The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	State gears up to tackle threat to ecology Prepares action plan to protect green wealth Sumit Hakhoo Tribune News Service Jammu, April 23 With concerns rising over the increased environmental destruction due to development projects, the state has formulated its first draft of State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) to integrate climate change into the future policy framework of planners. The draft has been prepared in consultation with IRG Systems South Asia Pvt Ltd to give due consideration to safeguarding the ecology while approving major environmentally fragile projects. Officials said the document had been prepared by the Department of Environment and Remote Sensing, which had established a separate body, Jammu and Kashmir State Council on Climate Change (JKSCCC), to carry out studies on impact on ecology during the last few years. Climate change has become a major threat to the state. Earlier, the insurgency contributed to the destruction of forest wealth and, now in the past two decades, big development projects have led to massive environmental degradation in various parts of the state. Member of the JKSCCC Abida Deva said the document would provide guidelines to various government agencies while planning any infrastructural development project in future. “It was necessary. Earlier we had no proper document but this will act like a rule book for the officials. It is important to create awareness among the people about the need to think about saving our ecology for the next generation,” Deva said. She said it would also allow further research on the impact of development on agriculture, glaciers, rivers, wetlands and wildlife. “During the formulation of the SAPCC, it was observed that there were many environmental issues which required further research and the creation of a data bank at various levels,” she said. Experts say the Himalayan region is a source of many rivers flowing perennially round the year. Keeping in view the destruction of forests and air pollution, if there is 2 per cent increase in the temperature by 2050, as much as 35 per cent of these glaciers will disappear, which could pose a problem for the state. Officials said the Department of Remote Sensing is already conducting a survey on natural resources management as well as specific research studies on various environmental aspects in collaboration with the Department of Space (DOS), National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) and the Space Application Centre (SAC) in the state. What action plan covers n The complex nature of climate change impact in three diverse regions of the state. n The necessity for strengthening institutional and financial capacity to adapt to climate change n The need to develop area and region specific climate change strategies and actions. n The need for research to understand the likely impact of climate change in the state. Threat to ecology n In view of the destruction of forests and air pollution, if there is 2 per cent increase in the temperature by 2050, 35 per cent of the glaciers will disappear from the Himalayan region, posing a problem for the state. n Climate change has become a major threat to the state. Earlier, the insurgency contributed to the destruction of forest wealth and, now in the past two decades, big development projects have led to massive environmental degradation in the state.
	Empowerment of panchayats Centre, state govt playing ‘hypocritical role’: Mufti Tribune News Service Jammu, April 23 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today lashed out at the Central and the state governments for their “hypocritical role” in denying powers to the panchayats and deactivating urban local bodies. He alleged that the year-old panchayat elections had been turned into “mere publicity”. “Both the Centre and the state government have been doing just lip service to the cause of empowerment. In the process they have robbed the institutions of self-governance, credibility and potential for change,” Mufti said in a statement issued here today. The PDP patron said the Congress and the National Conference (NC), both at the Centre and in the state couldn’t run away from their responsibility by blaming each other. His statement came a day after Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz blamed the ruling NC for “not cooperating” in strengthening the Panchayati Raj institutions. Soz had said the NC was not cooperating in the implementation of the 73rd amendment of the Constitution in the state, aimed at empowering the panchayats. Mufti said while the Congress was instrumental in empowering panchayats in the rest of the country, it was resorting to “double standards” in Jammu and Kashmir by being a part of the resistance to change. “On the one hand, the Centre honoured selected officials for holding the panchayat elections in the state and on the other it has colluded with the state government to deny thousands of panches and sarpanches the powers that the Constitution has granted them all over the country,” he observed. Mufti said constituent parties of the coalition were engaged in a “mock war of words” over the devolution of powers to the panchayats with both the Congress and the NC reluctant to share power at the village-level. “They are trying to hoodwink people through statements that have lost validity. They have failed to hold block and district-level elections or release remuneration to panchayat members,” Mufti alleged. He pointed out that the ruling coalition it seemed had a single goal of holding elections to the four seats of the Legislative Council and fill them up with their favourite candidates in the name of panchayat representation. “The coalition partners are subverting the institutions for petty partisan interests,” he said. He added that the Congress and the NC were executing a “joint venture” in blocking the empowerment of people in the state.
