Jammu, September 27
The Narwal fruit and vegetable market, which was established in 1978 and caters to the entire state, has become highly congested as more than half of the mandi’s land has been sold by the Jammu Development Authority to various agencies.

The market has a capacity of 3 lakh metric tonnes and it was conceived for 100 years with an area of 850 kanals. But just after 35 years when the project was started, the land has been reduced by 400 kanals whereas the transaction of fruits and vegetables has increased manifold.

The market witnesses a daily load of 22 lakh tonnes and as per the target to be achieved within next few years, it has to accommodate 40 lakh metric tonnes of load daily in an area of 350 kanals.

At present, the market is facing a lot of problems. It gets jam packed with vehicular movement as around 250 to 300 vehicles enter the market at the same time.

Sham Langar, president, Narwal Vegetable Association, and vice-president, Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), said, “A chunk of the land has been given by the Jammu Development Agency to the Railways and the rest for the construction of two petrol pumps, Grameen Bank, J&K Bank, and to the Fisheries Department within the Narwal mandi.”

He said, “We have appealed to the authorities a number of times to get our land back so that the Narwal Mandi, which is the biggest and main mandi in the Jammu region, remains spacious enough to accommodate all those who come here for doing business.”

The congestion in the mandi leads to accidents in the area. The huge vehicular movement leaves no space to move freely and even those who are in the fruit and vegetable business don’t get space to display their products. Sarita Chauhan, vice-chairman, JDA, could not be contacted despite several attempts.

Jammu, September 27
The Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Central University of Jammu, celebrated World Tourism Day 2012 on the theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development”, assigned by United Nation World Tourism Organisation.

The students of MBA, tourism and travel management hosted a traditional welcome to the guests at the airport and railway station as part of the ‘Atithi Samman’ ceremony.

A panel discussion followed held on the topic “Tourism and Sustainable Energy: A Way Ahead”. Eminent environmentalist Prof Shashi Kant and Dr CM Seth, assistant director, Tourism Department, Jammu, Ashima, Prof RL Bhat, head, Department of Economics, Central University of Jammu, presented their views on sustainable development of tourism.

Prof Kant suggested that renewable resources of energy, including biomass energy, solar energy and geo-thermal energy, could be used to ensure the overall human development.

Dr Seth focused on sustaining the natural resources, especially in the state, and cited examples of the far-flung areas.

Ashima stressed on the policies of the state government and state tourism department for implementing the sustainable and responsible tourism.

Prof Ashok Aima, head, MBA (tourism and travel management) moderated the session and Prof MK Jyoti, academic coordinator Tab. II and head, Environment Sciences, Central University of Jammu, presided over the discussion. A quiz competition was also held on the same theme where 11 teams from various universities participated.

speaking out
The Temple City holds great potential to attract tourists not only from across the country but also from around the world. Even in the past few years, we have seen remarkable changes in the city. There are some sectors which need more attention. As far as pilgrimage tourism is concerned, the region already gets significant response and the number of pilgrims reaching here has been increasing with each passing day

— Jeet Dogra, Asstt Prof, MBA Tourism and Travel Management, CUJ

I think Jammu has got an immense tourism potential and the old city can attract explorers from across the world. A comprehensive plan is needed to develop the city to cater to the tourists’ needs

— Natasha Dogra, Student, MBA Tourism and Travel Management, CUJ

There is a dire need to bring the Temple City on the tourism map. In the era of mass communication and social networking, we need to have a sustained campaign to promote our city for its unmatched landscapes and heritage spots. Mubarak Mandi complex, if developed, can be a centre of attraction. Ancient Buddhist sites at Ambaran Akhnoor have given a boost to the tourism industry in the state

— Sonam, Student, HR Management, CUJ

I think border tourism is the strength of the Jammu region. With the opening of management courses in tourism, the city could be of great help in the development of tourism sector. The government should invite private players and entrepreneurs to execute the things in a better way. If the authorities concerned stress on the execution of research-based projects, the city could be among the world’s finest tourism destinations

— Yudhishthir Sharma, Student, MBA Tourism and Travel Management, CUJ

Compiled by Varun Suthra

Jammu, September 27
The Opposition parties continued their tirade against coalition government headed by Omar Abdullah for depriving constitutional powers to the panchayat members and failure of the authorities to provide security to the panches and sarpanches. The Opposition parties also took Congress to task for its double standards on the issue.

