THE DAILY
VOICE OF SRINAGAR
SRINAGAR, TUESDAY, 22 RAJAB 1433 AH ; 12JUNE 2012
Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com
NEWS
LA panel discusses Audit para of RDD,
seeks detailed exp. under MGNREGA
SRINAGAR, JUNE 11:- The Public
Accounts Committee (PAC) of Legislative Assembly today reviewed the functioning
of Rural Development Department (RDD) and examined the CAG’s audit report
2010-11 about Non-operationalisation of production and training Centres for
Handicrafts.
The Committee, which met under the
Chairmanship of MLA Mr. Rafi Ahmad Mir discussed the CAG’s Audit para in
detail. The Committee were not satisfied with the reply of RDD and directed
them to come fully prepared in the next meeting.
In the meeting, the LA panel also
discussed in detail various flagship programmes of the RDD including MGNREGA.
The Committee asked the officers of RDD to furnish the detail expenditure under
MGNREGA and other schemes component wise during the last two years for its
examination.
Legislators, Mr. Vijay Bakiya, Mr.
Bashir Ahmad Magray, Syeed Bhashrat Ahmad Bukhari, Peerzada Mansoor Hussain, T.
Namgiyal and Mr. Sukhnandan Kumar gave their valuable suggestions to improve
the working of the RDD and directed the concerned authorities to sensitize the
people about the benefits of various welfare schemes launched by the department
including MGNREGA so that maximum people can be benefited from them.
While discussing the status of
different Model villages of the State, the Chairman directed the concerned to
speed up the pace work on all projects and ensure computer facilities in all
functional Communication Centres.
The Panel decided that it will
examine the CAG’s Audit Para’s pertaining to Power Development Department on June
20, 2012.
Among others, Principal Accountant
General, J&K A.G’s office Mr. S.C Pandey, Commissioner/Secretary, RDD Mr.
Farooq Ahmad Peer, Director General, Accounts and Treasuries Mr. Wali Mohammad
Bhat, Special Secretary, RDD, Director RDD, Jammu, all Assistant Commissioner
Developments and senior officers of Assembly Secretariat included Additional
Secretary Mr. R. C. Khajuria and Deputy Secretary Mr. B. L. Koul attended the
meeting.
Rajendra chairs high level meeting, reviews traffic
management
SRINAGAR JUNE 11: The Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. K. Rajendra Kumar
has stressed for a comprehensive mechanism to bring improvements in the traffic
management in the state. He has asked for strict enforcement of traffic rules
to avoid road accidents and traffic jams causing inconvenience to the general
public.
Mr. Rajendra was addressing senior police officers meeting at Traffic Police
Headquarter here today. The meeting was convened to review the functioning of
traffic system in the state and to bring improvements in the existing system,
besides enhancing capabilities of traffic police were discussed in the meeting.
The DGP emphasised upon the officers traffic to utilize the available sources
effectively to strengthen the management. He said that formulation of a
comprehensive policy and strict enforcement of Motor Vehicle Act would
definitely yield desired results to minimise the difficulties of the people
causing due to traffic jams and road accidents. He said that awareness of
traffic rules among the road users and the drivers would help the traffic
regulators to ensure smooth plying of vehicles.
The Inspector General of Police (Traffic), Mr. Muneer Ahmed Khan, while giving
an impressive power point presentation on the functioning of traffic police in
the state said that the traffic personnel have made strenuous efforts to
implement traffic rules. A campaign has already been started to panelise the
drivers and the bikers violating the rules strictly. In the twin capital cities
alternate routes have been adopted to avoid the jams during the peak hours and
traffic signal systems at various junctions have been produced good results.
During his presentation, the IGP also pointed out some requirements to bring more
improvement in the system.
Expressing his satisfaction over the functioning of traffic signals, Mr.
