SRINAGAR: Amid the ongoing massive makeover in the city under the Srinagar Smart City project, a state-of-the-art Souq market is being established at Batamaloo, officials said.
As per the officials, 80 percent of the construction work on the project, estimated to cost around Rs 30 crore, has already been completed.
A senior official from the Srinagar Smart City project revealed that the Batamaloo project comprises three buildings labelled A, B, and C. He said the infrastructure work is currently in progress.
“The Souq market is a key component of this development, and its construction is advancing rapidly. As of now, 80 percent of the overall project at Batamaloo is complete,” he said.
The official said the construction encompasses around 52 shops within the complex and the buildings are set to house a Souq market, dedicated specifically to showcasing and promoting local crafts.
As per officials, the Souq market is expected to provide a vibrant space for local artisans and crafters to showcase their products.
Among the ongoing projects under the Srinagar Smart City, the authorities have also undertaken the beautification of the Shalimar canal, spanning approximately 1 km, they said, adding, “This initiative aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the canal area, providing residents and visitors with an improved environment for leisure and recreation.”(KNO)
SRINAGAR: Two days ahead of Republic Day, the Jammu and Kashmir administration provided entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities to 94,680 youth in a single day, an official spokesman said. JK Bank extended Rs 1384 crore credit for setting up these business units.
LG Manoj Sinha attended a function organised by J&K Bank to celebrate the achievements of Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan and Swarozgar Utsav at Jammu
Commending the efforts of Jammu Kashmir Bank, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha applauded the institution for its role in strengthening the Ghar Ghar KCC Abhiyaan and Swarozgar Utsav campaigns. These initiatives, dedicated to the financial empowerment of farmers and the youth, have now reached a significant milestone with the distribution of sanction letters for setting up new units and start-ups.
“Today, J&K creates a new record by distributing sanction letters to set up new units and start-ups that will fulfil dreams of youth and their aspiration of being a job creator and not a job seeker,” stated the Lt Governor, emphasising the transformative impact this event will have on the economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha highlighted the pivotal role played by Jammu Kashmir Bank as the common man’s bank, contributing significantly to the welfare of the people. Under the Swarozgar Utsav initiative, covering all Panchayats of Jammu and Kashmir, the bank is set to provide a substantial amount of Rs 1384 Crore to facilitate the establishment of new units and start-ups.
“We will provide training and supportive infrastructure to create sustainable employment for more youth in these units,” added the Lt Governor, underlining the commitment to fostering a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and self-employment.
The Lt Governor also lauded the achievements in saturating the Kisan Credit Card across Jammu and Kashmir through the Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan. Approximately 2 lakh farmers have been provided with Kisan Credit Cards, paving the way for a revolutionary transformation in the Agriculture and Allied Sector.
Expressing expectations from Jammu Kashmir Bank, the Lt Governor directed the institution to achieve saturation in Ghar Ghar KCC Abhiyaan, Stand-Up India, and Startups. He urged the bank to devise campaigns for extensive financial literacy programs, especially under the Back to Village and My Town My Pride initiatives, reaching out to a vast section of the population.
“As we embark on a path of renewed economic and social development in Jammu and Kashmir, Banks, especially J&K Bank, will have to ensure the economic needs of farmers, youth, and women are catered to with people-friendly schemes aimed at the creation of employment and livelihood opportunities,” remarked the Lt Governor.
During the ceremony, the Lt Governor presented Insurance Claim Settlement cheques to the legal heirs of deceased Government Employees covered under the Bank’s Group Personal Accidental Insurance. He also felicitated successful entrepreneurs and farmers financed by the Bank.
In a technological leap, the Lt Governor launched the Kisan Sathi Chatbot, an AI-based farmer-friendly application developed by the Agriculture Production Department. The J&K Bank also contributed Rs 40.27 Lakh under its CSR initiative for the chatbot application.
Furthermore, as part of its CSR initiatives, J&K Bank handed over cheques worth Rs 3.35 Cr and Rs 3.84 Cr to representatives of Jammu Smart City and Srinagar Smart City, respectively, for the construction of e-bus bays/passenger sheds.
Bank’s other CSR initiatives also include a commitment letter to the Administrative Secretary, Department of Health and Medical Education for providing 120 Patient trolleys and 120 wheelchairs to all the district hospitals of Jammu and Kashmir, handing over of cheque worth Rs 26 Lakh for two transport ambulances to Principal Government Medical College Jammu and Rs 34 Lakh for one critical care ambulance to Director SKIMS. A cheque of Rs 24 Lakh was presented to the Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare; Rs 69.73 Lakh cheque to Sewa Bharati representative; a cheque worth Rs 11 Lakh to the Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Jammu and Rs 12 Lakh to the Vice-Chancellor University of Jammu under various heads.
