Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Exploring the possibilities for growing mushroom, honey, cocoon at Gurez

Contact:- ajmeralam@gmail.com/ Cell:- 919906103001

*20 colonies of bees have been established in Gurez

*Around 400 kilos of honey was harvested from them

*250 hectares are under potato seed tuber cultivation

*Another 320 hectares are under potato cultivation under BADP

* The average yield ranges from 10-12 quintals per kanal.

*In 40 kanals Ismarg farm, 429 quintals of potatoes were produced

*1069 hectares are cultivable are in Gurez out of which 528 hectares are irrigated

Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir who was on a visit to Gurez and Tulail vallies has directed the officers of Agriculture and allied departments to look into the possibilities of growing mushroom, honey, cocoon, zeera and other cash crops. This he said while interacting with local farmers and officers of these departments.

Mir was told that the place is ideal for growing cash crops and medicinal plants.

The Minister underscored the need for growing cash crops in view of the limited agricultural season and limited irrigated area.

He said he would direct the Sericulture department. to distribute shahtoosh saplings among farmers of the area. He announced that if any farmer wishes to plant 300 or more plants, entire saplings would be given free to him plus a cash incentive of Rs. 2200. He said this year cocoon produce received a good market support with per kilo cost ranging upto Rs. 490. He said additionally the Govt. would provide necessary infrastructure support including tin sheets for processing cocoons.

The Minister was told that 20 colonies of bees have been established in Gurez and around 400 kilos of honey was harvested from them.

During his visit to Ismarg, Bugtor, Budugam, Dawar, the Minister was apprised about the agricultural activities in these areas. He was told that varieties like Kufri, Gulmarg, Badshah, and Chipsona (grown to produce potatoes for waffers exclusively) are grown here.

The Minister was told that cultivation of potatoes and maize are the major agricultural activities in the area. The Minister directed distribution of green houses among farmers from this on priority so that they can extend their agricultural activities beyond the present schedule.

Pertinently, 250 hectares are under potato seed tuber cultivation and another 320 hectares are under potato cultivation under Border Area Development Programme. The average yield ranges from 10-12 quintals per kanal. In the Ismarg farm alone spread over 40 kanals, 429 quintals of potatoes were produced last year.

1069 hectares are cultivable are in Gurez out of which 528 hectares are irrigated and rest is rainfed. The Minister during his visit also took an assessment of losses to crops due to drought like situation prevailing during this summer.

Minister of State, Javid Ahmad Dar, MLA, Nazir Gurezi, Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Mrs. Sonali Kumar, Director Agriculture, Mr. B. A. Dar, Joint Director, Mr. I. B. Bhat and other officers accompanied the Minister during his visit.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Brave Rukhsana: A star who hacks LeT terrorist


* The girl in her late teens, fought militants and saved her family

* People now see her as a fighter against the atrocities of militants

* She is besieged by television reporters asking her how she did it

* The girl exhibited rare bravery and deserves all praise

* Governor lauded the exemplary courage/ bravery of fearless girl

* Governor has asked for a formal report from DGP so that he can recommend the girl for a gallantry award

* Governor also intends to invite this brave girl to the Raj Bhavan to honour her

(Rukhsana Kausar with mother Rashida)



She is now a star of bravery. Her immensely brave act has turned young Rukhsana Kausar into a heroine and people now see her as a fighter against the “zulm” or atrocities of militants. She had taken on a group of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists who barged into her house late Sunday night, snatched an AK-47 from one intruder and shot him dead.

Rukhsana is full of smiles at her house in Upper Kalsi in Shahdhara Sharief of Rajouri district, as she is besieged by television reporters asking her how she did it.

Posing with the AK-47 that she grabbed from the militants, she recounts for the umpteenth time how she shot dead LeT terrorist Abu Osama in her house up in the hills, while the locals cheer her.

The girl, in her late teens, fought militants and saved her family, especially her parents.

When the terrorists barged into her house late Sunday night, Rukhsana might have been provoked by the terror unleashed by the ultras on her parents – Noor Hussain and Rashida, and by a premonition that her own dignity was in danger. But what she did was an act of supreme bravery.

“One thing is for sure that the girl exhibited rare bravery, and she deserves all praise for it,” Superintendent of Police, Rajouri, Shafkat Watali said. “This is a clear manifestation that the people are willing to fight back militants. They are sick of the atrocities of militants.”

