Fish farm in J&K to breed Mahaseer

SRINAGAR, June 18 (UNI) Mahaseer, a migratory fish species almost extinct is being revived in the Jehlum in the Kashmir valley.

The most liked fish, migrating from Pakistan to Asia's largest fresh water body "The Wullar" has reportedly disappeared due to blockades in the water flow in the wake of raising of Mangla dam.

Jammu and Kashmir minister for fisheries and floriculture Suman Lata Bhagat reviewed the plans formulated to give big boost to pisci culture in the state which has rich water bodies and ponds.

The minister was told that to rehabilitate mahaseer in the valley, a fish farm is being laid in the temperate zone of Uri, where Mahaseer fish will be bred in captivity gradually, the seed would be stocked in river Jhelum.

The minister inspected several trout fish farm in Tangmarg, situated in the foot hills of the magnificent meadows of Gulmarg.

The officers accompanying the minister informed her that production of famous trout has touched a new high of 100 tones per year against 65 tones in 2002.

Trout is fast becoming a favourite delicacy with tourists and the domestic dwellers and fetching revenue of Rs 50 lakh annually against Rs 30 lakh in 2002.

The fisheries department is embarking on an ambitious project to give boost to trout production.

Bhagat said that with a total amount of Rs 5.50 crore, a big fish farm is fast coming at manasabl in the periphery of manasabl lake, which is likelyto start functioning this year.

Sher exhorted upon the field workers to create awareness among prospective fish farmers about rehabilitation and production of remunerative species of fish for improving their economic status.

To acquaint fish farmers about the advanced technology, six demonstration ponds have been laid under the prime minister's package, one in each district, which will help them in establishing their self employment ventures in respective districts.

Regarding Ferozpora Trout Stream, the minister said that impetus would be given to develop trout (angling) on modern lines with a special provision of fishing especially for the foreign tourists who throng in substantial number to the hill resort.

The minister was apprised that during 2004-05 about Rs 1.30 crore have been earmarked, for pisci-culture in Baramulla district which include Rs one crore under the state plan.

She was also informed that out of total production of 19,000 tonnes of fish in the state, 6000 tonnes is produced in Baramulla alone.

Similarly, 15 private ponds, out of total of 150 in the valley, are functioning in Baramulla district under private sector.

The local employees listed their problems, which inter-alia, included dearth of staff following deputation of same staffers to gda and sought their repatriation for smooth functioning of the organization.

She assumed that this would be examined at appropriate level for early decision.

Security forces force bandh in Sopore KT NEWS SERVICE SRINAGAR, June 18: Believe it or not, security forces have stepped into the shoes of separatists in Kashmir.

The security forces today enforced a bandh in Sopore township against the killing of BSF assistant commandant in a grenade attack yesterday.

The forces today ordered closure of all shops and business establishments and asked transporters to suspend operations as a mark of respect of the slain soldier.

Those who violated the dictum were beaten to the pulp.

Security forces were patrolling the area and checking whether the bandh has been observed in true spirit or not.

And if anybody was seen violating the rule, he was caught and beaten in full public view.

One lakh more families brought under BPL category in J&K KT NEWS SERVICE SRINAGAR, June 18: Consumers Affairs and Public Distribution minister Taj Mohiuddin today said an additional one lakh families would be covered under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category across the state.

There are already eight lakh families who are included in this category and they avail subsidised essential commodities.

"The move will help some five lakh people in the state", the minister said during a press conference here.

Taj said the beneficiaries would be the people residing within seven km stretch on the LoC as well as other poor families.

"The proposal was long back submitted before the centre but there was no response.

I pursued the case and have received the confirmation", he said.

The minister said all the deserving sections of society in the state would benifit from the move.

"As per our survey nobody is left out after the fresh inclusion", he said.

Besides, the minister said the government is taking measures to ensure the original size of the traditional Kashmiri bakery, called Chot and Cochwor in the local parlence.

"Their size would be restored", he said.

To a volley of questions over the controversial guest control order, the minister said, some vested interests scuttled the move.

He, however, exuded confidence that it would be enforced after it is passed by the cabinet sub-committee.

Asked that he was extravagent during the marriage of his own daughter, he denied the charges.

"There was no guest control then.

Some people say that party went for seven days but that is wrong.

The function ran for two days where only seven dishes were served", he claimed.

He, however, accepted some 300 guests had arrived.

The minister said he received appreciation for the move from none other than the Congress president Ms Sonia Gandhi for taking decision to enforce the order.

He also denied that there was any confrontation between Congress and PDP on the issue.

"There may have been some differences between the ministers but there was no confrontation between the parties", he said.

