Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 17 July

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July 17 | 2013 | 07 Ramzan 1434 AH | PAGeS 12 |

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VOL nO: 3 | ISSUe nO: 172 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGe FOR JAMMU /deLHI/LeH 50 PAISA)

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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K

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http://www.zabarwantimes.com

Meets Omar, discusses security scenario

Pakistani intruder arrested Jammu, July 16: A Pakistani intruder was arrested Tuesday along the International Border (IB) in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, a BSF official said.

A 55-year old man, who had entered India from across the border, was arrested by the BSF near Stop-2 post in Samba sector, he said.

During questioning, he identified himself as Fayaz Ahmed, hailing from Sailkot, the official said.

Arms and ammunition recovered Srinagar, July 16: A cache of arms and ammunition, including 11 grenades, were on Tuesday recovered by police in Budgam district of central Kashmir, officials said.

Acting on a tip off, police assisted by troops of 53 Rashtriya Rifles and 181st battalion of CRPF launched a search operation at village KerporaShankerpora in Chrar-e-Sharief area, the officials said.

The search parties recovered an AK assault rifle, 10 rounds, six hand grenades and five Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) grenades, they said.

The arms and ammunition were hidden by suspected militants behind some bushes in the village, the officials said.

They said no one was arrested during the operation.

Santro driver dies in accident Srinagar, July 16: In a deadly collision between a Tipper and Santro, one person died on spot in North Kashmir’s Sopore Town on Tuesday.

Police sources said that a speedy Tipper (JK02G-9784) coming from Kupwara hit a Santro car (JK01P-1934) near Bohripora Model Town Sopore.

The driver of the Santro car Mushtaq Ahmed Shah son of Ghulam Nabi Shah resident of Tujjar Sharief died on spot. The Tipper driver fled from the spot; however, police arrested him at a naka near Sopore Town.

A police official said that they arrested the erring tipper driver. “A case vide FIR number 134/2013 under section 279, 304A, 427 RPC has been registered against him and his vehicle has been sized,” he said.

Kolkata court sentences two Kashmiri youth to life imprisonment Srinagar, July 16: A local court in Kolkata has sentenced two Kashmir youth to life imprisonment after both of them had already spent 10 years in jail under Arms Act. On December 19, 2003, security forces had arrested Sheikh Imran son of Sheikh Abdul Rehman of Krfali Mohalla and Sheikh Farhat son of Sheikh Ghulam Nabi of Bemina and later they were taken to Kolkata where case was lodged against them under Arms Act. Both of them then aged 17 and 22 years respectively were lodged in Kolkata Central Jail and are languishing there since last 10 years.

On July 15 this year a lower court in Kolkata sentenced both of them to life imprisonment after they had already spent 10 years in jail.

Sources said that defence lawyer Ajay Dutt pleaded in the court that both the accused were innocents and should be released without any further delay. However, they said, after listening to both defence and prosecution, the court announced its verdict.

Meanwhile, while talking to KNS relatives of both the accused said that they were arrested from their residences on December 19, 2003 and later they were taken to Kolkata where they were falsely See Court on Pg. 11

Army chief promises fair probe in Bandipora killings

Srinagar, July 16:

Army Chief General Bikram Singh today called on Jammu & Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah here and briefed him about various aspects of infiltration from across the line of control (LoC).

“All the issues including AFSPA were discussed during the meeting. Security review, recent incidents of Bemina, Hyderpora and Bandipora were discussed threadbare,” Omar was quoted as saying

by KNS. The Chief Minister said that Army Chief assured him that they would take every step so that such incidents don’t happen in future.

“On Bandipora killings he (Army Chief) assured me that procedures would be followed and also assured that in future such incidents won’t happen,” he added.

Asked whether any consensus was reached on revocation of AFSPA from certain areas during the meeting, Omar said, “All what I can say is that talks are on. I can’t say more on it.”

Meanwhile, sources said the Army Chief briefed the Chief Minister of the functioning of security grid in the State and the status of coordination between various agencies connected with the security and law and order maintenance.

“Matters pertaining to Hyderpora and Markundal incidents also

came up in the meeting and Army Chief assured the Chief Minister that necessary measures would be taken to ensure that such incidents do not take place in future,” they said.

Omar and General Singh also discussed issues relating to the security aspects of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, they said.

The 55-day yatra to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir commenced on June 28. So far, over 2.25 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the shrine housing the naturally formed iceShiv lingam.

Hizbul Mujahideen militants had ambushed an Army convoy killing eight Army jawans and injuring 19 others near Hyderpora area on the outskirts of the city on June 25.

Two youths, both residents of

Markundal village, were killed, allegedly in Army firing in the wee hours of June 30 in Sumbal area of north Kashmir's Bandipora district, leading to protests by the local residents.

Meanwhile, General Singh also visited the forward areas along the line of control and the hinterland formations, an army spokesman said.

While interacting with the officers and troops, the Army chief gave out his key thrust areas and stressed upon the secular and apolitical ethos of the Indian Army, he said.

General Singh complimented the troops and officers for their outstanding vigilance, state of preparedness and high morale, the spokesman said.

"The (Army) chief was appreciative See Army Chief on Pg. 11

Official held for making illegal appointments Srinagar, July 16: Jammu and Kashmir State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) Tuesday arrested a government official for making illegal appointments in a municipal committee of north Kashmir's Bandipora district four years ago.

"SVO has arrested Abdul Rashid Shah, the then Incharge Executive Officer of Municipal Committees Sumbal/Hajin and Bandip-

ora presently attached with Divisional Commissioner Srinagar's office for illegal appointments made in Municipal Committee Sumbal during the year 2009-10," a spokesman of the SVO said here.

The organisation is further investigating two more cases of similar nature of Municipal Committees Hajin and Bandipora, besides a possession of disproportionate assets case against the said accused, he said.

The SVO had recently registered cases against four persons, including Shah, for making illegal appointments in the three municipal committees of the district.

"A verification conducted into the allegations of illegal appointments in Municipal Committees of Hajin, Sumbal and Bandipora revealed that during the year 2009-10, the accused made 149 illegal appointments including See Appointments on Pg. 11

Omar for setting definite goals Night for women empowerment flights at Srinagar

Srinagar, July 16:

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday asked the State Mission Authority for women empowerment to set the definite goals, share programmes and make regular review a constant feature of functioning to ensure success in the stupendous task of women welfare and empowerment.

Chairing the first meeting of State Mission Authority for implementation of National Mission for Empowerment of Women of which he is also the Chairman, the Chief Minister said that ladies specific and gender neutral activities

have to be underlined in all the departments to involve women participation and help their economic and holistic welfare.

“I will stress upon the functionaries of State Mission to primarily address the issue of decline in female child ratio, mortality of infants and pregnant women, gender gap in education, drop outs of female students from schools and other similar matters confronting the women in the State”, he said and added that creation of economic opportunities to empower the women by realizing specific targets and goals through various See Omar on Pg. 11

Srinagar, July 16: Defence Ministry has given clearance for operation of civilian flights at the airport here till 10 PM daily, paving way for extended air operations between Kashmir and rest of the country.

In a letter to Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh last week, Defence Minister A K Antony had said, "Air HQ (headquarters) has already issued instructions to extend watch hours for civil flights at Srinagar...Till See Flights on Pg. 11

Wamiq Farooq killing: SHRC summons SIT head on July 30 Srinagar, July 16: Observing that the government has not adopted human approach in favour of NoKs of teenager Wamiq Farooq, the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has summoned head of the Special Investigation Team, probing the killing of the schoolboy, to appear before it on July 30.

A single bench of SHRC comprising Javaid Kawoosa in the latest order has observed that com-

munication received from Under Secretary to Government (GAD) on July 8 shows that human approach in favour of the NOKs of Wamiq has not been adopted.

“Rather the government has remained adamant to follow legal niceties,” the SHRC said, adding, “The Under Secretary has in his report submitted that the SSP Srinagar on 05-05-2010 has reported that Wamiq Farooq was part of the unlawful assembly and involved

State Govt proposes, Planning Commission disposes: Soz Srinagar, July 16: State Congress President Professor Saif-uDin Soz Tuesday said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should continue his struggle for seeking more funds for Jammu and Kashmir.

“There is no dearth of money and I know that Central Government sincerely wants to help

Jammu and Kashmir in every respect,” Soz said adding that Planning Commission allocated funds on the basis of explanations given by the State Government.

“If we say there is unfair distribution of financial resources in Jammu and Kashmir and the per capita plan investment See Soz on Pg. 11

in the stone pelting incident which deprive his NoKs from the benefits envisaged …”

The commission said the Under Secretary is stuck to the letter (dated 05-052010) “while as since then much water has flown down the Jhelum and competent courts of law are seeking fresh resort of the investigation in the matter.”