Rukhsana is aware that the new spotlight has come on her after she shot the militant with his own gun.

“I knew that they were up to something, and saw them trying to do something terribly wrong with my daddy,” Rukhsana said, brimming with anger. “I snatched the gun by pulling his hair and then opened fire on him.”

This act of the girl is being termed as a fight against “zulm” by the locals – who feel this would begin a new chapter in the anti-militancy feelings of the people.

“Now, we feel that militants are not invincible. They can be overpowered and killed,” said Showkat Hussain, a villager who had come to see Rukhsana from Darhal, about 30 km from here.

The villagers, some of whom have dish antenna fixed on their houses, have seen Rukhsana on their TV sets. Many others came to see the new brave girl of the area.

“She is another Sher bibi,” say people, referring to a legendary Gujjar woman who used to venture into the jungles in Banihal area, where lions used to roam many decades ago.

After Rukhsana shot dead one terrorist, the other ultras ran away, including one who was injured.

The family members handed over to the police two AK-47 rifles which they had snatched from the terrorists.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N Vohra has lauded the exemplary courage and bravery of the fearless young girl.

“The governor has asked for a formal report from the Director General of Police so that he can recommend the young girl for a gallantry award,” an official release said.

“The governor also intends to invite this brave girl to the Raj Bhavan to honour her,” the statement said.

Tulip Museum having rear historical photographs inaugurated

*Azad dedicates phase-II Zabarwan park to people

*JK Tourism has great potential to attract billions



Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Gh. Nabi Azad today stressed upon J&K Tourism Ministry to involve the private sector in big way to boost the tourism infrastructure in the State. He said this is the primary requirement for providing world class facilities to the tourists. Azad was speaking after inaugurating the Phase-II of Zabarwan Park at Belavourd Road, Srinagar in the presence of Minister for Tourism, Nawang Rigzin Jora and Minister of State for Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani. Among others present on the occasion include, Minister for Education, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Minister for Forest, Mian Altaf Ahmed, Secretary Tourism, Director Tourism, Director Information, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, MD JKTDC, Tour Operators, Guides,House Boat owners and Traders. In Phase-II of Zabarwan Park the facilities provided include recreation hall comprising of Zabrwan indoor games zone for children, Faraaz Food Court and Ring Ceremony and kitty party hall. Besides Tulip museum and Heritage museum have also been set up in the park to provide a holistic view of Baghi-gul-e-lale situated in the lap of Zabarwan hills depicting rich heritage of Kashmir Valley. Referring to the contribution of the States which involve the private sector in a big way, Azad said “ If J&K has to revive its economy, we have to encourage them in every sector particularly in tourism as it is the back bone of our economy” . He said to achieve this goal Tourism department would have to act as a facilitators rather than a competitor. Azad said that God have bestowed J&K with natural resources and pristine beauty, but it is up to Tourism department, how aggressively it boosts the tourist destinations and spots of the State in the global tourism market to motivate the foreigners to visit the State. He asked the State Tourism Ministry to attend all the big events of tourism in the world as it would provide a big plate form to project the tourist destinations of the State by way of documentary films on tourism and exhibiting photographs of these destinations. Recalling his past experiences as a Union Tourism Minister during disturbance in Valley, Azad said that during this period when no one in the world wants to visit Kashmir, I project Ladakh a potential tourist destination during those days. He said this helped the region to emerge as a global tourism destination as thousand of foreigners are visiting this region and has changed the socio economic profile of the people of the area. For inclusive growth of the State Azad said Centre government is committed to boost this sector for which he said, 22 Tourism Development Authorities (TDA) have been set up across the State to make it a tourist circuit. He said Rs.20 Cr. for each TDA are being spent under Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Programme to provide better services and facilities to the tourists. He said these TDA would help to enhance carrying capacity of tourist destination with better facilities and also increase the staying period of tourists from 4 days to 20 days. He stressed upon the authorities to appoint those officers as Chief Executive Officers to Tourism Development Authorities who have Tourism Aptitude which will help to realize the dream. Minister for Tourism, Rigzin Jora said that collective efforts of every stake holders would help to make J&K world primer tourist destination. He said the department has already taken various initiatives to tap the vast culture, heritage, pristine tourist potential of the three regions of the State. He said by encouraging public private sector partnership will help to boost this sector in every area. Minister of State for Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani said that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah a comprehensive policy have been adopted to tap the tourist potential of the State for which various steps have already been taken. He said tourism is the only sector which provides succor to every sector of the society. He said while providing world class facilities to national and international tourists, the Tourism Department have taken initiatives to provide entertainment and other tourism related facilities for the locals also. He said by the dedication of Zabarwan Park Phase I and Phase II to the people will go a long way in this regard.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Hangul breeding Centre at Dardurdi Mamar proposed