Rajendra said that the signals would be installed at all the identified
junctions and people would be made aware to follow the traffic signals. He said
that a vast awareness is needed among the scooter riders about the use of
helmets for their own safety. He asked the officers to also focus on the
violations of by the passenger, transporters due to overloading and fast
driving which causes road accidents, claiming precious human lives. Use of
mobile phones during driving should be curbed and ban on tinted glasses be
strictly implemented.
The DGP stressed the meeting that
while making the alternate traffic arrangements to ensure smooth regulations in
view of the tourist flow and other state functions, it should be kept in mind
that business and educational activities are not affected. Convenience of
school going children and the commuters should also be kept in consideration,
said the DGP. Adherence of rules is more imperative to bring improvements than
penalising, he disclosed. He advised the people to cooperate with the traffic
police in making the system more effective which would lead to better traffic
management.
Among others, the meeting was
attended by Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters), Dr. S. P.
Vaid, Inspector General of Police (Headquarters), Mr. A. K. Chowdhary, DIG
Traffic (Kashmir), Mr. Shafakat Ali Watali, Superintendents of Police, Traffic
Mr. Haseeb-ul-Rehman and Mr. Manzoor Ahmed Dalal and other police officers.
Mir reviews agriculture sector of
District Kargil
Stresses upon the concerned agencies
to speed up the work
SRINAGAR, JUNE 11: The Minister for
Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir today chaired a high level meeting convened
in connection to review the physical and financial progress registered in
agricultural sector during the financial year of 2011-12 of the Kargil
District.
Speaking on the occasion, the
Minister said that there is a large scope for the promotion of agriculture
activities in the Kargil district, for which concerned field works and
executive officers have to work dedicatedly and implement the schemes on the
ground level and to aware the farming community about latest techniques so that
production capacity could be increased which can lead second greed revolution
in the region and state. He said that Agriculture is a large sector and a it
has the potential to provide employment a large chunk of un-employed persons
and added that If we all together make our efforts sincerely, we will be able
to export rather than import food grains from other parts of the County.
The Minister said that the Government
is very keen to pay special focus on this sector as it is the real back bone of
the economy of our State and said that 80 per cent population is living in
rural areas and is directly attached with this sector one way or another way.
The meeting was attended by Executive Councilor Agriculture LAHDC, Kargil Haji
Ghulam Amir, Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Agriculture Production
Department, Mr. Shaleen Kabra, Director Command Area Development, Srinagar, Mr.
Tariq Ali Mir, Director Planning Agriculture Production, Department, Mr. A. K
Gandhotra, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Mr. Farooq Ahmed Lone, Chief
Agriculture Officer Kargil and other concerned officers.
On the o0ccasion, the Director Agriculture briefed the Minister about the
target achieved during the last financial year and the new targets fixed for
the current fiscal 2012-13.
While giving the details about the various schemes, launched under Macro
Management, RKVY, Horticulture Mission and Support to State Extension
Programme for extension reforms(ATMA ) the meeting was informed that during the
last financial year, Rs.18.07 lakhs against the allocation of Rs.21.87 lakhs
has been incurred on various schemes including demonstration on wheat,
farmers training etc. He further informed that three number of Tractors at a
cost of Rs 1.35 lakhs and 100 IP Sets at a cost of Rs.10 lakhs have been
distributed among the beneficiaries under macro Management Scheme. Besides, it
was said that 75 no of manually operated tool kits and exposure of farmers
visit outside the State has been conducted in the year 2011-12.
The meeting was also told that under RKVY, there is hindered per cent
achievement while under Horticulture Mission, Rs.2.03 lakhs have been spent on
arranging Kissan Mela and construction of ponds/tube wells. He was further
informed that under ATMA cent percent achievement has been made. The meeting
was also told that Rs 35.13 lakh proposed for launching of various schemes for
the next financial year of the District.
Meanwhile, the meeting was told that for vegetable cultivation, 200 hectares of
land would be taken under organic farming in Kargil.
The Minister directed the authorities to start work immediately on Command Area
Development coming at a cost of Rs.5 Crore approved under the centrally
sponsored scheme under RKVY.
