J&K Govt orders power tariff revision
JAMMU, Nov 21— The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered revision and rationalisation of electricity tariff for various categories of consumers in the state.

Mixed response to ban on polypacks

JAMMU, Nov 21 (ANI) — The decision of the Jammu and Kashmir Government to ban polythene bags to preserve the environment has evoked a mixed response in the state.

Officials say pollution caused by plastic bags in the state has not only damaged the environment and hurt endangered species, but has also hit the state’s main revenue earner, tourism.

"Tourists in large numbers visit the state. Therefore, it becomes imperative that the use of non-degradable waste, especially polythene, is contained", said Sudhanshu Pandey, an official spokesman.

"By this we hope to preserve the environment and boost tourism potential in the state", he said.

"Chemicals like cadmium used in recycling polythene waste are consumed by cows and then secreted in their milk, which can cause cancer, damage the liver and the nervous system", said Kulwant Singh, a veterinary doctor.

He welcomed the government decision saying it would go a long way towards saving animals who had been regularly consuming polypacks and subsequently dying in large numbers over the years.

But not everybody is pleased with the decision. Some 100,000 rag pickers who earn their livelihood selling polythene bags feel the government should provide alternative jobs to them.

"In every nook and corner of Jammu city you will find thousands of poor people like us involved in the business of culling and selling these polythene bags to make a living, but rich people think we merely pick rags", said Mohammed Akram, a rag picker.

"If the government is so serious about the environment it should ban the polythene making machine in the first place", he added.

J&K Govt orders power tariff revision

JAMMU, Nov 21(PTI) — The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered revision and rationalisation of electricity tariff for various categories of consumers in the state.

The revision in the power tariff will be implemented in three stages spanning the period from 1998-99 to 2000-2001, an official release said here today.

According to a government order, the revised electricity tariff for the current fiscal would be operative with effect from December 1, 1998.

According to the revised tariff for domestic supply, the minimum tariff for the connected load up to 1 kw (IST 50) has been revised from the existing tariff of Rs 41 paise per unit to 60 paise per unit for 1998-99, 85 paise per unit would be charged during 1999-2000 and 1.25 paise per unit during 2000-2001.

For connected load above 1 kw (metered supply) the rate has been enhanced from existing the 66 paise per unit to Rs 1.15 per unit for the year 1998-99, Rs 2 per unit for 1999-2000 and Rs 3 per unit for the year 2000-2001.

Former minister cremated

JAMMU, Nov 21 (PTI) — Former state minister Sonam Wangyal was cremated at his native village Agling in Leh district of frontier Ladakh region last evening, official reports said today.

The body of Wangyal (75) who died in New Delhi on November 10 was flown to his native village for last rites.

Wangyal, who was a member of the Legislative Council from 1955 to 1967, remained Minister of State for Planning from 1967 to 1972.