SRINAGAR: Despite the prolonged dry spell in Kashmir, Pahalgam, the renowned tourist destination in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has witnessed a footfall of around 50 thousand tourists in the ongoing month.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pahalgam Development Authority, Tariq Ahmad Naik said that while the extended dry spell has impacted tourism, the destination continues to attract visitors.
He said efforts were underway to position Pahalgam as a full-fledged winter destination this year, but the absence of snow has affected those plans. “Tourists have been visiting, but the flow might have been more with snow,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Naik said they remain hopeful. He said around 50,000 tourists have visited the tourist destination this month, which is comparatively better. “Some bookings have been cancelled as some tourists come specifically for snow. We hope there will be snow in the coming days, and we are ready for activities that will attract more and more tourists,” he added(KNO)
Prayers and supplication are insufficient until actions align. As commanded in the Quran, “O mankind, your condition will not change until you change yourself,” emphasizing that human action must precede divine intervention.
The climate in Kashmir is shaped by a combination of atmospheric and oceanic factors. Among these influences, the subtropical westerly jet stream holds particular significance. Originating from the Mediterranean Sea, this high-altitude air current moves swiftly from west to east and plays a pivotal role in determining weather patterns in the region.
During the winter months, the subtropical western jet stream transports moist air from the Mediterranean Sea towards the Indian subcontinent. As this moisture-laden air encounters the Himalayas and Kashmir, orographic lifting, induced by the mountain range, forces condensation. The ascent of moist air results in cooling and condensation, ultimately leading to precipitation. In the context of Kashmir, this often manifests as snowfall in higher elevations.
The interaction between the subtropical western jet stream and the topography of the Himalayas significantly contributes to winter precipitation in the region. This precipitation holds crucial importance for water resources, agriculture, and the overall climate of Kashmir.
Understanding these atmospheric dynamics provides insight into the current weather conditions in Kashmir, shedding light on the factors influencing the ongoing situation.
The impact of global climate change on Western nations is marked by the consequences of heightened greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are primary contributors to this phenomenon, resulting in a warming of the Earth’s surface and shifts in climate patterns.
In regions with significant industrialisation and notable greenhouse gas emissions, including many Western nations, the warming of the planet influences the behaviour of jet streams. Specifically, alterations in the subtropical westerly jet streams can be observed. These changes have the potential to impact the trajectory and intensity of these jet streams, which, in turn, play a key role in shaping the weather patterns in Kashmir.
The modified patterns of jet streams may lead to variations in the timing, distribution, and intensity of precipitation in the region. Consequently, this has implications for the occurrence of snowfall in Kashmir, with potential repercussions on water resources and agricultural activities. It is noteworthy that any disruption in jet streams due to climate changes can result in the formation of an Omega Block. Understanding these connections is vital for comprehending the broader implications of global climate change on specific regional climates.
An Omega block refers to a specific atmospheric pattern characterised by a high-pressure system that shapes the jet stream into the form of the Greek letter Omega (Ω). This pattern typically occurs when the jet stream takes on a meandering structure, featuring a northward-extending ridge of high pressure and flanked by two troughs of low pressure.
The distinctive feature of an Omega block lies in its prolonged duration, often lasting for several days or even weeks. This pattern can have significant repercussions on local weather conditions by trapping pressure and heat, potentially disrupting normal weather patterns.
In the context of the Kashmir region, the formation of an Omega block implies the establishment of a high-pressure ridge over the area. This pattern acts as a barrier, confining air masses within its structure. The consequence is the accumulation of heat and pressure under the high-pressure system. As the ridge persists, it hampers the regular movement of weather systems. The trapped heat and pressure contribute to the development of warmer conditions in the affected area, potentially resulting in prolonged periods of elevated temperatures.
In Kashmir, the impact of an Omega block could translate into reduced rainfall or snowfall, with implications for water resources, agriculture, and various aspects of the local climate. Understanding the characteristics and effects of an Omega block is crucial for assessing its potential influence on the weather dynamics in the region.
El Niño and Its Impact on Kashmir’s Climate
El Niño is a climatic phenomenon characterised by periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, with global implications for weather patterns. During El Niño events, disruptions in atmospheric circulation patterns influence the behaviour of jet streams worldwide. This can result in alterations to precipitation patterns in various regions, including Kashmir.