The meeting was also informed that under Command Area Development Kargil,
Rs.11.79 lakhs have been spent on irrigation sector including construction of
various field channels at Drass, Taisurua, Lochum, Tlongchet/Padum,
Timbis/Saliskote and Thasgam. He was also told that out of 9 blocks, various
irrigation and other works have been taken in eight blocks.
Mr. Mir emphasized on the executing agencies to expedite the work and complete
the targets during current financial year before the stipulated time.
Altaf Stresses for speedy forest
clearance
SRINAGAR, JUNE 11: Government is
contemplating to constitute a Joint team of forest Department and BEACON
authorities who will suggest measures about the forest clearance for the
construction of Z-Morh tunnel on Srinagar- Sonmarg Gumari road in Sindh forest
Division which would benefit about 7 lakh population of Sonmarg and Gagangir,
areas of Ganderbal District besides, provide alternative all whether highway on
this important road.
The information was given in a high
level meeting chaired by Minister for Forest, Mian Altaf Ahmad to discuss the
modalities for clearance of forest area for the construction of 6.5 kilometers
Z-Morh Tunnel being constructed on Srinagar-Sonmarg-Gumari road in Sindh forest
Division.
The Minister while speaking on the
occasion said that the tunnel would go a long way in providing all whether
highway to the people of Sonmarg and Gagangir areas. He said that about 7 lakh
people would get benefited from the proposed tunnel and it would also go a long
way in regulating the traffic on this important road way.
While appreciating the role played by
the Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah in getting the proposal sanctioned from
the Union Government, he said that it is due to the visionary approach of Chief
Minister that various land mark and people friendly projects have been prepared
and simultaneously sanctioned by the government. He also thanked the central
government for sanctioning the project within the shortest time. He said
construction of this tunnel would also benefit people of the Kargil district
also.
During the meeting various other
roads projects were discussed where clearance of forest land is required and
the Minister directed to expedite the process for which Chief Conservator
Forest has been advised to give detailed report on fortnightly basis.
Chief Conservator for Forest Mr.
Vinod Ranjan, Chief Engineer Project Beacon, Brig. TPS Rawat, VSM, Chief
Conservator Forest Mr. Manzoor Ahmed, Conservator Forest, Srinagar Mr. Nisar
Ahmed and other officers of Beacon and Forest Department attended the meeting.
Speakers deliberated on harnessing of
power in JK,
Say State rich in potential
SRINAGAR, JUNE 11: The much awaited two-day National Hydro Power (NHP)
Convention on “Harnessing Hydro Power in Northern Himalaya-Challenges and
Opportunities”, with special focus on Jammu and Kashmir commenced at SKICC,
here today.
The Convention has been organized by India Tech Foundation of India in
collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department.
Over 200 delegates from across the country associated with the power sector
including power developers, experts, policy makers, investors are participating
in the Convention.
Union Secretary Water Resources, Mr. Dhruv Vijay Singh, Chairman and
Managing Director NHPC Ltd Mr. A.B.L Srivastava, Principal Secretary Power
Development Department, J&K, Mr. Sudhanshu Panday, Managing Director
JKSPDC, Mr. Basharat Ahmed Dhar, Director UJVN Ltd, Mr. Sandeep Sanghal besides
President India Tech Foundation, Mr. Indra Mohan, General Secretary India Tech
Foundation, Mr. Ashish Gupta also participated in today’s session and delivered
their lectures on the topic.
On the first day of the convention, the Union Secretary Water Resources opened
plenary and panel discussion session on the theme.
The speakers deliberated on the topic and matters like need for unified policy
on power management, between Ministry of Power and Ministry of Environment for
expediting environment forest clearances for development of Hydro Power
Projects, besides obtaining approval from CEA for power projects DPRs, awarding
and management of Hydro Power Projects, understanding the concern of private
sector- risk and responsibility sharing by State Government. They dwelt on the
need for a separate tariff policy for purchase of power from Hydro power
Projects and through tariff based competitive bidding process. They emphasized
the need for an IPP Charter for Policies and Regulations for accelerated
development of Hydro Power and CSR issues and solutions including
responsibilities of the Local Bodies (administration) over the implementation
of the projects.
