http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/7023/jkmappi7.jpg

Please post all news related to projects and development of J&K here.

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Centre to introduce auto LPG, CNG in J&K (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Energy/Oil__Gas/Centre_to_introduce_auto_LPG_CNG_in_JK/articleshow/2131490.cms)

Automobiles in Jammu and Kashmir would soon be running on liquefied petroleum gas and CNG, with the Centre planning to introduce these fuels in the state.
"Auto LPG will be introduced in the state in a big way to protect environment. It will be started with Srinagar", Union Petroleum Secretary MS Srinivasan told reporters here.
Srinivasan, who was here to attend a meeting of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, said LPG would be an intermediate arrangement till a CNG (compressed natural gas) pipeline is extended to the state.
The Jammu & Kashmir High Court had earlier asked the state government and the Centre to establish a CNG pipeline network in the state.
In the meeting, chaired by Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora, it was decided that public sector oil companies like IOC, BPCL and HPCL would augment marketing and distribution infrastructure in the three states.
An official statement released after the meeting said oil firms plan to set up 25 retail outlets (ROS) and three LPG distributorships in Himachal Pradesh and 49 ROS and 24 distributorships in Jammu and Kashmir.
The oil marketing companies also give priority to customers in hilly areas for releasing LPG connections, it said, adding such initiatives have led to a reduction in deforestation to a very large extent.
The LPG cover in Jammu and Kashmir is 85 per cent, Uttarakhand 90 per cent and Himachal Pradesh 97 per cent of the total population, which is more than double the national average of 45 per cent, the release said.

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Ministry clears road project

The clearing of the Rs. 67 crore Bhadarwah-Chamba road project by the Tourism Ministry has ushered in a mood of jubilation in the eastern part of Jammu and Kashmir.
The project would provide Jammu and Kashmir its first-ever direct access with Himachal Pradesh. Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni on Friday announced in a public rally here that the Bhadarwah-Chamba road project will help attract tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh to Bhadarwah via the Chamba area.
Read On (http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/18/stories/2007061801151400.htm)

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PM likely to inaugurate Srinagar international airport in Sep
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is likely to inaugurate the new building at the Srinagar Airport, which has been declared as an international airport, in September this year.

Union Water Resources Minister Saif-ud-din Soz stated this during his meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, according to a release by Press Information Bureau (PIB) here.

Read On (http://www.newkerala.com/news5.php?action=fullnews&id=40947)

Pics posted by member 'India' in the aviation pic thread
Copyright Shawkat Ahmed
Click to view
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/3373/4588377867dc0abc907odtc5.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=4588377867dc0abc907odtc5.jpg)

Copyright Doughboyshredder
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/839/4082224578ee40f4446bdzk4.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=4082224578ee40f4446bdzk4.jpg)

Tata Indicom plans to roll out services in JK

CDMA player Tata Teleservices, presently operating in 20 circles, plans to roll out its services in the North-East region and Jammu and Kashmir, once it gets the Government’s nod.
‘’We have completed all the formalities and are waiting for the license from the Government to provide services in the North-Eastern part of the country and Jammu and Kashmir,’’ Tata Teleservices Ltd President Naresh Malhan told UNI here.
Read On (http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=18_6_2007&ItemID=22&cat=5)

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a week old news-
Air Deccan takes off for Leh, the country's highest airport

Air Deccan, India's second largest airline flagged-off its maiden daily flight from Delhi to Leh, the capital of Ladakh, deploying a 180-seater Airbus A320 on the route. With this latest launch, Air Deccan becomes the first low cost carrier to fly to the highest airport in the country.
Read On (http://www.domain-b.com/aero/20070523_air_deccan%20.htm)

Beautification plan for Jhelum river (http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200706150323.htm)

Jammu and Kashmir government has launched an ambitious project to restore pristine glory of the river Jhelum and its embankments.

The government is spending Rs 18 crore on desilting and beautification of Jhelum in Srinagar, Minister for Public Health Engineering Mohammad Dilawar Mir said on Thursday while paying a visit to Zero Bridge at Lal Mandi here.

Mir directed Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control Najeebullah, Chief Engineer, Public Health Engineering, Kashmir, G M Dar and other senior engineers accompanied him to speed up the execution of recreation park at Zero Bridge to attract tourists.

He also directed for installing floodlights in the area and construction of viewing decks at various sites.

He asked them for proper landscaping of embankments and constructing a walkway from Zero Bridge to Amirakadal.

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Qazigund-Baramulla rail link to become operational by December: Azad (http://www.dailyindia.com/show/150875.php/Qazigund-Baramulla-rail-link-to-become-operational-by-December:-Azad)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said that the railway service from Qazigund to Baramulla in the Kashmir Valley is expected to start by December this year.

Addressing a convention of Congress party workers here, Azad said the rail link, constructed at a cost of Rs. 8000 crores, will benefit the state in terms of tourism and trade.

"We expect the rail link between Qazikund to Baramulla to become operational by December this year. This will boost trade and tourism in the region," Azad said.

He further said that the railway from Jammu to Baramulla would take another three years as several mountains are to be surveyed for the tunnels, bridges and roads to be made through them, which are the most difficult part.

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2500 seat auditorium to be built in Srinagar (http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070623/real1.htm)

Kashmir will soon have its biggest auditorium with a capacity to seat 2,500 in the shape of convocation complex at the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, which is under completion at the cost of Rs 8 crore. This complex, spread over 25,000 sq ft, is being touted the largest in north India and the best in the country.

Vice-Chancellor Abdul Wahid Qureshi said earlier many conferences and seminars had to be rescheduled due to lack of space.

“After the construction of the complex, our accommodation problem has been solved. Now we can hold international level conferences and seminars on the campus,” he said.

This would also help boost the academic activities of the university.

It has all facilities under one roof — from holding convocations, meetings, seminars, cultural programs to screening films, and a parking area for over a thousand vehicles. This would relieve pressure on the frequently used auditorium hall of the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), which has a capacity to seat 700 persons.

Neatly polished Makrana marble of Rajasthan in its curved corridors with glossy tiles on the walls gives an international look to the complex. Spacious, well-designed and decorated convocation hall with balcony looks like an indoor stadium with a seating capacity for 2,175 persons.

Comfortable pushback chairs have been fixed in a pattern to match arched design. Walls have been decorated with laminated teak sheets, bordered with a strip of typical Kashmiri embroidered crewel cloth. A wall-to-wall carpet, thick enough to provide cushion to feet, has been laid all over the hall. Even the doors of the hall have been treated acoustically to avoid any interference with the sound inside the hall.

With its own central heating system (CHS), the hall can be used in winters too. The complex, specifically the hall, is fireproof.

Rs 34.58 cr Srinagar district plan approved (http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=20_6_2007&ItemID=24&cat=5)

Srinagar, June 19: The current financial year’s plan outlay for Srinagar district has been approved at Rs 34.58 crore including Rs 26.92 crore as capital and Rs 7.66 crore as revenue component.

This was stated at District Development Board meeting of Srinagar district held at SKICC here today. Minister for Finance, Planning and Development Tariq Hamid Qarra chaired the meeting, an official statement said.

Giving details about the allocations for various sectors for the district during this fiscal. District Development Commissioner Srinagar Sheikh Aijaz Iqbal said that Rs 1.80 crore have been earmarked for agriculture and allied sectors, Rs 1.63 crore for rural development and Rs 40 lakh for power sector. He said Rs 5.40 crore would be utilized for communication sector, Rs 7.12 crore for health, Rs 1.91 crore for PHE and Rs 1.91 crore for self-employment sector. Rs 7.15 crore have been proposed for education sector and Rs 11 lakh for industries.

About physical targets fixed for various sectors, the District Development Commissioner said that District Industries Centre would put in efforts to provisionally register 450 units and formally register 230 units. Twenty-five handlooms would be modernized and 117 artisans covered under new insurance scheme. Thirty-four educational institutions have been proposed to be upgraded while mid day meal would be provided to 25000 students and free textbooks would be distributed among 35000 students. Under SSA, 2000 teachers would be imparted training. About 30300 children, nursing and pregnant woman would be provided nutrition. Six hundred cases are being sponsored under self employment while 325 house hold latrines would be constructed.

Reviewing last year’s expenditure and achievements, the meeting was told that Rs 63.56 crore were utilized under different sectors in the district.

The food grain and vegetable production in the district was registered at 142 metric tonnes while 5.90 lakh trout fish production was recorded. About 1933 fishermen were covered under accidental insurance scheme and 188 youth imparted handicraft training, About 58 kilometers of road were blacktopped and 124 kilometers metalled in the district.

The legislators present in the meeting projected various demands pertaining to bringing improvement in road network, drains, water and power supply, setting up public conveniences, maintaining parks and street lights, upgrading health and educational institutions, regulating traffic etc.

Tariq Hameed Qarra in his speech underscored the need for implementing all DDB decisions in letter and spirit within a stipulated time frame.

However, he added that the decisions should be within the purview of guidelines in vogue so that these are taken up for execution without any delay. He asked the concerned departments to identify the projects within 15-days time for final approval to planning department.

The Minister said that all public utility works must be taken up on priority basis adding that the legislators of respective constituencies should be taken into confidence. He also directed the officers to maintain the quality of work under all circumstances.

Present among others were Mayor SMC Abdul Rashid, legislators, Ali Muhammad Sagar, Mubarak Gul, Shafi Bhat, Muhammad Sayeed Akhoon, Muhammad Yaseen Shah, Shah Jahan Dar, s Khem Lata Wakhaloo and Sofi Ghulam Muhammad, Principal Secretary Planning S. S. Kapoor, Commissioner/Secretary Finance, B. B. Vyas, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Mehboob Iqbal, Heads of several departments, Chief Engineers of Various disciplines and other senior officers.

Cleanup funds sinking in Dal (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Cleanup_funds_sinking_in_Dal/articleshow/2134952.cms)
20 Jun, 2007 l 0000 hrs ISTlM Saleem Pandit/TIMES NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR: Despite Union government's fiscal grants to the tune of Rs 235.70 crore, there hasn't been any improvement in the conservation and restoration of Dal lake , according to a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report.

The total area of the lake in 1962 was 24 sq km, which has shrunk to 11.98 sq km due to encroachments. Add to this the constant inflow of excreta and garbage from nearby hotels, and what you have is a water body gasping for life.

Vice-chairman of Lakes and Waterways Development Authority Mir Naseem Ahmad, however, claims they've taken several steps towards restoration of the lake. "We have removed thousands of tress within the Dal and have even taken measures to rehabilitate the lake dwellers after acquiring 7,500 kanals of land at Bemina in Srinagar," said Mir.

Jammu & Kashmir HC had last year taken note of a PIL on the extinction of this famous lake and directed the different agencies involved with conservation and maintenance to pull out all the stops to restore the lake to its original shape.

Over 300 hotels, restaurants, government offices and residential complexes were put on demolition notice by the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) following HC’s directions.

However, a division Bench of the HC passed a split judgment on a PIL filed for conservation of Dal lake on March 29, 2007. The Bench, comprising former Chief Justice, Justice Bashir Ahmad Khan and Justice Bashir Ahmad Kirmani also could not agree on the steps needed to be taken.

In a 41-page judgment, Chief Justice Khan ordered the demolition of all constructions within a strip of 130 feet from the centre of the road.

Not Srinagar,go Pahalgam this summer

_oLyyKNyDxQ

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Shopian to get a major facelift, says minister

The newly created Shopian district town in South Kashmir is all set to get a major facelift and the state government has already released Rs 20 lakh for the purpose, Minister of State for Roads and Buildings Mohammad Khalil Bandh said.

The facelift includes renovation of all the major roads in the town, he said, adding, "several development projects are also underway to improve the socio-economic profile of the people living in the district."

Read On (http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=378483&sid=REG)

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Amarnath Shrine Board, Amarnath, Jammu and Kashmir [Design Stage]

Designed by Morphogenesis Architects, Amarnath Shrine Board project is a makeover of the 13 kilometer stretch that connects the base-camp of Balatal with the Amarnath holy caves.
http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/6272/amarnathshrineboard1257ql1.jpg
http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/1707/amarnathshrineboard2257pm6.jpg
http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/8491/amarnathshrineboard3258eh5.jpg

From
They design architectural wonders (http://inhome.rediff.com/money/2006/jan/21spec3.htm), 26 Jan, 2006, about Morphogenesis Architectural Studious:
...

