, GB Pant for over a year, that too in nexus with ‘unscrupulous’ elements from within the hospital administration.

“Burglars have managed to steal water geysers, oxygen pipes and electric wiring from the wards. It has been going on for over a year but hospital authorities have turned a blind eye towards it. They had failed to come up with some corrective measure despite the complaints from attendants and some staff members of the hospital,” they added.

The issue came to fore after attendants present at the hospital caught hold of an alleged thief earlier this week when he was trying to steal the pipes in a newly developed ICU ward.

“We were standing near a newly set up Intensive Care Unit ward late Sunday evening when we heard some irritating noises coming from the ward. After reaching the spot, we spotted a man cutting oxygen pipes. We immediately called an employee from STP session and caught hold of him (thief). We handed over him to Police personnel from Ram Munshi Bagh Police Station,” said an attendant whose baby is admitted in the hospital.

Thieves, according to sources, are enjoying the support of some unscrupulous elements from the hospital administration. “How can an adult person manage to carry the copper pipes and other gadgets out of the Hospital?” they questioned. “There had been bulk of complaints about the stealing incidents but administration didn’t act,” they added.

An official wishing anonymity said the thief, who was nabbed was previously working with a contractor as a helper,” he said.

According to him the theft is second occurrence of its kind in the ICU ward. “Earlier the thieves up rooted ceiling fans in Gynecologist ward, water geysers and taps from the general wards some months back,” the official added.

“Apart from hospital property dozens of cars and bikes have been stolen from the compound in past one year,” he added.

“Only five guards and a supervisor from a private company manage the entire security of the hospital. During night only two guards remain on duty and it’s difficult for them look after the entire hospital,” the official said.

When contacted, the Medical Superintendent Dr Kaiser said, “Whenever any such incident of theft has happened we have reported it to the Police. There have been frequent thefts during past couple of months. We have increased the vigil in the hospital that is why we were able to catch a burglar,” he said.

About the role of internal person involved he said: “Let police complete the investigation then only entire matter will become clear,” he said.

Meanwhile, the police have registered an FIR 206/ 2011 under section 308 and started the investigation.

When the majority Community Fractures into Groups of Minorities

Junaid misses a key point - in a valley once mostly populated by two communities (Muslims and Pandits), when the minority disappears it is inevitable that the majority will fracture into its convenient minorities

(Mr. Junaid Azim Mattu, 26, was born in Srinagar. He partly completed his schooling at the Burn Hall School, Srinagar, and partly at the Bishop Cotton School, Shimla. He attended college in America and graduated with a degree in Business and Finance from the Eli Broad School of Business at Michigan State University. He is a consulting financial analyst and telecom-IT entrepreneur based in Srinagar. A seeded national varsity debater throughout his school and college career (his grandfather - Khwaja Ghulam Ahmed Ashai - was one of the founding fathers of the Muslim/National Conference), Mr. Mattu also played under-19 cricket at national level for J&K. He is a founder of the World Kashmiri Students Association (WKSA), a global youth association for Kashmiris based in Srinagar, Kashmir, working on social, economic and political issues through constructive and informed activism. WKSA, as of today has 1,700+ registered members in Kashmir. He is also a nominated alumnus of the Global Young Leaders Conference. In his leisure time, Junaid likes to engage in reading, gardening, watching movies and listening to music. He recently became the District President Srinagar of the Jammu & Kashmir People’s Conference, headed by Mr. Sajad Lone.)

Fragmentation Of The Kashmiri Identity

When I was a kid growing up in the subtly morphing static suburbs of a Srinagar under a perpetual siege of uncertainty, we were all Kashmiris - the baker down the lane, the old man who repaired cycles in the small little rented shop outside the mosque, the small family that had just moved-in to the semi-finished new house on the block - we were all willingly and unwillingly woven together into one identity - we were all Kashmiris.

