Jammu, December 18
The J&K State Sports Council has decided to boost city’s sports infrastructure. The Council has approved a project to give a facelift to the KK Hakhu Astro Turf Stadium, build a skating rink and a kabaddi playfield. This, besides a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports complex to be built at MA Stadium soon.

Sources said the modalities for the ambitious multi-purpose sports complex project are in the final phase. All important documents pertaining to the project have already been submitted to the state government for final approval.

Sources say the process of inviting tenders from various firms to allot the construction has also been completed.

Sources said in the previous meeting of the Standing Committee of the J&K State Sports Council, held under the chairmanship of Sports Minister, R S Chib, it was decided to upgrade the existing infrastructure for important disciplines in a phased manner.

Mohammad Afzal Malik, Administrative Officer, J&K State Sports Council, said, “Financial powers which have been vested with Secretary, Sports Council, give us the authority to spend up to Rs 2 crore.”

“The Pavilion Block at KK Hakhu Stadium will be constructed at the cost of Rs 20-30 lakh. Similarly, a skating rink would be constructed at the same place at the cost of Rs 40-50 lakh while Rs 30 lakh has been earmarked for construction of international Kabaddi play field,” Afzal added.

“As far as approval to start construction work is concerned, the project is estimated to cost between Rs 6 to 8 crore which is beyond the financial powers of Secretary, Sports Council. A decision in this regard is to be taken by the state government and we are hopeful that something positive would come out soon,” he said.

The Union Sports Ministry, under its ambitious National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) scheme had sanctioned a special financial package to the tune of Rs 6 crore for construction of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports complex. The complex once completed will cater to the disciplines of gymnastics, wu-shu, squash, wrestling etc.

in the pipeline

Construction of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports complex to be built at MA Stadium soon

The J&K State Sports Council has approved a project to give a facelift to the KK Hakhu Astro Turf Stadium

Project for construction of a skating rink and a kabaddi playfield have also been approved

All documents pertaining to the project have been submitted to the state government for a final approval

exam schedule soon

In a relief to more than 20,000 Elementary Teachers Training (ETT) candidates of the Special Batch of 2008-10, whose academic future was at stake as the J&K State Board of School Education (JKBOSE) had not conducted some of their papers, the board is likely to announce the date sheet soon to conduct the annual examinationx

Batote, December 18
Carcasses of two leopards were found from a jungle near Nowdi nullah in Kandot village of Thathri tehsil of Doda district today. Sajad Ahmed, Range Officer, Wild Life Department, said an adult female leopard a two-and-a-half-year-old and a one-and-a-half-year-old male cub were found dead 20 feet apart near the Nowdi nullah by some villagers.

Teams from Thathri police station and the Wild Life Department reached the spot and brought the carcasses to the police station, Thathri.

The post-mortem examinations were conducted on the spot.

Sources said although there were no external injury marks but the actual cause of their death could be known after the receiving the post-mortem report.

Jammu, December 18
To increase green cover, the Forest Department planted 3.45 lakh saplings over 500 hectares of degraded forest land in Billawar, Kathua, Jammu, Udhampur and Ramanagar forest divisions during last monsoon season, under the flagship CAMPA programme. The department also planted 25,000 saplings under a special drive to increase green cover in Jammu city.

Officials say 45,000 cft of timber has been provided to consumers in Jammu, Kathua, Samba, and Udhampur districts over past 9 months of the current fiscal by the Forest department. Over the next three months, the department plans to provide 36000 cft more of timber to the needy consumers from these districts.

Moreover, 1.18 lakh saplings are also being planted in Kandi belts of Parmandal and Bajalta areas by the Ecological Task Force.

This information was given at a high-level meeting of the forest officers held here today held under the chairmanship of Minister for forests and environment, Mian Altaf Ahmed. The meeting was convened to review the financial achievement of the forest department registered in Jammu division during the current fiscal year.

It was informed at the meeting that 3.97 lakh more saplings would be planted in the Jammu Division during this winter season under the CAMPA programme.