	Withdraw support to NC, BJP tells Cong Tribune News Service Jammu, April 23 A day after Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz took a dig at the ruling National Conference for “not cooperating” on empowerment of panchayats, the BJP today asked the Congress to withdraw its support to the NC. “The statement of the JKPCC chief showed his helplessness as the Congress has totally surrendered to the National Conference,” BJP state secretary Vibodh Gupta said while addressing a meeting of party workers in Rajouri. He said if the National Conference was the “biggest hurdle” in implementation of the 73rd Amendment then why was the Congress not withdrawing its support to the NC. “The Congress is playing a double game. If the NC is not cooperating, why is the Congress not leaving the coalition?” Gupta asked even as he demanded the resignation of all Congress ministers if they were serious about implementation of the Panchayati Raj in its true spirit. The BJP leader alleged that the NC was taking advantage of Article 370 while the Congress was fooling people by playing a “dubious role”. “The Congress has maintained silence on abrogation of Article 370. Let the party come forward for the abrogation of Article 370,” he said.
	Provide favourable environment to students: Governor Tribune News Service Jammu, April 23 Governor NN Vohra inaugurated a multipurpose hall at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Mubarak Mandi, here today. The Governor’s wife Usha Vohra was also present on the occasion. Speaking after inaugurating the newly-constructed hall, the Governor observed that if an enabling environment and required infrastructure was provided to educational institutions, there would be no reason whatsoever for our children not to excel in their academic and other chosen fields of activity. He added that boys and girls in the state were talented and with quality education they could contribute to ensure a bright future for the state. The Governor congratulated the Principal, teachers, staff, and students of the school for securing 12 positions in the Board examinations last year and hoped that the number of students getting positions in the examinations in 2012 would go up. Referring to the set of Encyclopedia Britannica presented by his wife to the school on the occasion, the Governor advised Sureshta Dogra, Principal of the school, to keep the volumes at such a place where students could make the best use of them. Lauding the high quality of the cultural programme comprising Dogri, Kashmiri, Ladakhi and Punjabi folk songs and dances presented by the students on the occasion, the Governor announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for them. The Governor felicitated the former Principals of the school by presenting to them a shawl and a memento each. Earlier, on arrival, the Governor and his wife were received by Ashok Khajuria, BJP MLA, senior officials of the Education Department, students and staff of the school. Khajuria announced Rs 9,99,999 out of his constituency development fund (CDF), as the first installment for the construction of another hall at the school. In her welcome address, the Principal of the school dwelt on the achievements of the institution. She also threw light on the history and evolution of the school.
	AFSPA in Naxal areas Omar’s personal take: Azad Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 23 Health Minister and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad today distanced himself from the views expressed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah about the invoking of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Naxal-hit areas. Omar had yesterday said the AFSPA should be invoked in the districts infested with Naxal terror. Asked to respond to the Chief Minister’s remarks, Azad said: “Omar loves to tweet. He tweets on a daily basis but these are his personal views. Only the Home Minister can answer the issue.” Omar’s remarks came in the wake of the hostage crisis involving government officials, the latest being the abduction of the Chhattisgarh district collector. “The Home Ministry is working closely with the state on the latest crisis. The government will extend all possible cooperation to the state,” Azad said when asked if the government was working on a comprehensive policy in respect of Maoists repeatedly taking government officials hostage.