“As this communication has not been taken into confidence by the See SHRC on Pg. 11

KU Professor arrested for domestic violence Srinagar, July 16: In a domestic violence case, a Kashmir University Professor was arrested by police on Tuesday after his In-Laws registered a case against him complaining that the said Professor not only demand dowry from his wife but also beat him ruthlessly.

Sources said that Assistant Professor of Botony Department in Kashmir See Arrested on Pg. 11

Ganderbal youth’s body reaches home Protestors clash with police, cop kidnapped Ganderbal, July 16: Clashes erupted in North Kashmir’s Larsun area after the dead body of Kashmiri youth Abid Ganaie was brought to his native village from Rajasthan on Tuesday. Agitated protestors amid pro freedom slogans demanded an impartial probe into the alleged killing of the youth. They even kidnapped a policeman and beat him to pulp.

Reports said that thousands of peo-

ple from Ganderbal District participated in the funeral procession of Abid Ahmed Ganaie son of Abdul Rehman Ganaie at Larsun. His body was brought from Rajasthan to his native village. The protestors came on roads and amid anti-India slogans pelted stones on police and Para-military troopers who were deployed in strength in the area.

Police resorted to heavy tear gas shelling to disperse the protestors. The clashes between the protestors and people continued for hours.

Reports said that scores of agitated protestors at Dangarpora Barsuwa dragged a policeman and tore his See Body on Pg. 11

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Army Chief........

of the initiatives under taken by Northern Command and in particular, the Chinar Corps which have led to sustaining the peaceful environment in the valley," the spokesman added. General Singh also lauded the Chinar Corps, Jammu & Kashmir Police, CRPF and other security agencies for their synergised efforts in smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra as well as other operations, he said.

Appointments...........

their relatives, in gross violation of standing orders and rules and without any competence," the spokesman said.

The SVO had registered three separate cases under prevention of corruption act against Imtiyaz Ahmad Parray, the President of Municipal Committee Hajin, Abdul Rashid Mir, the President of Municipal Committee Sumbal and Mushtaq Ahmad Sofi, the President of Municipal Committee Bandipora. Shah, who was holding charge as Executive Officer of all three Municipal Committees when the recruitments were made in 2009-10, has been named as an accused in the cases.

Omar..........

programmes should be another area of focus in the task of women empowerment and welfare.

The Chief Minister said that it has been observed that most of girl students leave schools for want of adequate sanitation facilities. This, he said is a critical area having huge impact on the continuation of education by the girls in schools. He also underlined importance of compound walling of girl schools as an essential ingredient to ensure girls continue their studies in the secured schools.

Omar Abdullah said that the Government has approached Government of India for providing more women degree colleges to the State to ensure enhanced accessibility to women to pursue higher educational goals. However, the Chief Minister emphasized on taking all measures at elementary school level to ensure reduction in drop outs.

He said creation of befitting sanitation facilities in schools is a thrust area in educational programmes of the State.

Directing for early placing of Resource Centre and full time Mission Director for implementation of National Mission for Empowerment of Women, the Chief Minister said that formulation of programmes, identification of areas, coordination with other departments and monitoring the status of various schemes under implementation in different departments for women empowerment, is of paramount importance and 90 percent success of the Mission will be dependent on the personal dynamism and dedication of Mission Director with a well established and functional Resource Centre.

The Chief Minister said that the schemes and programmes for empowerment of women are cross cutting in nature and involve various departments and ministries. He said the programmes of different departments need dovetailing and engendering as also inter-sectoral convergence. “This can also be ensured through the Resource Centre”, he added.

Omar Abdullah said that health, education and security related matters need to be identified by the Resource Centre for appropriate action at the apex level for addressing and redressing these issues. He said the State Government has already approved two Women Police Stations one each in Jammu and Srinagar. He said Women Cells in various Police Stations in the Districts are also being strengthened. He said Government would provide all help to the Mission to carry forward its objective successfully and realize the goals perfectly.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Medical Education, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Minister for Law, Mir Saifullah, Minister of State for Revenue, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmad Khan, Chairperson State Commission for Women, Shamima Firdous, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Secretary Social Welfare, Gazzanfer Hussain, Mission Director, Hafiza Muzaffar, Non-official Members and various senior officers.

In a PowerPoint presentation Secretary Social Welfare, Gazzanfer Hussain highlighted the role of State Mission Authority and presented resume of the objectives of National Mission for Empowerment of Women. He said that access to help, drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, coverage of all girls from primary to 12th class, skill development, gender sensitization, prevention of crimes against women, poverty alleviation and economic welfare of women, social empowerment and education, nutrition, gender rights, gender budgeting, etc are some focused areas to be looked after under the Mission programmes.

Flights.........

2200 hours on daily basis". Ramesh had written to Antony on June 24 seeking clearance of Defence Ministry for facilitating night landing and take-off from Srinagar airport.

Referring to his visit to Budgam district of Kashmir along with AICC Vice President Rahul Gandhi on June 15, Ramesh had said in the letter, "One of the important issues brought to Gandhi's attention relates to night landing and take-off facilities at Srinagar International Airport.

"Businessmen and tour operators were of the view that it would be very desirable to have flights arrive and take off late evenings and at night, which at present is not allowed because of security considerations," he had said.

SHRC.........

IO of FIR (no. 12/2010) P/s Nowhatta regarding the latest investigation which perhaps is being conducted by a SIT,” the commission said, adding, “So let the Investigating Officer be summoned alongwith C.D file, so that the credibility and authenticity of the letter dated 05-05-2010 of SSP Srinagar can be ascertained at the touchstone of the latest investigation conducted in the case.” The commission has directed to summon the IO to appear on July 30.

Wamiq Farooq was killed on January 31, 2010 when a teargas shell allegedly hit him on the head near Gani Memorial Stadium at Rajouri Kadal in old part of Srinagar.

Soon after Wamiq’s killing, his father, Farooq Ahmad Wani, had filed a complaint before the CJM seeking registration of an FIR under section 302 RPC.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate on February 5, 2011 had directed IGP to constitute SIT which was finally put in place on July 3, 2012.

Soz..........

is lowest in Kashmir as compared to other regions of the state that means the state government has not highlighted those sectors which needs funding in Kashmir.

“Planning Commission allocates funds only after it goes through the draft prepared by the state government. It is the duty of the State Government to highlight and explain to the Commission that the State needs so much funding in this and that sector. It is not the error of the Commission as the Commission grants funds as per the draft presented to it by the State Government,” Soz said.

He said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah could answer in a better way why there was unfair distribution of financial resources and reduction in funding. “I personally believe that Central Government wants the economy of the state to grow. State Government got from the Planning Commission what it had explained to them,” Soz said adding that Omar Abdullah should pursue the case and seek more funding from the Central Government.

Earlier talking to CNS on the sidelines of a rally at Kandi, Handwara, Soz said that time has come for the revocation of AFSPA. “Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should take all the stake holders on board and take a final decision in this regard. It is a sensitive matter and such matters are not discussed in open,” he said adding that Congress High Command has taken no decision on pre-pole alliance with any party.

Soz reiterated that Congress party would emerge as the single largest party in up-coming Assembly elections.

Soz addressed rallies at Kandi, Thregam and Vilgam in North Kashmir’s Handwara town.

Arrested............

University, Lateef Ahmed Pir beat his wife to pulp at Mirzabagh Complex of Varsity.

Reports said that the said Assistant Professor beat her wife ruthlessly after which she informed her father. The father-in-law of the Professor lodged a formal complaint at Police Station Nigeen after which the police arrested the accused.

The Father-in-Law of the accused has alleged that his son-in-law frequently used to demand dowry from his wife and even after meeting such demands he on routine basis beat her.

“May be he (Lateef Ahmed Peer) was arrested in domestic violence case but I can’t comment on the matter as I don’t know anything about it,” Chief Proctor Kashmir University, Mohammad Afzal Zargar told CNS. A police official while confirming this incident said that the accused was arrested after his Father-in-Law lodged a complaint that Lateef Pir used to physically torture his wife.

Body...........

uniform. The agitated protestors kidnapped the Head Constable Mohammad Sarwar and thrashed him mercilessly. Protestors fled from the scene after leaving him half-dead. He was immediately rushed to nearby hospital.

Large contingent of police and Para-military troopers were deployed to diffuse the situation. Police imposed severe restrictions in the area to calm down the situation.

Court..........

implicated in an Arms Act case.

