Srinagar, September 2
Taking note of environmental degradation and pollution caused by unauthorised stone crushers and macadam plants operating along the banks of many fresh water streams, particularly in Handwara and Kupwara areas of north Kashmir, the high court has directed the state Chief Secretary to file a comprehensive report in this regard.

The court has also observed that the operation these stone crushers and macadam mixing plants is needed to be regulated to save the ecology, environment and to ensure sustainable development.

These directions came following a hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL 794/2009) filed by Handwara villagers in 2009 by a Division Bench of the high court this week. The PIL calls for closing down all the unauthorised stone crushers and macadam plants to save the fragile ecosystem of Mawar fresh water and other streams in north Kashmir.

“The case reveals a dismal picture of environment and ecology in the areas of Shanoo Langate, Handwara, Kupwara etc, which has been highlighted by the operation of stone crushers and a huge collection of minor minerals at the instance of private respondents,” the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice Muzaffar Attar observed in its orders passed this week.

The Bench observed that a look at the photographs attached with the petition reveals that they (violators) are playing with the ecology and environment of the area without any effective control. It also observed that the working of wet mixing and hot mixing macadam plants is required to be regulated by the statutory provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1961, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

The high court also observed that the reply filed by the Pollution Control Board appears to be either a deliberate attempt or salutary example of complete ignorance about the environmental degradation.

“Therefore, it has become necessary to ask senior Additional Advocate-General AM Magray to assist the court on behalf of all official respondents by filing comprehensive reply so that the activities depicted in the PIL are controlled on the principle of sustainable development.

“Let a comprehensive report be filed by the Chief Secretary within two weeks,” the court directed, listing the PIL for further hearing in the second week of September.

Srinagar, September 2
The Kashmir valley has again slipped into a sweltering condition as the day and night temperatures have increased several degrees above normal and the weather department forecasts it to remain same for this week.

The departure of the normal temperature is continuing for nearly two months as monsoon has failed to bring enough rains in the Valley, except for a brief period in late August when mild rainfall brought down the soaring temperature for a few days.

Since mid-July this year, the temperature has remained four to six degrees above normal in the Valley, which is otherwise a tourist destination known for its cool weather.

“The day temperature in the summer capital, Srinagar, remained four degrees above normal as mercury on Sunday rose to 32.2 degrees Celsius,” said the state meteorological department.

“This is the fourth consecutive day when the mercury is above normal by more than four notches with Saturday recording 32.7 degrees Celsius,” said an official.

The night temperature in Srinagar also rose to 20.4 degrees Celsius, which is four degrees higher than the normal temperature for this season. In frontier Kupwara district of north Kashmir, the day temperature was recorded at 31.9 degrees Celsius, which was also nearly four degrees above the normal temperature.

“South Kashmir’s Kokernag resort recorded two degrees above normal as the maximum temperature there was recorded at 30.2 degrees Celsius,” the weather department said.

Director state Meteorological Department Sonum Lotus said the hot weather was likely to continue for the next four days.

He said, “We are expecting some respite from September 6 onwards.” He blamed the weak monsoon for the rise in temperature.

He said, “The monsoon in the Kashmir valley this season is very weak.” Srinagar’s famous flea market, a bustling Sunday bazaar of roadside vendors and hawkers, also wore a deserted look due to harsh weather.

Kupwara, September 2
At least 14 persons, including two women, sustained injuries today when the police resorted to cane charge to disperse protesters at Goose near Kupwara town.

Residents of Goose and Kashira, 2 km from Kupwara town, were protesting against the wildlife authorities who have failed miserably to deal with the increasing attacks on humans by the wild animals.

“The police used force even against hapless women. We were protesting peacefully,” said Abdul Majid Khan, a protester.

Ruqaya Bano and Laila Jan were seriously injured during the protest.

The police also fired few rounds in the air to disperse the protesters. However, they kept on raising slogans against the district administration and the wildlife authorities. They blocked the Kupwara-Lolab road from 12 am to 3 pm.

The protesters said four leopards were on the prowl and their lives were in constant danger.

“Last evening, a leopard mauled an elderly person. Local residents swiftly swung into action and scared away the animal,” said Arshad Ahmad.

The residents said they were scared to venture out of their houses, especially after the sunset.

“The leopards come down to human habitat and sometimes take shelter in maize fields. The department is playing with our lives,” said Irshad Ahmad, a student. Hundreds of vehicles, including the Army trucks remained stranded on both sides of the road for hours. Later, on the assurance of a senior police official, the protesters finally cleared the road.

According to reports, a bear had surfaced in Nagri village this morning, creating panic among the people. Two persons had sustained serious injuries in the attacks by the wild animals last week in the area.