(Ajmer Alam Wani can be contacted at------- ajmeralam2000@gmail.com /Phone No- 9906103001)

Minister for Forest & Environment Mian Altaf Ahmed today conducted extensive tour to Ganderbal and Kangan areas in Sindh Forest Division and took stock of various developmental works proposed to be taken up during current financial year.
The Minister visited the Vanaspati Van Society Project and Central Hi-tech Nursery at Malhar. The Minister was told that Nursery in Malhar is being extended during the current financial year. About 4 lakh conifers and about 2 lakh broad lived species . The Minister directed the concerned forest staff to concentrate on razing of conifers and their planting in under stocked forests. He was told that the funds under the Compa Scheme are likely to be released for the current financial year. The Minister gave direction for preparing comprehensive plan for protection and development of forests in Gotlibagh, Wangat, Naranag, Mamar and Rayul areas.
The Minister was accompanied by Chief Conservator of Forest, Kashmir, Mr. Shafat Ahmed and other senior functionaries of Forest and Wild Life departments during the tour.
The Minister directed the forest authorities to take effective measures to check degradation of forests for preserving ecology and environment in the State. He asked the Officers of Wild Life Department to formulate a comprehensive project for conservation breeding centre for Hungal at Dardurdri Mamar.
The Minister inspected the under construction Inspection Hut at Naranag estimated to cost of Rs. 17 lakh. He directed the concerned agencies to speed up the pace of work and complete the building within the stipulate time. Mian Altaf also directed for fencing around the Hut. The Minister also inspected Hut at Thajwas. He was informed that the Hut is being constructed at a cost of Rs.16 lakh and is nearing completion.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

World Tourism Day: Wi-fi facility for Pahalgam, Gulmarg announced

Jora for improving hospitality to tourists


Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department today observed World Tourism Day to celebrate diversity, at a grand function organised by Institute of Hotel Management, Rajbagh here today. Minister for Tourism presided over the function.
Addressing on the occasion, Mr Jora said that J& K state has plenty of diversity in terms of its geographical landscape and climate, art forms and culture, language and literature, offering distinct and diverse destinations unparalleled in the country. He said that the state with its composite culture, diverse people and their life styles give unique character to the tourism industry that has no match in the entire sub continent.
Mr Jora said that tourism is a peace activity and every single tourist who visits the state impacts the livelihood of more than a dozen people. In this perspective, it is more important for the survival of tourism industry that peace prevails, he said while expressing satisfaction over the return of peace and tranquillity in the state over the years. He asked the tour and travel industry of the state to organize a peace march so that a message of peace in Kashmir circulates in the entire country.
The Minister said that government is contemplating a well knit strategy for retaining the tourists for longer period of time in the state by offering multiple tourist spots and activities for which, he said tourism department would provide basic infrastructure and encourage people through incentives for contributing towards the cause. He said, “We have to be innovative, creative and have out of the box thinking especially at the planning and policy level so that true potential of the tourism industry is optimally harnessed”. He said the focus would be to retain lakhs of pilgrim tourists by offering them varied leisure tourism activities.
Emphasising on quality services, the Minister said that tourists should be provided better facilities and made to feel at home. He urged the hoteliers and all others associated with tourism trade to strive for extending warm hospitability befitting international standards, adding the valley is famous for cordial hospitality. “We must act as a team, be proactive and ready to work in unison to serve the tourists”, he said.
The Minister on this occasion announced that Pahalgam and Gulmarg will be provided with Wi-Fi technology for internet connectivity this year while the same facility will be extended to the Dal area next year.
The Minister also interacted with representatives of travel and trade associations, during which they assured to improve facilities for the visiting tourists to their utmost satisfaction. They also highlighted important areas that require Government intervention and consideration for growth of tourism.
A debating and painting competition was also held on the occasion in which School children from Government and private schools participated. The theme of which was “celebrating diversity”. The Academy of Art and Culture also organized a cultural musical programme on the occasion. Later, prizes were distributed among the best performing participants.
Secretary Toursim Mrs. Tanveer Jehan, District Development Commissioner, Mr. Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo, Joint Director Toursim, Mr. Mohd. Saleem, Principal, Institute of Hotel Management, Srinagar Mr. Nisheeth Srivastava, representatives of Travel & Trade Associations, House Boat Owners Association, Shikara Union Association, and Adventure Tour Operators Associations, other dignitaries and a large number of School children were present on the occasion.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