Sheikh Imran’s brother Muzamil said that Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt was sentenced to six years imprisonment under Arms Act while his brother has been sentenced for life imprisonment in the same act “which is injustice.”

He said that they would file an appeal against the court order in higher court soon.

SKEWPY a job security certificate for unemployed youth: Sadhotra Srinagar, July 16: The Minister for Labour, Employment and Planning, Mr. Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Tuesday underlined the need for strict and speedy implementation of Sheri_Kashmir Employment Welfare Programme for Youth (SKEWPY) for ensuring job security to educated unemployed youth of the State through self-employment.

The Minister was addressing a review meeting of SKEWPY here today which was attended by Commissioner Secretary Labour and Employment, B.A. Runiyal, Director Employment, Dr. Abdul Rashid, Director JKEDI, Mr. Mohammad Ismail Parray, Secretary JKWDC, Mr. A.M. Zargar, President J&K Bank, Nayeem-ullah and Joint Director Planning, Mr. S. Bilal Ahmed.

Mr. Sadhotra said the SKEWPY is the dream project of Chief Minister and every effort should be made to encourage Youth to take up the scheme for selfreliance and also to live

with dignity and honour.

Impressing upon officers to work in unison, Mr Sadhotra hoped that coordinated efforts would assure successful implementation of the scheme.

Appealing all to contribute a bit in making the future of the youth bright through self-employment ventures, the Minister said that government cannot alone solve the unemployment crisis, every individual should lend a helping hand to the youth to set up income generating units and above all in providing awareness about different schemes launched by the government.

On this occasion, the meeting was informed that as many as 330049 youth were registered by Employment Department up to June this year for taking up self-employment ventures. Against five lakh target of employment generation under SKEWPY, achievement of around 2 lakh units was registered during last five years.

ZABARWAN TIMES

Governor reviews yatra arrangements at Sheshnag, Chandanwari, Nunwan Camps Srinagar, July 16: The Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra, who is Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, visited Sheshnag, Chandanwari and Nunwan Camps to review the arrangements put in place for the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra, which entered the 19th day today.

The Governor, accompanied by Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, inspected the arrangements at Sheshnag and Chandanwari and held meetings with the Camp Directors a nd other concerned officers at these two Camps. Thereafter he inspected the functioning of the Access Control Gate at Chandanwari, the CCTV Cameras and had discussions with the Camp Director, Deputy Commissioner, Senior Superintendent of Police and other concerned officers about the difficulties faced by the pilgrims in respect of the extant systems and procedures.

The Governor called upon the Camp Director and the District authorities to ensure that duly registered pilgrims do not face any avoidable inconvenience whatsoever.

At Chandanwari, the Governor inaugurated a Free Medical Camp set up by the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, a Kolkata based NGO. He appreciated the gesture of the organization and

enquired about the medicare facilities, medicines and other support made available by them to the Yatris. He also interacted with the Yatris and Ponywallas and heard their suggestions about the Yatra arrangements.

Later, the Governor had an intensive inspection of the Nunwan Base Camp and took stock of the various arrangements and logistics positioned there to facilitate the Yatris. During inspection of the Base Hospital at the Camp, he interacted with the doctors, enquired of the difficulties faced in the functioning of the Hospital, spoke to some of the Yatris admitted in this Hospital and advised the doctors to ensure against any ill person being allowed to undertake the Yatra. He also advised them to refer all seriously ill pilgrims to the hospitals at Srinagar for specialized care, as considered necessary. While inspecting Langars, the Governor asked the Langar organizations to maintain hygienic conditions and cleanliness in and around their Langars and serve food to the Yatris strictly as per the prescribed menu. The Governor undertook a detailed review of the functioning of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), water and power supply and sanitation measures. He reiterated earlier directions to the Camp officers to ensure cleanliness in and around the

Camp round the clock.

Thereafter, the Governor chaired a high level review meeting at the Nunwan Base Camp. Among those present included Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor and CEO, SASB; Mr. Vijay Kumar, DIG, Anantnag; Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag; Mr. R. K. Jalla, SSP Anantnag; Mr. Nissar Hussain Wani, Chief Executive Officer, Pahalgam Development Authority; Mr. R. K. Pandita, GM (Works), SASB; senior Civil, Police and Security Forces Officers and the District and Divisional level officers of the Power, Public Health, Roads and Buildings, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Health, Veterinary, Labour, and the other concerned agencies. The Governor reviewed the arrangements made, interalia, for provision of facilities of medicare, Fire and Emergency Services, availability of rations and other essential commodities, telecommunication, weather forecasting, Public Address System, etc. He also took stock of the arrangements made at the Mir Bazar and Walnut Factory Transit Camps. The CEO stated that all the arrangements at the Base Camps and the Camps enroute are functioning satisfactorily as per the Action Plan.

Poor road connectivity irks people Lok Adalats held Authorities’ apathetic, inhabitants aghast

Shabir-Uz-Zaman

ants. the R&B officials did not The Koil-Awantipora road pay any heed to the pleas of Pulwama, July 16: The is in a dilapidated condi- the common people of repair, black topping and tion adding to the miseries these areas. The people macadamisation of the of commuters. “Even the have urged the concerned many link roads have been drivers plying their departments to take-up the a dream for years now in vehicles on this road are macadamisation of the t h i s s o u t h K a s h m i r refusing to provide their said roads on priority District. People have services as their vehicles before the ongoing season expressed deep anguish on get damaged,” said a daily for macadamisation goes this uncaring role of the passenger adding that the out of hand. concerned departments. road also provides a link to Pertinent to note is that “Ratnipora to Puchal and M a l a n p o r a R a i l w a y present day weather Koil to Awantipora via s t a t i o n . “ W h y t h e conditions are favorable Lajoora, Ratnipora to contractors every year for macadamisation and Hanjipora and many more repair this road? I think just for reasons unknown to the link roads have been in to loot the state exchequer; people the authorities are shambles from last ten can’t they macadamize it dilly dallying these years,” claim the locals once for all?” Asks a local grievances. adding that the black resident of Puchal in When contacted, MLA topping of Ratnipora- aghast.

Pulwama said, “The work Puchal road was taken up The Hanjipora-Ratnipora on these important roads is in hand some four years road also presents the same b e i n g e x e c u t e d b y ago but for the unknown picture. While talking to NABARD and due to the reasons many patches of this Correspondent the strike of contractors there the road were left unat- locals said that though the has been a break off on tended. They said that the MLA Pulwama Mr. Mohd. c o n s t r u c t i o n w o r k ” . authorities assured them Khalil Bandh and MP Mr. Regarding the loot of that the remaining portions G N Ratanpuri had exchequer by the babus & will be executed shortly separately assured the contractors as claimed by but even after a gap of four macadamisation of these the locals, he responded years they never turned up. roads but till now nothing that the surfaces are to be T h e r o a d p r o v i d e s has been done on ground smoothened before the connectivity to some level. final stage of macadamisadozen villages comprising The locals allege that tion that is why it takes of thousands of inhabit- despite repeated attempts time.

Beigh chairs District Vigilance and Monitoring Committee meeting Anantnag, July 16: Member Parliament Dr. Mehboob Beigh today chaired Vigilance and monitoring committee for rural development programmes meeting at Anantnag to review the different centrally sponsored schemes.

District Development Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone Additional District Dev. Commissioner, ADC and all district officers of concerned schemes / programmes were present in the meeting.

DDC gave a power point presentation revealing the details of the centrally sponsored schemes i n c l u d i n g P M G S Y, MGNREGA and NRHM. It was given out in the meeting that under PMGSY during 2012-13, 30.26 crore expenditure has been made resulting in completion of 79 schemes. Under the same scheme out of 95 land acquisition cases 77 have been compensated.

During 2013-14 upto June, 2013, Rs. 609.16 lakh have been spent against total availability of Rs. 2186.59 lakh .

Under NRHM against total availability of Rs. 1185.13 lakh an expenditure of Rs. 1126.30 lakh has been made during 2012-13 while as during 2013-14 against availability of Rs. 224.05 lakh, Rs. 153.78 lakh have been utilised upto June, 2013 on different components.

It was also given out that under UIDSSMT, a mega water supply scheme at Bumzoo is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 45.96 crore, on the said project Rs. 24.25 crore have been spent so far.

Revealing the details of MGNREGA it was given out that an expenditure of Rs. 4139 lakh has been booked during 2012-13 by virtue of which 71804 job cards have been issued resulting in 18.20 lakh man-days and completion of 7557 works.

at Bandipora, Handwara

Bandipora, July 16: A Lok Adalat was held under the Chairmanship of Principal District and Sessions Judge, Mr. Mohammad Ali Khan at District Court Complex Bandipora here today.