Handwara, September 2
Rafiqa Begum (42) of Suddal, Handwara, is living a pathetic life ever since her husband disappeared in February 2005. A mother of three children, including two minor sons, she barely makes her both ends meet by doing household chores in her neighbourhood.

Many a times, her 14-year-old daughter (a Class X student) is forced to help her mother to eke out two times’ meal for the family. This has badly affected her studies. The lack of much-needed fatherhood has put the future of children at stake.

“I have suffered embarrassment many a times for failing to pay the school fee of my daughter. After weeks of back-breaking work, I managed books and uniform for her,” she said.

Rafiqa, often assisted by her daughter, cleans the houses and utensils in her neighbourhood to feed her children. In February 2005, her husband Mohd Aslam Sheikh went missing from Himachal Pradesh. “Since then, my life has become hell. When my children needed their father the most, he went missing” she said in a choked voice.

The hapless woman is worried about her children. “At times, my children are forced to stay sleepless due to hunger. After labourious work in others’ houses, I manage a few bucks but often not sufficient enough to give two times’ meal to my children,” she said.

According to Rafiqa, the police has not even registered an FIR of her missing husband. “I wasted all my resources and even sold a kanal of land to search him extensively outside the state. But unfortunately to date, he remains untraceable,” she said.

She wishes to admit her 6-year-old son in a school but is unable to do so. “I do not have money to pay school fee and purchase books and uniform for him. I am growing old and frail more with the stress. I am too worried about my minor children,” she said.

Srinagar, September 2
Kashmir University is not a place you would like to be in, if you are into social service. This is evident from the slipping enrolments in the National Service Scheme (NSS) wing of Kashmir University.

As against the pre-requisite 400 members, the NSS in KU has only 100 students as its members this year, even though there are four NSS programme officers to coordinate various NSS activities within the university campus.

Same was not the case some years back when university’s NSS activities were not restricted to observance of special days and there were social service activities all around the year.

Senior students recall various fund raising programmes which were held by the NSS, especially when the valley was going through a tough time and students used to chip in their money for aid.

“Kashmir University played a pro-active role in serving the society when its NSS and student union wings were active. For the past few years such activities have slowed down and the student participation has also decreased,” said a resident scholar. Students said the NSS officials seldom make any effort in raising awareness among freshers so that they could be drawn towards social services.

“NSS at present is over staffed. There is no need for four programme officers when no programmes are being held. One of the reasons why the enrollments are going down is because unlike other universities, the NSS activities are not mandatory for students here,” said Irtiqa Zaffer, a NSS wing volunteer.

“In order to attract the attention of students, we need to organise more social work activities but we do not have sufficient funds which is now acting as a main hurdle,” said a senior NSS officer. 

Srinagar, September 2
Natrang , a Jammu based theatre group, along with Sangeet Natak Akademi yesterday started a 20-folk drama series ‘Band Pather’ of the Kashmiri street theatre in the north Kashmir districts, Baramulla and Kupwara. Two plays of the series, ‘Kral Sund Kaar’ (the potter’s job) and ‘Waqtuk Aalaw’ (call of the time) were staged on the opening day.

Both the plays performed by the local actors generated overwhelming response from the village crowds, including children who have not witnessed any street theatre performances in the recent years. The plays essentially paint the dark sketches of life faced by an average Kashmiri household struggling to make it through various constraints. With patches of dry humour superbly demonstrated by the performers, the plays managed to attract the attention of every person in the audience.

The first play, ‘Kral Sund Kaar’ revolves around the story of a poor potter whose family has been surviving on their traditional business of making earthen pots. Unable to meet the expenses, the potter sells off his kidneys to get his daughters married. His fellow village folks give him the cold shoulder in the difficult time due to which he is compelled to migrate to the city. His dreams are realised here as he finds people from different faiths, cultures living harmoniously. He dedicates rest of his life to inculcate communal harmony, brotherhood and respect for values and traditions to his own people.

‘Waqtuk Aalaw’ play lays essence on the role of education. It narrates the story of a poor village family who faces exploitation due to less exposure and illiteracy. 

Srinagar, September 2
Former minister and Congress leader Abdul Gani Vakil has asked the government not to shield corrupt bureaucrats and ministers.

“The government should not shield corrupt bureaucrats and ministers, both sitting as well former ones, for the reason that this is setting a wrong precedence and discouraging upright and credible ones,” said Vakil while addressing a party workers’ convention at Baramulla.

“It is only recently that Comptroller and Auditor- General of India (CAG) had detected misappropriation of funds and allotment of works without procedural formalities. This should be an eye opener for the government and sufficient enough to initiate a thorough probe,” the former minister said. “It becomes moral responsibility of the government to check corrupt practices and especially those mentors without whose patronage no official can dare to loot taxpayers’ money,” he added.