	Temple in Shopian reopens after 22 years M Aamir Khan/TNS Srinagar, April 23 An ancient temple, which houses a 1000-eyed Shivling, was thrown open for puja in Shopian district of south Kashmir after 22 years on Saturday. A group of local Kashmiri Pandits performed puja at the Nagbal Kapal Mochan Tirtha temple located on the banks of the Rambi Aara in the Digam Nagbal area of Shopian on Saturday. Ravi Sathoo, a local Kashmiri Pandit, who performed the puja, said the temple had been reopened after 22 years. Sathoo said the temple was of great significance to the Kashmiri Pandits, as it housed an ancient 1000-eyed Shivling. “This Shivling is around 2,000 years old and is mentioned in Kalhana’s Rajatarangini. The temple is unique because we perform Shraadha Kriya here by offering food, milk, barley flour, water and clothes in the name of a dead person,” Sathoo said. Another Kashmiri Pandit, who performed puja at the temple, said: “This temple was damaged during militancy in Kashmir. Given its historical importance, the Tourism Department renovated the temple and we could perform the puja here.” “We hope that more pilgrims will visit the historic temple now,” he added. The puja at the Nagbal Kapal Mochan Tirtha temple was organised by Bhagwan Gopi Nath Trust, Srinagar.
	Rajouri-Poonch rail link soon: Soz Jammu, April 23 In order to ensure the overall development of Rajouri and Poonch, the twin border districts would be connected through railways soon, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee chief Saifuddin Soz said yesterday. Rajouri and Poonch have lagged behind in various spheres of life because of their topography and lack of special attention, Soz said in a public meeting at Kalakote. Local Congress leaders have been pursuing the issue, he said. — PTI
	Jammu varsity VC to probe graft charges against previous incumbent Tribune News Service Jammu, April 23 The Council of University of Jammu today authorised the sitting Vice-Chancellor, MPS Ishar, to take remedial measures and actions within his competence to look into the allegations of administrative impropriety, favouritism and financial irregularities against one of the previous Vice-Chancellors of Jammu University. On the recommendations of a probe panel headed by the Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, which had been constituted by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to look into the allegations of administrative impropriety, favouritism and financial irregularities against one of the previous Vice-Chancellors and officers of Jammu University, the University Council today took this decision at its 72nd meeting. The meeting was chaired by Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan this evening. Ishar was also advised to ensure that the recommendations and observations of this Committee, which require special approval, should be placed before the university bodies concerned on a time-bound basis and the entire report processed without any delay whatsoever. It may be recalled here that a probe panel had been constituted by Omar to look into the allegations against former Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University Amitabh Mattoo. In today’s meeting, the Governor also called upon the universities of the state to organise short-term vocational courses in tourism and other potential disciplines to enhance the employability of the youth in travel trade and other employment intensive sectors. Referring to the creation and upgradation of infrastructure facilities on the main campus and off-site campuses, the Governor said the construction of student hostels, particularly for girls, needed to be given priority. He also stressed that the new buildings must have adequate provision for use of solar energy, harvesting of rain water, fire safety measures and ramps to facilitate physically challenged persons.
	Burglary case solved within 24 hours Srinagar, April 23 The police has solved two burglary cases and recovered stolen gold ornaments worth Rs 24 lakh. Addressing a press conference here today, SSP, Srinagar, Ashiq Bukhari claimed that the police solved a burglary case within 24 hours in the Rainawari area here. “Three persons from Jammu were arrested on Friday after they tried to flee with stolen gold ornaments worth Rs 14 lakh from Saidakadal in Rainawari. The action was taken within 24 hours after the receipt of a written complaint,” Bukhari said. The accused have been identified as Shahaan Ahmad, Yaqoob Bhat and Akshay Kumar. In another case, a local identified as Gulzar Ahmad Wani was arrested on Friday after he had stolen gold items worth Rs 10 lakh. Bukhari said Gulzar along with Hilal Ahmad, a local resident, had stolen the ornaments from a house located at Sarafkadal here. — TNS
	Kargil-Padum road reopens Yangchan Dolma Leh, April 23 The 234-km-long Kargil-Padum road, which is the only link for the people of Zanaskar subdivision with the rest of the Ladakh region, was reopened to vehicular traffic on Sunday. The road had remained closed for almost three months due to snowfall at Penzila in the second week of January. Two dozers each from the Padum and Kargil side had been engaged for the snow clearance, which was started on April 1. For speedy clearance, a cash reward of Rs 50,000 had been fixed for the snow clearance team by the Mechanical Engineering Department, Kargil. Executive Councillor for Zanaskar Affairs Phunchok Tashi said, “The snow clearance on the road has been completed within 20 days and this year the reopening of this crucial road was one month in advance. Last year, it had reopened on May 19.” A private bus service from Leh to Padum will resume from April 25. Efforts are also on to operate the State Transport Road Corporation bus from May, he added.