As many as 31 cases of civil, matrimonial, croreiminal and labour were taken up, out of which 15 cases were settled amicably during the said Lok Adalat.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Bandipora, Mr. Manjeet Singh Manhas and Munsiff Bandipora, Sheikh Gowhar Hussain besides the Senior Advocates and litigants were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, the Tehsil Legal Services Committee, Handwara today conducted a Lok Adalat in the Court premises of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Handwara.

The Lok Adalat was chaired by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Handwara, Mr. O.P. Bhagat while the Munsiff Judge, Senior Advocates from Bar were present on the occasion who witnessed the court proceedings.

Erring traders penalised Srinagar, July 16: The market checking squad headed by Assistant Director, CA&PD conducted market checking at Baghi Mahtab, Natipora, Solina, Baghi Kanipora, Chanapora, Karan Nagar, Zaldagar, Fateh Kadal,

N o w h a t t a , K h a n y a r, Rainawari etc. of Srinagar city here today. During the market checking, 89 business establishments were inspected and an amount of Rs. 25,600/has been recovered as fine erring shopkeepers.

Office of the Regional Transport Office Kashmir NOTICE

Whereas a joint application has been received from Shri Gulzar Ahmad Bhat S/o Abdul Rashid Bhat R/o Sathu Barbar Shah Sgr. (as Transferor) and Shri Ghulam Rasool Shah S/o Khazir Mohammad Shah R/o Shamswari Sgr. (as Transferee) for transfer of ...... Carriage route permit No. ........ Covering vehicle No. JK01S-2967. Now, Therefore, it is notified for general information that objections, if any to the proposed transfer of the said route permit/vehicle shall be filed in writing in the office of the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir within a period of seven days from the date of publication of this notice. Seller and Purchaser identified by the authorised representative of M/s S.K.B.S namely Mr. Gh. Nabi.

No: JK RTOK 3525 Sd/- Regional Transport Officer Dated: 12-07-2013 Kashmir

A.M

11 From Front Page........

Daily

Wednesday, 17 July 2013

Office of the Regional Transport Office Kashmir NOTICE

Whereas a joint application has been received from Shri Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat S/o Ghulam Rasool R/o Batamaloo Sgr. (as Transferor) and Shri. Noor Mohammad Guru S/o Habibullah Guru R/o Gogji Bagh Sgr. (as Transferee) for transfer of Auto Carriage route permit No. 4734-STAR Covering vehicle No. JK01B-7104.

Now, Therefore, it is notified for general information that objections, if any to the proposed transfer of the said route permit/vehicle shall be filed in writing in the office of the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir within a period of seven days from the date of publication of this notice. Seller and Purchaser identified by the authorised representative of M/s New JK Roadways namely Mr. Mohammad Yaseen.

No: JK RTOK 3509 Sd/- Regional Transport Officer Dated: 12-07-2013 Kashmir

Owner, Printer, Publisher & Editor-n-Chief: Suhail Malik, RNI No: JKBIL/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Published from: Govt. Quarters (M-13) Magarmal Bagh Srinagar -190001, J&K, Printed at: Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No: 09999964750, 9796787844

NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

Srinagar |TueSday

Sagar tours city, directs officers to expedite developmental works R&B officers to start macadamization of various internal roads and main roads of Srinagar. In this regard the instructions have already been passed by the Chief Minister to the concerned, he maintained.

Mr. Sagar also inspected the pace of work on various community halls being constructed in different parts of the city and directed the concerned to speed up the pace of work on these so that the people living in these areas get requisite infrastructure for celebrating their social and other functions.

Srinagar, July 16: The Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today conducted an extensive of old city Srinagar to take stock of developmental works being undertaken by the government for augmentation of various developmental programmes initiated for providing quality facilities to the people.

The Minister was accompanied by senior officers of different departments like SMC, PDD, PHE, R&B etc.

Mr. Sagar directed the officers to ensure that people do not face any inconvenience viz a viz the basic facilities round the clock especially during this holy month of Ramzan. He directed the officers of PDD to ensure power supply during Iftari and Sehri times.

The Minister also directed the PHE authorities to ensure that adequate supply of water is ensured to the people of the city. He also directed the

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Lone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate Srinagar, July 16: A Meeting of Departmental Related Standing Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam Committee (DRSC-II) of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora was held on Health andLone Medical Education here today under the Chairmanship of MLC, Mr. Vijay Bakaya.

Tral, JulyNews 16: Agency Kunzar Bhat News Agency Magam Zargar Legislators Mr. Ravinder Sharma, Mr. Jahangir Hussain Dar Kumar News Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal Mir and S. Dharambir Singh Oberoi who also attended the meetTerming youth as the future hope of Reshi Newssuggestions Agency Safapora Saleem Newsfor Agency ing as members gave their valuable to resolve the isa society, Minister MedicalPattan Education, Basharat News Agency Bandipora Reyaz News&Agency Pampore sues related to the health department.

Youth Services Sports, Mr. Taj Mohi Threadbare discussions were also Agency held on the issues related to ud Javaid Din today saidAgency the Government Altaf News Pulwama News Qazigundhas Health and Medical Education.The Committee informed by drawn an extensive plan to channelize Jeelani News Agencywas Baramulla G.MupNews Agency Sopore Director, SKIMS that PET Scan machine for detection of cancer and their potential in positive ways Shah News Agency Kupwara Handwara post therapy progress will be purchased at a cost of 22 crore in the andSultan make News them Agency responsible News Agency Sheikh News Agency Islamabad next 4 months and this Younis would help in cancer cureLangate in the State. citizens of tomorrow.

Director Health Services informed the Committee Addressing publicAgency meet- Tral ReshiKashmir News Agency Islamabad Three WayaNews that in 3 districts viz-Kupwara, Kargil and Lehhave facility of CheingBadru at adjacent Dever village Turray News Agency Tral News Agency Bijbehara motherapy treatment and it is being started in shortly in Doda today, the Minister said the Rahi News Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency Arwani and Udhampur district also.

Government wishes to give NewsJammu Agency Byepass Shaheen Agency The Director HealthRah Services informed that Labour a better and News congenial atmo-Kargil

DRSC reviews functioning of Health &ME deptt

Room and Blood Bank would be made functional within next four months in Poonch district.It was informed that more projects for trauma centresfor necessary approval and funding including one at Sunderbani (Rajouri) has been sent to government of India.

The Committee noted with concern that out of 12 Trauma Centre sanctioned for the National Highway only a few were functional.It impressed upon the department to properly equip these centres with necessary Emergency Services.The Committee was told that the process of purchasing Critical Care Ambulances had been initiated and Committee desired that the progress be completed and Critical Care Ambulances at crucial locations properly equipped.

The Committee was informed that ISM&H Department is performing well and more and more people are shifting towards ISM treatment. Department has treated 24 lakh patients in 2012-13 against 19 lakh in 2011-12 in standalone Institutions/Dispensaries. Committee appreciated the efforts of departed of ISM and advised regular supply of AYUSH medicine to all co-located PHCs besides it laid emphasis on infrastructure development.

Govt. wishes to give youth congenial atmosphere: Taj

sphere to youth who have suffered immensely during the last 20 years or so.

Mr. Taj said the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has approved a Rs. 700 crore package to J&K to re build and strengthen its sports infrastructure. He said as per this package every panchayat would have a sports field and every block would have a sports complex comprising an indoor stadium.

The Minister said he has asked all the Deputy Commissioners to identify land in respective blocks so that the same is developed as sports complex. He said since the Kashmir Valley remains in the grip

of severe cold, including snow, rain and frost, for around five months, no sports activity could be undertaken during this period rendering the youth virtually idle.

He said with the construction of indoor stadia youth can use their pass time for playing various games and they cannot

Minister for Higher Education, Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone today chaired a high level meeting convened to discuss the coordination issues between Colleges and Universities and coordination issues between Universities of the State.

Mr. Lone emphasised upon University and College authorities to work with coordination and adhere to proper guidelines for improvement in the higher education system in the State besides offer best facilities and ensure quality education to the students.

Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, Mr. K B Agarwal, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, Prof. Talat Ahmad Vice Chancellor Jammu University, Prof. Isher Singh, Advisor, Higher Education Department, Prof. Nissar Ali, Director colleges Development Council, Director Colleges, Controller Examinations Jammu and Kashmir Universities, Nodal Principals of Jammu and Kashmir Universities, Principal College of Education and Senior principals from both the regions of the

State were present in the meeting The meeting deliberated upon various issues pertaining to the Higher Education in State and discussed matters regarding

eligibility of faculties of Post-Graduation centers of colleges by Universities as M.Phil/Ph.d research supervisor/guides, recognition and registration of these PG centers. The meeting also discussed the

Srinagar, July 16: Minister for Consumer Affairs, Public Distribution and Transport Ch Mohammad Ramzan who is on 2-daystour to his constituency conducted extensive tour of Nutnussa, Rashwari, Cheak, Turch, Kandi Khass, Sadhu Ganga Kangam, Shadiporaand Watr Khani areas falling in the Handwara Constituency.

The Minister was accompanied by the Additional Deputy Commisioner Kupwara, Handwara, District and Tehsil Level officers during the tour to Kandi and Ramhall areas.

During the visit people met the Minister and projected their demands for immediate redressal. The Minister also conducted

AwamiDarbars at Nutnusa, Reshwari, Kandi Khass, Turch where people projected their demands pertaining to drinking water, power supply, road connectivity, irrigation facilities, up gradation of schools, health centres and providing of transport facilities besides opening of Anganwari centres in these areas.

The Minster on the occasion said that that Rs. 3 crore have been utilized sofar to complete Nutnussan Kandi lift Irrigation Scheme adding that the scheme will be commissioned this month and will cover all the areas of Kandi Nutmssa, Turch villages. He said that installation of transformers, transmission lines and poles, fencing of school ground at Turch, grave yard at Kandi Maqdoom Mo-

March 21-April 19 Even though all continues to go well for you, Aries, your mood may vacillate today. In spite of all the great things in your life, at some time during the day you might feel a little blue. Don’t read too much into it. It’s probably just the result of low biorhythms. Try to distract yourself with physical activity. Go out with some friends and have a good time this evening.

Taurus April 20-May 20

Trying to get too much work done in the course of the day could prove self-defeating, Taurus. Your energy isn’t what it usually is, and you’re probably operating on adrenaline. Consider the situation carefully and list your tasks in order of urgency. The world won’t come to an end if you don’t get them all done by the end of the day. In the evening, watch a movie and order a pizza.

Gemini May 21-June 21

A despondent friend may need some cheering up.

Your ability to nurture and listen sympathetically will definitely prove beneficial, Gemini. Take care not to absorb any of this person’s dejection. Your life should continue to go well with professional successes leading to new friendships and goals. Hang on to your enthusiasm and optimism while showing compassion for others.

Cancer June 22-July 22

Many projects to complete before a deadline might have you feeling pressured, Cancer, but your determination is likely to drive you to try to get it all done even if it seems impossible. Don’t try to do it all yourself. Ask for a little help. You can accomplish your ends without putting undue pressure on yourself. Try to relax today.

Leo

Virgo

August 23-September 22

remain idle.

Besides, Mr. Taj said, every school would be equipped with sports equipment and kits and every school would have teams in cricket, football and hockey.

The Minister said Tral in the past has remained hub of activity and asked people to support democratic elements to

qualified faculty present in colleges.

The meeting also discussed about matters regarding the admission process being conducted at under graduate and post graduate levels.

halla and Jamia Qadim will be carried out under the CDF. The Minster also attended a public meeting at Sadhu Ganga, Kangan and watrkhani where some party members who joined National Conference were felicitated and welcomed.

On the occasion Minister said that government is committed to extend all basic amenities to the people. He said that several schools have been upgraded and various construction works completed in the constituency. He said that play fields are being approved and in this connection asked the locals to identify the land for the purpose.

He also announced Rs 3 lakh out of CDF for irrigation khul at Sonamulla and 2 transformers at Dalipora.

Aries

You’ve been doing very well, Leo, but today you might feel more focused than ever. The path ahead seems clear and well defined. You’re anticipating the future with motivation. You might be considering a long trip abroad or perhaps going back to school for an advanced degree. This is a good day to research and finalize your plans.

issue of faculty exchange programme between Colleges and Universities. The meeting underscored that academic exchange is required in the light of better

Ramzan conducts tour of Handwara Constituency

take the town on the path of progress and development. He said the developmental profile of the whole State is changing and asked the people to be a part of this silent revolution.

Mr. Taj announced the construction of a sports complex at Tral worth Rs. Five

HOROSCOPE

July 23-August 22

Lone chairs high level meeting of Hr. Edu Deptt Srinagar, July 16:

While interacting with people of different localities, the Minister said that the government has already put in place a fool proof mechanism for ensuring that the people do not face any in convenience with respect to their basic facilities. He said that several welfare schemes have already been launched for ensuring that the socio-economic profile of the State gets a boost and people get requisite facilities.Coming down heavily on the parties trying to mislead the people, the Minister said that these elements have always tried to befool the people with their malicious propaganda for furthering their ulterior motives. He said the people are well aware of the work done by the Government for ensuring the sustained and holistic development of the Srinagar city and they should give befitting reply to these disruptive forces who are hell bent to disrupt the peaceful environment and divide people .

16 .7.2013

crore. The complex would have facilities of both indoor and outdoor games besides making available latest equipment and gadgetry. He also announced distribution of sports kits among various teams of the town.

Former legislator, Haji Rasheed and prominent activist of the area S. Surinder Singh Channi also spoke on the occasion.

Tarigami chairs EC meet Srinagar, July 16: The Committee on Environment (EC) of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly observed that the construction of Power Projects in the State is important for overall development but the need is to keep

including Kishanganga Hydro Electric Project, Bandipore. “Do not ignore the environmental concerns while executing the Power Projects in the State” Mr. Tarigami exhorted.

Threadbare discussion was held on status report regarding environment safeguards being

Some kind of settlement, grant, or bonus that you’ve anticipated for a long time may finally show up, Virgo.

This should make your day! You may want to celebrate.

A chance to attend a large social gathering might come your way. Have fun! Tonight don’t be surprised if vivid dreams - some great, some sad - come your way. Keep a notebook and pen by your bed so you can write them down.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Today you may put a lot of energy into your romantic relationship, Libra. The astral energy is encouraging you to focus on romance. Give your significant other a special gift to show how much you care, and spend some time alone together. Any romance initiated or advanced today is likely to prove stable and long lasting. Don’t let fear stand in your way. Move ahead.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21

in view the impact on environment while taking up power projects in hand.The Committee met under the chairmanship of MLA Kulgam Mr. M. Y. Tarigami here today.The Chairman directed the Pollution Control Board (PCB) and Environment and Remote Sensing Department to work in unison and gear up their respective field functionaries to ensure pollution free environment and environment safeguards around the vicinity of various mini and hydle projects in the State

taken by KHEP, Environment impact assessment report and other power generation related issues.Legislators Mr. A. R. Veeri, Mr. Muhammad Khalil Bhand, Mr. Rafi Ahmad Mir, Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani and Mr. Muhammad Ashraf Ganai gave their valuable suggestions for safeguarding environment.

The meeting was attended

by Commissioner Secretary PDD, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Wild Life, Managing Director JKSPC, Additional Secretary PDD.

Kichloo for reviving glory of Khadi Institutions Srinagar, July 16: The Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Mr. Sajad Ahmed Kichloo has underscored the need to restore the pristine glory of Khadi village Industries adding that along with other sectors; khadi also suffered a serious setback due to two decade long turmoil. Now that the situation has improved considerably, the Khadi Institutions should work with commitment in a missionary mode to promote Khadi and Village Industries sector in the State.

Speaking at a function organised in Srinagar in connection with distribution of Rebate Cheques amounting to Rs. 22 lakh among 38 Khadi Institutions of the State, Mr. Kichloo expressed gratitude to the Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC) for providing incentives to the Khadi Institutions in the State. He also lauded management of the KVIB for getting National award for its best performance last year and hoped

that the Board will continue to excel in future also.

The Secretary Khadi Village Industries Board (KVIB), Mr. Ab. Hamid Qureshi, Members of various Khadi Institutions and a number of Artisans were also present on the oc-

Too much work and the resulting pressure over the past few days may have you feeling too tired to do anything more, Scorpio, although your optimism and enthusiasm are still intact. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re dragging by the end of the day. If you take care of yourself, you will soon recharge and be your old self again. In the evening, read a good book.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Romance blossoms for you, perhaps after a long standstill. A new stability and security may settle on love relationships as well as close friendships. Children could be a great source of warmth and pleasure. You might want to channel some of this blossoming positive energy into a creative activity of some kind, which should increase even further your sense of contentment.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

You might host a social event in your home tonight.

You may be nervous at first, wondering if all will go well. Your efforts should produce the results you want.