Nobody asked or cared about affiliations, roots or dialects beyond the harmless fooling and mimicking around between kids in the neighborhood playground at dusk or in the grumpiness of old men who tolled like church bells about ancestry and the plague of the noveau riche that was changing us for the worst. Twenty odd years of divisiveness, retribution and political christenings later, we are now apparently a "politically diverse" union of Sunnis, Shias, Shehar Walas, Gaamyik, Pirs, Non-Pirs, North Kashmiris, South Kashmiris, Gujjars and Paharis. Our identity has been stripped down into financial derivatives by conflict bankers - including our own mercantile agents who revel in being Shia, Pahari, Southern, Northern, Gujjar leaders - in their rational reluctance to be Kashmiri leaders. In our convenience to be serfs in-charge of inherited fiefdoms, in our screaming failure to grow into leaders that move nations to glory.
In recovering or dealing with the handicaps of fuedal histories, lands around us have either succeeded or failed in charting new courses defined by common dreams. Ordinary dreams - of dignity, love, prosperity - of families, sunny mornings and hopeful dusks. Identiy - it's destruction or preservation - has determined the survival and failure of Nation States. The moment Pakistan's narrative was decorated by a permanent feature of Punjabi, Jamaati, Barelvi, Sindhi, Shia and Sunni dimensions - 'Pakistan' ceased to exist and mayhem was just a matter of time. What in my opinion has unfolded hence is just a consequence of a prematurely formed and even more prematurely fallen-apart identity.

Kashmir has witnessed a mobilized process of its sense of a singular, all-pervasive identity being decentralized into irrelevance by analysts, journalists, Kashmir-lovers, Kashmir-watchers, interlocutors, this committee and that track. That however is the propaganda part of the story. The tragic underlying reality is that the propaganda has made inroads into reality, thanks to henchmen - "minority" and "majority" leaders, pulpit politics, regional "voices" and countless shadows that proclaim to be heirs to this victomhood or that animosity. In giving post-propaganda credibility to this grand paralytic portrayal of a fragmented Kashmir, Kashmiri politicians and religious contractors have played their pre-determined Machiavellian roles to perfection. PDP, for instance, gave great fillip to the dangerously growing urban-rural and north-south divide during it's reign and as a clueless opposition party continues to nurture regional biases for it's blinding lust or power even today. NC has, all along it's politically devious history, played sects and areas against each other - Gujjars againts Paharis and Shias against Sunnis. Not much has changed. The party's biggest legacy remains it's obsession with dividing Kashmiris into easily harnessable voting pockets and communities. Kashmir's unity into one cohesive identity would unarguably be the political end of both traditional ruling families. Their well-defined roles of played fiddles has further perpetuated the cracks and divides within the Kashmiri nation.

It's imperative that a new Kashmiri leadership emerges to unify the actual and virtual fragments of our erstwhile identity - never a monolith but certainly a nation unified in it's saturation of being lied to and manipulated. Yet what's more imperative is that the people herald this nation into unity - for communities and sects have never risen to glory - it's either the entire nation or nothing. In that HOPE, let's dream of a Kashmir that I knew as a child, where we were all united in both our most irrational struggles and our moat rational desires. For, in that Kashmir - statesmen will be born to chart out a new future - to replace Shia, Sunni leaders, to replace South Kashmiri and North Kashmiri leaders - towards a never-ending sky of development and opportunities.

The myth of regionalism within Kashmir will rage on like arson till we douse it with a binding force, a collective urge to reform how we are misled and misgoverned into misery and punery. In our search for a unifying leadership, we will consolidate our rows into strength.

Environmental Stonewalling

Ali exposes the bureacrat-politician-brick kiln mafi nexus in Budgam


Budgam Sitting on Environmental Time Bomb?

Syed Ali Safvi (Kashmir Times)

Budgam: Central Kashmir’s Budgam district has also been dubbed as “Buthgam” (village of brick kilns) for its ubiquitous brick kilns that have virtually brought this district on the verge of environmental catastrophe.

In brazen violation of environmental laws and in absence of regulatory guidance, mushrooming growth of brick kilns in the district has been threatening the environment and posing a threat to public health.

According to official sources, at least 17 brick kilns and 27 stone crushers are running in the district without license, making a mockery of the district administration.