KU to study “ Silk Route: Relevance and Revival”

The Centre for central Asian studies University of Kashmir has undertaken a long-term multi-disciplinary mega research project entitled Silk Route: Relevance and Revival. The project came up in the backdrop ring an International Conference held at Centre of Central Asian Studies (CCAS) University of Kashmir where in resolution was unanimously passed by all Area Study Centres of India that the Centre of Central Asian Studies should act as a Nodal Centre for the Silk Route Study.
The basic objective of this project is to explore the possibilities for reviving some branches of Silk Route to strengthen the age-old trade relations and promote regional cooperation between India and Central Asia said Prod G M Mir director of the CCAS. KU. He said the two phases of the expedition along Srinagar-Leh-Turtuk and Srinagar-Leh-Panamik route have already been completed. Prof Mir said that the third and final phase, two routes will be covered by the two teams. In the first instance a team consisting of Historian, Geographer, Economist, Buddhist Studies, Sociologist and Islamic Studies under the leadership of Dr. G. N. Khaki, will leave to Ladakh on 26.09.2009 to survey Leh-Cheshool-Tibet route. Another team consisting of Archaeologist, Historian, Linguist, Sociologist etc. under the leadership of Prof. Mushtaq A. Kaw, will leave in the IInd week of October, 2009 to cover Srinagar-Gurez route via Bandipora. After completing the project, the findings will be published and submitted to Ministery of external affairs Government of India (MEA, GOI )and other concerned agencies for implementation informed Prof G M Mir

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Cable Car Corporation earns Rs 8 Cr revenue

An amount of above Rs 8 crore has been earned by the Cable Car Corporation as revenue by mid September this year as against Rs 5.73 crore last financial year with number of operational cable cars increased from 40 to 86 during current fiscal. This was disclosed in a Board of Directors meeting of J&K State Cable Car Corporation Limited which met here today under the Chairmanship of Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Tourism, Nisar Aslam Wani, Minister of State for Tourism was also present on the occasion. The Board of Directors ordered fresh Techno Economic feasibility study to be conducted in respect of Jammu Ropeway Project. The Board also discussed to follow up the matter of getting permission for construction of ropeway project at Shankaracharyaji, Srinagar from Government of India so that this project could also be taken up in hand. The Board also approved construction of ropeway project at Makhdoom Sahib Shrine at Srinagar and construction of ropeway for Aishmuqam Shrine, Managing Director Cable Car Corporation was also advised to expedite work on chair lift at Kangdori so that the resort is converted as a world class ski resort. The Corporation was also directed to construct a revolving restaurant at Aphrawat which will be the highest restaurant in Asia. The Board further directed the managing Director to create appropriate tourism infrastructure at Gandola and computerize the ticketing system. Among others, members of the Board, Commissioner/Secretary Planning & Development, B.B Vyas, Commissioner/Secretary Finance Department, Sudhanshu Panday, Secretary Tourism, Mrs. Tanveer Jehan, Managing Director JKTDC, Mr. Satish Nehru, Chief Engineer, M&RE and Managing Director J&K State Cable Car Corporation, Farooq Ahmad Khan also attended the meeting.

Friday, September 18, 2009

GREEN GOLD IN DANGER: PART-VIII: Deforestation causes decline in wildlife population