El Niño typically brings drier and warmer conditions to certain parts of the world, potentially affecting the regular winter precipitation in Kashmir. The reduced snowfall can have consequences for the region’s water resources, agriculture, and overall climate dynamics.
In conclusion, the global impact of the West’s pollution on the environment is undeniable, and the consequences of environmental degradation are a shared responsibility that transcends geographical boundaries. A collective awakening is imperative, recognising that showing mercy towards nature is not only a moral duty but a survival strategy for the entire planet.
Mudasir Rehman
Instead of avoiding the harsh reality of the environmental crisis, we must confront it directly, fostering a global commitment to sustainable practices, responsible resource management, and the protection of our shared home. The future of our planet hinges on our ability to exhibit mercy towards nature and collectively strive for harmonious coexistence with the environment. Prayers and supplication are insufficient until actions align. As commanded in the Quran, “O mankind, your condition will not change until you change yourself,” emphasising that human action must precede divine intervention.
(The author is a research scholar in Education with a Master’s in Political Science. Ideas are personal.)
While the Sunday Market continues to be the only address for comfortable and budget shopping, it is not only getting popular with tourists alone. The flea market feeds tons of material for the thriving Thrift market as well, reportsBabra Wani
Hustle and bustle at Sunday Market, Srinagar. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur
Despite having a middle-class upbringing, Tahir, 23, always had an eye for branded clothing, closely tracking the fashion scene. When the internet reached Kashmir in his seventh grade, it unveiled a realm of high-end brands through surfing and reading.
Residing in Sopore, Tahir’s affinity for branded clothes grew. “I developed the urge to wear those high-end brands,” he confessed. After he completed his secondary school, he opted to work in Srinagar to further delve into the world of fashion.
Curiosity drew him to the Sunday Market, Srinagar’s famed fleas market, where he discovered clothes and items from various brands. Captivated by the notion of introducing high-end brands to Srinagar, he embarked on opening his store.
“I wanted to bring these brands to my hometown, so I set up shop in the main market in Sopore,” Tahir said. “After starting the store, I was uncertain about its name, and that’s when I chose to name it after my town – Sopore Thrift.”
It swiftly attracted customers and became popular. Tahir transitioned into being his boss, earning to support his family of three, which included his sister and father.
Before launching his store, Tahir researched thrifting, ensuring he could address any queries. “Whenever people asked me if I knew what thrifting was, I had an answer because I had already read about it.”
Not alone, Tahir is just a member of a lot who have discovered both passion and profession in thrifting. The concept of ‘thrifting,’ though seemingly novel, is deeply rooted in Kashmir. In the Goni Khan area alone, over three thrift stores and vendors operate, predominantly focusing on women’s clothing. One of these establishments has thrived for three generations.
The Lal Chowk, the heart of Srinagar, boasts several more shops, with most thrifting store operators originating from Srinagar’s Shehr-e-Khas. A thrift store owner revealed his unique approach—he acquires products in Germany and other European countries, subsequently selling them in Kashmir. “I go to Germany and other European countries to buy these second-hand or ‘defective’ pieces, and then I sell them in my store,” one of the store owners said.
The people of Kashmir have actively engaged in shopping for ‘second-hand products,’ making it an integral and substantial component of the thriving thrifting culture in the region.
What is Thrifting?
Thrifting involves the purchase of second-hand clothing or items previously used and relinquished by the original buyer for any reason. This practice has gained popularity, encompassing the acquisition of pre-owned goods from thrift stores, shops, flea markets, vintage stores, sales, and similar outlets, collectively referred to as ‘thrifting.’ Extending the life cycle of products through prolonged usage aligns with sustainable living, presenting an environmentally friendly alternative to frequent fresh purchases.
Thrifting, often synonymous with second-hand marketing, has found favour, particularly in Kashmir. A ThredUp report projects the global second-hand market to reach $350 billion by 2027, affirming that it is evolving into a global phenomenon. “We have studied the second-hand market and resale industry for more than a decade,” the report reads. “It is clear that second-hand is becoming a global phenomenon that is not only changing the face of retail but ushering in a more sustainable future for fashion.”
Women rush in Goni Khan market in Srinagar. This market exclusively sells women’s ware. KL Image: Bilal Bahadur
Digital Threads Beyond Borders
In the era of fast internet in Kashmir, individuals like Tahir and many others leverage social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to promote their thrifting businesses.