The second project that stands out is a project with the Amarnath shrine board. "This pilgrimage is the largest in the world," says Srivastava. "But it's disorganised, there's no formal housing for pilgrims, and the area is prone to heavy snowfall and avalanches."

"Our project with Amarnath," says Bhardwaj, "consists of three stages. First, we had to think of accommodation. Here we ran into various problems of strategy.

The area is 13,500 ft above sea level, has extremes of weather, and the roads are barely negotiable at the best of times. We realised it would be difficult to transport the raw materials up there, and build on-site, and it would also be difficult to build off-site and then assemble on-site. The problem was transport."

A brainstorming session brought the perfect solution: to carve the rooms into the mountain. And this is exactly what the team is planning to do. This has several advantages; not only will these rooms be self-heating, the entire carving process is mechanised and can take place fairly quickly. This is important as there are only a few months in the year when construction can actually take place.

Morphogenesis has also designed a dwar just before the cave. "Right now, there's no symbolic arrival point to signify the end of the journey," says Srivastava. And the journey is arduous: 45 km by the traditional route, and 13 km (which still takes half a day to walk) from the new base camp.

Using stone mined from the mountain, the Morphogenesis team designed a concept that involved eight pillars of stone, each denoting the eight points of the compass, ("because pilgrims come from all corners of the world," says Srivastava), and a waterway, which tapers down in the direction of the Amarnath caves, symbolising journey's end.

"We wanted to make it spiritual rather than religious," says Bhardwaj. "After all, people come to Amarnath to see caves and sculptures of ice, natural phenomena, not idols of gods."

The last part of the project is a mandap, where bhajans and other functions can be organised. This structure was another challenge to create. "Steel gets very brittle in the snow," says Bhardwaj, "so we made a shell-like structure that can fold into itself come every winter, and be put up again relatively easily in the summer months when the pilgrims come." Construction on this project will start this summer, and is expected to take at least 3-4 years to complete.
So supposedly construction has already started! :)

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Vaishno Devi Redevelopment, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir [Design Stage]

Designed by Morphogenesis Architects, Vaishno Devi Redevlopment will be a cultural centre for religious tourism, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra.

http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/395/vaishnodevi22574ca7fy7.jpg
http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/6821/vaishnodevi1257419bqc5.jpg

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-Jai

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Amarnath Shrine Board, Amarnath, Jammu and Kashmir [Design Stage]

Designed by Morphogenesis Architects, Amarnath Shrine Board project is a makeover of the 13 kilometer stretch that connects the base-camp of Balatal with the Amarnath holy caves.
http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/6272/amarnathshrineboard1257ql1.jpg



How much does the design resembles Glasgow Armadillo

http://www.glasgowarchitecture.co.uk/jpgs/secc_angledext.jpg

Waterfall gets facelift
(http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200706260343.htm)
With a view to boost tourism in the state, Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to revamp the Ahirbal water fall in Kulgam district under the Prime Minister's Reconstruction Programme.

The beautification of the water body which is being done at the cost of about Rs 20 crore includes upgradation of tourist infrastructure in the nearby area, Agriculture Minister Abdul Aziz Zargar said yesterday.

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District Development Board approves plan for Pulwama (http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200706270325.htm)

More than half of the current year's district plan for Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir has been earmarked for the social and general sector at a district development board meeting chaired by Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed today, officials said.

An amount of Rs 2,249.97 lakh has been fixed for social and general services while Rs 460.65 lakh would be utilised for agriculture and allied services

The total outlay for the district has been fixed at Rs 3,938.68 lakh which includes Rs 1,327.52 lakh as revenue component and Rs 2,611.16 lakh as capital component.

Addressing the meeting, Sayeed called upon the district administration to gear up to provide all basic amenities to people including electricity, drinking water, medicare and education.

Rural development has been allotted Rs 466.99 lakh, industries Rs 13.17 lakh, energy Rs 25 lakh, communication sector Rs 710 lakh and Rs 19.90 lakh has been provided for other sectors.

To seek cooperation of people for obtaining better results of various ongoing development schemes, Sayeed asked the officers to take local people and public representatives into confidence before launching any new programme of development.

The District Development Commissioner, Pulwama, Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo said expenditure to the tune of Rs 6,535.25 lakh comprising Rs 3,015.90 lakh revenue component and Rs 3,519.35 lakh capital component was incurred during 2006-07.

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New Cricket Stadium, 2 New Academies Coming Up (http://www.greaterkashmir.com/NewsItem.asp?Date=28_6_2007&Show=4)

National Conference chief patron, former Chief Minister and President Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) Dr Farooq Abdullah inaugurated 7th Mirza Noor-ud-Din Memorial invitational cricket tournament organized by Amateur Cricket Club (ACC) which is affiliated with (JKCA) at Kashmir University Ground on Wednesday.
In his inaugural address Dr.Farooq said that these kinds of sports activities are essential for the development of young generation of Kashmir. On the occasion Dr Farooq made a commitment for construction of new cricket stadium and two cricket academies one each in Srinagar and Jammu for which Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already granted an amount of Rs 25 crore.

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Acchabal hill resort to get a facelift (http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200706271222.htm)

Keeping in view its historic and tourism importance, Achhabal, a famous hill resort in Anantnag district will soon witness a facelift, Minister for Agriculture, Abdul Aziz Zagar said today. Acchabal, recently given the Tehsil and Municipality status, will be covered under a beautification programme, he said.

Modern civic amenities will be in place, with special focus on drains and lanes on scientific lines, he said while addressing a meeting of the District Development Board today. Streets will be illuminated and a workable sanitation system would be put in place, he promised. Further, a Rs 5.5 crore Acchabal drinking water supply scheme will also be implemented.

Responding to Power and Health Minister Peer Mohammad Hussain's request, the Board will bring the Rs 21 crore Achhabal-Shangus-Chittergul Road works under the ambit of Prime Minister's Grameen Sadak Yojna (PMGSY)and Utraso-Brariangan road under NABARD funding, officials said. Further, the Board will develop one playground each at Nowgam and Pushroo while Sonsuma Kohl (stream) would be transferred to Irrigation Department for complete remodeling.

As many as 15 primary schools will be upgraded to middle level schools while eight new middle schools, 21 primary schools and 63 additional classrooms will also come up at Shangus, officials said.

Central nod to Rs 298-cr lake conservation project in J&K

The centre has approved a Rs 298-crore project for the conservation and management of the famous Dal and Nageen lakes in Jammu and Kashmir.

The project envisages construction of six treatment plants to save the water bodies from raw sewerage and other waste materials, improvement of catchment areas, dredging, compensation for land acquisition and other structures, chairman of central science, technology, environment and forests (STEF) P G Narayanan said on Friday.

Read On (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Central_nod_to_Rs_298-cr_lake_conservation_project_in_JK/articleshow/2163023.cms)
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Deccan gets contract for Amarnath Yatra (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Transportation/Deccan_gets_contract_for_Amarnath_Yatra/articleshow/2155614.cms)
Deccan Aviation Ltd has been awarded a three-year contract by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board to provide helicopter services for Amaranath Yatra organised every year by the J&K government during July and August.

Deccan Aviation helicopter service to the holy cave is available from Srinagar and Baltal. The flying time from Srinagar to Baltal is around 45 minutes and from Baltal to the holy cave around eight to ten minutes, a company release said.

G R Gopinath, Executive Chairman, Deccan Aviation said, "More than 1.25 lakh devotees visited the Amarnath Shrine last year which indicates the growing number of religious travelers in India."

Kashmir Lures Golfers to Bolster Tourism (http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-06-28-voa10.cfm)

WATCH THE VIDEO (http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/39855/golf-tourism-tees-off-in-kashmir.html)

"Kashmir wants to become a destination for golfers. It has invested millions of dollars in building and sprucing up at least three golf courses in the region, hoping to attract high-dollar tourists to some of the world's most breathtaking links. Raymond Thibodeaux reports from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir."

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Kashmir eyes $11bn floriculture business

"Floriculture is all about creating new employment opportunities... We are keen to focus on a million jobs."Abdul Aziz Zargar, State Agriculture Minister

JAMMU AND Kashmir's budding flower business is ready to blossom with the state keen to enter the $11 billion international floriculture trade and add a million jobs.

The flowers are already in bloom in the Kashmir valley, ready to maximise the potential of the business.

The sprawling Siraj Garden on the eastern bank of the Dal Lake here with the Zabarwan range providing the picturesque backdrop has over 350,000 tulip bulbs and is already being tipped as one of the largest tulip gardens in Asia.

Steps are also afoot to grow three million more tulips next spring to add to the famed valley's beauty - and give a fillip to the economy of a state that has been grappling with incessant secessionist violence. "Floriculture is all about creating new employment opportunities... We are keen to focus on a million jobs," state Agriculture Minister Abdul Aziz Zargar said. Towards this ultimate aim, the government has distributed resources for creating poly greenhouses with minor irrigation systems to interested entrepreneurs all over the valley, either free or at 50 percent subsidy rates.

The scheme, under the centrally sponsored Technology Mission, was available in every district in the Kashmir valley. The global floricultural sector, growing at a rate of 6-10 percent per annum, is estimated at $11 billion.

Facing tough competition from traditional production centres (in the US, Japan, Italy, and the Netherlands), India has also enrolled itself in the market with its flower industry worth $71 million and is working towards an export target of $1 billion by 2012, according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

Kashmir is hoping to play a vital role in achieving that target. "Kashmir, of course, has an unlimited potential for the floriculture industry, capable of boosting the state's economy," said Fida Igbal, flower culture development assistant (extension) at the department of agriculture here. "We could beat Holland not only in recreational flower gardens but also in exporting these and other cut flowers to all the neighbouring countries," Igbal said.

Kashmir, with its cold climate, is in a unique position to grow a large variety of flowers, including temperate flowers, besides tulips, and cultivating a wider variety of lilium, roses, lupins, hawthorns, wild crocuses, armedias, primulas and vin- CRS.
[HT]

Kashmir to have trains in 6 months from now (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Kashmir_to_have_trains_in_6_months_from_now/articleshow/2175995.cms)

In the near future, Kashmir will no longer remain cut off from the rest of the country even during the severest winters, thanks to a path-breaking railway line.

In the Valley, the 120-km-long rail line between Qazigund and Baramulla is almost complete and trial runs will begin soon. By December-end, specially designed trains will be chugging in the valley on a broad gauge line.

Srinagar, Badgam, Kakapore and Pampore stations are ready with beautiful wooden carvings done by local artisans. The architecture of the station buildings blends with that in other parts of the Valley.

The Valley train has a specially designed 1,400-horse power engine and an auxiliary engine that will generate heat to keep the engine and its lubricants from freezing. It will also pump hot air into the coaches to keep passengers warm. The railways has also developed its own snow-cutting "cattle guard" for the engine so that the train runs in sub-zero temperatures without any problem.

The main engine has a sleek aerodynamic profile with fibre reinforced plastic. The driver's cabin will be provided with a single glass screen to give a wider view. Along with "cab heating," the driver's screen has an inbuilt de-snowing and de-fogging unit.

The "snow-cutting type cattle guard" has been developed by the Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, to clear snow from tracks during winter. "This will enable the train to run even in the absence of snow-cutting machines," a senior Northern Railway official said.

Each coach has a capacity to seat 90 persons. Each coach has a 900-mm wide door to enable easier entry and exit.

They will also have sliding doors like the ones in the Delhi Metro. The coaches have roof-mounted heating units, necessary during the severe winters.

The heating units will keep the temperature at a constant level of 20 degrees Celsius. The windows will be wide, made of unbreakable splinter proof polycarbonate sheet, to provide a "breathtaking panoramic view of the Kashmir valley," the railway official added.

The coaches have been provided with pneumatic suspension for better riding comfort and fitted with executive chair cars with fire resistant grade upholstery and a reclining mechanism. The coaches will have a public information system with display and automatic announcement features just like the Delhi Metro.


Work on other sections in Kashmir is also going on fast. These include the 25-km-long treacherous stretch between Udhampur and Katra, and the 150-km stretch between Katra and Qazigund, which will have the world's highest bridge — 359 metres from the ground. The trains will also pass through an 11-km-long tunnel.

The railway official said: "There is a lot of talk about China building a rail line to Tibet. But no one is appreciating the Indian Railways building a rail line in the world's most difficult mountainous terrain. Compared to this, the line in Tibet, which is a plateau, is a cakewalk." lol

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J&K to set up 10 industrial estates (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Economy/Infrastructure/JK_to_set_up_10_industrial_estates/articleshow/2174233.cms)

The Jammu and Kashmir government proposes to set up 10 industrial estates across the state to give fillip to the sector, Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Romesh Chander said on Wednesday.