By Ajmer Alam Wani
JAMMU, SEP 18: The wildlife population throughout the Jammu and Kashmir state is rapidly declining because of extensive areas of deforestation resulting in the loss of natural habitat for wildlife. In view of armed conflict between the militants and security forces for the several years widespread use of high velocity rifles in villages and forests surrounding the Himalayan Valley, have further added to the total loss of specie lives lost in an already precarious situation. Studies revealed that over 300 species of birds which included Pheasants, Quills, Partridges, Vultures, Kites, Eagles and a large number of colorful birds, all of which use to reside in the lush forests of state have virtually disappeared. Today those forests stand naked and void of any visible sign of bird life. Along with loss of forest, Kashmir has also lost a number of wildlife sanctuaries. A rich variety of birds, Ducks, Geese Cranes, Terns and water-fowls however still nest in the wetlands, lakes and streams in Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir state has many problems with its environments stability but two of the most pressing issues are species survival and ecological imbalance.
SPECIES PRESERVATION: Kashmir once known as ‘Paradise on earth,’ home to vast wildlife reserves including some species so rare they existed only in Kashmir, are now quickly falling victim to the desolation which has encompassed much of this piece of land. Rare species like the Snow Leopard frequently hunted for its precious skin and teeth has now almost become extinct. Similarly, the world famous Kashmiri Otter are now rarely seen in the Valley. The killing of rare species like the Ibex, Blue Sheep, Urian, the big horned sheep, Antelope and Snow Leopard has been in practice since 1947. At first, the animals were killed for food needs but when it was realized how valuable the animal furs and skins were, in the international markets, slaughter the Kashmiri animals with much greater zeal was started. The consequence has been that some of the rare species like the Snow Leopard, Flying Squirrel and Long Tailed Himalayan Marmot have been pushed to being on the verge of extinction. Kashimiri stag or Hangul is now only spotted in the northern regions of Kashmir Valley and its overall population according to a survey had been reduced to less than 300. According to state Wildlife Department no Hangul's have been sighted between 1991-1994 in their usual habitat, "the winter zone." Barking Deer, Cheetal, Nilgai, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Shapu, Ibex, Blue Sheep, Marmot and Lynz may soon become extinct if their unrestricted slaughter is not checked. At this time there is no effective legislation in force to prevent environmental and ecological damage which is being inflicted upon the natural resources of this beautiful Himalayan country by the presence of military forces and constant fighting.
ECOLOGICAL IMBALANCE: Kashmir's ecological balance has been severely disturbed as a result of unabated environmental destruction over a period of nearly five decades. Permanent snowfall on mountains has receded, average temperatures in the state have risen and the amount of rain and snowfall has significantly diminished. The combined effect of deforestation and mismanagement of water resources has resulted in soil erosion which is responsible for frequent flash floods now seen in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Major lakes and rivers in Kashmir harbor serious diseases due to lack of maintenance, neglect and pollution. Dal Lake, one of the world’s largest natural lakes housing hundreds of floating house boats and home for vast reserves of aquatic life is rapidly shrinking in size. Compared to 15 years ago, the changes which have taken place in the Dal Lake are shocking and drastic in proportion. According to a study done recently by a group of experts, a new vegetation in the form of a mysterious red weed seen on the periphery of the lake is an indicator of serious degree of pollution. Also a non-existent sewage and drainage system is just one of the examples of poor rule/Govt in state. As a result, raw sewage can be seen in the city centers of the Kashmir Valley. There is only one main road the National Highway linking Delhi with Kashmir, which has remained in an urgent state of repair. Most of the valley is inter-linked with tiny poorly constructed mud roads, superficially covered with tarmac in need of constant repairs. Sringar, the capital of Kashmir although surrounded by lakes, streams, rivers and mountains even lacks a clean drinking water supply for its domestic use! An appallingly high infant mortality of 1 in 5 due to common infections diseases like gastroenteritis and other water born infections are directly related to unclean water supplies throughout the Valley. Forty percent of all illness are related to polluted water supplies, resulting into frequent outbreaks of ineffective hepatitis, gastroenteritis, poliomyelitis, typhoid and cholera.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

GREEN GOLD IN DANGER: Lush Green trees put on fire

155 scants seized

By Ajmer Alam Wani

JAMMU, SEP 17: The enemies of Green Gold in Chiralla Forest Range of Bhaderwah Forest Division have crossed all the limits today evening when they set ablaze the lush green tress which were in their tender age. Exclusively reports said that enemies of nature put several parts of forest under fire in Part-A of Compartment No-1, Compartments No-3, 4 and 7.
Reports further added that green trees in the areas of Loharthawa, Sunarthawa, in between Upper Bajja and Dhesena and in between Kotana and Dhalla villages were seen engulfed by flames which were spreading.
Sources said that this is a new tactics which has been adopted by the forest smugglers to get the green trees died up and also to destroy the remains of trees which they have shortened to ground. When contacted, Range Officer (Chiralla Forest Range) Mr. Haroon, confirmed that he has received report from his own staff that forest in Geosti area has been put under fire. However, he mentioned that he has directed the staff to rush to the area and control the fire.
Relevant to mention here that this was done by the forest mafia soon after a team of 14 Forest Officials conducted a raid in the area and seized 155 scants which were being smuggled. The raid was conducted under the supervision of Range Officer, Chiralla Forest Range, Mr. Haroon. (Detailed story will be published in next issue.)