Work on construction of eight buildings and procurement of four vehicles to control smuggling of timber is being implemented through the CAMPA programme.

The officers were also informed that 1,016 kanal of encroached forest land has been removed along with dismantling of four illegal structures, while eight vehicles involved in forest offences had been seized over the past nine months in Jammu Division except Poonch and Rajouri districts.

going green

the Forest Department planted 3.45 lakh saplings over 500 hectares of degraded forest land in Billawar, Kathua, Jammu, Udhampur and Ramanagar forest divisions

The department also planted 25,000 saplings under a special drive to increase green cover in Jammu city

The Ecological Task Force is planting 1.18 lakh saplings the Kandi belt of Parmandal and Bajalta areas

Jammu, December 18
Najumul Huda wants the world to enjoy the beauty of Kargil and experience its rich cultural heritage. The youth has set up a group "Visit Huda' to attract domestic as well as foreign tourists to the region.

World's highest inhabited plateau, Ladakh is a foreigners' delight as it receives more tourists from abroad than domestic ones every year. Ladakh, particularly Leh, is a hot favourite tourist destination for foreigners, but Kargil has still not caught their eyes due to poor promotion, Huda says.

A cold desert, Ladakh being visited more by foreign tourists than domestic ones every year. "Kargil is neglected when it comes to the promotion of tourism and hundreds of youth here are without employment. We want to advertise the culture and heritage of the area," said Huda.

Huda said mosaic lifestyle of people and heritage and beautiful scenery is a melting pot for not any particular group of people, but has people from culturally diverse tribes, like, Purik, Balti and Brokpa, he says.

Surrounded by mighty mountainous terrain, one can find glory in driving or biking ones smooth passage to the greenness with colourful specks of wild blossoms of this mini paradise, feels Huda.

“Today we are charmed that through Visit Kargil, many people could become vigilant about this magical part of the state and could hook up and show interest in actually visiting the area," Huda said.

The region also known as Moonland, has always attracted foreigners, who have outnumbered domestic tourists since 1974, when the frontier region of J-K was opened to them, he said.

Jammu, December 18
The Power Development Department (PDD) has recovered a fine of Rs 7.11 crore for power theft during the current financial year in Jammu region.

As per data, 29,131 inspections were conducted early this year, as part of the process to revamp the electricity sector. Most violators were found drawing excess electricity than the sanctioned load and had tampered with the electronic meters.

Officials said this is the highest recovery over the recent years.

In Jammu region, the number of consumers who revised their load under the Voluntary Load Disclosure Scheme (VLDS) is 45,965 which has pushed the power consumption to 110 mega watt.

A recent survey revealed that in areas where businessmen and politicians live, the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses have increased to 80 per cent. “Even in the metered areas, we found that the consumers were bypassing the meters and running their Air Conditioners illegally, which is the main reason for increased pressure,” a senior officer said.

on the wrong foot

During 29,131 inspections conducted early this year, violators were found drawing excess electricity than the sanctioned load and had tampered with the electronic meters

Jammu, December 18
The House Committee constituted to look into the violation of a master plan in the cities of Jammu and Srinagar, including the use of residential property for commercial purpose, today reviewed the steps taken by the enforcement agencies to prevent violations and called for furnishing a detailed report.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Member Legislative Council Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, here today.

Legislators Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, BR Kaundal and DS Oberoi, besides Housing Urban Department commissioner secretary Jeet Lal attended the meeting.

The members asked the departments concerned, including the Jammu Municipal Corporation, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Housing and Urban Development Authority, Jammu Development Authority and Srinagar Development Authority, to produce records in the next meeting.

The members also stressed upon the people to come forward and register complaints and grievances with the committee.

Legislative Council secretary Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Legislative Council deputy secretary A Ahmad Wani, besides officers and officials of the Council Secretariat were present on the occasion.

Jammu, December 18
Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla today said the government has prepared a comprehensive plan to develop every area of the state with improved basic amenities like safe drinking water, road connectivity, health, education, besides better lanes and drains.