Referring to his petition against the BSNL for not providing the proper service to the consumers, the minister said, he had approached the Consumer Protection Court and its decision is expected in some days.

He said he still holds that the BSNL is not providing adequate services to people across the state which is causing severe hardships to people.

"We are pursuing that case", he said in response to question that he has backtracked.

Taj said the privatisation of his department is still on his agenda.

He said some 850 persons were provided depots under Public Distribution System.

Govt to gear up sports: Mufti KT NEWS SERVICE SRINAGAR, June 18: While reiterating his government's resolve to revive the sports culture, chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the government will make efforts so that the state once again hosts the Santosh trophy.

He asked the Sports Council and other sports lovers to co-operate with the government in this regard so that the state gets the chance of holding this prestigious football tournament.

Speaking on the concluding function of 7th Mushtaq Memorial football at Bakhshi Stadium here this afternoon, the CM said that due priority would be given to the sports sector and appointment of physical education teachers in educational institutions would be a major step in this regard.

Mufti said that apart from improving the educational standards in the state, his government has vowed to take all the necessary steps to improve the sports facilities in the state.

He added that the physical growth for youth is imperative since it enables them to meet the challenges of present day world.

The Chief Minister said that good coaches should be made available to the players of the state so that their overall performance gets improved with every passing day and optimum results are achieved.

He added that if the need arises, the government would not hesitate in hiring trained coaches from outside the state.

Mufti said that earlier the people would love to play football, but now the rising popularity of cricket has dented their interest for football to a great extent and they have now shifted their focus to cricket.

He added that during the past 14 years, the children could not play games and exhibit their talent.

The Chief Minister asked the police to understand their responsibilities and emerge as people-friendly force.

He added that the police was entrusted with enormous responsibilities and challenges, however, he asked them to observe restraint while meeting these challenges.

Mufti said that the image of police in the state has improved and more efforts are on to bring about further improvement in its functioning.

He added that it has been decided that the minimum qualification for police constables would be secondary school examination pass.

Director General of Police (DGP), Gopal Sharma also spoke on this occasion and said that organizing such events help us to recall the sacrifices made by the jawans.

He lauded the efforts of various agencies for making the tournament a success.

LAHDC bids farewell to Lt Gen Sharma KT NEWS SERVICE LEH, June 18: The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council lauded the contribution extended by Lt General Arvind Sharma, AVSM, VSM, GOC, 14 Corps for the welfare of Ladakh region during his tenure at Ladakh.

He was given a warm farewell at a farewell party organised by the LAHDC, Leh at Leh today.

Speaking on the occasion, the Member Parliament Ladakh Mr Thupstan Chhewang said that Lt Gen Arvind Sharma developed a cordial relationship with the civilian population of Ladakh during his stay at Ladakh.

The contribution of Lt Gen Arvind Sharma to the civilian population of Ladakh under Sadbhavana programme for creating employment avenues and other welfare schemes shall always be remembered by the Ladakhis.

Speaking on the occasion Lt Gen.

Arvind Sharma thanked the LAHDC, Leh and the civilian population for extending cooperation with the army and for the hospitality shown to him during his stay at Leh.

Among others, his successor Lt Gen Niado, Rigzin Jora, Minister for Science and Technology, MLA Pintoo Norboo, MLC, P Namgyal, Executive Councillors of LAHDC, Community heads and senior Army and Civil officers were present on the occasion.

Rigzin Spalbar, Executive Councillor presented vote of thanks.

Theatre workshop for children in Srinagar KT NEWS SERVICE SRINAGAR, June 18: In order to develop the all round behaviour of children and to explore the basic instincts and abilities of new generation of Valley a month long Theatre Workshop commenced at Tagore Hall Srinagar.

This four week long course of workshop is specially designed by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with National School of Drama, New Delhi, with the objective to discover the new talent in the field of performing arts.

In his inaugural address, Ramesh Mehta, Secretary Academy stated that in contemporary world, the Theatre is being used as effective medium of Education and Instruction and has proved its worth in the modern society.

Mohammad Lattif Khatana, Associate Professor of National School of Drama, while interacting with the participating children told that the children are having vast capacity to learn the things with their own experiences.

Keeping in mind this basic instinct the faculty of both institutions has jointly designed this workshop.

The participanting children will also get an opportunity to witness first ever performance of the Mahesh Elkunchwar's famous play 'Vasanse Jeernani' directed by internationally acclaimed Theatre Director, Mushtaq Kak at Tagore Hall Srinagar on June 19th, 2004.

The artistes from New Delhi would perform in the event being organised by Jammu and Kashmir, Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with North Zone Cultural Centre Patiala.