As per the official statistics available with Kashmir Times, 10 brick kiln owners have been running their business in Budgam Tehsil without any license for the last several years. These illegal brick kilns include two each at Chandipora, Chitroo Dangarpora, and one each at Ichkoot, Waterwani, Hardu Batapura, Labertal, Putlibagh and Wahabpora.

Similarly, as per the official statistics, seven brick kilns are running illegally in Chadoora tehsil, including three at Rakh Shalina, and one each at Qanoongopora, Beegam, Yari Kalan, and Kathigund.

Pertinently, throwing all environmental norms to the wind, the authorities issued license to 54 brick kilns in a span of three years from 2007 to 2009, which include 31 in Chadoora tehsil, 18 in Beerwah tehsil, and five in Budgam tehsil.

According to official sources, Budgam district has a total of 204 brick kilns. However, unofficial sources place this number between 300 and 350. Significantly, finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather’s home tehsil - Chrar-e Shraief, and recently carved out tehsil of Khag are the only two tehsils in the district which have been spared by brick kiln mafia.

Environmentalists are concerned about the mushroom growth of brick kilns and stone crushers in the district. Worried, they have warned that unless urgent solutions are prescribed and implemented to keep a check on brick kilns, Budgam may be sitting on an environmental “time bomb”.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Budgam district administration had in April this year, identified 44 brick kilns for “violation of relevant laws and rules”. However, the much-talked about drive against the brick kilns came to a sudden halt, reasons best known to the authorities.

The official statistics further reveals that there are 27 stone crushers functioning without license in the district. Of the 27 illegal stone crushers, 16 are at Lasjan, 10 at Rakhshalina, and one at Shalina.

The unchecked, mushroom growth of brick kilns and stone crushers speaks volumes about the callous attitude of the district administration that has miserably failed to put the brakes ecological vandalism.

According to official sources, a section of government officials are working hand in glove with the brick kiln mafia.

The City Politicians are Rich, it is Just the City is poor

Two "exemplary examples" of a city becoming a large wasteland as reported in the Rising Kashmir


SMC has no Money to buy Dustbins

Sameer Showkin Lone

Srinagar: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) is facing acute shortage of funds to buy dustbins for improved garbage disposal in the City. The lack of funds has badly affected the Corporation’s ongoing cleanliness drive across the summer capital and heaps of garbage can be seen lying on roadsides.

However, contrary to this the Corporation recently announced setting up of a gym centre costing Rs 10 lakh at Rainawari, a move people have resented.

“I can’t expect that SMC will give priority to a gym centre over dustbins which are so important for garbage collection and its disposal. This is wastage of funds,” said Altaf Ahmad, a local.

Official documents, a copy of which lies with Rising Kashmir reveal that the proposed budget for sanitation for the year 2010-2011 was Rs 82 lakhs, which includes purchase of disinfectants, conservancies equipment, garbage collection equipment, snow clearance equipment, sanitation fee and other programmes. Out of this amount, Rs 50 lakhs were solely proposed for purchasing disinfectants, conservancies and garbage collection equipment, the documents reveal.

Earlier the SMC authorities planned to distribute 10,000 colour-coded dustbins to the city households, but seven months have passed and the plan is yet to be implemented.

SMC authorities on the other side have put the blame on people saying that they (people) do not cooperate with the Corporation in keeping the city clean.

Talking to Rising Kashmir, Commissioner SMC, Sheikh Mushtaq said people neither cooperate with the Corporation nor they pay sanitation charges towards the department, which creates financial problems to them.

Mushtaq further said one dustbin costs around Rs 8000 to 10,000. “When people won’t pay their sanitary dues to SMC, how can we generate the money to buy dustbins and run other expenses,” he added.


Dirty Public Lavatories Puts Srinagar to Shame

Sameer Showkin

Srinagar: The government may be enthused by record number of tourist arrivals this year, but Srinagar city, which usually serves as the first stop for the visitors, continues to cut a sorry figure on account of poor sanitation facilities including public lavatories.

Recently, a group of tourists from Gujarat discovered the ugly side of the city when after half an hour’s search they found a lavatory at Dalgate intersection with walls and floor smeared with faeces and garbage all around.