The Union Secretary emphasized for taking these issues seriously by the
concerned ministries for Rapid Hydro Power development in the country to
overcome the growing needs of the conventional and non-conventional energy. He
said that issues related to his Ministry would be looked into on priority to
facilitate all those interested in developing hydropower in the country,
particularly in the Jammu and Kashmir.
The delegates put forth several suggestions for upgrading the power scenario in
the State and also to generate power to make the Jammu and Kashmir self-reliant
in the energy sector. They opined that such events will open opportunities for
the private players to invest in the State in the energy sector as State has
rich potential in the sector.
SFC recommendations discussed at
Kupwara,
Full-fledged University at North
Kashmir proposed
KUPWARA, JUNE 10: The Consultant and
Ex-Director General Planning and Development, Mr. G.A. Qureshi today convened a
joint meeting of district and sectoral officers and discussed different issues
under State Finance Commission recommendation in respect of devolution of funds
to district/block and Panchayats under 12th and 13th Finance
Commissions.
The Consultant impressed upon the implementing agencies to carry out the works
under Rural Development, road connectivity, agriculture, education,
horticulture, health as priority sectors like minor irrigation and upgradation
of schools.
It was given out that the commission has recommended a full-fledged university
in North Kashmir for Horticulture activities and skill development.
The DDC Kupwara and other officers shared their experiences during the
discussions. The DDC impressed upon the officers to come up with their demands
so that it would be discussed in the next DDB meeting.
The officers projected their demands before the authority.
Div Com reviews Yatra arrangements at
Pahalgam
ANANTNAG, JUNE 10: Divisional
Commissioner, Kashmir Dr. Asgar Samoon reviewed arrangements being made for
Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2012 at a high level meeting held at Pahalgam today.
The DDC Anantnag and other concerned officers apprised the Divisional
Commissioner of the measures being taken for the smooth conduct of the Yatra.
Mr. Samoon directed officers to make elaborate arrangements for stocking of
essential commodities, rice, atta, sugar, fire wood , LPG, k-oil, oxygen,
medicines and other required commodities at Nunwan, Chandanwari, Sheshnag,
Panjtarni and the holy cave.
On the occasion, Divisional Commissioner was informed that 1000 quintal rice,
360 quintal atta and 300 quintal sugar have been stocked at Pahalgam while as
process of stocking of essential commodities at other destinations is in
progress to be completed by June 20.
It was also given out that 11.5 KM road length from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is
being black topped under PMGSY.
The meeting was attended by officers of CA&PD, PDD, Health, PHE, R&B,
BSNL, Police, Information, Police Telecom, Transport, PDA, Tourism and JKTDS.
Omar calls for proactive North-north
Cooperation
Narrates initiatives of J&K
Government towards self-reliance in power sector
Shabir presents power development
scenario in J&K
SRINAGAR, JUNE 11 – Describing water key resource for comprehensive development
of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday said that the State
would utilize the platform of International Hydel Power Convention gainfully to
harness this resource optimally for the sustained development.
Addressing the 7th International Hydel Power Convention
at SKICC here, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir possesses
enormous hydel potential of about 20,000 MWs, of which only 2,458 MWs are
presently harnessed. He said his government has focused larger attention to
fill up this gap and tap this potential within the shortest possible time.
Omar Abdullah said that the State Government has recently announced series of
policy reforms and initiatives in this regard alongwith notifying Jammu and
Kashmir Hydro Projects Development Policy 2011 to implement projects ranging
from 2-100 MWs capacity to make it investor friendly.
“To cut short the long gestation period which is discouraging sector for
private investors, the State Government has initiated several measures and
facilities for the quick development of projects”, he said adding that single
window clearance system through a Committee headed by the Chief Secretary has
been put in place besides other institutionalized mechanism for fast tracking
the implementation of the projects. He said 10 projects with an aggregate
capacity of 172 MWs have been advertised and the response is encouraging.
