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Forest cover of J&K has shown increase

Jammu(NVI): The forest cover in erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state, which included Ladakh, has increased by 371 sq kms, according to the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2019.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into 2 Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory and Ladakh Union Territory — in August last year.

Jammu and Kashmir managed to be among the top five states/UTs that have registered maximum increase in forest cover during the last two years.

The state/UTs showing significant gain in forest cover are Karnataka (1,025 sq km), Andhra Pradesh (990 sq km), Kerala (823 sq km) and J&K (371 sq km including 348 sq km in UT of J&K and 23 sq km in Ladakh UT).

The report further said that the forests of J&K have recorded the highest growing stock of wood per unit area, which is 144.16 cubic meter per hectare.

The total carbon stock of forests in UTs including ‘Trees outside Forests’ is 390.20 million tonnes (1430.73 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent), which is 5.48 percent of the total forest carbon of the country.

ISFR-2019 revealed that the extent of forest cover and the trees outside the forests in UT of Jammu and Kashmir is 29,066 sq km, which is 55 percent of the total geographical area of UT of J&K.

A total of 42 forest types are found in the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh, which are highest in the country and denotes the diversity of forest ecosystems in J&K.

The two UTs have so far notified 15,912 sq km under the Protection Area Network (PAN) which is 15.59% of the total geographical area of the combined UT, comprising five National Parks, 14 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 35 Conservation & Wetland Reserves.

The FSI report said that the Protected Area (PA) network of the two UTs is the highest in the country in terms of area, which is nearly 10 percent of the country’s PA network.

Jammu and Kashmir has recorded the highest diversity of herbs in the country.

The last study had shown that in J&K the area under very dense forest cover had grown by 14 sq km only which now has grown by 206 sq km which shows that area under very dense forest cover has increased the maximum.

In tune with the Government of India’s vision of Digital India, FSI’s assessment is largely based on digital data whether it is satellite data, vector boundaries of districts or data processing of field measurements.

In this report, Ortho-rectified LISS III satellite data has been used for forest cover mapping due to its better positional accuracy as it removes effects of image perspective (tilt) and relief (terrain) and scale distortions in the image to represent features in its true positions for accurate measurement of distances, angels and areas.

The forest cover assessment reflects, in general, the status of forests in the country and its trend and provides inputs for broad evaluation of the forests related policies, legislations, programs and activities in the country.

The department of Forests is making continuous efforts to enhance quality of forest cover and improve ecosystem services from forest lands, including moderately dense forest cover, open forest cover and degraded grasslands, an official spokesman said here today.

The increase in the forest cover recorded by the FSI Report is the outcome of consistent reforestation efforts including mega plantation drives by the department and effective implementation of Forest related schemes, the spokesman said.

The afforestation activities are being promoted at every level by utilization of CAMPA funds and with improved techniques in challenging environment.

The way Forest Department is moving ahead, hopefully the ISFR report that is to be prepared in 2021 would see further increase in forest cover in the Union Territory of J&K, the spokesman said.

Huge bamboo reserves in J&K can boost its economy: Jitendra Singh

Jammu (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir has huge bamboo reserves and it can boost the economy of the Union territory, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said today.

While inaugurating a workshop-cum-exhibition on “Bamboo-A wonder grass” at Convention Centre, here today, Singh said the bamboo cultivation can revolutionise the industry in a cost-effective manner and open new gates for young start-ups.

During the workshop-cum-exhibition, the Union minister also inaugurated bamboo and cane cluster stalls established by eight states of North Eastern Region and exhibition stalls. He also visited live stations established by various departments of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.

Expressing his views on a series of workshops and conferences being organised in J&K, the minister said this was the fourth conference within a short span of three months.

Also present on the occasion, J&K Lieutenant GC Murmu said, “bamboo being eco-friendly can help us saving the environment from pollution and can become a means of livelihood as well.” He added that need of the hour is to find the economic use of the “wonder grass” in Jammu and Kashmir as the UT has its huge reserves.

Mamata meets PM Modi

Kolkata (NVI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Raj Bhawan here.

Modi is here on a two-day visit from today for official engagements.

After the meeting, Banerjee said she met the Prime Minister regarding some financial demands.

She added that during the meeting, she conveyed to the Prime Minister her opposition to CAA, NRC and NPR and demanded their withdrawal.

Naval version of Tejas makes successful maiden landing on aircraft carrier

In a significant step towards India developing its own deck-based fighter jets, a naval variant of light combat aircraft Tejas today landed successfully on the country’s only aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

The aircraft, developed by DRDO did a successful ‘arrested landing’ on INS Vikramaditya at around 10 am today. This is the second successful arrested landing of an LCA after a similar operation at a shore-based test facility in Goa last September.

INS Vikramaditya, which is currently deployed in the Arabian Sea has the naval version of the MiG 29 on board. The carrier has a capacity for 30 aircraft.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and the Indian Navy after the successful test.

PM condoles loss of lives in UP bus accident

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condoled the loss of lives due to a road accident in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh. At least 20 people were killed when a bus collided with a truck in the area yesterday.