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

GREEN GOLD IN DANGER: PART VII: In 62 yrs: 12508.88 kms of Green turns Red

Ajmer Alam Wani
JAMMU, SEP 1: It is now 62 years since partition of India and Jammu and Kashmir State which is luckily still famous across the globe for its natural scenic beauty because of green lash meadows and forests but as the green forests and nature is degrading and disappearing; the state will no longer remain wild and green if the process continues. No doubt the successive state governments have failed to initiate required steps aimed at protecting the forests but the responsible citizens of the state have also contributed much than required to the degrading of green gold in the state. While the entire world has started uniting to fight against the global worming, the state government in Jammu and Kashmir as-usual too has started coming out with statements only of doing wonders to protect the green gold of the state. If the urgent measures are not taken up fast, soon the Jammu and Kashmir, (which was once described as Paradise on the Earth) will become a desolate piece of land. The forest area in the state is rapidly declining because of extensive deforestation, encroachments, smuggling and forest fires. Since 1947 official records revealed that 12 999 fire incidents have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir State in which 12508.88 kilometers of forest area has burnt. But the actual figures could be much more. During 1947-48, 929 fire incidents took place in which 19.19 kilometers of forest area was affected. During 1950-52, 42 fire incidents took place in which 80.81 kilometers of forest area was affected while during the year 1966-67, 581 fires incidents took place in which 40.50 kilometers of forest was affected. In between1967-68, 507 fires incidents took place in which 61.95 kilometers of area was affected while in between 1968-69, 433 fire incidents took place in which 42.44 kilometeres of forest area was affected. During the year 1969- 70, 894 fire incidents took place in which 127.54 kilometers of forest area was affected while in between 1970-71, 558 fire incidents took place in which 63.81 kilometers of forest area was affected. During the year 19071-72, 296 fire incidents took place in which 10.32 kilometers of forest are was affected while in between 1972-73, 465 fire incidents took place in which 65.21 kilometers of forest area was affected. In between 1973-74, 283 fire incidents took place in which 65.21 kilometers of forest area was affected while 1974-75, 518 fire incidents took place affecting 39.30 kilometers of forest area. During the year 1975-76, 305 fire incidents took place in which 8.70 kilometers of area was affected while in between 1976-77, 213 fire incidents took place affecting 14.16 kilometers of area. In between 1977-78, 100 fire incidents were reported affecting 3.64 kilometers of forest area while during 1978-79, 338 fire incidents took place in which 20.84 kilometers of forest area was affected. In-between 1979-80, 104 fire incidents took place affecting 7.16 kilometers of forest area while during 1980-81, 69 fire incidents took place affecting 25.22 kilometers of forest area. During the year 1981-82, 230 fire incidents took place in which 25.58 kilometers of forest area was affected while 1982-83, 48 fire incidents were reported affecting 211.84 kilometers of forest area. In between 1983-84, 30 fire incidents were reported affecting 3.93 kilometers of forest area while during the year 1984-85, 301 fire incidents took place affecting 21.65 kilometers of forest area. In between the year 1985-86, 218 fire incidents took place affecting 87.1 kilometers area while during 1986-87, 47 fire incidents took place affecting 3.93 kilometers of forest area. In between the year 1987-88, 451 fire incidents took place affecting 14.82 kilometers of area while during 1988-89, 274 fire incidents took place in which 16.51 kilometers of area was affected. In between the year 1989-9-, 230 fire incidents took place affecting 7.1 kilometers of forest area while during the year 1990-91, 190 fire incidents took place in which 3.6 kilometers of area was affected. In between the year 1991-92, 210 fire incidents took place affecting 8.4 kilometers of forest area while during 1992-93, 230 fire incidents took place affecting 9.1 kilometers of forest area while 1993-94, 246 fire incidents took place in which 6.5 kilometers of area was affected. During 1994-95, 220 fire incidents took