The Chief Minister said that to mobilize a huge investment of over Rs. 2 lakh
crores to harness the hydro electric potential of the State is not possible for
the government alone but required active participation of private players and
financial institutions. He said to move forward on this path a multipronged
strategy has been approved for setting up projects as State owned ones, through
joint venture mechanism, PPP mode and on Build, Own, Operate and Transfer
(BOOT) basis.
Omar Abdullah said that under this strategy a roadmap has been drawn up for
generating around 800 MWs of hydel power in the State during next two plans. He
said 15 projects of the capacity of about 2034 MWs including 3 in State sector,
4 in Centre sector and 8 in private sector have been allotted and are under
execution in full swing. He said more 30 projects with a capacity of 6,647 MWs
have been planned for execution. “These include 8 projects in the State sector,
one in Centre sector, 3 as joint ventures and 18 in the private sector”, he
added.
The Chief Minister said that 5 State owned projects of about 200 MW capacity
and one joint venture project with 1000 MW capacity have been tendered out and
are expected to be awarded shortly. He said the flagship projects in the State
sector namely 1856 MW Sawlakote and 990 MW Karthai-II are in the process of
seeking TEC and CEA. He said to enhance the power generation capacity and to
push the approach of partnership in harnessing the potential, 2120 MW Pakaldul
Kiru and Kawar projects are being executed in joint venture with NHPC and PTC.
He said 1000 MW Pakaldul has been already tendered out.
The Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir has unique distinction in the
Country in awarding 850 MW Rattle Mega Hydro Power Project on BOOT system
through tariff based competitive bidding process and the project is being
implemented on fast track.
Omar Abdullah said that that the reforms process in the power sector has
already been set in motion and J&K Energy Conservation Act 2011 has been
enacted. He said the process of unbundling of the power sector has been carried
forward with creation of separate State Transmission and Distribution utility
and power sector reforms in all major towns have been initiated which are also
being extended to smaller towns. He said transmission capacities at high
voltage level are under augmentation to remove system constraints.
Underlining the power potential as the most precious resource for income-deficit
State’s like Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for
leveraging this resource for overall economic development of these States. He
said his government has been persistently making a demand for review of the
Central Power Sharing formula and larger devolution of benefits to the resource
bearing States. “This issue has come up into focus after the revised 850 MW
Rattle project was allotted. The project has to provide 16 percent free power
to the State and 55 percent power at the levelized tariff of Rs. 1.44 per unit.
The ownership of the project shall revert to the State. This is all the more
important in the context of Indus Water Treaty which has put the State in a
disadvantageous position”, he said and expressed the hope that Central
Government will move forward in a big way to address the concerns of the State
and provide assistance for the development of the power sector.
Omar Abdullah said that the turnaround in finance generation in a State like
Jammu and Kashmir straightly depends on water resources as such the imposition
of water utilization charges on power companies is right decision of his
government. He said that he would like the NHPC to relook its terms and
conditions regarding the implementation of hydro electric projects taking a
leaf from the agreement the State has entered with the private power company
regarding construction of Rattle Hydro Electric Project. “Otherwise State would
be reluctant to award future projects to NHPC”, he asserted and said that Jammu
and Kashmir would like to own the power projects constructed by power companies
in the State after the fixed period of time and get substantial share of
electricity generated from these projects. He said the State Government would
also like to factor in the livelihood earning capacities of the locals who are
affected by these projects.
Stating that Jammu and Kashmir has long history and experience in the
generation of hydro power, the Chief Minister said that his government has put
in place a well defined policy for power generation which provides interest and
level playing field for investors interested in micro, small, medium and large
projects under IPP, PPP, Joint Ventures and on BOOT basis. He asked the power
companies and investors to look towards Jammu and Kashmir adding that they will
find appropriate mechanism and environment to invest in the State as per their
business plans.