You might be introduced to new contacts, which could lead to increased professional opportunities. Take a walk after everyone has gone. Your mind will be going a thousand miles an hour and you will want to clear .

Aquarius January 20-February 18

Paperwork, perhaps contracts or other legal documents, might need attention so you can move ahead with your projects, Aquarius. These projects could involve writing or speaking. Your mind is in just the right space to participate in anything involving communication, so doors of opportunity may open for you in this area. Lift your chin and get going.

casion.

The Members of the Federations demanded that that Union Government and the Union Ministry of Medium Small and Micro Enterprises (MSME) should provide North- East type package to the Khadi Institutions in J&K State also. They sought hassle free facilities from the Banking Institutions working in the State.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 Your financial picture continues to improve. At some point during the day, Pisces, you might have the feeling that you aren’t working hard enough to keep up your current forward motion, and you might worry.

This could be a good motivator, but you don’t need to push yourself much harder than you are now. You’re on a roll and it’s likely to continue.

Editorial/Opinion The Daily

Zabarwan Times Wednesday, 17 July 2013

Regulating Tourism

I

ronically, tourism, which helps Kashmir economically, is becoming a matter of concern for the environmentally conscious locals in this picturesque Valley. The number of tourists coming to Kashmir has increased many times over the past few years. For locals, this has created more jobs. There is development taking place and even educated, unemployed young men are working as guides and taxi drivers to earn their livelihood. But of late some environment conscious citizens have started showing their resentment against the growing number of tourists and pilgrims visiting Kashmir. They point out that tourism may be important for our economy but at what cost? Visit any place in Kashmir, tourists are leaving behind heaps of garbage here and there. Also to meet the ever increasing demand for hotels and guest houses, lush green fields are giving place to concrete jungles. Both legal and illegal constructions are coming up in picturesque locals of Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Yusumarg and Sonamarg. Post Uttrakhand disaster, people have become more conscious after the deterioration the unregulated tourism is bringing to Kashmir. Without sounding hypocritical, one must admit that tourism season of four months means bread and butter for rest of the year for families associated with the trade. But it pains to see the amount of pollution tourism has brought to Kashmir. The number of taxis and SUVs plying on the roads leading to picnic spots and marketshas multiplied, leading to air pollution. There is too much traffic in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg areas.

Particularly during the Amarnath yatra endless number of vehicles from Jammu, Punjab, Delhi and even UP enter Kashmir.

Base camps in Baltal and Pahalgam turn into huge bus stands and the scene is very horrible. Imagine the quantum of smoke emanating from these vehicles and the impact they have on the fragile environment here. Kashmir’s mountains, rivers, water bodies and forest cover are presently under immense pressure of human intrusion. And all this goes in the name exploiting tourism and off late religious sentiments. The way basic principles of environment and ecology are compromised and at times violated while promoting tourism is obviously going to affect the fragile ecosystem and in the long run will prove disastrous. Our overenthusiastic tourism exploration is pushing us to environmentally fragile zones—up into the hills and woods.

Tourism can be one of the vital economic activities but stretching it beyond permissible natural limits at the cost of environment will lead us nowhere. Presently Pilgrim tourism world over contributes considerably in tourism earnings but at the same time it is governed by strict rules and regulations of quality and quantity. In this part of the world as always religiosity has overtaken logic and reasoning and thus instead of pilgrim tourism in harmony with nature we are heading towards imminent disaster through zealotry. Kashmir is sitting on a ticking time bomb of ecological catastrophe unless we mend our ways to exploit nature harshly. More we meddle with nature most disastrous will be our fate and at that time no man or machine can save us from fury of nature as happened in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand fury is a lesson for us because materialistic brute within the mankind turned it into a cruel entrepreneur who preferred materialism over faith and nature.

Hope while promoting Pilgrim tourism we will be kind to nature and will not invite rage of Almighty.

B

Daily

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Wednesday, 17 July 2013

Biodiversity and its Value

iological diversity, encompasses all life forms on earth.

Biodiversity maintains the ecological balance and continues evolutionary processes. The very survival of humankind depends on these core ecological functions. The indirect ecosystem services provided through biodiversity include: photosynthesis, pollination, transpiration, maintaining the balance of atmospheric gases, maintaining hydrological cycles, chemical cycling, nutrient cycling, pest control, etc. Biodiversity also has aesthetic and recreational value.

Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is therefore fundamental to ecologically sustainable development. In fact the very survival of humankind depends upon biological diversity.

Biodiversity manifests itself at three levels: species diversity which refers to the numbers and kinds of living organisms, genetic diversity which refers to the genetic variation within a population of species, and ecosystem diversity which is the variety of habitats, biological communities and ecological processes that occur in the biosphere. Under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act 2002, so far State Biodiversity Boards have been constituted in twenty two States, namely Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Punjab, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Several steps have been taken to revitalise the afforestation Programmes implemented in various states. These include approval of 796 projects of Forest Development Agencies covering an area of 1.65 million hectares under the National Afforestation Programme. Two new Eco-Task Force (ETF) battalions for eco-restoration of degraded areas in Assam have been operationalised in addition to supporting

the existing four ETF battalions in the country. Mooting of a new scheme for afforestation involving Panchayati Raj Institution, various afforestation schemes of the State Governments, tree planting activities under the Central Government, notably National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Greening of six million hectares of degraded forests under the National Action Plan on Climate Change etc. are also strengthening biodiversity. Other steps include introduction of a new state plan scheme

wet evergreen forests. There are 16 major forest types in India. India is also one of the 8 primary centres of crop diversity, and has several wild varieties of crop of rice, maize, millets, barley and brinjals.

Many breeds of domesticated animals (buffaloes, cattle, sheep, goat, camel, horses, donkeys, etc.) are also found in the country.

Convention on Biological Diversity The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), one of the key agreements adopted during the Earth Summit held in

Biodiversity maintains the ecological balance and continues evolutionary processes. The very survival of

humankind depends on these core ecological functions.

during 2009-10 on ‘Additional Central Assistance for Accelerated Programme of Restoration and Regeneration of Forest Cover’ and implementation of many externally-aided projects on afforestation of degraded forests in a number of states.

Richness of Biodiversity in India India is one of the identified mega biodiversity or biodiversity rich countries of the world. With only 2.4% of the land area, India already accounts for 7-8% of the recorded species of the world. Over 45,968 species of plants and 91,364 species of animals have been recorded so far. The wide variety in physical features and climatic situations have resulted in a diversity of ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, coastal and marine (mangroves and coral reefs), deserts.

Among these, the forest ecosystem in particular exhibits tremendous variability ranging from temperate alpine to tropical

Rio de Janeiro in 1992, is the first comprehensive global agreement which addresses all aspects relating to biodiversity. The CBD has near universal membership with 193 countries as its Parties. India is a Party to the CBD. The Convention, while reaffirming sovereign rights of nations over their biological resources, has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources.

Operationlizing the access and benefit sharing provisions of the CBD has been of special interest to countries such as India which is rich in biological resources as well as associated traditional knowledge.

Major Programmes for Conserving Biodiversity India has a long history of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

Strategies and plans for conservation and sustainable use of bio-resources are ingrained in Indian ethos and ways of life.

Environment protection is enshrined in our Constitution {Articles 48 A and 51 A (g)}. Over a period of time, a stable organizational structure has been developed for environment protection.

Numerous and wide ranging policies, programmes and projects are in place which directly or indirectly serve to protect, conserve and regulate sustainable use of the biological resources of the country. These include: • Legal and policy regime {e.g. Forest (Conservation) Act, Wildlife (Protection) Act, Biological Diversity Act, National Forest Policy, National Wildlife Action Pl a n , N a t i o n a l F o r e s t r y A c t i o n Programme, National Environment Policy}.

• Survey and inventorisation of floral and faunal resources.

• In-situ conservation through establishment of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, etc.

• Conservation of ecologically fragile areas such as mangrove, wetlands, coral reefs.

• Ex-situ conservation through setting up of botanic gardens, zoos, gene banks, etc.

• After ratification of CBD in 1994, the Ministry of Environment & Forests initiated the development of legislation on biological diversity. The Biological Diversity Act was enacted in 2002 and Rules notified in 2004, and further a policy and action strategy on biodiversity were also developed.

In pursuance to Article 6 of the CBD, India within five years of ratifying the Convention, had developed a national policy and Macro level Action Strategy on Biodiversity in 1999. Thereafter, an externally aided project on National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) was also implemented in the country during 2000-2004, adopting a highly participatory process involving various stakeholders.