Industrialisation is the key to tackle the growing unemployment and the government will set up 10 industrial estates to give more fillip to the sector, Chander said addressing the Handicraft Trade Expo-2007 here.

He said the government has initiated numerous measures to rejuvenate the traditional handicrafts, which was a source of livelihood for a big chunk of population.

"Funds to the tune of Rs 18 crore have been released through Jammu and Kashmir Handicraft Corporation for establishment of infrastructure like Common Facility Centre, Craft Development Institute of Carpet Technology at Baghi Ali Marden Khan in interior Srinagar and Urban Haats in the state," he said.

The minister said that several steps have also been taken to provide better training and marketing facility to artisans. A project worth Rs three crore is under execution for revival of popular Kanni shawls.

Abdul Rashid Dar, Chairman, Handicrafts Development Corporation, which is eyeing Rs 12.27 crore sales this year, said, "The organisation has been striving for expansion of markets in India and abroad.”

Govt gives nod to new building for SPS Museum (http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=9_7_2007&ItemID=13&cat=24)

In the historical Sri Pratap Singh Museum a huge collection of artifacts is lying in storerooms for want of space where these would have been displayed for public. They might, however, be put on display as the state government has given nod to the construction of a modern museum on the banks of River Jehlum here.
The new Museum, which would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 28 crore, will have a detached display section and a separate administrative block, officials said.
The foundation stone of the new Museum would be laid in September this year at Lal Mandi just behind the existing building of the SPS Museum. The project has been allotted to Jammu Kashmir Project Construction Corporation.
Officials of the SPS Museum say thousands of coins and other artifacts can’t be displayed because of the shabby condition of the Museum.
Established by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1898 in his then summer guest house at Lal Mandi, the SPS Musuem is considered to be the largest museum in terms of its precious collection comprising 18,000 objects on archaeology, decorative art, coins, and natural history.
Presently, the officials say the major portion of collection is displayed in a haphazard manner owing to the shortage of space. “At the moment only half of the collection is displayed, the rest is in the storeroom,” the official said. There isn’t enough space in the Museum for displaying artifacts separately.
“We have been pressing hard for the construction of a new museum keeping in view the difficulty in preserving the precious artifacts and rare collection in the museum,” the official said.

__________

Tourists thrilled by Zorbing in J&K

EelmBJGOErs

Govt. plans roads linking all parts by 2009 (http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200707110353.htm)

Claiming to connect all the parts of Jammu and Kashmir by roads by 2009 under the Pradhamantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY), the Minister for Roads and Buildings, Gulchain Singh Charak, sought people's cooperation to execute development works in every corner of the State.

"All 2,500 populated villages of the State will be connected to main roads under PMGSY by 2009," Charak said addressing a gathering after inaugurating construction of 1.75 km road from Sangwal to Amuwal in Samba district of Jammu division.

Road connectivity would play a pivotal role in development of the State, especially in rural, hilly and border areas, he said, adding the centre has provided adequate funds.

__________

State judiciary goes online with e-court project

As part of computerization of courts all over India under the banner of “E-Courts Project,” the Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday went online joining all subordinate courts and the Apex Court.

Justice Hakim Imtiyaz Hussain, in charge of the e-court project along with Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakroo inaugurated the first phase the project. Speaking at the function, Justice Imtiyaz said, “Our Judiciary has been criticized for the delays and backlogs in the courts, but the introduction of information technology in courts will ensure speedy disposal of pending cases.”

Under the first phase, judicial service centers will be opened in all the court complexes of the state and the necessary training and awareness programs will be provided to the judicial officers and lawyers.

“Now anyone can file a case from anywhere in the world without making rounds of the courts,” Justice Imtiyaz said, adding that video conferencing facilities at High Court and the district courts will be provided which will help witnesses to record their statements without coming to courts.

Read On (http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=10_7_2007&ItemID=45&cat=24)

____________
Reliance Money makes foray into Kashmir

Reliance Money (RM) - a subsidiary of Reliance Capital Limited owned by corporate giant Anil Dhiru Bhai Ambani group - Tuesday announced the launch of Reliance Life Insurance in the Valley. RM will operate in the Valley in collaboration with its business partner and franchisee, Globus Investment (GI).
Read On (http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=11_7_2007&ItemID=16&cat=5)

World's highest rail bridge U/C in Kashmir

Location: Kauri in Jammu's Reasi district
Completion Deadline: December 2009
Height above Chenab: 359m
Length: 1315m
Cost: 600 crores
Current tallest bridge(any type): Millau Viaduct,France - 343m

8P14ITTJ8lM

The bridge is an engineering marvel and is being built using high quality earthquake resistant steel.

The bridge will eventually make the Valley accessible by train and remove the biggest stumbling block for the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway route, which is full of tunnels and difficult terrain.

Work on the Jammu-Udhampur line was completed in 2004 but it will be years before the full route is operational.

The laying of tracks has started in the north of Udhampur, which will connect Katra and make it easy for Vaishno Devi pilgrims to reach there.

Bahadur Singh, a local resident said, "It was a very far flung area, but now its entire picture has changed. Earlier, there was a lot of problem when going to Jammu or Srinagar, but now it will be much easier".

Once the railway line is complete, remote areas of the state will be connected to the rest of the country and trade and commerce in the Valley will receive a huge boost.


______________________
_________

ADB gives $720m for J&K power project (http://www.southasianmedia.net/cnn.cfm?id=436052&category=Development&Country=INDIA)
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has succeeded in seeking $720 million Asian Development Bank assistance for the power section in the state. An official statement released here on Saturday said that the chief minister had an hour-long meeting with Union minister for power Sushil Kumar Shinde to discuss the approval for the same.

The ADB loan comes at an interest rate of six to seven per cent and would be used for construction of two power projects of Karthai and New Ganderbal, for the capacity building in power sector.

Jai>> I dont know what it is but it seems like the world is going crazy. The proposal for the stretch up to Amarnath Cave is an insult to the hindu holy site.....similarly, i dont know if you've been following but the construction of skyscrapers outside the holiest site for muslims in mecca is similarly annoying: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=334299

of course development is cool, but religious sites must be respected

IU>> thanks for the updates about the highest bridge that is u/c, i hadnt heard anything on the news about that, hopefully next summer i will be in J&K and may be able to see it u/c.

^NP man

Renderings of the bridge:

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/3302/chenab1uo4.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8624/chenabarcbridgeno3.jpg


I added a thread in the Bridges Forum -

Highest Bridge in the world U/C in India - Chenab Bridge (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=548238)

indiansunite.................thanks. Thats a superb renderings. I hope its 4 lanes instead of just 2.

^It will be a double line rail bridge

C:\Shobhan\Kashmir\jk.jpg
C:\Shobhan\Kashmir\22082007010048oa4.jpg

Testing to see if the images work.

C:\Shobhan\Kashmir\jk.jpg
C:\Shobhan\Kashmir\22082007010048oa4.jpg

Testing to see if the images work.

You need to upload your pictures onto imageshack or something. The site won't read images from your hard drive.

You need to upload your pictures onto imageshack or something. The site won't read images from your hard drive.

Trail Run of the train in Kashmir Valley
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/6632/22082007010048oa4fi5.jpg

The longest Railway Tunnel near Banihal in construction

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/7741/bid4817pa0.jpg

Another image of the trail run

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/5130/jkbj2.jpg

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has formulated a Rs 7.5 crore plan to develop the tourism infrastructure at Gool-Sangaldan in Reasi district in the state.

The plan will lead to the development of Tatapani, Goda Gali, Gool-Sangaldan Sector, Tourism PHE and Horticulture Minister Dilawar Mir told public gatherings in Reasi district. A modern Tourism Reception Centre (TRC) would be constructed near Gool.

Source (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/JK_govt_formulates_Rs_7_cr_tourism_plan_for_Gool/articleshow/2570113.cms)

Parsvnath starts maiden project in Jammu
(http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c_online.php?leftnm=10&bKeyFlag=IN&autono=31530)
Real estate firm Parsvnath Developers today announced the launch of its maiden project 'Parsvnath Passion' in Jammu.

The residential project, has been duly approved by Jammu Development Authority (JDA) with an approximate realization value of over Rs 100 crore in next three years including this financial year.

Parsvnath Passion is the first integrated group housing project being developed in Jammu by a national real estate player. Situated over 11 acres of lush greens having a saleable area of over 7 lakh sq ft, the project has 75% of the total property area as open space for its residents, a company release said.

Parsvnath Passion offers eight floored high rise buildings with 480 units. Offered in the price range of Rs 17 to Rs 30 lakh, these ultra modern apartments are available in choices of 2 B/R, 3 B/R and 3 B/R with attached servant room.

Sanjeev Jain, managing director, Parsvnath Developers said, "Having a strong foothold in other North Indian States, it gives us immense pleasure to announce our arrival with first project in this unexplored state. The project will be distinct and modern in design and offerings and yet will gel with the well defined architecture and natural beauty that the region is so famous for."

Located in the periphery of the city, Parsvnath Passion is being developed in association with Mass House Building Cooperative from the region.

"Work has successfully begun and is expected to take three years to finish," Jain added.

I've added a new thread in the Infrastructure & Economy forum:
Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (JUSBRL) Project (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=594526)

^NP man

Renderings of the bridge:

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/3302/chenab1uo4.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8624/chenabarcbridgeno3.jpg


I added a thread in the Bridges Forum -

Highest Bridge in the world U/C in India - Chenab Bridge (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=548238)

I noticed the following in a recent Northern Railway press release (http://www.nr.indianrail.gov.in/scripts/static/RecentReleasesDisplay.aspx?id=1842) from Feb 26:

HIGH LIGHTS OF RAIL BUDGET 2008-09 PERTAINING TO NORTHERN RAILWAY
...
...
SURVEY FOR NEW RAIL LINES

• Dehradun-Kalsi
• Jammu –Rajouri –Poonch –Akhnoor
• Meerut-Panipt
• ...
...
I couldn't find any additional details on this new proposed line :ohno:. Does somebody have any details of this?
(BTW, I think the correct sequence should have been Jammu - Akhnoor - Rajauri - Poonch)

Parsvnath starts maiden project in Jammu
(http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c_online.php?leftnm=10&bKeyFlag=IN&autono=31530)

this is great, a sign of future economic success in J&K...at least in the non-occupied and non-terrorist ridden parts

SRINAGAR: Airports Authority of India (AAI) is investing over Rs 322 crore on modernising and expanding J&K’s three major airports in Srinagar, Leh and Jammu. This excludes the requirement for upgrading and re-structuring three small peripheral airports in Kargil, Poonch and Kishtwar.

In fact, the hypersensitive and literally fortified airport in Srinagar is nearing its first phase of upgradation to an international one and would be ready by the end of May, officials said. Post-upgradation at an investment of Rs 110 crore, the Sheikh-ul-Aalam international airport with two aerobridges will handle 500 domestic and 450 international passengers at a given point. The six-section terminal building is projected to be the first to have inline baggage X-ray system. “We are doing it in phases and right now almost 80% of the upgradation is over,” an AAI official told ET.

Once complete, its existing tarmac area would jump from 13,045 sq mt to 55,820 sq mt so that it is able to accommodate nine instead of five aircraft simultaneously. Plans are there to have additional parking bays to accommodate wide-bodied jet aircraft and international chartered flights, he said.