Bhalla said the state government was making all efforts to redress the development-related problems of the people on the priority basis, adding that there was no constraint of funds to meet the improved basic amenities of the people. He said instructions had been issued to the officers to reach and assess their needs.

The minister called upon the people to personally monitor the ongoing development works and its quality in their respective areas. He said the government had resolved to provide durable assets to the people. He asked them to protect public property in their respective areas.

Listing the measures taken by the state government to improve the basic amenities in his home constituency, Bhalla said the government had spent Rs 250 crore on commissioning of 25 deep drill tube wells, including laying of water supply in periphery areas, besides newly developed colonies.

He said the government had spent Rs 5 crore for providing relief to the people from uninterrupted power supply.

Jammu, December 18
The Army, in its quest for generating employment for the poor and under-privileged youth of the state, conducted a week-long recruitment rally at Akhnoor from December 12 to December 17 under the aegis of the Crossed Swords Division.

The recruitment rally registered a good response as about 23,714 youth hailing from various parts of Jammu and Kashmir turned up to chance their luck, said SN Acharya, PRO, officiating Defence.

He said it was one of the largest recruitment rally wherein youth hailing from 10 districts of the state, Samba, Kathua, Jammu, Udhampur, Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi and Ramban participated in it.

The huge turnout not only reflects a positive change being spread by the Army but also a keen desire among the youth in chosing the Army as a career, he said.

Difficult cold conditions could not dampen the spirits of the aspirants, who came in large numbers, from the remote and inhospitable areas of Mahore, Sungri, Channa and Chasanna, said Acharya.

He said about 3,384 candidates had made to the initial screening test and were eagerly waiting for the written test that would be conducted on January 27 for the final selection. 

Jammu, December 18
The Department of Posts (DoP) today launched Greeting Post Service in the state. John Samuel, Chief Postmaster General (CPMG), J&K, told the media that a new range of delightful greeting cards would be made available for the people of the state by India Post through the service.

Chief Postmaster General John Samuel launches Greeting Post Service in Jammu on Tuesday. Tribune Photo: Inderjeet Singh

“It is not only convenience that these cards offer, but a lot more. Through greeting post you can express yourself perfectly on every occasion, festival or event. Few would miss the warmth reflected in their beautiful designs and pleasing colours, which undoubtedly makes them an absolute joy to receive”, said John Samuel.

He said the service is available in all the Head Post Offices and important post offices across the state.

CPMG said the Cards being sold by the India Post are designed by UNICEF, Help Age and Cry and priced between Rs 15 and 20. He further said special arrangements have been made for faster transmission and delivery of these cards.

Samuel intimated that customized cards will also be got prepared for State Government, Central Government, Public Sector Undertakings etc. He further informed that Gandhi Nagar Head Post office with extended public area and upgraded facilities will be inaugurated in January.

Jammu, December 18
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) migrant cell has accused the Centre and state government of discriminatory attitude towards internally displaced people from the Valley.

Addressing a meeting of displaced Pandits at the Jagti township today, PDP migrant wing president Ashok Bhat, said the coalition government headed by Omar Abdullah had taken the Kashmiri Pandits for granted, ignoring them on all the fronts.

He said the return policy for the community was flawed as the present dispensation was not interested in any settlement.

He said the NC-led Congress government was never sincere and honest towards the minority community, which was evident from its delay in the passage of the shrine bill, rehabilitation of over-aged youth’s and the cold response of enhancement of relief.

Bhat said, instead of providing healing touch to the community, the Omar-led government was harassing them.

Those who spoke in the meeting include RK Paradsi, Sunil Bhat, Veer Raina, Ramash Kaul, Babloo Singh and Chandji Khar. 

Jammu, December 18
Minister for Industries and Commerce SS Slathia today said physical activities were imperative for developing a sound body and mind. The minister was speaking at the concluding ceremony of the two-day Body Building Championship 2012 at the Police auditorium, Gulshan Ground here.