Forest Academy- Training Forests Personnel for Scientific Management of Forests

T

he systematic development of forestry education and training in India is, perhaps, one of the oldest in the world. After the appointment of Dr. Dietrich Brandis, as the first inspector General of Forests of India, there was steady progress towards scientific management of forests. Dr. Brandis recognized the need for qualified and well trained personnel for forestry Management and administration in the country and took steps for their recruitment and training. By 1870, the foundation of a forest department was well laid and a regular forests service came into existence.

Background Initially from 1867 till 1926, the officers of the Imperial Forest Service were trained in France, Germany and United Kingdom. In India, this training began in 1878. A small Central Forest School at Dehradun was established by the then North-Western Province for training of Forest Range Officers (FROs), which was later taken over by the Government during 1884. Realizing the increasing demand of trained personnel, a proposal was made during 1891 for starting a Provincial Forest Service (PFS). After its establishment in 1906, the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, started one year course recruitment to PFS. Later in 1912, a separate two years’ course was started for training science graduates for appointment to the PFS. During 1926 training for Imperial Forest Service commenced at Indian Forest College (IFC), Dehradun and the course for PFS was abolished.

Government of India Act of 1935 After the promulgation of the Government of India Act of 1935, the subject of ‘forest’ was transferred to the provinces and princely states and the Imperial Forest Service was replaced by the Superior Forest Service (SFS). The level of training was upgraded in 1940 and it was kept similar to the imperial Forest Service Officers, with an all India outlook to manage these national assets. The course was termed as the Superior Forest Service course which offered a Diploma in “Associate of India Forests College (AIFC)”. In order to cope up with increasing demand from the states for training the SFS officers, three SFS Colleges were

established at Burnihat, Coimbatore and Dehradun during the period from 1976 to 1981.

Emergence of IGNFA In order to maintain high standards in forestry administration and management and to provide senior personnel to man all posts carrying higher duties and responsibilities, the Indian Forest Service (IFS) was created on 1st July 1966, as an All India Service under the All Indian Services Act, 1951. The Government, upgraded the IFC to the level of a national academy in May 1987. It is known as Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun.

Forest Range Officers The cadre of Forest Range Officers (FROs)

Policy, 1996 through a three tier approach to include all administrative levels from the lowest to the highest level that “Interface” with the public at large. The salient recommendations of the policy include identification of organizational training needs through in-house exercises, participatory training programme, action based training methods which are custom made, interaction among faculty, visits, in-service training at the cutting-edge levels, up-gradation of knowledge and skill of the trainers, need based overseas training. The training of the Forestry Personnel is organised in such a way that, they get initial i.e. “Induction” training as well as refresher trainings - “In-service trainings”. These trainings are mostly

The training of the Forestry Personnel is organised in such a way that, they get initial i.e. “Induction” training as well as refresher trainings - “In-service trainings”.

These trainings are mostly handled by the Government for the top three levels of Forestry Personnel i.e. Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officers, State Forest Service (SFS) Officers and Range Forest Officers (RFOs). was evolved out of the need to have a link between IFS officers at the higher administrative level and the lower subordinate filed staff. To meet the high demand for rangers, nine Forest Rangers Colleges (FRCs) were established from 1912 to 1982. Over the years, the cadre of FROs emerged as one of the most important executive functionaries in the State Forests Department (SFDs).Over the years the Central Government run Ranger colleges were gradually closed and handed over to the respective State Governments where they were located except the one at Kurseong which is still with the Central Government.

National Policy for Forestry Personnel The Forestry Personnel’s Training is guided, overall by the National Training

handled by the Government for the top three levels of Forestry Personnel i.e.

Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officers, State Forest Service (SFS) Officers and Range Forest Officers (RFOs). For the Balance of the Forestry Personnel i.e. Deputy Rangers, Forester and Forest Guards, the Induction as well as In-service trainings are taken care of by respective State/UT Governments.

Training Infrastructure at Central Level Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy at Dehradun is mandated to conduct Professional training courses for IFS officers. The State Forest Service (SFS) for which recruitment is made by respective States is the second front line service of forest administration in the States.

Mandate for imparting induction training

to the SFS officers is given to the Directorate of Forests Education (DFE), Dehradun to maintain uniform standards of training in the country. These SFS trainings are imparted by DFE through its three SFS colleges at Burnihat, Dehradun and Coimbatore. The training of the Range Forest Officers is also conducted

by DFE utilising the SFS College’s infrastructure as well as at Eastern Forest Rangers College (EFRC), Kurseong.

At State/UT Level The inductions as well as in-service training of the frontline staff (deputy range officers, forester and forest guards) are the responsibility of the State/UTs concerned. There are 63 State Training Institutes /Colleges/Schools in the entire country. As an attempt to improve the training infrastructure and training methodologies in the country, the project titled “Capacity Development for Forest Management and Training of Personal” is to be implemented in a project mode. The thrust of the project will be to strengthen the infrastructure of the Forestry Training School of State Forest departments and to strengthen the training modules of the frontline forestry personnel trainings.

The Academy is again in the process of renovation with advanced scientific and technological developments. Based on the findings of the study and input of national and regional level meetings a concept paper was revised to incorporate the comments of the Planning Commission. The concept is funding, through Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), to the External DoNER Agencies.

The Ministry is in the advance stages of starting a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funded project for the sector. The “Capacity Building in Forestry Sector” scheme will cover the whole gamut of the Forestry Sector Training needs and attempts to address the HRD needs at all levels of the forestry administration. This will be in addition to the components “Training of Personnel of other services” and “Training of other stakeholders”. It aims to acquaint the members of the civil society and the nonforestry service who have an interface with the forestry sector, to the realities, needs and challenges of the forestry & wildlife sector.

Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.

NATION

SRINAGAR 7 8 Wednesday, July 17, Thunder 2013 Kashmir

Thursday 30 . 05 . 2013

Congress attacks BJP over registration fee for Narendra Modi meeting

In a bid to cash in on Modi’s popularity, BJP’s Andhra Pradesh unit is collecting a registration fee of Rs 5 per person to attend the public meeting. Modi, the newly appointed election campaign committee chief, will address the meeting on August 11.

Congress on Monday took a dig at the BJP for its move to charge Rs 5 per ticket for attending Narendra Modi’s public meeting in Hyderabad, saying it shows the “true value” of the Gujarat Chief Minister.

“Baba Pravachan Ticket Rs. 100-100,000. Cinema ticket Rs. 200-500 even for box office flop. Ticket to hear a CM Rs. 5.

Market discovers true value,”

Congress leader and Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said on microblogging site Twitter.

In a bid to cash in on Modi’s

popularity, BJP’s Andhra Pradesh unit is collecting a registration fee of Rs 5 per person to attend the public meeting. Modi, the newly appointed election campaign committee chief, will address the meeting on August 11.

The party has said that it would contribute the collected amount towards Uttarakhand flood relief.

Intensifying his attack on the BJP strongman, the Congress leader also said, “BJP’s listening Tax Rs 5 maybe market discovery price. What would be speaking Tax imposed on 1.2 billion?

Monitising democracy/pure fascism!” The Congress’s attack came a day after the party

criticised Modi’s “burqa (veil) of secularism” remark targeting the ruling party. Modi had charged Congress with wearing the “burqa (veil) of secularism” and “hiding in a bunker” each time it is confronted with a crisis.

The Lal Bahadur Stadium in central Hyderabad is the venue for the meeting and the target is to mobilise one lakh people in the age group of 18-40.

The BJP has already started registration process and it will continue till August 10.

BJP leaders have said that the party aims to reach out to the large crowd of IT professionals and college students in the tech-savvy Andhra Pradesh capital.

Sushilkumar Shinde downplays Headley's confession to NIA on Ishrat Jahan

National Investigation Agency (NIA) is learnt to have told the Ministry of Home Affairs that Headley has not mentioned Ishrat Jahan in his 'official' confession.

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on

1984 anti-sikh riots: HC rejects Saj- Maharashtra govt to form panel jan Kumar’s plea to quash charges to study SC ruling on dance bars

NEW DELHI, JULY 16: : The Delhi High Court today dismissed pleas of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and two others challenging framing of murder and rioting charges against them in a 1984 antiSikh riots case, paving the way for the trial to resume.

Justice Suresh Kait refused to quash the charges framed against Kumar and the other accused by a trial court in the case relating to the killings of six persons in Delhi’s Sultanpuri area.

The court also dismissed the plea of complainant Sheela Kaur, a riot victim who had filed a cross-appeal seeking to invoke an additional charge of criminal conspiracy against Kumar and four others in the case.

“All (pleas) dismissed,” Justice Kait said.

Besides the Congress leader, coaccused Ved Prakash Pial alias Vedu Pradhan and Brahmanand Gupta had also moved the high court challenging framing of charges against them.