A massive fire broke out when a collision between a private sleeper bus and a truck near Chiloi village under Chhibramau police station.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to Twitter to offer his condolences to the families of the deceased and called it a “horrific accident”.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also send his condolences to the families of the deceased and hoped for a speedy recovery of the injured.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also rushed to the spot on Friday night and sought a report on the incident. The UP CM has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

Another PDP leader resigns in protest against expulsions from party

Mubashir Bukhari

SRINAGAR (NVI): Former MLC and Peoples Democratic Party senior leader Javed Mirchal on Saturday tendered resignation from the basic membership of the party, two days after PDP expelled nine of its leaders for “anti-party activities”.

In a statement issued here, Mirchal said that PDP has failed to live up to the expectations of people and has betrayed the public mandate brazenly.

“After going through a deep thought process and consensus evolved among my electorate, I have reached to this conclusion that I should part ways from this party which has been unable to mitigate the sufferings of the people,” Mirchal has said in his resignation letter.

Mirchal observed that besides other reasons, he has tendered his resignation also in protest against the way his colleagues were expelled by PDP especially Raja Manzoor Ahmad, former MLA from Karnah, who had met Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu to put forth some of the public demands in the present political circumstances.

The former PDP leader said that the present socio-economic and political situation demands a vibrant leadership that is not only known for its integrity but performance on the ground.

The PDP expelled nine of its leaders after they met the Lieutenant Governor on Tuesday and had submitted a memorandum for taking certain measures to revive political activity in Jammu and Kashmir. Those expelled from the party also included three leaders who met members of a foreign delegation who visited J&K on Thursday.

In further trouble for Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP, four of its leaders yesterday announced their resignation from the party. They included former Rafiabad MLA Yawar Mir, Muntazir Mohiuddin, former president of the party.

Army chief slams Pak for killing two civilians along LoC

New Delhi (NVI): Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane today said professional armies never resort to barbaric acts as he referred to the killing of two unarmed civilians by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir yesterday.

He said the Indian Army will deal with such situations in a military manner.

Addressing his first annual press conference in Delhi, General Naravane said, “Indian Army is a professional Army and conducts itself in the most professional and ethical manner in peace, on LC and in combat. Professional Armies never resort to such barbaric acts.”

On Friday, two Army porters were killed and three others injured when Pakistan army fired mortar bombs at forward posts along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch sector. The Army porters were working in an area along the LoC when the Pakistan Army shells hit them directly.

Gen Naravane said the creation of the office of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is a historic and big step towards integration of forces. “We on our part will make sure that this is a success,” he said.

The Army chief’s press conference comes just four days ahead of the Army Day on January 15.

He also the Indian Army abides by the Constitution and its principles. He also said that training for future will be the Army’s priority. “Quality not quantity will be our mantra,” he said, while asserting that all three forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) will train in an integrated manner to take on future challenges.

On the shortage of personnel in the force, General Naravane said that Army is today prepared for any challenge than before.

PM Modi talks to French President

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron today had a telephonic conversation during which they discussed bilateral matters and issues related to regional and global situations.

In the context of bilateral ties, Modi expressed his satisfaction at the steady progress in the multi-faceted relationship and reiterated his commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership.

They agreed to keep in touch and further enhancing all-round strategic cooperation between the two countries, including in the areas of defence, civil nuclear energy and maritime security, the External Affairs Ministry said.

 

Trouble brewing for PDP, 4 party leaders resign

Mubashir Bukhari

Srinagar (NVI): In further trouble for Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP, four of it’s leaders today announced their resignation from the party, a day after its nine leaders were expelled for “anti-party” activities.

The developments came even as Mehbooba Mufti continues to be under detention since the abolition of the J&K’s special status on August 5 last year.

Those who have resigned from the party are former Rafiabad MLA Yawar Mir, Muntazir Mohiuddin, former president of the party’s youth wing Showkat Gayoor and Dr Mir Samiullah.

Dr Sammiullah, in a statement here, said, “I tender resignation from the basic membership of PDP because the party has failed to rise up to the needs and expectations of masses.”

The statement further reads, “The Party (PDP) has been in complete disarray since last two years and with such disharmony and confusion within party lines, it is impossible for a party to represent common masses.”

He has added: “The hopes with which I had joined the party are completely shattered and I find no reason to continue being in this party. I will continue to serve common masses of Pulwama and the whole state in all the ways I can.”

The four leaders confirmed that they have resigned from the party but did not specify their future plans.

Yawar is the son of Mohammad Dilawar Mir, who was among the nine leaders expelled by the PDP on Thursday.

The expelled leaders have thrown their weight behind former PDP leader Syed Altaf Bukhari and were part of a delegation that met Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu On Tuesday.

They had also met the visiting envoys from 15 countries who arrived here on Thursday on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

Speculation is rife that Bukhari is launching a new political party with the help of disgruntled leaders in the PDP, Congress and other parties.

JNU VC agrees on HRD Min’s fee decision

Amid the row over fee-hike in Jawaharlal Nehru University, Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar today said that all decisions taken earlier at the HRD Ministry about the hostel fee are being fully implemented.

“All decisions taken earlier at the HRD Ministry about hostel fee being implemented in totality,” he said, adding that regular classes will resume in the varsity from January 13.

Kumar also said that the semester registration deadline will be extended further if needed. The JNU VC’s remarks came after the HRD Ministry met with a five-member team from the JNU administration today, including Kumar. The meeting was called to discuss the situation on campus and resolve the standoff between the students and the administration.

HRD secretary Amit Khare, who met some students as well as the varsity panel today, said that JNU has agreed to basic demand of students, and appealed them to call off the agitation.

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