Activists of BJYM - youth wing of the BJP - today held a demonstration against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for opposing incorporation of 73rd amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Raj Act. The BJYM took out a demonstration which started from the BJP office at Kachi Chowni and passed through different areas. The BJYM activists alleged that the state government was deliberately denying powers to the panchayats because those who were at the helm of the affairs were not interested to delegate powers to other institutions. They demanded that 73rd amendment must be implemented in the state so as to empower the panchayats in real sense.

Harsh Dev Singh, MLA, Ramnagar, and working chairman of the National Panthers Party (NPP), has accused the state government of sabotaging the empowerment of panchayats under a well-hatched conspiracy. He said the coalition partners were indulging in a blame game with a common objective of depriving the panchayats of their legitimate rights and powers as envisaged under the law.

Making a reference to the Chief Minister’s statement, he said Omar Abdullah had blamed the Congress saying that he was approached by two ministers and some MLAs who had opposed the empowerment of panchayats.

On the contrary, Singh said, the Congress was taking the stand that it was the National Conference which was averse to the whole process. He said the role of Congress was highly intriguing and mischievous because though it was demonstrating on roads and holding protests for the panchayats’ cause, it never raked up the issue of panchayat empowerment in any of the Cabinet meetings or in the Assembly or at any other appropriate forum. He said the fact of the matter was both the coalition partners were playing to the galleries and issuing statements merely for media consumption.

He said the two coalition partners were taking highly incongruous stands only to hoodwink the panchayats and to ensure their deprivation and disempowerment. He said most intriguing was the role of Congress which was resorting to double standards.

Awami National Conference (ANC) has also expressed shock over the killings of panchayat members. Gian Singh, provincial president of ANC, has described the incidents of killings of panchayat members as murder of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Holding both state and the Central government responsible, Singh said despite writing many a times to the government regarding security cover to the sarpanches in sensitive areas, the state government remained a mute spectator.

Jammu, September 27
Intensifying its drive against the use of polythene bags, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today inspected various shops in the city and seized 20 kg polythene carry bags.

The JMC officials also imposed a penalty of Rs 9,000 on the shopkeepers using polythene bags.

A spokesperson of the JMC said an enforcement team of the civic body led by chief enforcement officer inspected various shops and retail outlets in the Gandhi Nagar and Bikram Chowk areas.

The team also made the shopkeepers aware of the ban imposed by the state government on the use of polythene bags and sought their cooperation to make the city free from polythene bags in order to make the city environment clean and pollution free.

The team also continued the anti-encroachment drive to clear footpaths and pavements and seized various articles like chairs, utensils, beds, weighing scales, umbrellas, helmets and electrical goods.

Jammu, September 27
The sportspersons of the state who are already annoyed with the J&K State Sports Council for not providing adequate infrastructural facilities have claimed there is an inordinate delay by the sports council to prepare the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the uplift of sports standard in the state.

According to sources, the Union Sports Ministry had sanctioned an amount of Rs 6 crore under its ambitious National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) for the construction of a brand new multi-purpose sports complex at MA Stadium in Jammu in order to strengthen the sports infrastructure.

Sources said that immediately after the sanctioning of special grant, the sports council’s officials started working on the modalities to prepare the document of MoU to get the sanctioned amount from the Union Sports Ministry to start the work.

The sportspersons who on one hand are happy about the amount sanctioned for the development have expressed anger over an inordinate delay by the sports council in preparing the document.

“Even the Union Sports Ministry is concerned about the poor standard of sports in J&K and that is why they are taking initiatives to improve the present scenario but the state authorities are hardly putting in any efforts,” said one of the sportspersons.

“The only multi-purpose hall at MA Stadium lacks space because the shuttlers and gymnasts have to share the hall for practice and if the hall is booked for hosting a tournament then the players are deprived of their practice session,” said another sportsperson.

“We have appealed to the authorities’ a number of times to construct another hall so that the chaos during practice session could be curbed. But now, when our long pending demand has been conceded, the sports council is delaying the preparation of the important document,” he said.

A senior official of the sports council said, “We are near to the completion of the document. Adequate sports infrastructure is the top priority for the department and for that we are trying our best to approach the Union Sports Ministry for their necessary support.”

Sources said that sports council was under fire for not providing adequate infrastructural facilities to its sportspersons who had later called on sports authorities. The authorities then took the matter with the Union Sports Ministry. Later, a special financial package for construction of sports complex in Jammu was announced.

