Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 7: A delegation of Salamabad Cross LoC Traders led by its President, Hilal Turki, called on Governor N.N Vohra at the Raj Bhavan here today.
The delegation apprised the Governor about the various problems faced by the traders, which included the lack of infrastructure for the stakeholders to stay overnight at Trade Center; serious problems arising from the implementation of first come first serve formula for the movement of goods across; non-recognition of Temporary Route Permit (TRP) issued by the concerned Police Station; need for establishment of ware house and parking lots with lavatories and other conveniences; need for periodic shifting of custodian staff on the same basis as the transfer of the security and customs staff; facilitating monthly transit meetings between two counterparts; establishment of a grievance cell at Trade Centre; reduction in security charges for import consignments etc.
The Governor observed that he would take up their grievances and demands with the Chief Minister.
A group of 31 Indian Forest Service Probationers from the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun, currently on a tour to Jammu and Kashmir, also called on Governor.
The Governor, while interacting with the Forest Service Probationers, observed that it is of crucial importance to protect our forest wealth as it is vital for the survival of human and all other kinds of life on the planet earth. He stressed that the preservation of forests is deeply connected with protection and preservation of environment and ecology which impact climate change.
Replying to queries from the Probationers, the Governor observed that the effects of climate change are already surfacing and it is time that we started taking well planned measures, including policy level interventions. Expressing concern regarding the serious detrimental effects of global warming on the flora and fauna, biodiversity and the food and fruit cropping patterns, he urged the Probationers to start taking stock of the problems which were right in front of them and also start thinking about possible solutions.
The Governor, who is Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, suggested to the Probationers, when they visit the Shrine, to closely study the initiatives taken by the Board for the conservation and promotion of green cover in the entire area in the Trikuta Hills and particularly visit the Panthal Nursery which has been set up by an Indian Forest Service Officer who is working with the Shrine Board on deputation.
Abhay Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; P. K. Tripathi, Principal Secretary to the Governor, R.K Tiwari, Chief Conservator of Forests, and Praveen Jha, accompanying Faculty Member were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, a delegation of the Kashmir Society led by its Chairman Kh. Farooq Renzushah, called on Governor.
The delegation comprising prominent citizens, scholars and ulemas of Kashmir raised a number of important issues which included the need of urgent restoration of the Jamia Awal, the first mosque of Kashmir built in the year 1321; imposition of a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol in the State; strengthening the educational infrastructure and facilitating establishment of campuses of national and international universities in the State; boosting the cross-LoC trade by opening the Kaman Post for all kinds of trade and free movements; opening of pilgrimage tourism from Kashmir to Kashgar and from Kashmir to Khatlan; creation of a dedicated Labour Commission for dealing with the problems of artisans, labors and trade unions associated with Labour Department; instituting a Hazrat BulBul Shah Chair at the Central University Kashmir; making RTI Act more effective; naming the Srinagar airport as Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport; boosting the Scouts and Guides movement and sports activities in the Valley, etc. The Society also sought the Governor’s patronage to J&K Scouts and Guides movement and Skill Development initiatives of the Society.
The Governor observed that the issues raised by the delegation would be duly taken up with the concerned authorities.
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