Read Here (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Transportation/Srinagar_International_Airport_gets_final_touches_before_May_31_takeoff_/articleshow/2888816.cms)

Life in Kashmir comes to a halt every time an avalanche blocks its only link with the outside world — the landslide-prone Jammu-Srinagar highway. Now, the revival of a 400-year-old road promises an all-weather route to the Valley

Traversed by the caravans of emperors and their armies more than four centuries ago, Mughal Road — an alternative road linking the Valley with the rest of the country — would again be abuzz with traffic next year, precisely 421 years after Emperor Akbar took the road to conquer Kashmir. The allweather road would be another option to the 300-km Jammu-Srinagar highway. Mughal Road’s revival was mooted in 1978, as maintaining the Jammu-Srinagar highway was proving difficult. The present highway, cutting across geographically unstable Batote-Ramban-Banihal stretch, is prone to landslides and avalanches.
Mughal Road, on the other hand, passes through a geographically stable terrain and is the shortest link through the Pir Panjal range to the Valley. It would connect Shopian in Kashmir with Bafliaz in Poonch. The work on the project couldn’t gather steam because of its strategic location and apprehensions of possible misuse for infiltration. But the opening of the Uri-Muzaffarabad road, also paved way for the Mughal Road’s revival.
Work on the Mughal Road has restarted after it was halted briefly following protests by conservationists that it would pass through a wildlife sanctuary. Conservationists say the project would disturb the highly-endangered Markhor goat’s habitat. The environmental clearance was also not in place and the road was being constructed without an environment management plan.
The government now hopes to meet the revised deadline of March 2009. ‘‘The work is at an advanced stage and would be thrown open to traffic in March 2009,’’ J&K Roads and Buildings secretary Shailendar Kumar said.
The state tourism department hopes to exploit Mughal Road’s potential. It would conserve several serais and forts, constructed by the Mughals, at various places on the way. ‘‘The region would be opened for tourists and important Mughal buildings would be restored,’’ tourism secretary Nayeem Akthar said.
Emperor Jehangir, known for his love for Kashmir, died on the road while returning from Chingus in Kashmir and his body was kept inside a fort there. The other Mughal monuments on the road include rest houses at Muradapora, Chandimarh and Alyabad and a terrace at Noori Chump waterfalls. Former CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who revived the road’s construction in 2005, said the Mughal road would open a new chapter of economic prosperity in the region.
Ram Chander Sharma, a social activist, said, apart from being a muchneeded link to the Valley, the road’s impact on development would be significant to the 20-lakh strong population of Pir-Panjal range. ‘‘The travel to Poonch from Srinagar will be reduced from 588 km to 126 km and Rajouri to Srinager from 518 km to 158 km,’’ he said.
However, many like Fazal Ali of a Srinagar-based NGO, question the Mughal Road’s all-weather utility. ‘‘We need a road during the winter when the Jammu-Srinagar highway is closed, but the mountainous range along the Mughal Road always gets early and heavy snow,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s a delusion to think it will supplement the highway.”
The Kashmir University’s Centre of Research for Development in its report questioned the utility of the project saying, “3.63 km of the road is landslide prone and around 20 km of road length on either side of Pir Panjal pass have snow bound sections’’.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3006/getimageuc4.jpg

Cut off as the strategic Haji Pir area went to PoK in 1947 Work started on the road in 1981 Work suspended in 1985 due to defence ministry’s objections Construction re-starts in Oct 2005 Work briefly stalled following conservationists’ objection in Feb Touches highest point of 11,000-ft at Peer Ki Gali in Pir Panjal range The road originally connected Jhelum in pre-Partition and Shopian in Kashmir Would have 22 bridges, with the longest 30 metres long Would connect Shopian in Kashmir with Bafliaz in Jammu

It's good to hear about this development. Can you also provide the link for the source of this news?
Life in Kashmir comes to a halt every time an avalanche blocks its only link with the outside world — the landslide-prone Jammu-Srinagar highway. Now, the revival of a 400-year-old road promises an all-weather route to the Valley



http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3006/getimageuc4.jpg

Asia's largest tulip garden inaugurated in Srinagar -

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6326/30032008006011xn7lu6.jpg (http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/1803/30032008006011xn7.jpg)


[HT]

Great. Best way to keep violence & extremism out of the valley for good is show them the true face of prosperity, development, future & enterpraneurship. Seeing those tulip gardens in full flow brings joy to my face & I'm sure to every kashmiri face living in the valley. :)

Asia's largest tulip garden inaugurated in Srinagar -

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6326/30032008006011xn7lu6.jpg (http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/1803/30032008006011xn7.jpg)

[HT]

^^looks great !

This looks great. I think they will soon become a great tourist destination of their own.

Awesome garden. Hope to see more pics..

:cheers:

http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/2575/06042008010003zw4.jpg

Great. Best way to keep violence & extremism out of the valley for good is show them the true face of prosperity, development, future & enterpraneurship.

yes my friend, but remember, when we have brainwashed "freedom fighters" trying to kill all and sundry, its also important that the armed forces ensure they meet their 72 virgins in heaven.

Tawi Apartments l Jammu

http://www.masscooperative.com/images/tawi/front.jpg http://www.masscooperative.com/images/tawi/back_side.jpg

Parsvnath starts maiden project in Jammu
(http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c_online.php?leftnm=10&bKeyFlag=IN&autono=31530)
Real estate firm Parsvnath Developers today announced the launch of its maiden project 'Parsvnath Passion' in Jammu.

Parsvnath Passion is the first integrated group housing project being developed in Jammu by a national real estate player. Situated over 11 acres of lush greens having a saleable area of over 7 lakh sq ft, the project has 75% of the total property area as open space for its residents, a company release said.

Parsvnath Passion offers eight floored high rise buildings with 480 units. Offered in the price range of Rs 17 to Rs 30 lakh, these ultra modern apartments are available in choices of 2 B/R, 3 B/R and 3 B/R with attached servant room.

"Work has successfully begun and is expected to take three years to finish," Jain added.

Here's a rendering of it from Parsvnath's website. According to their website there will be 14 towers.

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/5968/perspectivele3.jpg (http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/4223/perspectivetd8.jpg)


Some images taken on Apr 2

Main gate
http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/667/one040208iu6.jpg

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/7100/two040208am3.jpg

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6253/four040208dj4.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/945/six040208jh6.jpg

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2888/eight040208ky5.jpg

Site Plan
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/4484/siteplanav8.jpg

J&K govt spends Rs 15 crore on road upgradation projects in Budgam district (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Economy/J__K_govt_spends_Rs_15_crore_on_road_upgradation_project/articleshow/2944507.cms)


SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government will be spending Rs 15 crore for upgradation of 18 road projects in Budgam district, Minister of State for Roads and Buildings Mohammad Khalil Bandh said on Friday.

These projects are expected to be completed within next two years, he said while reviewing the ongoing development activities in the district.

Also, Rs 33.58 crore are being spent on eight road schemes under Prime Minister's Gram Sadak Yojana in Bandipora district, said District Development Commissioner Mushtaq Ahmed Sheikh.

Besides, four new roads are being constructed in the district during the current fiscal, Sheikh said.

He also asked for better coordination between all the working agencies engaged in the construction work so that it can be completed within the stipulated time.

x-posting some images of the tulip garden in Srinagar from the Incredible India thread

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/2492/dn100408e1080220cnixo1.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5561/09sld1mf6.jpg

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/6205/09sld6jd2.jpg


more here-->http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/apr/09sld6.htm

And here's a video on it-

Reel paradise: Bollywood returns to Kashmir

26hBWXlSmQw

March18: Foundation stone for Int. trade centre laid in Pampore (http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/18/stories/2008031854380700.htm)

PAMPORE (KASHMIR): Trade in Jammu and Kashmir is set to get a boost with the laying of the foundation stone for a Rs. 115.84-crore International Trade Centre (ITC) here.

To be completed in two years, the ITC will be the first of its kind in the State with state-of-the-art exhibition halls, facilitating international exhibitions in the Valley during summer. The Centre had allocated Rs. 30 crore initially for the project, said Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad who, along with Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh, laid the foundation stone.

Mr. Ramesh said the ceremony was a dream-come-true for traders in the Valley as the process for the project had begun 25 years ago.

The Minister said 40,000 carpet weaving looms in the State would be modernised over the next five years. For this, the Centre would extend a financial assistance of Rs. 17 crore annually.

Every year, 8,000 looms would be modernised with 75 per cent government assistance.

Mr. Ramesh asked the Jammu and Kashmir Bank to explore the possibility of providing soft loans to artisans.

Here's a video on it

zpgwkr4n0ik

^^
cheers IU.

Such development is well-over due in Kashmir...im glad to say things seems to be getting better. I am a firm believer that economic prosperity always has positive implications for promoting peace and reducing troubles.

Nitro, IU

Thanks for the 2 of the most informative videos on Jammu & Kashmir.:)
We all knew deep down it's just a matter of time kashmir turns around the corner to normality. WTCs & Highest rail road & Asia's largest tulilp garden :cheers: Kashmir will again be a crown jewel of India soon. :)

26hBWXlSmQwzpgwkr4n0ik

Nitro, Hindusthani - I am glad that slowly the situation in Kashmir is returning back to normalcy. With most of the chicken's gone home to roost and the remaining being wiped out, Kashmir is definitely on the path to return to its rightful former glory.

anyways here are some more images of the tulip garden -

Copyright Amar Katira
http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/1674/2405204079a6ca02a6b1bex0.jpg

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/5300/2406041092da288782b2bfd8.jpg/img]

[img]http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/4633/24052085816e5f7a66bfbfuuc1.jpg


Pretty close by lies the Royal Spring Golf Course -

Copyright 100kph
http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/4561/23322156974ee856851dbbo4.jpg

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/5531/08kashmirspan600ud2.jpg

What an awesome location
http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/5646/08kashmir02650nr6.jpg

^^^^ Wonderful and inspiring images! It's so much regrettable to see what has come upon this piece of paradise called Kashmir. I hope that this place will regain its lost glory soon enough!

Apr 17: Parsvnath launches 2nd housing project in J&K (http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c_online.php?leftnm=10&bKeyFlag=IN&autono=35811)

Parsvnath Developers today announced its second group housing project in Jammu and Kashmir where it would be working in association with a local company - Mass House Building Cooperative, at Sidhra, Jammu.

The ground breaking ceremony was attended by J&K Agriculture Minister Abdul Aziz Zargar recently.

"Parsvnath Premium will be designed for contemporary living in the heart of nature - a modern lifestyle in a haven of peace and tranquillity. After the successful launch of Parsvnath Passion which has received very good response from buyers, we have announced the launch of Parsvnath Premium, our second group housing project in Jammu", said a senior official from Parsvnath Developers.

PM to open India’s 1st pylon bridge in J&K today

State’s Longest Bridge To Link Jammu With Rajouri, Poonch


http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIM/2008/04/25/16/Img/Pc0160900.jpg

Thirty-one years after its first foundation stone was laid, the country’s first pylon to pylon (PTP) bridge connecting Jammu with bordering districts of Rajouri and Poonch will be opened for traffic by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday.
The 280-metre-long bridge supported by steel pillars (pylon) is the longest one in the state. “The country’s first PTP bridge will be inaugurated by the PM on April 25 and will connect Rajouri and Poonch districts with Jammu,” official sources said here. It took 31-long years for a concrete bridge to come up across the Chenab and will replace the existing steel-girder span. What was envisioned to be done at a cost of Rs 77 lakh in 1977 was finally accomplished this year at a cost of Rs 23 crore. The then CM Sheikh Mohmmad Abdullah had laid the foundation stone of this bridge on April 7, 1977. In 1984, another foundation stone was laid for the construction of the bridge by a central minister. The construction of the bridge, which is the longest pre-stressed concrete span among all bridges in the country, was sanctioned in May 1977 at a cost of Rs 77 lakh by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), an official said, adding the contract for the construction was awarded to NBCC Limited and the work commenced in 1978.

source timesofindia epaper

They should install some heavy machine gun/rocket launcher along with the bridge. Just kidding.. :lol:
It looks great. By the way, what is pylon to pylon (PTP) bridge? Is it kind of suspension bridge(I can’t see any pillar in between the sides). Is anyone civil engineer here?

Four to five more power projects to be executed in J&K: Azad (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Four_to_five_more_power_projects_to_be_executed_in_JK_Azad/articleshow/2986044.cms)

KISHTWAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday said four to five more power projects have been identified for implementation in the state.

The survey of these projects has been completed, Azad said addressing a public meeting here, which was also addressed by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Power projects already under progress in the state, including the Baglihar hydroelectric power project, would be commissioned within three years, he said.

PM to open India’s 1st pylon bridge in J&K today

State’s Longest Bridge To Link Jammu With Rajouri, Poonch


http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIM/2008/04/25/16/Img/Pc0160900.jpg



source timesofindia epaper

More pics

Building India's first pylon bridge (http://specials.rediff.com/news/2008/apr/25slide1.htm)

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/2121/clipboard01cu0.jpg

I'm glad to note that this long standing bridge has finally been build. :banana:Does someone knows if the new road being build that was to be linked along with it has also been built completely?

As a kid, I'd lived for 2 years right next to this bridge's site in early 80's, and always wondered if this project would ever take off. All I saw during that period was some basic work in that area. So it was a welcome news to see this bridge finally getting completed!