With the today’s verdict, the trial against all the five accused will resume in the lower court.

In July 2010, the lower court had framed charges against Kumar, Brahmanand Gupta, Peru, Khushal Singh and Ved Prakash in connection with the case of killing of six persons in

the riots that occurred after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984.

Besides charges of murder and rioting, the trial court had also framed charges for the offence of spreading enmity between two communities against the accused in the case.

CBI had filed two charge sheets against Kumar and others in January 2010 in the riots cases registered in 2005 on the recommendation of Justice G.T Nanavati Commission which had probed the sequence of events leading to the violence.

A lower court had recently acquitted Kumar in another 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.However, five other accused were held guilty for offences including murder and for being a part of the mob that killed five Sikhs at Delhi Cantonment.

CBI files affidavit in SC on autonomy, says director's term should be of 3 years

NEW DELHI: The CBI on Tuesday filed its response in the Supreme Court on the Centre's decision to give more autonomy to it.

The investigative agency, in its affidavit, said that the tenure of the CBI director for two years is too short and it should be made a minimum of three years.

"The CBI director should be empowered to approach the Union home minister directly rather than going through DoPT," the agency told the SC. "The administrative, disciplinary and financial powers of the CBI director are limited," the CBI said in its affidavit.

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has announced the formation of a legal panel to study the Supreme Court ruling striking down its decision to ban dance bars.

"We have not yet received a copy of the Supreme Court ruling. A panel comprising lawyers, legal consultants and legislators will study it and submit a report to the state government," Maharashtra home minister RR Patil said, reacting to the apex court ruling.

Making a statement in the legislative council, the minister said the panel would suggest whether to approach a full bench, file a review petition or change existing laws in the state against dance bars.

Meanwhile, political parties in Maharashtra reacted strongly to the Supreme Court verdict.

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Manikrao Thakre said there should be a strong law

lam Gorhe said there was no need for dance bars and women are exploited in such bars.

Earlier on Tuesday, in a major decision that will impact hundreds of dance bars and thousands of women who worked in them, the Supreme Court struck down Maharashtra government's decision to ban dance bars.

The ban, enforced by the Maharashtra government in August 2005, was struck down by the Bombay high court in 2006, but the state government had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court.

New Delhi: IAF has dismissed a Wing Commander who was allegedly caught demanding a bribe of Rs 20,000 from officials of a French defence firm at the Aero India show in Bangalore in 2011.

Wing Commander A K Thakur was dismissed after a General Court Martial found him guilty of seeking bribe from French defence firm Dassault Aviation during the show in February 2011, IAF sources said on Tuesday. Thakur was accused of demanding bribe for allotting a 'more advantageous position' for its Rafale aircraft in the 'static' aircraft display section at the biennial airshow, the sources said.

An official of Dassault Aviation, who had filed a complaint against the officer, also appeared before the GCM headed by a Group Captain-rank officer, the sources said. Dassault Aviation's Rafale, which has now won the race for IAF's multi-billion dollar combat aircraft deal, was one of the six contenders in the hotly-contested ten-

der when the alleged incident took place.

IAF sacks Wing Commander over bribery charges The Wing Commander was found guilty of seeking bribe from French defence firm during the Aero India show in 2011.

The GCM had recommended Thakur's dismissal last year itself but its recommendations could not be confirmed so far as the officer had approached the courts seeking relief.

The Assam Royal Global University Bill, 2013 to establish a private university here was introduced to supplement the government’s efforts in extending better educational facilities to students.

A bill for establishing another private university ‘The Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya’ in Nagaon district was also introduced.

The Bodoland University

(Amendment) Bill, 2013 was also introduced for inclusion of representatives of its Teachers Association in the Executive Council of the state-run university set up in 2009.

Tuesday avoided commenting on reports that 26/11 suspect David Coleman Headley has not mentioned Ishrat Jahan in his ‘official’ confession, saying he is bound by a US agreement and cannot divulge the details.

“I have yet to receive the report. Whatever Headley might have said, he must have said that in

front of the FBI. There is an agreement between the FBI and our country’s police, and we cannot disclose that,” he told the media here.

According to reports, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is learnt to have told the Ministry of Home Affairs that Headley has not mentioned Ishrat Jahan in his ‘official’ confession.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had sought a report after Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh asked the Union Home Minister to clear the air on the issue.

Shots fired at Union minister AHK Choudhury in West Bengal

MALDA: Union minister of state for health and family welfare A H Khan Chowdhury was allegedly attacked during a Congress rally at Kaliachak in West Bengal's Malda district on Tuesday.

Congress sources claimed bullets were fired and bombs hurled by alleged Trinamool Congress workers at the rally which was held at Jadupur area and participated by Khan Chowdhury in support of its zilla parishad candidate for the ongoing panchayat polls.However, there was no casualty and none was injured in the

attack and Khan Chowdhury was whisked away from the spot by his security personnel, the sources said.

A complaint was later filed with the police at Kaliachak. When contacted district magistrate G Kiran Kumar said miscreants burst fire crackers near the site of a party meeting at Narayanpur which was scheduled to be addressed by Khan Chowdhury.

None was injured in the incident, he said. Neither the superintendent of police, nor TMC could be contacted.

Bodh Gaya blasts: NIA releases sketch of suspect

IAF sacks Wing Commander over bribery charges

Three bills for new universities in Assam Guwahati, Jul 15: Three bills for setting up universities, including a Women’s varsity, were introduced in the Assam Assembly today.

The Assam Women’s University Bill, 2013 seeks to establish a teaching, non-affiliating and a residential women’s university in the state at Jorhat, Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The government university will provide facilities and offer opportunities for women both in higher and technical education to promote research in applied science and arts, technology and other achievement.

With Rs 5 crore earmarked in the current year, he said the proposed bill will lead to recurring and non-recurring expenses that will be met out of plan fund up to a period of three years from the date of starting the works.

to ban dance bars, while Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state chief Bhaskar Jadhav said that "people of the state" support the ban on dance bars.

Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi said the government had failed to do its "homework" in court which led to today's ruling.

Terming the Supreme Court ruling as "unfortunate", state BJP president Devendra Fadnavis said, "Maharashtra government remained careless on the issue."

Shiv Sena leader Nee-

DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES

GAYA: The National Investigation Agency (NIA), probing the serial bomb blasts in Bodh Gaya recently, on Tuesday released two sketches of a suspect on the basis of eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage.NIA released two sketches, one in which the suspect is wearing a mask and another bare face, on its website.

Sources in NIA said that the sketches have been released on the basis of details provided by three eyewitnesses who saw the suspect before the blasts on July 7 and also material emanating from CCTV footage.

Among the witnesses, whose names have been

kept secret for probe purposes, two are foreigners and one local. The foreigners are from Sri Lanka and Thailand while the third one is a local Gaya native, the sources said.

The suspect in monk attire is also seen moving around in the temple in the wee hours (around 3:30am to 4:30am) of July 7.

NIA has also released CCTV footage and sought

information about the suspect The agency has already announced a reward of Rs 6 lakh for providing information about the blasts suspect.

Ten bomb blasts took place in the famous Buddhist temple town of Bodh Gaya on July 7 in which two monks were wounded. While four explosions took place inside the Mahabodhi shrine campus, the rest exploded elsewhere in Bodh Gaya. Three live bombs were also defused by the security forces.

Considering sensitivity of the matter, the Bihar government had handed over the inquiry into the blasts to NIA.

Rahul makes Cong serious, Sunday camp on media management New Delhi, July 16: Perception is key to formation of opinions and the Congress party has come to realise this. As it gets ready for the General elections, the Congress, worried by BJP leader Narendra Modi's media skills, is holding a three-day training camp on media management for its media managers. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who has tried to bring in some changes and seriousness in the way the party's media unit operates, will inaugurate the training camp for the newly inducted spokespersons.

The camp will be held on July 21, 22 and 23 at the party headquarters on Akbar Road in the national capital. The Congress had asked its state unit to select 15 articulate, ag-

gressive, knowledgeable and media savvy people for the training. The spokespersons will also be given additional coaching in their state capitals next month. The training is also being designed in a more organised manner. Five persons will be trained for social media, ten will receive training in print and electronic media management.

Media agenda Haryana's young MP Deepender Hooda will be in-charge of coordination with different media centres of the party. To focus on social media engagement with voters and party workers every state will have a communication centre. Lastly, to

equip the party spokespersons with proper and indepth information on various subjects of public discussion, a research team has been set up in Delhi and it is headed by East Delhi MP Sandeep Dikshit.

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