Much like Tahir’s venture, 18-year-old Arqam has taken the thrifting scene to the digital platform, running an online thrift store on Instagram and boasting a dedicated website. Hailing from Lazibal, Anantnag, Arqam, is preparing for NEET, whilst operating his online store, Thrift Anantnag, for a year, being the first in the district to embark on this digital journey.
Arqam’s venture into thrifting was ignited by his love for skating. “I have been passionate about skating for some time. Observing skaters from other places, I noticed they often wear clothes with vintage vibes, a bit baggy, and stuff. That is when I began searching for similar clothing,” he explained. The breakthrough happened in Janglat Mandi, where he discovered the ideal pieces. “So, I purchased them and started sharing photos of the products, and that is how it all began.”
What began with an initial investment of Rs 500 has now burgeoned into a business fetching him over Rs 1 lakh monthly. Arqam envisions even greater success. “If I focus entirely and pay all the attention, then I can earn more than Rs 1.5 lakhs, a month.”
With the expansion of his business, Arqam now sources materials from outside Jammu and Kashmir, mainly from Ladakh and Delhi. These material consignments, arriving in kilograms, encompass a variety of wearables, from shoes to sweaters and trousers. His online shop caters to customers of all genders.
Sahil Hamid, another online thrift store owner, echoes the sentiment that the concept of online thrifting in Kashmir draws inspiration from various influences such as social media and cultural trends. “And it has gained popularity as a sustainable and budget-friendly way to shop.”
Tanzeel Ur Rehman, a Hyderpora resident, dives into the world of online thrift stores, skilfully steering his business for over two years. His inspiration mirrors the bustling Sunday Market, reminiscent of Tahir’s trajectory. “Navigating through the Sunday Market’s diverse offerings for quality brands can be a challenge,” he said. Consequently, he conceived the idea of selling these coveted products online, offering people a convenient platform for exploration and purchase.
Presently, more than 20 Instagram accounts are actively involved in the thriving thrifting business in Kashmir, evident in the hashtag #thrifkashmir amassing over 1000 posts.
The Sunday Market
Since the early 2000s, Saima, a resident of South Kashmir, has been a frequent visitor to Srinagar’s lively Sunday Market, especially during the winter months. “I visit to purchase clothing for myself and my children because my husband is a private employee, and we cannot afford to shop for brands at high-end stores,” she said.
Individuals of all ages, genders, and classes converge at the Sunday Market for their essential needs. Though its origins are unknown, the Sunday Market has evolved into one of Kashmir’s largest second-hand markets. True to its name, the market exclusively opens on Sundays, attracting people from across Kashmir, particularly during the winter season, with offerings available at highly affordable prices.
Addressing diverse needs, the market provides an array of items ranging from wearables to accessories, bags to kitchen appliances, and even stationery items. The merchandise includes both fresh items and those previously used.
Many vendors have been trading their goods in this market for more than a decade. The market secures its merchandise from various suppliers and wholesalers outside Kashmir, who then distribute these items to the Sunday Market, as well as other local shopkeepers and vendors.
Extending along the road from TRC ground to Jahangir Chowk, the market has not only retained the loyalty of local customers over the years but has also piqued the interest of non-local customers. It is now getting very popular with the visitors as well.
Breaking Stereotypes
In contrast to the traditional thrift market, the online thrift market presents a different narrative. Syeda Sakeena, a Srinagar resident, is currently pursuing her PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication. Her foray into thrifting commenced in 2018 when she posed a question on her Instagram: “How many of us practice thrifting, for various reasons?”
Passionate about the environment and a connoisseur of unique fashion, Sakeena embraced thrifting. “I don’t believe in copying; neither should anyone copy my style. Thrifting allows you to break down the monopoly of fashion, providing unique pieces to style on your own.”
Her online store, The Vintage Valley Store, stands as a pioneering venture in Kashmir. Motivated by environmental concerns, Sakeena diversified into bags in 2020. “I started my store of bags because of my great liking for them and knowledge about brands. The concept was to make both luxurious and artistic pieces available, including limited edition and hand-crafted items,” shared Sakeena.
Although faced with the initial challenge of acquainting people with the thrifting concept, she observed a positive shift. “Mine was among the firsts, and now, after three years, the scenario is changing. There are more online thrift stores available in Kashmir.”
Sakeena’s customer base extends beyond Kashmir, with a majority being non-natives. “Offline thrifting is very much in vogue in Kashmir. Out of 100 people, almost 90 have engaged in thrifting at one point or another in their lives, whether they admit it or not,” she asserted.
