JAMMU: Chief Secretary Madhav Lal today underscored the need for further groundwork on the State Action Plan on Climate Change with clearly outlined areas of focus leading to optimum utilization of the highly valued natural resources of the State in a sustainable manner to meet present and future needs of energy, food and livelihood without negatively affecting its fragile ecology.

Chairing the first Jammu and Kashmir Executive Council meeting to discuss the State Action Plan on Climate Change, Chief Secretary re-iterated Government policy of sustainable development noting that harnessing sources of clean energy whether hydro power or solar power has been on Government focus to meet energy needs along with thrust on improving energy efficiency and minimizing energy wastage.

3 flights cancelled, train traffic disrupted

JAMMU/srinagar: While the day temperature in Jammu has broken about 30 years old record by remaining nearly 11 degree Celsius below normal today, the night temperature in the winter capital has further depleted to 4.3 degree Celsius from 6 degree Celsius, just in past 24 hours whereas, the cold wave conditions and fog continued to play havoc with the people in the State and other parts of northern region for the last about one week.

One dies of cold; train, air traffic remain hit

JAMMU: While cold wave continued to grip entire State including Kashmir valley and plain areas of Jammu region, Drass township in Kargil district recorded the lowest temperature of -27 degree celsius whereas, night temperature in Jammu has further receded to 5.7 degree celsius as Solar radiations have depleted to nearly 80 percent in the winter capital. Dense fog and mist continued to play havoc with the normal life of the people, causing suspension of some flights and disruption in the smooth movement of trains and vehicular traffic.

Flight cancelled, train traffic remains hit

SRINAGAR/ JAMMU: There was no respite from intense cold and freezing temperature as the mercury plummeted further below the freezing point across the Kashmir today. The freezing temperature coupled with erratic power cuts has made the life difficult for the people in the Valley. Fringes of the world famous Dal Lake were frozen for the third consecutive day today, forcing the ‘Shikara’ owners to break the ice with their oars for rowing their Shikaras (boats). Some of the water taps were also frozen during the preceding night leading to temporary water crisis.

JAMMU: The Committee on Environment of Legislative Assembly has enjoined upon central and state construction agencies to ensure strict implementation of various labour welfare laws besides following environment norms while executing the ambitious 4-lanning project of Srinagar - Jammu National Highway.

The Committee, which met here this afternoon under the chairmanship of MLA, M Y Tarigami, stressed for strict implementation of Workmen's Compensation Act, Payment of Wages Act and Employees Provident Fund, which was imperative for generating interest among the labourers engaged in the execution of the projects.

JAMMU: In order to discuss and finalize the draft Action Plan on climate change, a meeting of Expert Committee was held under the chairmanship of Director Environment, Ecology and Remote Sensing, Jammu, Suresh Chugh here today.

Climate Change Expert, Jagdish Kishwan and Ex ADG, Ministry of Environment of Forests, Government of India was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr. Suresh Chugh informed that as a part of the National Action Plan on climate change, every State has to prepare its own Action Plan for climate change, taking into consideration the local requirements of the State. The draft of State Action Plan has been prepared by the GIZ (A German Firm) consultants IRG Pvt. Ltd in consultation with the stakeholders of the State. He underlined the need to understand the concept of climate change and its impact.

JAMMU, Dec 28: The Center has sanctioned 19 new tourist projects involving a cost of Rs 97.36 crore to the State for development and upgradation of tourist related infrastructure in the State.

JAMMU, Dec 28: Reviewing various forest development projects and schemes under execution in Mahore at a high level meeting today, Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmed said that al

State had projected Rs 68,000 cr worth needs

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir was all set to get Rs 44,000 crore for the 12th Five Year Plan, which has begun from the current financial year of 2012-13 as against the demand of Rs 68,000 projected by it before the Union Government and the Planning Commission of India in separate communications and meetings.

JAMMU: Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmed today said that the Poonch city forests would be developed as eco-tourism destination on society mode with a project cost of Rs 164.25 crore.

Reviewing the overall functioning of the Poonch, Rajouri, Nowshera, Reasi and Mahore forest divisions, at a high level meeting, the Minister said that department has already completed an eco-tourism project at Dera Ki Gali which has started producing dividends.