“We had a different impression about this place, but after this experience and that too on the very first day of our visit the image in our minds has completely changed,” the tourist family said.

The shopkeepers at Dalgate said after the construction of the lavatory, it functioned smoothly for a year and had one rupee ticket per head.

“But later the persons who were managing the lavatory decamped with its electric motor and pipes. Since then nobody bothered to renovate it.”

The shopkeepers said they had appealed Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to renovate the lavatory, but to no avail.

A casual visit to other tourist places in Srinagar and one can find either defunct or dilapidated public lavatories. From Dalgate to Batamaloo, only two lavatories are functional, one at Residency Road and another at Polo View.

Lal Chowk, the business centre of the city, is also witness to encroached footpaths and garbage-littered roadsides.

“Who would imagine that this was once a centre of Kashmir politics. Many towering political leaders have addressed public rallies here since 1947,” said Ghulam Qadir, a shopkeeper, while pointing towards the encroached footpaths and heaps of garbage.

He said a single lavatory at Regal Chowk is not sufficient for thousands of people who visit the city centre.

Just three kilometers from Lal Chowk is Batamaloo Bus Stand which witnesses heavy rush of people throughout the day and the only public toilet there is in shambles.

“The toilet leaks on to the street causing problems for both shopkeepers and passersby,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a fruit vendor.

Meanwhile, Chief Sanitation officer SMC, Manzoor Ahmad claimed that only few lavatories are defunct.

“I have not visited the Dalgate lavatory myself, but in the next few days I will visit the place and the matter will be looked into.”

He further said that SMC is planning to renovate all the toilets and will also construct some more toilets at congested public places,

As Fresh Water Lakes Shrink, Kashmiris Stay Aloof

The Editorial in the Rising Kashmir says that while we are past the stage of restoring Dal to its past glory, but we must try to salvage as much of the lake as possible


Salvaging Dal

The pollution and gradual shrinking of Dal Lake has been a cause of concern for Kashmiris. Restoring the lake to its past glory may be impossible now, but we must salvage as much of it as possible. This cannot be done only by commissioning expensive machines for cleaning the lake. There is a dire need to stem further pollution of the world famous water body by taking measures like upgradation of drainage and sewerage system, removal of encroachments in and around the lake and rehabilitation of Dal dwellers as soon as possible.

A committee formed by Legislative Assembly to look into the deterioration of Dal few years back had concluded that lack of coordination between three departments-UEED, LAWDA and SMC was affecting the health of the lake. With no coordination among the departments regarding bifurcation of sewerage and drainage system the effectiveness of the cleaning operations remained severely affected. The committee also pointed to lack of coordination between departments in dealing with financial matters regarding the Dal works due to which bulk of money released for the purpose was wasted. “There was enough money but fault lies with the execution,” the committee’s report underlined. Pertinently, the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India, has sanctioned a project worth Rs 298.76 crores for conservation and management of Dal and Nageen lakes on September 30, 2005. The project could not be completed in time. Owing to official callousness and mismanagement, rampant encroachment and subsequent pollution of Dal went unchecked for years. Lack of political will to restore the lake also gave the encroachers free hand. Though a lot of money has been released for its cleaning and conservation operations, the efforts have gone in vain due to the lack of effective coordination between the concerned agencies. This has also been pointed out by experts. The LA committee had also suggested formation of a separate ministry for conservation of water bodies besides recommending involvement of foreign consultants. Though these recommendations are worth consideration, but given the past experience, one cannot expect much from the outside assistance unless it is coupled with substantial efforts at the local level. Restoration of Dal has become a daunting task owing to the plethora of challenges which have emerged over the years like rehabilitation of the thousands of families living in the interiors of the lake. Corrupt practices of officials and apathetic attitude of successive governments has led to deterioration of Dal to such an extent that it is looking difficult to even salvage a part of it. In the last-ditch effort to save the lake from extinction the concerned agencies will have to coordinate their work. The state government on its part needs to ensure proper utilization of the funds. Dal is an asset bestowed by nature without which Kashmir is incomplete. Human intervention has pushed it to the brink of extinction. And it is human intervention alone which can save it for posterity.