place affecting 7.2 kilometers of forest area while in between 1995-96, 175 fire incidents took place in which 15.34 kilometers of forest area was affected. During the year 1996-97, 274 fire incidents took place affecting 16.51 kilometers area while in between 1997-98, 69 fire incidents took place affecting 25.22 kilometers area. During the year 198-99, 369 fire incidents took place in which 35.00 kilometers of forest area was affected while 1999-2000, 506 fire incidents took place affecting 14.00 kilometers of forest area. In-between 2000-01, 251 fire incidents took place affecting 7.07 kilometers of area while during 2001-02, 114 fire incidents took place affecting 6.59 kilometers of forest area. During 2002-03, 432 fire incidents took place affecting 31.92 kilometers of forest area while in between 2003-04, 104 fire incidents took place affecting 11.17 kilometers was affected. In between 2004-05, 64 fire incidents took place affecting 5.02 kilometers of forest area while during 2005-06, 327 fire incidents took place affecting 12.72 kilometers of forest area. In 243 reported fire incidents, 941.16 hectares of forest land was affected during the year 2006-07. Relevant to mention here that during 2007-08, 1746.70 hectares of forest land was burnt in 517 fire incidents across the Jammu and Kashmir state. 74 hectares of forest area was burnt in 28 fire incidents occurred in Forest Division Ramban while 25.95 hectares of forest land was burnt in 4 fire incidents in Forest Division Udhampur during 2007-08. In the same year, 12.5 hectares of forest area was burnt in 3 fire incidents in Forest Division Kathua while 68.30 hectares of forest area was burnt in 37 fire incidents in Forest Division Marwah. In Forest Division Batote, 83.80 hectares of forest land was burnt in 60 fire incidents occurred in 2007-08 while in Langate Forest Division, 50.95 hectares of forest land was burnt in 21 fire incidents in 2007-08. In Forest Division Lidder, 94-60 hectares of forest land was burnt in 11 fire incidents in 2007-08 while 42.17 hectares of forest land was burnt in 16 fire incidents in Forest Division Anantnag during 2007-08. In Forest Division Doda, 13.95 hectares of forest area was burnt in 25 fire incidents occurred during 2007-08 while in Forest Division Reasi, 411.50 hectares of forest land was burnt in 47 fire incidents in the same period. During the year 2007-08, 9.00 hectares of forest land was burnt in the Forest Division Kehmil Karalpora in 22 fire incidents while 6 hectares forest area was burnt in 7 fire incidents in Forest Division Jammu during 2007-08. In Chittrnar-Bandipora Forest Division, 27 hectares forest land was burnt in 10 fire incidents during 2007-08. In Ramnagar Forest Division, 9.5 hectares forest area was burnt in 11 forest fires during 2007-08 while in Forest Division Mahore, 76.40 hectares of forest area was burnt in 19 fire incidents during 2007-08. In Nowshera Forest Division, 131.40 hectares forest land was burnt in 71 forest incidents during 2007-08 while in Forest Division Rajouri, 70.37 hectares of forest land was burnt in 11 forest fires during 2007-08. During the same period, 134.02 hectares of forest area was burnt in Billawar Forest Division in 13 fires incidents while 125 hectares of forest area was burnt in Sindh Forest Division in 8 fire incidents during 2007-08. In Budgam Forest Division, 6.52 hectares of forest area was burnt in 4 fire incidents while in Baramulla Forest Division, 184.75 hectares of forest area was burnt in 31 fire incidents during 2007-08. In Kamraj Forest Division, 21.02 hectares of forest area was burnt in 21 fire incidents while in Shopian and Poonch Forest Divisions no fire incident was reported during 2007-08. In Bhaderwah Forest Division, 6 hectares of forest land was burnt in 2 fire incidents during 2007-08 while in Kishtwar Forest Division, 65 hectares of forest area was burnt in 35 fire incidents during 2007-08. According to official figures, in total 12,999 fire incidents took place across the state in which 12508.88 kilometers of green forest area was burnt and turned in to red. Though the Minister for Forests, Mian Altaf in the recent past had asked for keeping seasonal fire watchers ready for monitoring the forests in the drier months to check such fire incidences but in view of the spurt in the incidence of forest fires, governments has to take stern action against the mischief mongers involved in these forest fires so that the precious green gold is preserved from destruction.