PM to open India’s 1st pylon bridge in J&K today

State’s Longest Bridge To Link Jammu With Rajouri, Poonch


http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIM/2008/04/25/16/Img/Pc0160900.jpg



source timesofindia epaper

Beautified Jhelum attracts tourists to Kashmir (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Services/Beautified_Jhelum_attracts_tourists_to_Kashmir/articleshow/3001708.cms)

SRINAGAR: The tourism potential in the picturesque Kashmir valley is all set to get a further boost with the Jammu and Kashmir government carrying out a major project for beautifying the area along the bank of River Jhelum.

The three-year project that was started in August, 2005 is about developing the 3.6 kilometers riverbank from Sonawar to Tankipora with an investment of rupees 255 million in three years.

Construction work for exquisite parquets, recreational resort spots and other recreational facilities on both sides of the river is being carried out at a fast pace to meet the deadline August, 2008

The State's tourism industry has witnessed a healthy boom in the past couple of years as the total number of arrivals, including foreigners, crossed the figure of 600,000 in 2005-06 from 191,000 recorded in 2003-04

Special tourist train to chug through Kashmir (http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=eb41466d-a1a1-4c14-aa18-5929b4422fff&&Headline=Special+tourist+train+for+Kashmir)

A special tourist train will chug through the picturesque Kashmir valley when the first rail route in the state becomes operational this June.

"The six-bogie train having specially built coaches with big glass windows and Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) engine will traverse through the 68-km Anantnag-Rajvansher route from June this year," top railway sources told PTI


Nine railway stations had been built along the route at Anantnag, Bijbehara, Panzgam, Awantipura, Kakapura, Pampore, Srinagar, Budgam and Rajvansher

Rs 40.5 cr UGC funds for new colleges in J&K

JAMMU: The University Grants Commission has released Rs 40.5 crore for the construction of four new colleges in Jammu and Kashmir and will be providing foundation training courses for principals at Bangalore.

Around 50 percent of funds would be released during the current financial year for the upcoming colleges at Uri and Bijbehara in the Kashmir valley and Ramban and Billawar in Jammu division, it was decided at a meeting convened by UGC secretary R K Chauhan here today.

He said it was granting Rs 5-6 crore assistance per college at the national "but for Jammu and Kashmir, the percentage is much higher".

There was a proposal for opening 30 universities across the country and keeping in view its border location, one such university would come up here so that the benefits of higher education reach the weaker sections and minorities, Chauhan said.

J&K to get 1,000 MW thermal power project soon: Shinde (http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=050947)

Jammu and Kashmir would soon get its first 1,000 MW thermal power project to boost power generation in the state, the Power Minister, Mr Sushil Kumar Shinde has said, adding that the 120 MW Phase -II of Sewa hydel power project in Kathua would be completed by 2009.

After inaugurating rotar rowering of three turbines of 40 MW each in Sewa hydel power project phase-II at Hat Mashka in Basohli area of Kathua district, Mr Shinde told reporters that second phase of the project would be completed at a cost of Rs 665 crore by June 2009.

He also said that Jammu and Kashmir would soon get a 1,000 MW thermal power project to meet its power demand during winter, when generation is less due to snowfall and water shortage. He said all efforts are being made by National Hydro-electric Power Corporation (NHPC) to complete phase-II of the Sewa hydel power project by the said date. However, he remained non-committal on handing over of Dulhasti power project to Jammu and Kashmir.

The project had been dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh in Kishtwar, last month. Mr Shinde said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the power ministry and Jammu and Kashmir government on construction of three power projects -- Karwa, Pakal Dul and Kiru - over river Chenab in Kishtwar district will be signed within the next 3-4 days. These three power projects would go a long way in meeting power requirements of the state, he said.

Mr Shinde said that with the completion of Sewa hydel power project phase-II, Jammu and Kashmir will get 12.5 per cent free power, which too, would contribute a lot in increasing power capacity of the state.

Announcing Rs three crore for carrying out development works in the area around Sewa hydel project, he said the amount would be utilised for road connectivity, construction of a hospital and other development works.

Jammu&Kashmir to get central university, IIM

Srinagar, May 11: Jammu and Kashmir will soon have a central university and an Indian Institute of Management.

The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development will set up a campus of the proposed Indira Gandhi National Tribal University.

This was decided during the meeting between Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Union HRD minister Arjun Singh yesterday in New Delhi, an official spokesman said today.

The two prestigious institutions would be set up one each in Kashmir and Jammu provinces.

The Chief Minister requested Singh for setting up a campus of the tribal university. He argued that since the state has a sizable ST population, a campus of the university in J&K would go a long way in promoting higher education among tribal population.

Azad also took up with the union minister the need for opening of women degree colleges and ITIs in the districts of the state where these facilities were not available.

The union minister assured Azad that this would be sympathetically considered, the spokesman said.

cool, another institution named after the family.

People in India must be witnessing a shameless Arjun Singh groveling in front of Sonia Gandhi and telling the media how he has pledged his loyalty to the Gandhi-Nehru family.

Bloody slave.

kronik what is ur probe?????????:ohno: soniya gandhi has faced so many problems imagine how you would have felt if you were being put into a comletely diffrent culture and your husband gets killed she is an inspirational politicians and you should not degrade her or arjun singh (who is much older then you):sly:like that.

^^what the hell are you talking about? did you even read what he posted?

kronik what is ur probe?????????:ohno: soniya gandhi has faced so many problems imagine how you would have felt if you were being put into a comletely diffrent culture and your husband gets killed she is an inspirational politicians and you should not degrade her or arjun singh (who is much older then you):sly:like that.

Stop talking like a juvenile. I can make no sense of your language. And really, what are you talking about?

A reminder to all those discussing the issue of Sonia Gandhi, Arjun Singh, and related stuff:

Please recall that this thread is for discussing J&K Projects and Development. Let's not inject all this non-related discussion here.

Unless it's a healthy disagreement related to the actual topic of the thread, it would be a good idea to discuss such disagreements via PM so that others can concentrate on the actual topic.

kronik if you can't understand "my language" then go and learn english!!! i find your comments offensive so i expressed my view.:)

A reminder to all those discussing the issue of Sonia Gandhi, Arjun Singh, and related stuff:

Please recall that this thread is for discussing J&K Projects and Development. Let's not inject all this non-related discussion here.

Unless it's a healthy disagreement related to the actual topic of the thread, it would be a good idea to discuss such disagreements via PM so that others can concentrate on the actual topic.

my friend, a reaction to a post that has been posted on a thread is a natural thing, and should not be curtailed. Three posts reacting to a newsitem usually do not derail a thread.

But I will not speak on this further. I am sorry I offended you, Jodhpur, but I stand by my hatred for Congress and its Gandhi cronies.

hey kronik and everybody lets forget about everything hapened and afterall we are all from the samecountry so it dosen't look good if we argue... so be happy and enjoy the development in jammu and kasmir:banana:

Great! that should be the spirit :cheers:

cool, another institution named after the family.

People in India must be witnessing a shameless Arjun Singh groveling in front of Sonia Gandhi and telling the media how he has pledged his loyalty to the Gandhi-Nehru family.

Bloody slave.

I see nothing wrong in this comment. Sonia Gandhi is no different from lot of Indians living outside India and facing cultural issues. Stop treating her liking a demi-god . She is just an ordinary Italian before she married Rajiv and let her be treated like an ordinary Italian Indian now. India has come a long way after Independence and people like Arjun Singh should act maturely .

meanwhile...

Dubai firm to invest $500 mn in Kashmir tourism (http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/dubai-firm-to-invest-500-mn-in-kashmir-tourism_10050676.html)

Dubai, May 20 (IANS) The UAE-based Pride Group Holdings has announced that it would invest over $500 million in the tourism sector of India’s Jammu & Kashmir while enabling the creation of up to 2,500 jobs. “We intend to launch four mega projects in Kashmir, with standards similar to those of the best hotels and resorts around the world,” Pride chairman Musadiq Shah said in a statement after a meeting with Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism secretary Naeem Akhtar.

“Our intention is to help revive Kashmir’s tourism and hospitality industry and portray the region as a benchmark in global hospitality,” said Shah, who originally hails from Kashmir.

The four mega projects would be launched in Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Tanmarg, according to the statement here.

“These properties will be operated in strategic partnership with renowned operators IL&FS and Colliers International,” it said.

All the projects would offer five star levels of service and facilities.

The resort in Tanmarg would be the most high-end project, with Pride Group modeling it after the best ski resorts in Aspen, Colorado, the statement added.

The first of the projects would be ready by 2010.

“In addition to the investment factor, Pride Resorts will also contribute in creating up to 2,500 direct employment opportunities in the region and at least 10,000 indirect opportunities as a result,” Shah said.

GAIL India to sign gas pipeline deal with J&K govt soon (http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/B554010D057DF80965257451003E5512?OpenDocument)

Jammu, May 22 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir Government will soon sign an agreement with public sector GAIL India for setting up city gas distribution network in eight districts.

GAIL submitted the revised and final draft MoU to the state in March this year in connection with the project. The proposal has been studied by the law department and final touches have been given to it, official sources told PTI.

The law department has also suggested certain modifications to the final draft, they said.

The project will help in promoting usage of natural gas, its fractions and polymer products. Subsequently, Compressed Natural Gas would be introduced in the state for automobile use.

During the past few years, the company conducted techno-economic feasibility studies based on gas demand, potential and geographical distribution of gas and allied facilities in the state.

Sidco would act as the nodal agency for facilitating and coordinating the activities of GAIL in the state during the course of implementation of the project. The MoU will envisage setting up of a nine-member co-ordination group that will meet once a month to co-ordinate the activities and set a timeframe for implementation of project.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/5545/md1kc0.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/4158/md2ee0.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/3928/mdhy9.jpg

Designed by Achal Kataria Architects, the 225,000 sq ft Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence has been designed to accommodate a 200 bed facility, housing primary. The whole complex is comprising with Housing facility for Sr & Jr Staff, Recreational area, Landscaped lawn, Hospice, Patient Inn, Dharamshala and shopping area.

SAIL picks Pulwama as site for Rs.300cr steel plant (http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c_online.php?leftnm=10&bKeyFlag=IN&autono=38887)

Public sector undertaking Steel Authority of India (SAIL) will open a Rs 300-crore plant in Pulwama. Construction of the steel plant will begin as soon as SAIL bags a no-objection certificate from the pollution control board of the J&K state government, Union Minister for Steel Ram Vilas Paswan said here today.

"We are waiting for a no-objection certificate from the PCB. As soon as we receive it, we will lay the foundation stone for the project," Paswan said. His ministry had earlier conveyed to the state government that it would like to commence work on the plant in May, he said, adding that it has been delayed by non-issue of the certificate.

The leader said the plant, set up at a cost of Rs 300 crore, would open a lot of direct and indirect job opportunities for local youth.

SAIL picks Pulwama as site for Rs.300cr steel plant (http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c_online.php?leftnm=10&bKeyFlag=IN&autono=38887)

That is a very good news! New industries and employment will help contain the terrorism and bring people into the mainfold.

Kashmir's longest bridge ready for use (http://www.kashmirlive.com/story/Kashmirs-longest-bridge-ready-for-use/318559.html)
Srinagar, June 4: Bemina bridge, stated to be the longest bridge in Kashmir, will be thrown open to the public next week, officials have said.

The 250 m long bridge at Bemina in the city has been completed at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crores, officials said on Tuesday.

Work on the bridge was started in 1988 but could not be completed due to eruption of militancy in 1988-89 in the state, they said, adding the work was restarted a year ago by the coalition government.

Meanwhile, District Development Commissioner Budgam Farooq Ahmed Renzu along with officers of army engineering division inspected Goripora Bridge in the district, which had mysteriously collapsed during winter in 2008.

The bridge was launched 10 years ago by the Army.

The Deputy Commissioner said a new steel bridge would be made operational next week to replace the damaged bridge. The DDC advised on spot the executive agencies for upgradation of the road from Bemina bridge to Goripora.

I was surprised that at a mere 250m, it will be the longest bridge in region. I think this fact speaks volumes about the development that has happened so far in the area (or rather the lack of it). Hope there will be more and more developments soon in the area.

very nice. I like the architecture here.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/5545/md1kc0.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/4158/md2ee0.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/3928/mdhy9.jpg

Designed by Achal Kataria Architects, the 225,000 sq ft Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence has been designed to accommodate a 200 bed facility, housing primary. The whole complex is comprising with Housing facility for Sr & Jr Staff, Recreational area, Landscaped lawn, Hospice, Patient Inn, Dharamshala and shopping area.