	Government school students rally for greener, safer planet Our Correspondent Katra, April 23 Government High School, Seela, Reasi, in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India and the Education Department organised a national environment awareness campaign 2011-12 on the theme “Forest for Sustainable Livelihood”. Sarpanch of Seela Pritam Singh was the chief guest on the occasion. On the occasion, students took part in a painting and slogan writing competition, a seminar and a plantation drive. A massive rally was also organised, which passed through main lanes of the village and culminated at Baradhari Bridge. Tisham Verma stood first while Palvi and Rahul Kumar secured the second and third positions, respectively, in the painting competition. Akram Khan, president, Sangam Theatre Group (a partner NGO of the WWF), Kakram Dogra, Anita Sharma and Pritam Singh stressed upon the theme “Forest for Sustainable Livelihood” and eco-friendly environment between teachers and students. Village Education Committee members and other prominent persons of Seela village were also present on the occasion. Headmaster of the school Ravi Kholi presented a vote of thanks.
	Teenager’s killing: Family awaits Supreme Court judgment Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 23 The family of a teenager, who was killed by the Border Security Force (BSF) in Srinagar on February 5, 2010, is eagerly awaiting judgment of the Supreme Court. “My son was killed without any justification. It was a murder and we are eagerly awaiting justice. We cannot tell how much we have suffered,” said Farooq Ahmad, father of slain 16-year-old Zahid Farooq. The case will come up for hearing before the apex court on April 30. The apex court had said that the Pathribal case would be disposed of soon and the decision would apply in the Zahid Farooq case as well. In Pathribal case, the apex court had asked the Army to come clean on whether they want to start prosecution of eight officers accused of killing five persons in the alleged fake encounter in Pathribal in South Kashmir in March 2000 or let the criminal court go ahead and prosecute them. The apex court, according to the family, has linked Zahid Farooq’s case with the Pathribal fake encounter. On February 5, 2010, Farooq was shot dead by the BSF in Nishat locality of Srinagar city. The BSF initially denied their involvement. However, after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took up the issue with Home Minister P. Chidambaram in New Delhi, the BSF admitted their involvement. It was the first incident in which the BSF handed over their constable Lakhvinder Kumar to the police in the case. Subsequently, it suspended RK Verdi of BSF 68 battalion and his guard for “dereliction of duty” and handed him over to the police. The police later filed a chargesheet before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) against the two BSF men charging them with murder. The BSF, however, filed application before the CJM, Srinagar, seeking a stay on proceedings against the accused BSF men and asked for custody of the accused men and transfer of the case to the BSF court. The case was thereafter transferred to the BSF court. The state government and the family of Farooq filed criminal revision petitions against the CJM’s order. The state government challenged the CJM’s order on the grounds that the accused were not discharging active duty at the time of incident and they could not be tried in the BSF court as the alleged offences were civil in nature and the accused could be tried in ordinary criminal courts.
	Police recruits 101 youths in Reasi Our Correspondent Katra, April 23 Around 101 youths were recruited by the police in an on-the-spot recruitment drive held here today. Most of the youths belonged to Reasi district. Director General of Police (DGP) Kuldeep Khoda supervised the recruitment process. The DGP said due representation would be given to places like Reasi and Katra in the recruitment drive. Though no relaxation was granted to the youths of these places vis-à-vis physical standards, yet relaxation was granted to some in the educational qualification. Hundreds of youths thronged the venues of the recruitment drive in Reasi. Some graduates from far-flung areas of Reasi and Katra had also come to apply for the post of constable in the recruitment drive. Later, at District Police Lines, Reasi, the DGP had a meeting with senior district officers comprising DIG, Reasi-Udhampur Range; SSP, ASP and others officers of Reasi. He gave a patient hearing to issues raised at the meeting. Khoda also addressed police jawans at Reasi. He exhorted them to be tough with anti-social and anti-national elements, but to be humane with people. He also listened to their problems and issued necessary instructions to the officers concerned for resolution of the same.