On power evacuation system, Omar Abdullah underlined the need for developing a
comprehensive and integrated transmission network instead of laying individual
dedicated lines. He said that the State has proposed a Pooling Station of 765
KV in Chenab basin level so that upcoming projects can conveniently evacuate
power. He also emphasized the need for early installation of
Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Transmission Line to harness and evacuate about 2000 MWs of
power from this region.
The Chief Minister also advocated modification in the MoP notification of 2006
by Government of India and said that the projects up to 100 MW capacity should
not require the TEC from CEA and be left to the State agencies. He also talked
about the financial closure of the projects and called for easy access to
affordable credit for timely execution of the projects.
Omar Abdullah also underscored the need for North-north cooperation in managing
natural resources judiciously and optimally and preserving these for present
and future generations. He said the convention on the hydro sector by Himalayan
States including Jammu and Kashmir should serve a step forward towards this
cooperation. He called for evolving a framework to deal with specific issues
and particular requirements of the Himalayan States and emphasized on joining
of hands by private sector, State Governments and Central Government alongwith
research institutions for environment friendly sustainable and economically
rewarding approach towards development of hydro sector.
The Chief Minister on the occasion released the special issue of ‘Kashmir Life’
weekly news magazine of Srinagar dedicated to Jammu and Kashmir power sector.
The Convention was also addressed by Minister of State for Power, Shabir Ahmad
Khan who presented complete scenario of present power status of Jammu and
Kashmir and gave details of the futuristic plans to make Jammu and Kashmir
power surplus State.
Union Power Secretary, D. Vijai Singh and Principal Secretary State Power
Development Department, Sudhanshu Pandey presented the keynote addresses while
Chairman NHPC, A. B. L. Srivastav and President India-Tech Foundation (IPF)
also spoke on the occasion.
PRI’S adequately empowered: Sagar
SRINAGAR, JUNE 11:
Several deputations of Panchs and Sarpanchs from different parts of the valley
today called on the Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and
Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar here today.
While expressing satisfaction over the recent orders of the empowering of the
Panchs and Sarpanchs, they opinioned that it will go a long way in ensuring
that the spirit of Panchayati Raj is put in proper perspective.
While interacting with them the Minister assured that the government is
committed for ensuring a vibrant panchayati Raj system in the state and have
already passed the requisite directions by way of passing the orders of
empowering Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) with the powers of 14 vital
departments. He said certain disgruntled elements are trying to create certain
misgivings in the minds of the people about the same.
Mr. Sagar while terming the installation of Panchayati Raj System(PRS) as one
of the landmark achievements registered by the government said that “we would
not let certain vested interests to undermine the same and impediments in the
effective implementation of the PRS would be effectively tackled”.
Governor visits Amarnath Yatra Base Camps; directs for
putting in place all arrangements on war footing well before the Yatra
commencement on 25thJune
SRINAGAR, JUNE
11 – Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, today directed the engineer wing of the Shri
Amarnathji Shrine Board, the District and Divisional Heads of all concerned
Government Departments and other involved agencies to work in double shifts for
making good the time lost due to continuous bad weather and ensuring track
clearance and positioning of all required Yatra-related arrangements well
before the commence of this year’s Shri Amarnathji Yatra on both Chandanwari
and Baltal routes from 25th June.
The
Governor said this while reviewing the Yatra arrangements at a high level
meeting held under his chairmanship at Nunwan Base Camp today.
Mr. A. H.
Samoon, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal
Secretary to the Governor and Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, Mr.
Farooq Ahmad Shah, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Mr. Vijay Kumar, DIG,
Anantnag, Mr. R. K. Jalla, SSP, Anantnag, Mr. Preet Pal Singh, Additional CEO
of the Shrine Board, Mr. Mir Altaf Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer,
Pahalgam Development Authority, Mr. Amit Sharma, Camp Director, Nunwan Base
Camp, Mr. K.G. Bamba, GM (Works) SASB; and other Divisional and District
officers were present on the occasion.