Jammu, September 27
The Gandhian Studies Centre today organised an Inter-collegiate symposia at the Government MAM College to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti and to pay homage to an alumni and a distinguished NCC Cadet of the college Late Sushil Khajuria.

Professor Satinder Singh, nodal principal, GGM Science College, presided over the function. He lauded the efforts of the Gandhian Studies Centre in percolating the message of Mahatma Gandhi among the young learners.

He deliberated on the importance of the NCC for its contribution towards an overall development of the nation. The function started with the lighting of the traditional lamp by the principal of the college, Dr Ramesh Chander.

The participants of various colleges participated in the symposia and deliberated on the topic.

Professor Indira Rathore, Professor GLThappa and Professor RL Sharma, former principals of the college were the jury members for the symposia.

Dr Twinkle Suri, director, Gandhian Studies Centre, gave a brief profile of the activities organised by the centre. She exhorted the students to imbibe the ideas of Gandhi in letter and spirit.

Dr Ramesh Chander paid homage to Sushil Khajuria and emphasised that his sacrifice be an inspiration for the youth.

Sahil Mehta, MAM College, won the first prize whereas Rinku Kumar, GGM Science College, bagged second position and Aditi Magotra, GCW Parade, bagged third position.

Professors Banpreet Kour, Subash Sharma, Shobha Gupta, Shalini Sharma, KR Sharma and Sujat Khan were also present on the occasion.

The parents of Sushil Khajuria presented rolling trophy for the symposia to the winning College.

Rajouri, September 27
National Conference is responsible for creating hatred among the general people of Kashmir against the nation. They have been misleading the people of Kashmir by making false promises and creating anti-India sentiments. This was said by Mehbooba Mufti, president, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a public gathering in Nerogal area of district Rajouri today.

Mehbooba said, “National Conference has the history of 36 long years when compared to the 36-month-old PDP government. When we talk about developmental period, PDP has proved their mettle with their work on ground. National Conference on the other hand received funds from the Central government for developmental projects which they brazenly looted.”

Mehbooba while lashing out the government for not providing security to panchayat members facing threats from militants said, “It’s created by National Conference who is now under unease over PDP’s rising graph of popularity amongst people of the state.

She said, “It is very unfortunate that sarpanches and panches are being killed. It is the responsibility of the state government to ensure their security.”

She said the state government had so far not fulfilled the promises to empower the panchayats on the ground failure and this will tantamount to the adding disillusionment among people.

Jammu, September 27
A workshop on drug enforcement law was held today at the Zonal Police Headquarters in Jammu.

The workshop was organised by the Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB), Jammu, to sensitise Jammu and Kashmir Police officers (Investigating officers) regarding drug related issues.

Suresh Kumar of NCB Jammu gave a presentation, wherein drug menace in the society and its legal aspects were highlighted.

DIG Jammu-Kathua Range JP Singh addressed the participants and stressed on the importance and purpose of the workshop. He urged upon the investigating officers to take out maximum benefits from the workshop besides sharing their experiences in dealing with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases. The DIG stressed for thorough professionalism so that the NDPS cases do not fail in the courts of law and guilty.

He further thanked the officials of Narcotics Control Bureau Jammu for organising the workshop.

SSP Traffic Manmohan Singh, SSP Jammu Prabhat Singh, Additional SP Samba Dr Koushal Sharma, and 25 police officers from Samba, Kathua and Jammu participated in the workshop.

Jammu, September 27
The Red Cross Unit of the Government College for Women (GCW), Gandhi Nagar, today celebrated the Voluntary Blood Donation Day in collaboration with the Department of Blood Bank, Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu.

A poster making competition and a symposium was held in the college auditorium on the title ‘Need For Voluntary Blood Donation’ wherein Principal of the college, Dr Kiran Bakshi was the chief guest. Faculty representative of Blood Transfusion, Medicine, GMC, Farooq Ahmed Wani, was the guest of honour.

The coordinator of the Red Cross Unit, Prof Ashiq Malik, briefed the audience about the need of voluntary blood donation.

Principal of the college Dr Bakshi in her address encouraged the students to donate blood for a generous cause. Dr Farooq Ahmed Wani in his address stressed upon the students to come forward for this noble cause.

Around 15 students of the college expressed their views and highlighted the importance of blood donation on the occasion.

The judges in the competition were Professor Suchitra Saproo, HoD (Chemistry), Professor Sudha Sehgal and Professor Shamim Akhter from the Department of Physics and Zoology, respectively.

