Srinagar, July 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has assigned additional responsibilities to Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, IAS (AGMUT:2009), as Civil Aviation Commissioner.

According to an official order, In the interest of administration, it is hereby ordered Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, IAS (AGMUT:2009) secretary to the Government, Science & Technology Department holding the aditional charge of the post of Administrative Secretary, Civil Aviation Department Shall also hold the charge of the post of Civil Aviation Commissioner, in addition to his own duties, till further orders. (JKNS)

Sopore, Jul 15: A 33-year-old man lost his life due to electrocution while attempting to fix an electric wire at his residence in Behrampora Rafiabad area of north Kashmir Sopore township on Tuesday.

The official identified him as Bilal Ahmad Sheikh, son of Ghulam Muhammad of Behrampora, Rafiabad.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred when Bilal came in contact with a live wire, resulting in his immediate death.

Srinagar, Jul 15: A growing crisis threatens Kashmir’s high-density apple plantations as widespread use of substandard trellis systems raises concerns over long-term viability.

Orchard infrastructure across the region is increasingly being built with poor-quality galvanized iron (GI) pipes, often in violation of the IS  Standard 1239.  Many of these pipes are less than 1.5 mm thick and weigh under 10 kg, making them structurally unsound for high-density orchards designed to last up to 50 years, industry experts say.

GI pipes, as per Indian Standard (IS) 1239 standards, are categorised into three classes based on their wall thickness and durability. Class A, or light class, has a wall thickness of approximately 2.0 mm and a lifespan ranging from 5 to 8 years when buried in soil. Class B, known as medium class, features a thickness between 2.65 mm and 4.05 mm, offering a longer service life of 8 to 15 years. The heaviest and most durable, Class C, has a wall thickness between 3.25 mm and 4.85 mm, with an expected lifespan of 15 to 20 years under similar conditions.

Experts say most trellis systems in Kashmir use Class A or even lower-grade pipes, despite their unsuitability for structural support. In contrast, pre-stressed concrete poles (PSCPs)—used globally for similar plantations—offer a lifespan of over 70 years. “The trellis system used here may not withstand a  moderate wind”, said Ashiq Ali, Founder and Ailal Agro Private Ltd.  He said that in European countries, a robust trellis system is used that lasts for decades.

Quality Control Lapses

Market sources say many GI pipes used in orchards fall below the Indian Standard (IS)  weight benchmark of 5.5 kg per metre for 60 mm diameter. Pipes as thin as 1.5 mm are commonly sold, raising the risk of structural failure, especially in areas vulnerable to snow and high winds.

“Only Class C pipes with a minimum 4 mm wall thickness and 250 GSM zinc coating are fit for use in soil,” said a horticulture engineer who declined to be named. He said that the orchards with the current terries system could not last for  many years.

Farmers Left Unaware

Many orchardists say they are unaware of the quality standards and rely on suppliers and developers. “We trusted the supplier and the scheme,” said Bashir Ahmad, a grower from Shopian. As pipes deteriorate, the trained apple trees risk collapse, potentially leading to large-scale losses and rendering entire orchards non-productive. The government, however, has outrightly rejected the use of substandard GI pipes. During the last Assembly session, Tral MLA Rafiq Ahmad Naik moved a cut motion seeking an explanation from the government over the use of substandard GI pipes in high-density apple orchards. In response, the government said it had not permitted the establishment of such orchards.

Srinagar, Jul 15: Jammu and Kashmir’s Grand Mufti, Mufti Nasirul Islam, on Tuesday condemned the recent “derogatory remarks” made by political leader and Shia cleric.

Terming the comments “unbearable and intolerant,” the Mufti warned that such statements threaten the fragile fabric of religious harmony in Kashmir.

“These remarks go against the spirit of brotherhood and religious coexistence,” Mufti Nasirul Islam said, talking to reporters here. “We want to ask: what is the agenda behind such inflammatory rhetoric? If he wants to do politics, let him do it, but not at the cost of religion and peace. That will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”

The controversy erupted after a video clip surfaced online purportedly showing Ansari making “disparaging remarks” during a recent gathering.

The comments sparked outrage across Kashmir and beyond, prompting calls for public clarification and apology. Public figures are generally expected to exercise restraint in religious discourse, especially in a sensitive region like Kashmir.

Mufti Nasirul Islam said that several leaders had denounced the Shia cleric’s remarks. He named Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi, who termed the comments as “highly condemnable.”

The Mufti highlighted the historical moderation shown by the Shia cleric’s own grandfather too.

“His grandfather never did this. That is history. What is compelling him to act in this manner?” he said.

The Mufti said a committee has been formed to seek a formal explanation from the Shia cleric regarding his statements.

“We will not allow anyone, no matter how influential, to disturb the communal harmony we have nurtured for decades,” he said.

The Mufti said that they had formally approached the Director General of Police (DGP), urging action to prevent further escalation of tensions.

“We have asked the DGP to take a clear stand and ensure that peace is not vitiated by elements like this Shia cleric,” he said.

He called on New Delhi not to interfere in J&K’s affairs in a way that weakens the authority of the elected government.