The
Governor stressed that water and power supply, availability of rations, LPG,
kerosene, medical facilities, telecommunication, firewood and all other
essentials must be ensured at all the enroute Yatra Camps and in the Holy Cave
area by 15th of June, 2012 so that immediately thereafter
Langars and other service providers start moving to their respective
destinations.
The
Governor took an extensive review of all the required Yatra arrangements and
stressed that the work on the improvement and blacktopping of the remaining
portion of the Pahalgam-Chandanwari road must be completed on immediate basis
and the vulnerable stretches of Khanabal-Pahalgam road be got improved in view
of the heavy rush of traffic due to peak tourist season and the forthcoming
Yatra.
Referring
to the medicare services at the Base Camps and Camps enroute, the Governor said
that portable oxygen cylinders in sufficient numbers should be available, with
adequate provision for replenishing the stocks, to effectively meet the
requirements of these cylinders.
The
meeting was informed that work on making both the Yatra tracks is underway on
war footing despite the adverse weather conditions.
During this meeting, all the
Yatra related arrangements made by various Departments including the PHE, PDD,
CAPD, Health, Tourism, Labour, Information, Animal Husbandry, BSNL, Police
Telecommunication, etc. were discussed in detail.
The Governor inspected the ongoing
work for positioning the various arrangements at the Nunwan Base Camp. The
water and power supply has been fully restored and paths, drains, huts, toilets
and baths have been repaired. The work on the restoration of Sewage Treatment Plant
is going on speedily. The Governor stressed that the sanitation and cleanliness
at all Camps location and on the tracks must be given highest priority and
environment and ecology of the Yatra area protected.
Other arrangements that were
discussed included deployment of Mountain Rescue Teams of the State Police at
identified locations on the Yatra route, setting up of the Joint Control Rooms
and Disaster Management Centres and their effective coordination with
Meteorological Department; deployment of well equipped Fire Fighting Force
units; public address system; provision of adequate number of X-Ray Baggage
Scanning units; installation of CCTV cameras at important locations in the
Yatra area.
The Divisional Commissioner
assured the Governor that all the arrangements will be in place well
before the commencement of the Yatra and the Deputy Commissioner and SSP,
Anantnag shall be visiting all the Camp locations and the Holy Cave area in the
next two days to review the status of arrangements on ground to give a further
push in this regard.
Earlier
the Governor, accompanied by the Divisional Commissioner, CEO, Deputy
Commissioner and other officers, visited Chandanwari and reviewed the
arrangements. While reviewing the work on the construction of Entry Gate and
shelters at Chandanwari, the Governor was informed that this work will be
completed by 20th June.
The CEO
of the Shrine Board talking with the media dispelled any concern regarding the
commencement of the Yatra date and emphatically asserted that the Yatra will
commence from both Baltal as well as Pahalgam route from 25thJune as
announced earlier. He said “No doubt the weather conditions have put tremendous
hindrances in clearance of track and putting in required infrastructure, all
necessary urgent steps are being taken to overcome the difficulties”.
Meanwhile, a team of Camp Directors led by Mr. Rajnish Kumar who traveled to
inspect the Baltal-Holy Cave track reported on phone that there advance was
delayed by a fresh snowfall in the Brarimarg-Shrine sector.
Migrant Employee’s
Association extends support to JCC strike call
Wani to fight for PM’s
package, Pandit Employee's rights
Srinagar, June 11 (VOS): Days ahead of the scheduled strike
programme called for by the employees’ Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), the
All Kashmir PM Package Employees Association ( a representative
body of the displaced Pandit Employees recruited under Prime
Minster's special Package) has extended its support to the call and said that
it would go shoulder to shoulder with the JCC leadership.
The association has
announced its affiliation with EJAC ((Q) on Monday during an interaction with
EJAC leadership.