The first and second positions in the poster making competition were won by Ruchika Sabbarwal and Alina Khan, respectively.

Prabjot Kour and Aneet Kour bagged first and second position, respectively in symposium.

Jammu, September 27
The post graduate department of University of Jammu successfully defended its title in both men and women section today in the Inter-Collegiate Basketball Championship at University of Jammu.

In men section, the post graduate department of University of Jammu thrashed MAM College by 64-60. In women section, the post graduate department of University of Jammu defeated Government College for Women, Parade, by 30-21.

This was the third consecutive title for the post graduate department of University of Jammu in the men section who had to play their heart out to script the win against the spirited MAM College team.

The matches were officiated by Amarjeet Singh, Rajinder Magotra, Manoj Kumar, Nisha Sharma and Neenu Narayani.

Jai Kumar Sharma, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, was the chief guest on the occasion. Director Sports Professor Dhian Singh Bhau, Dr Brij Baloria and Romesh Sharma were also present on the occasion.

Jammu, September 27
Chetna Cricket Club (CCC) trounced Krishna Cricket Club (KCC) by 14 runs today in a league match of the cricket tournament being played at village Sarore.

Chetna Cricket Club won the crucial toss and had no hesitation in taking first strike. The team scored 176 runs in the allotted 20 overs. Rajat Sharma played a scintillating knock of 85 runs off just 43 balls. Anil and Sandeep chipped in 30 and 28 runs, respectively. For Krishna Cricket Club, Sameer took four wickets while Sonu and Pritam shared a wicket apiece.

In reply, Krishna Cricket Club was bowled out for 162 runs in 18.4 overs.

Raju scored 47 runs while Sidhant scored 24 runs. For Chetna Cricket Club, Joginder took five wickets. Amit and Bhanu took two and one wicket, respectively. — TNS

Jammu, September 27
Shreya Sharma of KC Public School clinched gold medal in U-14 girls 100 metres free style event of the inter-school swimming competition being organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports at KC Public School.

The silver medal in this category went to Sabha Jamwal of Jodhamal Public School while the bronze was bagged by Ananya Thappa of JK Public School.

In U-14 girls 50 metres free style, Sututi Kuthial of Jodhamal Public School clinched gold whereas Rohini Singh of Army Public School and Epsita of Presentation Convent, Jammu, had to contend with silver and bronze, respectively.

In U-17 girls, the 100 metres free style gold was won by Garima of KC Public School and the silver was bagged by Arya of KC International. The 50 metres free style gold was again won by Garima of KC Public, silver by Vdhaya of KC International and bronze by Archita of KC International. Epista of Presentation Convent fetched gold in 100 metres breast stroke while Yatiksha of KC Public claimed silver. The 4x100 metres free style relay gold was claimed by KC Public School while silver went to KC International.

In U-19 girls, Sumedha Choudhary of KC Public School claimed gold in 100 metres free style. 50 metres free style gold went to Sabia of Heritage Public School, silver to Sumedha Choudhary of KC Public School and the bronze to Sumedha Sharma of KC Public School. In 100 metres back stroke, Arshiya Kalra of KC Public claimed gold, Sumedha Sharma of the same school bagged silver. In boys section, swimmers of host KC Public School bagged maximum medals in the ongoing competition.

Medal winners ( Boys) :

U-14 Boys (200 metres back stroke): Pratul Singh (gold). 200 metres breast stroke: Aditya Gupta (gold) and Dhruv Kohli (silver). 4x50 metres free style relay: KC Public School (gold), KC International (silver) and JK Public School (bronze)

U-17 boys (50 metres back stroke): Rohan Mahajan (gold) and Vishesh Jamwal (silver) 200 metres medley relay: Neeraj Gupta (gold), Abhishek (silver) and Anirudh (bronze). 4x100 metres free style relay: KC Public School (gold), Jodhamal Public School (silver) and KC International (bronze). 100 metres butterfly: Kanwar Sethi (gold) and Abhishek (silver)

U-19 boys (100 metres back stroke): Arnav (gold), Ashiv Choudhary (silver) and Aditya Nanda (bronze). 100 metres butterfly: Kinshuk (gold). 200 metres back stroke: Arnav Kamal (gold), Ashiv Choudhary (silver) and Aditya Nanda (bronze). 200 metres individual medley: Banupartap Singh (gold). 100 metres breast stroke: Arnav Kamal (gold). 50 metres breast stroke: Harkirat Singh (gold) and Sambhav Koul (silver)