I came across the following by chance:

Detailed Engineering and Upgradation of Road From Two to Four Lanes in Mountainous Range
Louis Berger Group Inc
A mountainous, 130 km, two-lane highway connecting Kashmir to the rest of India is to be widened at an estimated cost of $545 million. The existing highway passes through steep terrains and complex geological conditions. Rock nets, gabion walls, stone masonry walls, rock bolting, and various other techniques will address the threat of the unstable strata. The design includes about 2,000 curves and the longest roadway tunnel in India.

This is apparently from 2006 as is evident from the link at http://www.bentley.com/sa-IN/Promo/BE+Awards+South+Asia/Civil/2006+Civil.htm

Does someone have any additional information on this project ??

wow all this stuff sounds huge (rail link, road link). all we need now is more movement (we need kashmiris to move into the rest of india to get integrated and biharis to move into kashmir to reconstruct the place and south indians to move into kashmir to bring good governance).

Does someone have any additional information on this project ??

That's for widening NH1A

Srinagar airport will be ready by the end of July: Yechury (http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/04/stories/2008060461391700.htm)

SRINAGAR: Modernisation work is on at a fast pace at the Srinagar airport, which is being upgraded to international status and it will be ready for inauguration by the end of July, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said here on Tuesday.

“Airports Authority of India officials have told me that the Srinagar airport, which is being upgraded to international status, will be ready by the end of July,” he said adding “after that the way for international flights coming to Kashmir will be open.”

Joint venture project to generate 2,100 MW in J&K (http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/08/stories/2008060855231000.htm)

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) will soon sign a memorandum of understanding on a joint venture in power projects in the State to generate 2,100 MW, Union Minister of State for Power and Commerce Jairam Ramesh said here on Saturday.

The State will get 62 per cent share in the power produced by these projects, the Minister said after discussions with the officials of JKPDC to work out the details about the MoU.

“The MoU is likely to be signed by the end of this month,” he said adding that the draft was ready.

“The Pakaldul is the major project in Doda, which will be covered under the MoU and has the capacity of 1200 MW. The Keero and the Kawar are the other projects,” he said.

J-K to spend Rs 500 crore on infrastructure projects (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/3111241.cms)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government is spending Rs 500 crore to raise 40 important infrastructure projects including construction of roads and bridges in Kashmir division, a senior official said here on Sunday.

Work has already started on 32 projects, Mehboob Iqbal, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir said while addressing a meeting convened here to review the pace of work on the road and bridge projects.

Iqbal said adding Rs 278 crore are being spend on 16 road projects while the economic reconstruction agency is incurring Rs 42 crore on construction of 17 bridges.

Officials should synergize their efforts to ensure timely completion of these projects, he said.

Work on four water supply schemes has also been taken up to provide augmented water supply in Srinagar while work is apace on three sewerage projects. These projects are estimated to cost Rs 189.58 crore, Iqbal said.

At a separate meeting, the Divisional Commissioner reviewed the pace of beautification of river Jhelum on which Rs 25.55 crore are being spent.

That's for widening NH1A

My first thoughts were the same, mainly due to (indirect) mention of the Jawahar road tunnel. But then I saw that the article mentioned about only 130 kms, whereas the distance from Jammu to Srinagar is about 300 kms. So does it means that the whole stretch is not being widened? If so, then which stretch is getting widened here?

So does it means that the whole stretch is not being widened? If so, then which stretch is getting widened here?

Eventually the entire NH1A (Jalandhar-Srinagar) will be four laned under the NS highway programme. One possibility is that NHAI could have bifurcated the design job for the Jammu-Srinagar section amongst 2 firms and Bentley solutions is one of them. They generally break down projects inorder to speeden it up.

Thanks IU, that makes sense.

BTW, what is the NS highway program? Are you referring to the NHDP here, or is it some separate program?

BTW, what is the NS highway program? Are you referring to the NHDP here, or is it some separate program?

The North-South highway program is part of the NHDP. You can check it out in this map --> http://nhai.org/images/june06/a4_m.jpg

Different highways that connect Srinagar with Kanyakumari (TN) will be 4/6 laned just like the golden quad. Similarly the highways from Porbandar (GJ) to Silchar (Assam) will be 4/6 laned forming the East-West corridor.

J-K attracting private investment for industrial promotion (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/3120715.cms)The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday said it is wooing private sector investment for promotion of industries in the state.

The central assistance and private sector investment, which is being roped in, for industrial growth are being channelised at various level, Industries and Commerce Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora said while interacting with the management and workers of government spinning mill at Nowshehra near here.

The mill has been made functional after three years by arranging raw material and necessary equipment.

Jora said the state is focussing on the development of micro and macro industries in the state.

Work on Kishanganga project will be expedited


Work on the 300 mega watt Kishanganga power project in Jammu and Kashmir near line of control will be expedited as Pakistan is also constructing a power project on the same river in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, Union Minister of State for Power Jairam Ramesh said here today.

"The work on the 300 Mega Watt Kishanganga power project is in advanced stage. We need to speed up the work on the project as Pakistan is also constructing a power project on the river with Chinese assistance," Ramesh told reporters here.

He said the power project was based on 'run of the water' and did not involve storage of water at any stage.

Asked about the rationale behind constructing two projects on the same river when one of the two will not be viable, Ramesh said the project had great strategic and foreign policy implications.

"I am sure Prime Minister Manmohan Singh must have given a thought to it."

He said only the Prime Minister or the External Affairs Minister would be able to comment on the issue.

"However, we are determined to implement the project which was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2007," he added.

On the Baglihar power project, Ramesh said the first phase of the project will be commission by March next year.

"150 MW will be in the stream by August this year, 150 MW in October and another 150 MW in December, but in power sector, what is on paper is not necessarily what happens," he said.

source economictimes.com (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Energy/Power/Work_on_Kishanganga_project_will_be_expedited__Ramesh/articleshow/3109311.cms)

Status of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project as on June 10

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/330/1bhy9.jpg

Co to set up Rs 1 cr TV assembling unit in Kashmir (http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=13_6_2008&ItemID=21&cat=5)


ZUBAIR A. DAR

Srinagar, June 12: Kashmir’s first television manufacturing company, Global Electronic Industries, is establishing an automatic facility for television assembling here. The facility is likely to gain the company contracts from well-established television brands controlling a good market share across India.

The assembling unit, coming at a cost of Rs one crore, is likely to start its operations within six months. “It will be a fully automatic plant. Other companies can outsource their assembling jobs to us once the plant starts operating,” says Tufail Hamid Mir, proprietor of Global Electronic Industries.

Mir, who started his company with the manufacture of transformers in 1998, now controls one and a half crore rupees business. After his success with transformer business, the company went on to launch its assembled brands of TV in 2004. Two years later, the company had already hit the market with the cheapest brand of LCDs, thus giving stiff competition to established LCD brands.

“Global is one among the fastest growing companies in Kashmir. I believe it will be a great asset in near future and also become a good employment provider, both directly and indirectly,” said Parvaiz Ahmad Raina, functional manager in Industries Department.

Global at present produces 7,000 televisions per year and sells at around 700 units per month – 400 in Kashmir and 300 exported to Leh, Kargil and Jammu. After the plant is established, Tufail says, the production per year shall rise to more than 10,000 television sets in one year.

“More employment opportunities will also be generated. We hope to employ 25 percent more employees,” says Mir, adding that his company at present employs 25 youth.

The entrepreneur regards the decision to establish an automatic plant as a big leap for his company. Tufail, who invested into the company after closing his travel agency in Delhi, says he wants to take the Global brand to every part of India and abroad as well.

“For this, we are establishing a network. Hope we succeed,” says Mir. “I started this company with just 15,000 rupees. I have seen many ups and downs and learnt a lot. I believe that one needs to take an initiative and then only ways open for you, he adds.

Mir, who at present produces around 40 different products – ranging from transformers to LCDs and televisions to DVD players – says that his is the first electronics company supplying goods to Jammu.

“And we receive few complaints. Maximum complaints are about short circuit in TV fuses. It happens because of power fluctuations,” says Mir. “And we send a person for repairing the fuse to every home from where the complaint comes.”

Mir believes that youth can aim to create their own destiny by stopping to rely on government jobs.
Mir has a message for youth: “Do not run after government employment. Use your talent and skill to canoe your own boat.”

^^
Nice to read about such entrepreneurs and their success stories.

However just a little aside here ... he sells 700 units per month, making it 8400 units per year. But he produces only 7000 per year. The math here doesn't matches :lol:

J&K floats global tender for 690 MW hydro power project (http://steelguru.com/news/index/2008/06/22/NTE3Mzc%3D/J%252526K_floats_global_tender_for_690_MW_hydro_power_project.html)

PTI reported that Jammu & Kashmir government has floated global tenders for setting up of 690 MW rattle power project in Kishtwar district of the state, in tune with the new hydro electric power policy on river Chenab.

Jammu & Kashmir Power Development Corporation sources said that "After formation of the new hydro electric power policy to tap power generation potential of river Chenab, JKPDC has floated global tenders for construction of biggest 690 MW rattle power project on river in Kishtwar." They added that the project would be awarded to the successful bidder fulfilling all proposed parameters.

J&K ties up with MNCs to boost vegetable cultivation

Buoyed by a record vegetable production of about 7 lakh tones last year valued at Rs 700 crore, the Jammu and Kashmir government is roping in MNC firms to buy the products in bulk which would help to boost cultivation and marketing Ianthe region.

About 1.25 lakh tones of off-season vegetables valued at about Rs. 150 crore have been exported from the valley last year and those worth rs 175 crore are expected to be exported this year, Principal Secretary Agricultural Production Sonali Kumar said on Sunday.

Kumar, who inspected the vegetable nurseries in Budgam district, said the area is fast emerging as a vegetable production centre in the valley.

Kumar also inspected some floriculture units in the district set up by progressive entrepreneurs after getting training from the Entrepreneurship Development Institute.

She said 100 polygreen houses have been sanctioned for growers at subsidized rates to encourage cultivation of vegetables and floriculture.

source economictimes.com (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Economy/Agriculture/JK_ties_up_with_MNCs_to_boost_vegetable_cultivation/articleshow/3255443.cms)

Srinagar Int'l Airport to be ready within a month: Patel (http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Srinagar-Intl-Airport-to-be-ready-within-a-month-Patel/343370/)

After missing two deadlines, the Srinagar International Airport is expected to be made operational in less than a month, with Air India scheduled to operate the first overseas commercial flight from Srinagar to Dubai.

"The work on the airport will be completed within a month. Direct flights will be started to the Gulf in the beginning," Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told reporters after reviewing the progress of work.

More overseas flights would be added later on depending on the demand.

The executing agency has so far missed two deadlines -- April 15 and June 30.

The minister also said that an instrument landing system (ILS) would be installed at the airport here, once the Indian Air Force that administers the facility gives its nod.

Patel said Jammu and Kashmir has seen the biggest increase in air traffic growth in terms of percentage over the past three to four years.

"Growth of Air traffic has been more in Jammu and Kashmir compared to the rest of the country. The state is already on priority of improving the infrastructure and we will do whatever is required," he said.

He said Rs 250 crore has been sanctioned for modernizing the Jammu airport, while Rs 112 crore has been sanctioned for expansion works at the Leh airport.

Plans are also afoot to operationalise an abandoned air strip at Kishtwar.

The minister said he will take up with the Prime Minister and Home Ministry, the issue of starting helicopter services to connect remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K Govt approves Rs 555.03 crore for water supply schemes

Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved Rs 555.03 crore for under Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) in the valley, an official spokesman said here on Sunday.
He said the new water supply scheme will cover 1199 habitations and benefit 10.84 lakh population.
Under the ARWSP, 21 schemes are being completed this year at a cost of Rs 40.67 crore in order to provide potable water facility to 40,000 people in 44 habitations, he said.
In addition, 54 water supply schemes are expected to be completed during the current financial year under the Phase IV of the ARWSP to provide drinking water to about 2.62 lakh souls in 251 habitations, the spokesman added.

source economictimes.com (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Economy/Infrastructure/Govt_approves_Rs_55503_crore_for_water_supply_schemes/articleshow/3321158.cms)

'J&K agitation costs its industry Rs 1,500 cr' (http://www.financialexpress.com/news/J&K-agitation-costs-its-industry-Rs-1-500-cr/348478/)

Economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir has been severely impacted due to the ongoing agitation in the region, resulting in a loss of Rs 1,500 crore to the state's industry in the past couple of weeks, Assocham said.