Anil Tikoo and Sanjeev Gupta of Academy will assist Khatana in organising this workshop.

HR groups concern over migrants plight KT NEWS SERVICE JAMMU, June 18: Jammu and Kashmir Human Rights Watch discussed the problem being faced by the migrants living in camps at different places of the state.

BL Kapoor, General Secretary and spokesman of Human Rights Watch after conducting the tour of various migrant camps said that people are facing great trouble due to the non-availability of basic ammenities of life.

Basohli Cong leaders positions himself as alternative to Lal Singh KT NEWS SERVICE JAMMU, Jun 18: Notwithstanding the efforts of recently elected Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Chowdhary Lal Singh to keep intact Basohli assembly seat, vacated by him, in his kitty, attempts are already underway to give a blow to, what he (Lal Singh) considers, his 'rightful claims'.

The opposition is coming from a Basohli based Congress leader Darshan Sharma.

Bracing himself to contest from Basohli assembly seat, Darshan today set the process in motion by convening a press conference.

Though he evaded to blow the trumpet of revolt overtly yet the indications were apparent.

To begin with, he sang trite discrimination song chiding Peoples Democratic Party- Congress coalition government.

He accused the coalition government of diverting the amount to the tune of Rs 40 cr released as compensation for the land which submerged during the construction of Ranjit Sagar dam project thus leaving the affected persons high and dry.

When the coalition government led by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed took the reins of state, it had promised equitable development but it did not keep its promise, he alleged.

Unemployed youth of the area were not being issued licences for fishing in Ranjit Sagar dam while illegal fishing is going on unabated.

Darshan also raised the demand for steamer service in Ranjit Sagar between Basohli, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

He alleged that the militants have become active in Lowang-Sarthal, Masheedi-Malhar and Kodal-Dhardugnoo areas and have started threatening political leaders.

Showing one such letter, he claimed that he too was being threatened by the militants.

He rued that despite directions to Additional Director General of Police, Security Madan Lal from the deputy chief minister Mangat Ram Sharma, who was informed of such threats, he (Darshan) was not provided adequate security cover.

However when asked whether all this pointed towards the inefficiency on the part of coalition government, he maintained studied silence.

Vaishno Devi shrine yatri bhawans usurped by employees By Lalit Gupta JAMMU, June 18: Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has made available rest rooms for pilgrims visiting the shrine but these rest rooms have today either been occupied by the department employees or are booked by the family and friends of the board officials.

Yatris seeking booking for these rooms have to go empty handed since they are told that the 'affordable' rooms are not available and the ones that are, are too expensive for people to check in.

As a result most of them are compelled 'rest' on the pavement.

The Board through various means has advertised that rooms at the price of Rs 50-Rs 750 are available for yatris either at Vaishnavi Dham, Jammu or at Saraswati Dham, Katra.

Apart from that people seeking rooms for a short stay too can avail the facility but these advertisements are only on paper as the rooms are either occupied by the officials or their 'favourites' therefore people are compelled to book rooms beyond their budget.

The Board has constructed atleast 10 Bhawans for the yatris which comprises of 100 rooms.

But none are available for them since most of them have 'unwanted occupants'.

The Board has also constructed Bhawans with special facilities.

Shridhar Bhawan has 16 rooms from which three are being utilized as kitchens at present.

Apart from that new Shridhar Bhawan comprises of 10 rooms from which one is allotted to a track duty official, Kalika Bhawan has 12 rooms that are kept for the yatris and Lakshmi Bhawan with 9 rooms have kept only 2 rooms for the pilgrims and the rest are being used as medical centers.

Saraswati Bhawan comprises of four rooms out of which two are given on rent and the Board has also constructed huts for public convince which has the capacity of accommodating atleast 50 people.

Apart from that there are halls for the yatris for their overnight stay.

But despite such facilities, the pilgrims do not find even a single room to stay in.

When questioned the Shrine Board officials about the issue they claimed that due to heavy rush the rooms were unavailable but the yatris claim otherwise.

They state that the rooms are empty but are occupied by the 'favourites' of the board officials.

One Naresh Mahajan, a pilgrim from Delhi while speaking with The Kashmir Times stated, "we were trying to book a room before visiting the Bhawan but due to unavailability we failed to do so.

Therefore we through that we will do so when we reach the Bhawan but we could not do so and the situation is such that we have to sleep out in the open with our small children." Ramakant from Mumbai had a similar tale to tell.

He stated, "the Board officials refused to give us the room and gave it to someone who had a `note' from a certain politician.

Apart from that the officials were also giving rooms to people who did not have their booking but were recommended by a high up.

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