Authorities fail to come to the rescue of farmers, orchardists THE recent hailstorms which hit major parts of Kashmir valley and the upper reaches of Jammu region and damaged the crops wherever sowing operations are nearing completion should send alarming signals in the corridors of power. But unfortunately, things do not appear to have moved anyone in the government despite the fact that the farming community has been crying loudly to take note of their losses. Heavy rains coupled with hailstorm was fourth in less than a

Jammu and Kash mir is a confluence of diverse cultures, religious and ethnic groups; a place where rich and rare tapestry of civilisations have been woven over centuries. One of its distinct communities is of semi-nomadic Gujjars and Bakarwals who always clung to their tradition that distinguishes them from rest of the population giving them the title - simple children of nature. The Gujjars and the Bakarwals move from lowland to upland pastures with their herds of cattle, sheep and goats with the changing season.

Despite recommendations of the Rangarajan Committee and the Prime Minister's Reconstruction package, much of which is dedicated to power sector, non-transfer of two major projects to Jammu and Kashmir by the union power ministry has dashed all hopes of addressing the issue of acute power shortage and consequent drainage state's scarce revenue.

To tied-over energy shortfall, the government is planning 40,000 mw of hydroelectric power generation capacity during the 12th (2012-17) and 13th Plan (2017-22). "We are making preparations for power projects in the 12th and 13th Plan, and are planning to add 40,000 mw capacity in the hydro sector,' Central Electricity Authority (CEA) chairman Rakesh Nath said here. Project sites in states with hydro potential are being identified.

the Srinagar-Leh highway opened 45 days ahead of schedule

A rare species of red deer found only in Indian Kashmir is on the verge of extinction, with only 160 animals in existence, a preliminary census by India's wildlife authorities showed on Monday. The antlered red deer, commonly known as the hangul, was once the biggest draw of Dachigam, a mountainous sanctuary on the outskirts of Kashmir's summer capital, Srinagar, where they grazed in thousands decades ago.

Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Abdul Aziz Zargar and Minister for Forests Qazi Mohammad Afzal today flagged off a team of 40 progressive farmers including women for tour to outside state. The team would visit Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Uttarakhand to get acquainted with the latest agriculture technology.

J&K needs to move beyond the stage of rhetoric

BANDIPORA: Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Abdul Aziz Zargar said that government is committed to provide all basic facilities to the people of the state. He said road connectivity, adequate drinking water facility, power, health and education are the top most priority sectors of the government. Minister was addressing a large public gathering at Erin Bandipora today.