Among the sectors worst hit by the agitation and state-wide protests are tourism, silk, hosiery, carpets, handicrafts, fruits, tourism, forest-based and herbal products, the chamber said.

"If the agitation continues, Jammu and Kashmir's economy will suffer a major jolt as investors that have committed over Rs 5,000 crore worth of investment for 2008-09 would venture into neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh," Assocham President Sajjan Jindal said.

The region has witnessed several violent protests during the last few days over the Amarnath land transfer row.

The industries have also not been able to fulfill their respective export commitments. Exports from the region have declined by about 30 per cent in view of the ongoing agitation, due to which movement of goods, particularly fruit and other items has come to a standstill, he said.

In an appeal to political parties, Jindal said efforts should be made to arrive at an amicable solution for restoring normalcy in the state. With law and order improving in the state in the past few years, investment proposals by companies had grown 10-fold from around 200 million dollar in 2001 to more than 2,300 million dollar in 2007.

While this investment could multiply manifold, such agitations discourage investors and threaten the peace in the region. According to recent study by the chamber, fresh investments of Rs 28,000 crore were expected to flow in Jammu and Kashmir by 2012, creating employment opportunities for 25 lakh people.

Unrest in J&K costs industry Rs 5k cr: Assocham (http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Unrest-in-J&K-costs-industry-Rs-5k-cr-Assocham/352527/)

Social and political upheaval in Jammu and Kashmir during the past two months has cost its industry dearly, leading to losses of over Rs 5,000 crore, industry body Assocham has said.

The sectors worst hit by the agitation are tourism, carpet, cottage, dry fruits and food processing industries.

The state has witnessed widespread protests and agitation due to the Amarnath Shrine Board land transfer row.

The chamber said if the current situation remains unchanged, exports from the state would be adversely affected adding that efforts should be made to find an amicable solution to solve the crisis.

"What is needed is restoration of the dialogue process to bring the state back to normalcy," Assocham General Secretary D S Rawat said.

The first ever train service is due to open on Saturday in the disputed territory of Kashmir, claimed by both India and Pakistan. The line is in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir and could have a dramatic impact on people's lives. The BBC's Geeta Pandey has been to see the work in progress.
Finishing touches are being given at this spanking new railway station in Ompura town in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The granite on the walls is being brightened and the floor is being polished.
As you enter the station, you see the gleaming new platform and the railway tracks. Behind the station, parked in the shed, is the brand new train.
A dozen gun-toting personnel of the paramilitary Railway Protection Force keep a watch.
Ompura, in Budgam district, is a station on the soon-to-be-opened railway line in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The rail link will connect Baramullah town in the north with Qazigund in the south - a distance of 73 miles (117km).
Trial run
Railway officials say the line would be ready by the summer of 2009, but a 44-mile (72km) stretch from Anantnag to Rajwansher via Srinagar is ready and the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is due to inaugurate it on 11 October.
"A trial run with the speed of 110km (68 miles) has been completed and we are ready to go," said a senior official of the Indian Railways Construction Company (Ircon) which is running the project.
The project was first announced in 2,000 and has been eight years in the making.

Constructed at the cost of $466m (20bn rupees), it is the first railway project to join the dots between the various parts of Kashmir Valley.
Ircon officials say the project "will transform the region", bringing development to some of the remotest areas of Indian-administered Kashmir.
"At the moment, it takes three hours to travel by road from Qazigund to Srinagar. The train will do the same distance in 45 minutes," a senior official said.
"It will be useful for students who will be able to travel to Srinagar easily. It will also be a boon to those who need to get to the hospital in the capital city in a medical emergency," he said.
Residents of villages and towns along the track agree.
"Once it becomes operational, the train will definitely help us a lot," said Mohammad Yaseen who lives in Baramullah.
Most ambitious
"It will hugely cut down on our travel time and the authorities have said the fares will be kept low, so it will be good for us," he said.
The railway project is one of the most ambitious undertaken by Indian railways.
More than 5,000 workers, headed by hundreds of civil engineers, toiled for years to lay the tracks, build 900 bridges - including 100 major ones - and construct dozens of platforms.

Finishing touches are being given at the railway station in Ompura
But the biggest challenge, officials say, was building the network through some of the areas worst affected by the last two decades of insurgency by militants trying to end Indian rule in Kashmir.
Tight security was provided at the work sites with the police and paramilitary troops deployed in large numbers, but the security cordon was still breached on more than one occasion.
"One of our engineers was kidnapped in 2005 along with his brother and they were killed," a senior Ircon official said.
"Our workers were attacked many times by militants. And every time the labourers were attacked, they would all run away, making it difficult for the work to go on."
Kashmir's inhospitable terrain and harsh winters also posed problems for the project.
Symbolic
"Kashmir's winters are too harsh for the outdoor work, which meant in a year effectively the work could go on only for five months," the official said.
However, some in Kashmir say the railway link is more symbolic and will not have much impact on how people live and commute here.

The train has had a successful trial run
"It is most probably a train for tourists. The coaches have big glass windows from where tourists can have a good unrestricted view of Kashmir's beautiful landscape," says Mubeen Shah, president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Says the state's former deputy chief minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig, "The train will provide a degree of comfort. But it will not be as dramatic as a railway link with the rest of the country."
That, say Ircon officials, is part two of the project which will connect the track at Qazigund with Udhampur in the south. And the rest of India.
But that stretch is many more years in the making.
:cheers:

Doing up downtown Srinagar
M Saleem Pandit | TNN


Downtown Srinagar. Five lakh people, living in chaotic congestion along the banks of the winding Jhelum, in a 2.58 sq km area. This is where the Kashmir storm rages, where ‘‘azadi’’ slogans rent the air and stones are thrown at policemen and government vehicles almost every day. This is where journalists go looking for ‘‘hard news’’.

Downtown Srinagar shapes the perception of Kashmir outside the Valley. It gets disproportionate media attention considering that the Valley has more than 54 lakh people spread out over 15,500 sq km.

But now, this perception game is joined. Chief minister Omar Abdullah has readied an ambitious makeover plan for ‘‘downtown Srinagar’’, as the older parts of the city are called. Abdullah told TOI that he will soon roll out the plan, which aims to clear the choked waterways, restore heritage homes, rebuild gardens and walks and basically restore its ‘‘traditional beauty’’.

But beautification may not win over the area’s restive, often unemployed youth — the vanguard of the protest movement fanned by separatist leaders such as Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Farooq as they compete for youth support.

Abdullah appears to have realized this and has consequently made reviving Srinagar’s old commercial hub a key feature of his makeover plan. Its bustling bazars — with shops laden with dry fruits, saffron, papier mache dolls, ‘‘namdas’’ of rough wool and ‘‘kaleens’’ of the finest silk — once attracted every visitor to the city. Can they ever be brought back? Reviving handicrafts will give youths jobs: Omar

Reviving Srinagar’s old commercial hub in downtown Srinagar has a long way to go. Right now, tourists are actively discouraged from going to this ‘‘troublesome’’ part of town. It’s been like this for two decades now, ever since militancy gained ground in Kashmir. To this day, when militancy is on a decline, the mood of downtown Srinagar is more often than not sullen, if not hostile, towards the state.

So, it’s not exactly easy for Omar Abdullah’s project of makeover of downtown Kashmir to succeed. It will require not just money, but creative engagement with the residents of this area. He said the unrest among the youth of the old city could be arrested by setting up the handicraft sale centres and by creating other business opportunities for residents.

Downtown Srinagar used to be dotted with copper shops, overflowing with copperware. It still has many. Kashmiris mostly use copper for tableware — even hukka bases are made of copper. Copperware is at times unpatterned, and at times in bas relief or richly engraved. Omar proposes to provide help to copper artisans of the area in order to revive the trade and attract tourists. He added families involved in weaving shawls and tapestries could be given soft loans. How far will he succeed in his grand plan? It’s difficult to tell but you sure hope he succeeds.

Source - Times of India

This is good news , downtown Srinagar is really down trodden and dirty , a makeover has been years in the making.

^^
Nice to read about such entrepreneurs and their success stories.

However just a little aside here ... he sells 700 units per month, making it 8400 units per year. But he produces only 7000 per year. The math here doesn't matches :lol:
he is weak in maths,just ignore it:lol:

FULL-STEAM AHEAD
After many delays, J&K rail link finally on track

Sameer Arshad | TNN

Banihal: The much-delayed rail link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country may finally be on track with the Railways nearing completion of the longest and most challenging transport tunnel in the country — Pir Panjal tunnel — that would connect Qazigund in Valley with Banihal in Jammu region — a region where virtally no habitation or road existed before.

Railway Board’s member (engineering) Rakesh Chopra said of the 158 bridges and 20 tunnels connecting the Valley with the rest of the country, the 11 km Pir Panjal tunnel, with
the highest overburden of 1100 metres, was the most challenging aspect of the entire project.

‘‘The tunnel would come up 440 metres below the existing Jawahar road tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the only road link connecting Kashmir with the outside world,’’ he said. Thanks to the new Austrian tunneling method, the tunnel commissioned to be completed in seven years would be ready two years ahead of the schedule in December 2010.

The tunnel’s completion would be a major boost to the project after the setback it faced due the controversy and delay surrounding the four-year-old project of building the world’s highest bridge on Chenab (359 metres), a crucial part of the railway line last year. The work on the bridge was stopped after a belated discovery that it was unfeasible as the gorge in a high-relief mountainous region was unstable to bear the load of the mega steel arch. Chopra said that unlike the conventional method of mining on the either ends, tunneling work in this case was being done from more than two sides.He said that work on the tunnel’s 8.5 km stretch had been completed and the rest 3.5 km would be completed by late next year. The use of ‘‘road header along with the deepest drill holes for geo-technical investigations’’ are among several firsts used in the Pir Panjal tunnels mining, coming at the cost of Rs 647 crore.

Times of India.

BLESSING IN DISGUISE
Rail link clears roadblocks to J&K development

Sameer Arshad | TNN

Banihal: The Indian Railways may be under fire for rushing through the high-profile tracks connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country without proper surveys, but the project has come as a blessing for the people here. Indeed, it has radically changed the lives of around 40,000 people along the 150km stretch between the Pir Panjal range and Reasi by constructing roads and building infrastructure for the first time since Independence. Pir Panjal is at a height of 13,500 feet.

Northern Railways chief administrative officer R K Gupta said the railways have connected 60 hamlets in the area with the mainland by constructing around 260km of roads. ‘‘Before this the people here hadn’t even seen a vehicle,’’ he said. ‘‘They used to trek to far off places for medicines and other basic needs.’’ The area where roads have been built is between Reasi and Bakal along the Chenab. ‘‘The roads on both sides of Chenab were constructed to take men and material to project sites. On Bakal side, we’ve also constructed a 500 m tunnel that has cut distance between Reasi and Bakal by 12 km,’’ said Gupta, adding that buses have started plying in the area.

A local resident, Mohammad Din, said the people of the region were amazed by these developments. ‘‘We now have mobile phones and access to hospitals and schools thanks to the roads,’’ he said. Another resident Mohammad Taskeen said the project has been a boon for business and also changed their social life. ‘‘Earlier, people used to marry within Reasi, but now we’re been finding relations in distant places like Ramban and Batote,’’ he said.

The connectivity has provided farmers with markets for their agricultural produce in Jammu and Srinagar. ‘‘People have set up shops and bought vehicles,’’ said Taskeen, and added, ‘‘We also have access to medical facilities at the district headquarters and on either side of the Banihal pass.’’

‘‘We have helped build a school in Sangaldan,’’ said Gupta, adding that the railways are operating another school in the area from their building. ‘‘We’ll construct the building once the state government gives us the land,’’ he said. The project has generated direct employment for one person from 75% households that lost land to the project. The railways will maintain these roads even after the project is over.