Vakil said if the government delays in taking action against the corrupt, the common masses will definitely get distanced from the government and the benefit will go to the opposition.

Others who addressed the convention included Congress general secretary of J&K Abdul Ahad Yatoo, Abbas Jawhar, GN Parvana, Youth Congress leaders Altaf Ahmad Malik, Sheikh Manzoor and Rafiq Ahmad Wani.

Srinagar, September 2
Minister of State for Home and Vice-chairman of Distinct Development Board Kupwara Nasir Aslam Wani today directed the officers to deliver their responsibilities sincerely for the welfare of the people which is the basic ingredient for boosting the development activities in J&K, particularly in border districts.

The minister said this while reviewing the development progress of the Kupwara district. The review meeting was held at the Picturesque Tourist Resort, Chandigam, Lolab valley, which is 18 kilometers far from the district headquarter.

Wani said the aim of the coalition government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is to monitor the development activities of the border districts of the state.

An official spokesman said the minister underlined the need of people’s participation in development process of the state.

“The minister urged the officers to conduct more and more interaction programmes with the local population in decision making and development which could help in bringing transparency in utilisation of resources in all sectors," said an official spokesman.

Wani said the basic aim of strengthening of Panchyati Raj Institutions is to empower the people at the grass root level and to bring the governance at their door step.

Srinagar, September 2
The three-day-long centenary celebration fest of The Mallinson Girls School, Srinagar came to an end today with an enthralling performance by the students at Indoor Stadium.

State Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir was the chief guest on the occasion. He lauded the role of the 100-year-old educational institute in building careers of Kashmiri women and helping the nation to prosper.

He stressed for the students to maintain a balance between their academic and extra-curricular activities for overall personality development.

The minister expressed optimism that the institute will continue its noble mission for imparting quality education with the same spirit and sincerity.

The students showcased their skilled in different cultural activities which mesmerised the audience. The amalgamation of the programmes, ‘Jaanat-e-Kashmir’ and Let us Celebrate, depicting historical events of Kashmir and the history of the Mallinson Girls school impressed the gathering. The students also presented musical drill, umbrella drill, ribbon drill, flag drill followed by Kashmiri Chakri.

The minister on the occasion also released a book titled ‘History of 100 years’ and distributed cash prizes among the best performances.

The principal of the school Parwez Samuel Kaul gave a detailed resume of the achievements of the school.

Among others, Wajahat Habib-ullah, bollywood actors, scholars, management and staff members, students, and their parents, prominent citizens, media persons and a large numbers of people witnessed the day-long programme prepared by the school for the centenary celebrations.

Srinagar, September 2
Minister for Rural Development, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Sagar today urged the people to come forward and extended active cooperation in the ongoing developmental agenda of the government, which he said was imperative for ensuring sustained development and everlasting peace in the state.

The minister said this while addressing a public gathering after laying the foundation stone of community centre at Doulatabad, Khanyar.

The centre is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1.90 crore. Baseer Ahmed Khan, district development commissioner, Srinagar; GN Qasba, commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation; Salman Sagar, ex-mayor, Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

“The people have to understand the importance of peace for undertaking various developmental, economic activities and it was due to the tireless efforts of the present government that peace was restored in the state and now the people are reaping peace dividends,” said the minister.

He said due to the peaceful environment in the state a record number of tourists had visited the state that would ultimately boost the economy of the state. 

Srinagar, September 2
It all started with a friendly match between Mohammedan Sporting Club, Kolkata, and J&K-XI in July and ever since it has been raining football in Kashmir valley. Football was a popular sport in Valley before the eruption of militancy. It had taken a hit during the period of turmoil that started in 1989. But now, Kashmir has rediscovered its love for the game as football tournaments now have become a regular feature for the past two months.

The summer capital recently hosted- ‘Srinagar-2010’- the All India Postal Football tournament. Nine teams representing various postal circles of the country, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal, Delhi, Orissa and hosts Jammu & Kashmir participated in the tournament.

Mohun Bagan is scheduled to play another friendly match here in September. Football matches will also be played during the 58th National School Games that starts from tomorrow. This will be followed by the first All India J&K Bank Gold Cup Football Tournament in October later this year. The country’s top teams, including Air India, Mumbia FC, United Sikkim, Royal Wangdoh, Titanium FC and Punjab Police will be seen in action. The Department of Posts is also planning to organise a football tourney that would see the participation of local teams.

Further to boost the sport, the government is planning to lay the first artificial turf at Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) ground here. The astro-turf football pitch, according to officials, would be ready by November and would help the local players to compete at top level football.

International player, Abdul Majeed Kakroo, who represented India from 1981 to 1989 and also captained the national team in the mid 80’s said that laying of astro-turf would go a long way in grooming the local talent.

Kakroo said the local players despite being talented always found it difficult to play on the astro-turf.