She explained that most of the products she sells are sourced in bulk from the mainland and offshore. “It depends on what is available in the market, and you have to be on your toes to procure these products, keeping in view the fashion and the market demand.”
Sakeena’s store primarily focuses on bags, with clothing accounting for only 10 per cent of her offerings. While some in the business are new, for others, thrifting and second-hand marketing have been longstanding traditions passed down through generations.
Generational Business
Faisal, a resident of Srinagar, has immersed himself in the thrifting business for the past five years, following in the footsteps of his father, a seasoned businessman with three decades of experience. Faisal manages his store, while his father, drawing on his wealth of expertise, operates wholesale, supplying products not only to Faisal’s store but also to the Sunday Market, street vendors, and sellers in far-flung villages.
This father-son legacy echoes in yet another duo, spanning over two decades in the thrifting trade. Specialising in ladies’ clothing such as jackets, tops, sweaters, and pants, their store, located near Goni Khan market, draws a constant crowd, particularly young girls who flock to the shop in large numbers daily.
“We provide them with all kinds of clothes from foreign brands, and the store even features a changing room for the girls to try out the clothes,” the store owner proudly shared. “Since our customers are mainly students, we have kept all of our products at affordable prices, selling jeans in the price range from Rs 200 to a maximum of Rs 500.”
(Some photographs used with this report are merely representational.)
SRINAGAR: The minimum temperature continued to be below the freezing point, even as the weatherman has forecasted the possibility of a wet spell from January 25 to February 1.
A meteorological department official said that Srinagar recorded a low of minus 5.0°C against minus 5.3°C on previous night and it was 2.7°C below normal for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year.
Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 4.8°C against minus 5.2°C on the previous night, he said. The minimum temperature was 0.9°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, the MeT official said.
Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 6.2°C against minus 6.9°C on the previous night and it was 1.3°C above normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.
Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 1.5°C against minus 2.6°C on the previous night and the temperature was above normal by 2.1°C for the place, the official said.
Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4.9°C against minus 6.0°C on the previous night and it was 2.0°C below normal there, the official said.
Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 4.0°C against minus 4.5°C on the previous night and the temperature was 3.7°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir.
Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 5.0°C, same as on the previous night, and it was below normal by 2.0°C for the winter capital of J&K.
Banihal recorded a low of minus 1.8°C, Batote 1.6°C and Bhaderwah minus 0.4°C, he said.
Regarding forecast, he said, weather is likely to be dry till January 24.
From January 25-26, he said, generally cloudy weather with light snow is expected at isolated higher reaches.
From January 27-28, he said, generally cloudy weather with light rain/snow over scattered places is likely.
From January 2-31, he said, light to moderate rain/snow is “very likely” at many places.
Also, he said, there is possibility of light rain/snow at scattered places on February 1.
Kashmir valley is under ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter, which will end on January 29. However it does not mean an end to the winter. It is followed by a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ that occurs between January 30 and February 19 and a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which is from February 20 to March 1. (GNS)
SRINAGAR: Senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana on Monday stated that January 22, 2024, will be treasured in the history of a rising India as the commencement of an era characterized by harmony and inclusivity—the cornerstone of Sanatan Dharma, promoting the spirit of Vasudeva Kutumbakam.
“Let this sacred and historical occasion inspire us all to emulate the ideals of Maryada Purushottam Shree Ram and foster the bonds that bind us as a nation believing in compassion, righteousness and love for humanity,” Devender Rana said while inaugurating ‘Mukhya Dwaar’ of ancient Narshinghji Temple at Gharota in Block Bhalwal.
Greeting the people on the consecration of Ram Temple at Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Senior BJP leader described the sacred endeavor as a journey of over 500 years of devotion and determination.
“The construction of the Ram Temple is a testament to the enduring faith and reverence for the Maryada Purshotam and this generation is blessed to witness the Tapasya of millions of Sanatanis, who suffered ignominy but remained steadfast in their resolve to have the home for Ram Lalla—the embodiment of the ideals of righteousness and virtue– where the Lord was born. This marks a historical moment in the rich tapestry of rising Bharat’s cultural and spiritual heritage, which will enlighten the world and carve out a way forward for the nation to become Vishwaguru,” he added.
Devender Rana said the Ram Temple reflects the nation’s devotion to Shree Ram, who examples of justice, compassion, and unwavering commitment to truth, hoping that it will serve as a symbol of collective aspirations of Sanatanis for a society founded on these timeless values. He said the contribution of thousands, irrespective of religion, caste or region, in building a magnificent temple is a symbol of inclusive India.