Meanwhile EJAC (Q)
chairman Ab. Qayoom Wani has vowed to take up the 'problems' of Migrant
Employees particularly those of displaced pandits who are
now residing in Government quarters in Migrant colonies in
valley with Chief Minster Omar Abdullah. During his visit to the Migrant
residential colony at Oam Pora Budgam on Monday, Wani asserted that the
displaced Pundits appointed under the Prime Minster special Package
are a part of employees fraternity and won't be sidelined while
highlighting the problems of the employees community.. “They are facing hardships
in the Migrant Colonies in valley. They are complaining of
non-availability of basic facilities in the residential facilities
provided by the government", Wani told VOS. He added that more than 350
pandit employees met him on Monday during his visit to Budgam.
Wani assured Migrant
employees that EJAC would take up their problems with Chief Minster Omar
Abdullah and other concerned authorties. " We are fighting for the rights of employees
and dIsplaced Pundith Employees are no exception", vowed Wani. He
was accompanied by Vice president Manzoor Ahmad Pampori, Aizaz Ahm,ad
Mughal, Nisar Pirzada and Imtiyaz Ahmad.
Pugwash Conference on
Kashmir in offing
Srinagar, June 11 (VOS): In an effort to find a lasting solution
to the Kashmir issue, Pugwash International has decided to hold an
international conference to work out different contours of the problem. The
conference is aimed at bringing all the stakeholders of the Kashmir issue under
one roof to exchange ideas among them, sources told VOS.
In this context, the
General Secretary of Pugwash International Paolo Cotta-Ramusino met leaders of
different shades of opinion including the Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq
on Monday here.
The main idea in the
proposed conference is said to be bringing all the three parties of the Kashmir
dispute to one table.
According to sources
in the separatist camp, the General Secretary sought information regarding
those separatist leaders holding valid travel documents. Palo is believed to
have already communicated the proposal of holding such a conference in the near
future to the respective governments in Delhi and Islamabad.
Mirwaiz meets foreign
delegations
Srinagar, June 11 (VOS): APHC chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq met various local and
international delegations at his Nigeen residence here.
The eminent among them
were the delegation led by the Pugwash International Secretary General, Paulo
Cortazeno and Political minister embassy of Japan in New Delhi , Takeshi Osuga,
including second secretary affairs, Ryotaro Fujita.
During his brief
meeting, Mirwaiz apprised the delegations about the current worsening political
situation in Kashmir. He discussed with them the human rights violations, state
sponsored oppression. He also talked about the internal, external and constant
efforts led by APHC to solve the Kashmir issue according to the pending UN
resolutions or through tripartite dialogue.
Hurriyat Chairman said
since 1947 and particularly in 2008 and 2010, lakhs of Kashmiris have come on
roads and peacefully protested to express their wishes and political
aspirations. However, he said Government of India and its agencies suppressed
the peaceful movement by unleashing violence and murdering people to inculcate
fear. He said 2010 is glaring example of state sponsored violence to suppress
the Kashmiris whereby they murdered 125 youths including students and innocent
children by consciously targeting them.
Expressing concern
over the affairs in Kashmir, Mirwaiz said far from being incriminating the
killers of innocent souls, the government even did not filed a single FIR
against the guilty troopers. He said it was highly condemnable and shameful for
the claimants of democracy.
Mirwaiz said the calm
in Kashmir should not be misconstrued as peace. He said it’s high time for
government of India to read the writings on the wall and respect the
aspirations of Kashmiri people.
Mirwaiz said both
India and Pakistan should initiate a meaningful dialogue process with Kashmir
to solve the dispute for once and all.
Reacting to the query
raised by the delegation regarding the travel advisory for Japanese citizen,
APHC Chairman said Kashmiris were courteous and peace loving people for which
they are known around the world. He said Kashmiris welcome visitors from across
the globe including Japan to come to Kashmir. He said apart from enjoying the
beauty in Kashmir, the visitors should also talk about the worsening situation,
state terrorism and dominant political sentiment of the people in their
respective countries.
Mirwaiz had a detailed
meeting with Pugwash secretary. He discussed with him the regional and
international political issues. He said they were seriously thinking of the
possibility of an International conference comprising of India, Pakistan and
cross LOC leadership. He said that conference where it was possible to take the
stock of forward movements in connection with the resolution of Kashmir issue.
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