Slathia said it was very encouraging that the youth of the state have starting to take up sports not only as their career but also as a hobby, adding that the state government has already reserved a fixed quota in professional trainings to encourage youth towards sports.

He said the coalition government under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had accorded priority for sports promotion in the state for which basic sports infrastructure for all government schools at the tehsil and district-level was being developed in a phased manner by investing crores of rupees.

The function was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Body Builders Association (JKBBA) in collaboration with the Indian Body Builders Association under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Youth Services and Sports wherein 120 body builders from various states, including J&K, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttaranchal and Rajasthan participated. Slathia congratulated the BBA for organising the event in Jammu after a gap of about four year. Earlier, the body building championship was organised in 2008.

National Conference provincial president Rattan Lal Gupta was the guest of honour. World Champion Body builder Prem Chand, Armed Police DIG Johny William and NC leader Lakashmi Dutta were present on the occasion.

Deepak Kumar from Uttar Pradesh bagged the first prize while Pawan Malhotra of Punjab and Parveen Kumar of J&K finished first and second runners-up in the competition.

Jammu, December 18
The Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) XI, Rainawari Cricket Club (RCC) and Simula XI have scripted wins over their respective rivals to advance in the ongoing Christmas Twenty20 Cricket Cup being organised by the J&K Christian Organisation in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police Department at the Parade Ground here today.

In the first match, J&K XI beat Bhathindi Cricket Club (BCC) by 65 runs with utmost ease. Batting first, the JKP scored 117 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in the allotted 16 overs. Skipper Rajesh Gill (46) and Amit Sharma (23) were the main contributors. For the BCC, Nasir, Kalu and Elais shared a wicket each.

In another match, the Rainawari Cricket Club (RCC) got the better of the Ishar XI by 12 runs in a close contest. The RCC scored 121 runs in the stipulated 15 overs losing four wickets in the process. Ishan was the top scorer with 41 runs while Bansi Lal and Manjeet contributed 31 and 24 runs, respectively. Irshad took two wickets for Ishar XI while Pavit Singh Ishar snared one.

Jammu, December 18
GDC Udhampur defeated MAM College by 2-0 today in the ongoing Inter-Collegiate Table Tennis Championship being held at the University of Jammu here.

In the men’s singles, Rohit Pal defeated Lobzang Zigmat while Ankit Sharma had the last laugh against Fayaz Hussain. In another match, Model Institute of Education and Technology (MIET) thrashed New Age College by 3-0. In the first singles, Abhishek Arora toppled Himanshu Goswami while Sumit Mahajan beat Lohit Kumar. In another singles, Kanav Sharma defeated Pankaj Sharma.

In the third match, SPMR Commerce College edged out GGM Science College by 3-0. In the first singles, Nitan Singh got the better of Shukal Charak whereas Ankush Raina beat Akshay Parihar, while in the remaining match Vishal Raina proved too good for Prince Tandon in a one-sided affair.

Trikuta Degree College beat GDC Kathua by 3-2 in a keen tussle. In the first singles, Akshat Magluria lost to Pankaj Sharma while Gyaneshwar Sharma beat Dalbir Singh. Mahinder Singh defeated Narinder Singh but Akshat lost to Dalbir Singh to equalise the lead. In the decider, Gyaneshwar Sharma overcame the challenge of Pankaj Sharma to emerge champions.

Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET) defeated Acharaya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences (ASCOMS) by 3-1. Samandeep Singh beat Rohan Sood whereas Harpreet Singh beat Vikas. Ajay Mangi lost to Jaskirat Singh while Harpeet Singh thrashed Rohan Sood. In the remaining matches, GDC, Hiranagar, beat GDC, Reasi, Mahanat Bachitar Singh College (MBS) beat GDC, Poonch, and PG Department defeated GDC Bhaderwah.

The matches were officiated by Ramesh Magotra, Ravish Vaid and Amit. The matches in women section also commenced today. In the first match, GCW Gandhi beat GCW Parade by 3-1. SPMR Commerce College defeated GDC, Poonch, in another match.