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*Hailstorm damages orchards in Shopian*

Srinagar, April 20: A heavy hailstorm on Saturday damaged fruit orchards in several areas of J&K’s Shopian district.

The hailstorm hit several villages in the Shopian district including Thairan, Dangerpora, Mooli, Trenz, Mohandpora and other villages.

Reports said that there was heavy damage to fruit orchards including the buds and flowers which will adversely affect the production of the fruit in these areas this autumn.

The fruit growers have appealed to the authorities to assess the damage caused by the hailstorm and provide relief to those orchardists whose trees have suffered heavy damage.–(IANS)
*Wildlife dept deems 90% of leopard sighting reports in urban areas as false*

Jahangir Sofi

Srinagar, Apr 20 (KNO): Amidst escalating reports of leopard sightings in urban areas of Kashmir, the experts from wildlife department here have shed light on the multifaceted blend of factors contributing to these encounters, revealing that around 90% of such reports are deemed false upon investigation.

Parvez Ahmad, Wildlife Warden of the central division Kashmir, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), highlighted that while social media platforms are flooded with purported leopard sightings, a significant majority—90%—are found to be baseless upon scrutiny.

"It may not be correct to say that there is a spike in the presence of leopards in urban areas," Ahmad stated. “Of the reports we receive, 90% turn out to be fake, and we take up the matter with the police against those involved in spreading false rumors about the presence of leopards.”

Speaking over the possible reasons for leopards venturing into urban areas, Ahmad noted that of the minor percentage where leopard presence is confirmed, the primary driving force is the search for food, as these animals move out of their natural habitat for sustenance.

According to Ahmad, a complex interplay of elements such as leftover foods and open garbage disposal systems are attracting stray dogs, which in turn become prey for these majestic felines.

Addressing the proliferation of misinformation on social media regarding leopard sightings, Ahmad stressed that actions would be taken against those spreading rumors, urging the public to refrain from sharing unverified reports to prevent unnecessary panic and fear.

“In the central division, since I took over about 10% of reported cases are confirmed to be authentic," Ahmad stated while underlining the importance of responsible reporting.

Elaborating on the reasons behind leopards venturing into urban areas, Ahmad highlighted the search for food as a primary driving force. He pointed out that dogs, being soft prey, are attracted to areas with poor waste management practices, inadvertently drawing leopards closer to human settlements.

Ahmad underscored the importance of maintaining clean surroundings, advocating for the closure of unattended structures and the cleaning of bushes in empty lands to deter leopards from seeking shelter in urban environments.

He advised that communities residing near forested regions, national parks and protected areas take proactive measures to mitigate potential conflicts, such as securing garbage bins, refraining from feeding stray animals, and implementing community-driven conservation initiatives.

Meanwhile, some observers have attributed the surge in leopard sightings to rapid urbanization and habitat loss, forcing these elusive predators to adapt to changing landscapes.

The presence of abundant garbage and leftover food inadvertently creates a secondary food source in the form of stray dogs, further enticing leopards into urban vicinities—(KNO)
*‘Srinagar Boat Tragedy Day 5’*

*Search continues for missing trio in Jhelum with no breakthrough*

Rehan Qayoom Mir

Srinagar, Apr 20 (KNO): The rescue mission to locate the missing bodies of three persons in the Jhelum near Batwara-Gandabal continued for the fifth day without any breakthrough, officials said.

Despite ongoing efforts, including by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army's MARCOS and other teams, there have been no traces of the missing persons, Showkat Ahmad and his son Hazik Showkat, and another Farhan Parray.

The tragic incident occurred on April 16 when a boat capsized in the Jhelum River in the Gandbal area of Batwara, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and leaving three locals missing. The search operation has yielded only a few school bags so far, with no sign of the missing individuals.

ASI SDRF, Abdul Rashid told KNO that the rescue teams have been on job for the last five days but there has been no success in finding the missing trio.

“We have been on our toes, searching for the missing trio, but unfortunately, nothing has been found yet," the ASI said, adding, “We have also been searching near Chattabal Veer as there are chances the bodies might float there, but till now, nothing has been found.”

During the initial stages of the rescue operation, four school bags were recovered near Chattabal Veer, with two additional bags retrieved later in the day by SDRF personnel. However, the missing bodies are yet to be traced.

Meanwhile, people, including religious clerics, have been visiting the bereaved families to offer condolences and pray for the safe recovery of the missing persons—(KNO)
*Tehsildar Row: Have taken strong note of incident, says ADC Sopore*

Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Apr 20 (KNO): Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Sopore, S.A Raina on Saturday reacted to Tehsildar Sopore's ‘reprehensible behaviour’, which sparked controversy and outrage after a video surfaced on social media platforms, saying that the incident has been viewed very seriously and a strong note has been taken of it.

Speaking to reporters during an event at Dak Bunglow Sopore, Addl DC Raina as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the administration, media as well as the general public have to play their role.

“There is some disagreement somewhere with the public as well as in the media. These things shouldn't have happened,” he said, adding that they have taken strong note of the incident.

“We have to be friendly with the public and with Media. Media is our part and is acting as our eyes and ears, with the main focus to serve people in all better and possible ways,” Raina further said.

Notably, a video capturing the reprehensible behaviour of Tehsildar Sopore, seen resorting to threats and humiliation during a visit to the nearby Tarzoo village of Sopore sparked controversy and outrage after it circulated widely on social media platforms.

The Tehsildar accused the people of being blackmailers and also levelled the accusation to the media personnel as well. His hostile demeanour towards the general public and the media evoked widespread condemnation and outrage—(KNO)
*Authorities in Baramulla to impose Rs 5000 fine for unauthorised roadside parking*

*Warns of strict action against violators for encroaching roads*

Waris Fayaz

Baramulla, Apr 20 (KNO): Authorities in Baramulla have urged people to refrain from encroaching roads and parking their vehicles on roadsides, saying violators will have to pay a hefty fine of Rs 5000.

Street vendors, encroachment of roads by shopkeepers by putting merchandise, signboards and wrong parking of vehicles were the main reasons for obstructing public movement besides leading to frequent traffic jams, an official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

He said they have decided to relocate street vendors of civil lines Baramulla to Tashkan Adda (Kokar Bazar) and General Bus Stand Baramulla.

"Any vendor found with his cart outside these designated areas will be dealt strictly in accordance with law and a fine of Rs 2000 will be imposed on the spot,” the official added.

Meanwhile, an administrative order notifying all the shopkeepers to remove their illegal encroachments of their own besides asked them not to park their vehicles along roadsides as well as bridges to ensure hassle free movement of pedestrians/commuters and to avoid undue traffic jams.

"Any person found violating the orders will be dealt strictly in accordance with the law, which shall include the fine of Rs. 5000,” it said—(KNO)