Times of India

Tunnel-80 by 2010 (http://www.projectsmonitor.com/NEWPROJECTS/tunnel80-by-2010)

Northern Railways, which is building the longest railway tunnel, called Tunnel-80, connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, will complete the entire project by 2010. The railways have used the New Austrian Tunnelling Method of tunnelling technology for the project that has already saved two years of work. The cost of the project is around Rs 647 crore.
Nearly two-third of the project work related to drilling of the tunnel is complete. The tunnel will run around 440m below Jawahar Tunnel, the only surface link between Kashmir and rest of India at the moment. A 3.5-km long stretch of tunnelling and drilling work remains and this is expected to complete next year.
The rail link project running through the Pir Panjal range is the world's highest railway structure-five times the height of Delhi's Qutub Minar.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090907/jsp/frontpage/story_11460483.jsp


Chug to Kashmir through India’s longest tunnel
MUZAFFAR RAINA
A train comes out of the Wushaoling tunnel in China

Srinagar, Sept. 6: Jammu and Kashmir is bracing for a rare feat: the opening of the country’s longest railway tunnel that will realise the century-old dream of connecting the Valley with the rest of India by train.

Eight kilometres of the 11km tunnel have been completed, and it is set to be opened for traffic by December next year. The tunnel will run from Qazigund in the Valley to Banihal in Jammu, boring through the mighty Pir Panjal mountains.

It will be Asia’s second-largest tunnel, behind only the 20km Wushaoling tunnel in Gansu, northwest China, easily beating India’s current longest, the 6.5km Karbude tunnel of the Konkan Railway.

“This is surely an engineering marvel,” said Colonel Parminder Singh, assistant general manager of Ircon, the railway ministry arm constructing the tunnel. “We have completed 4.5km from the Banihal side and 3.5km from the Qazigund side. We are now in the last stage of the project.”

The Rs 647-crore project will cap another milestone by the railways — the 119km stretch from Baramulla in north Kashmir to Qazigund in south Kashmir, which became operational a few months ago.

However, a Valley resident who catches a train from Baramulla or Srinagar and arrives in Banihal will then have to ride a bus or car to Udhampur before he can take a train again to travel deeper into India. The railway stretch from Banihal to Udhampur is yet to be completed.

Work on the tunnel began six years ago simultaneously with the Qazigund-Baramulla stretch after then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced a 292km rail link between Baramulla and Udhampur, connecting the Valley with the rest of country, a project conceived more than 100 years ago.

When completed, it would be a viable alternative to the 300km Jammu-Srinagar highway, on which travel is risky but which is now the only surface link between Kashmir and the rest of India.

The Rs 11,000-crore rail link is divided into three sections — Udhampur-Katra, Katra-Qazigund and Qazigund-Baramulla. The third stretch alone stands completed and is operational.

The remaining two sections pass through difficult terrain and will have numerous tunnels and bridges, including the world’s highest bridge, 359 metres high and 1.3km long, over the river Chenab.

Only when these two sections are complete will the dream of a long-distance train chugging into the Valley from mainland India be realised. Work on the Katra-Qazigund stretch, however, was stopped last year after some experts raised doubts about the track alignment.

But work on the Qazigund-Banihal tunnel has continued uninterrupted, and care is being taken to provide it with modern drainage, fire-fighting and ventilation facilities. The tunnel has a three-metre-wide road running parallel to the tracks to deal with emergencies.

Construction is being done following the Austrian tunnelling method, first used in India for the Delhi Metro. The method involves the integration of surrounding soil formations into a ring-like support structure.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090907/jsp/frontpage/story_11460483.jsp

Don't they have problems while tunneling ?. Two tunnels between Udhampur and Katra had serious problems and they are struggling to find a solution. Wonder such a long tunnel had no problems. If any body has any further information on this tunnel or want to post additional information are welcome.

Lots of railway tunnels are coming up... i visited the Banihal tunnel being constructed by HCC for IRCON...the total length is 13 Km approx....around 10-11 kms is done..In sangaldan Afcons is constructing a tunnel for KONKAN railway...they work has been at a good pace and they gave us a purchase order on our visit..this was my first sales order :)...

There has been a big problem of cement in J&K...in the banihal site there was non-availability of OPC cement which gives quite good strength while shotcreting..they were doing shotcreting using PPC cement...the price per kg of cement has been increasing and the railway freights have given a lower priority of transporting cement.

Lots of railway tunnels are coming up... i visited the Banihal tunnel being constructed by HCC for IRCON...the total length is 13 Km approx....around 10-11 kms is done..In sangaldan Afcons is constructing a tunnel for KONKAN railway...they work has been at a good pace and they gave us a purchase order on our visit..this was my first sales order :)...

There has been a big problem of cement in J&K...in the banihal site there was non-availability of OPC cement which gives quite good strength while shotcreting..they were doing shotcreting using PPC cement...the price per kg of cement has been increasing and the railway freights have given a lower priority of transporting cement.

It is exciting to see the comments posted by JJain. Thanks for the Info. Do you have any latest photo updates on the tunnel T80 and other tunnels and bridges being constructed in the Katra-Qazigund stretch.

Jammu, March 27(Scoop News) -- The J&K Government is looking forward to harness solar energy to provide power supply to the people in mountainous areas of Nobra and Zanskar in the Leh region.

Minister for Tourism, Rigzin Jora, gave this information, in reply to a question by Tsetan Namgyal. The Minister said that the Science & Technology Department, which work as Nodal Agency for Union Ministry for Renewable Energy, has conducted a survey for taking up the solar energy project in the twin border areas of Nobra and Zanskar.
The Minister also gave details about the electrification of villages being carried out in the Nobra area. He also gave the details about Micro hydel projects proposed for the area.



In reply to the questions of Ashwani Kumar and Sofi Abdul Gaffar, clubbed with this question, the Minister gave details about the status of power development works in their respective constituencies In reply to another question of Nizam-u-Din Bhat, the Minister gave details about the measures suggested by the Environment Impact Assessment Study for mitigating any adverse impact on the environment due to the construction of the Kishan Ganga Hydel Project. Rigzin Jora, while replying to supplimentaries on a series of similar questions raised, during Question Hour, here today. The Minister said that the consultancy would conduct a comprehensive survey in all the three regions of the State and suggest measures to harness the tourist potential more optimally.



Responding to the demands of the Members, the Minister said that the provisions allow for expanding the scope and jurisdiction of a particular Development Authority, on the public demand. He said that it was the prime objective of the Government to expand the scope of the vital tourism industry to every potential area and various measures are being taken in this regard. In reply to the question of Ashok Kumar, the Minister said that the Government has contacted Goa Institute of Water Sports for survey and consultancy to recommend measures for promoting Water Sports in Baglihar Dam Lake. He also gave details about the tourism infrastructure development works taken up in Sanasar and Batote areas.



In reply to another question by Mohammad Ashraf , the Minister said that there was no proposal for creating Sub-Division within Wullar- Manasbal. He, however, said that some more villages, having tourism potential are being included under the ambit of the Development Authority. The Minister also informed that the Tourism Department has spent Rs 19.45 lakh and Rs 4.07 lakh for developing facilities for visiting devotees at Baba Shakur-ud-Din Shrine and Tujar Sharief, respectively.



The Minister also gave a detailed resume of the tourism development activities in Tral area of the Kashmir Division and Bani Tehsil of the Jammu division, in reply to the clubbed questions of Mushtaq Ahmad Shah and Lal Chand Basharat Bukhari, Nizam-udin Bhat, Abdul Razak and Sayed Bashir raised supplimentaries on these questions


http://www.groundreport.com/Business/Solar-Energy-projects-for-Nobra-Zanskar-in-Ladakh-_2/2920694

Power Project Baglihar phase-II to be completed in 2014-15

Jammu, March 25 (Scoop News) – The Minister for Medical Education, R.S. Chib today said that a Project Report of Rs.2800 crore for construction of Baglihar Hydro Power Project stage-II has been prepared and the execution of this power project would be completed upto the financial year 2014-15.The Minister for Medical Education, R.S. Chib on behalf of the Minister for Power today informed the Legislative Council that all precautions and norms have been observed and undertaken while impounding of Baglihar Power Project reservoir.

Replying to a clubbed question by Naresh Kumar Gupta, B.R. Kundal and Vijay Bakaya, the Minister informed the House that the reservoir rim studies of Baglihar reservoir from Dam to Pul Doda were got conducted through Geological Survey of India (GSI), who have mentioned in their studies that both banks of River Chenab comprise mostly of rocks. He said the GSI has further reported that water in the river is restricted to the narrow gorge of river Chenab, except at places where major nallahs enter the river.

The Minister said that in view of the reports of GSI, the protection measures near banks of the river where not suggested. He, however, said the Soil Conservation Department has formulated a Baglihar Catchment Area Treatment Plan of Rs.15.96 crore to protect the uphill slope and stop the ingress of silt from the nallahs, draining the catchment, and so far the Department has spent Rs.7.57 crore on the Catchment Area Treatment Plan Project.The Minister said that in February 2009, a pre-existing slide at Assar got activated due to heavy and incessant rains, adding that except this slide, no more slides have occurred.
http://www.groundreport.com/Business/Power-Project-Baglihar-phase-II-to-be-completed-in_3/2920581

Jammu to have artificial lake by 2012 (http://www.ptinews.com/news/595507_Jammu-to-have-Rs-artificial-lake-by-2012--Minister)

Jammu, Apr 4 (PTI) To give a boost to tourism in the city, an artificial lake would be built along the river Tawi by 2012, Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Revenue Raman Bhalla said at a function here today.

"The artificial lake would also be completed by 2012 at a cost of Rs 25 crore," Bhalla said.

The government has also prepared a comprehensive plan to develop the Bagh-e-Bahu up to Harki Poodi temple on modern lines and Rs 90 lakh has been sanctioned for constructing view points, a pathway and widening of roads, he said.

Remote Kashmir roads to target militancy, provide jobs

This is one road less travelled in the over two decades of bloody militancy in troubled Jammu and Kashmir. But now the state government is focussing in a major way on road construction in remote mountain areas to not only create jobs and bring development but also help wipe out terrorism.

Of the nearly 2,200 road projects taken up by the state's roads and buildings department, 75 percent are remote and rural roads.

"We are focussing more on roads in remote areas as they help in wiping out militancy from there by providing easy accessibility to security forces," Roads and Buildings Minister Ghulam Mohammad Saroori told IANS in an interview.

The state government's mantra for the roads project is wiping out militancy, creating jobs and boosting the economy, besides promoting tourism.

Saroori said: "The centre has included Jammu and Kashmir also in the package that was granted to northeast states for construction of roads in insurgency-affected areas."

The move to have road projects in remote and rural areas has been discussed with union Road Transport and Highways Minister Kamal Nath, Saroori added.

"Now we are also focusing on roads in militancy-infested areas so that security forces reach there faster and the roads also boost the economy, provide jobs and bring development to the area," Saroori said.

Citing examples, the minister pointed out that road connectivity to remote areas like Sinthan, Anshan, Dachan, Marwah in Kishtwar district, Loran and Mandi in Poonch and many such areas in Rajouri, Doda, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua districts of the Jammu region and Kupwara, Baramulla, Shopian, Anantnag, Bandipore, in the Kashmir Valley "has helped us in clearing the area of militants".

The minister specifically mentioned vital road links like the 34 km-long link between Gool (in Reasi district of the Jammu region) with Kulgam (in south Kashmir), and the Kishtwar-Sinthan road (Jammu region).

"Both these roads are important from the security point of view as well because of the presence of militants in thick forests there. Militancy started waning as the road link came through."

Saroori noted that the 84 km-Mughal Road being built at a cost of Rs.639 crore would be one of the vital links between Kashmir Valley and the twin districts of Rajouri-Poonch in the Jammu region.

"The fair-weather road link is through and we will throw it open by June-July this year." This road too passes though thick mountainous forests which earlier offered a safe haven to militants.

With more road projects coming up in remote and rural areas, the local population was involved in the construction work, generating employment in the area.

"I have ordered that all big and small contractors be allotted work on merit, besides employing local labourers in the work," Saroori said.

The minister, referring to the recently constructed road from Kishtwar to Anshan, militancy-infested areas in Kishtwar, disclosed: "When I inaugurated the road, the people there were happy to see a bus for the first time. They had seen helicopters (used for security and evacuation purposes) but had not seen a bus."

With the construction of these roads in remote areas, food grains and supplies are expected to reach faster and people can also be provided medical facilities.

"You can imagine the remoteness of these areas where it takes a minimum of one day to reach the nearest motorable road."

Jammu and Kashmir state, most of which is tough and difficult mountainous terrain, has 25,000 km of roads, of which 12,000 km are fair-weather roads.

In the last financial year (2009-2010), the department has constructed 5,000 km of new roads at a cost of Rs.1

,http://www.littleabout.com/news/90242,remote-kashmir-roads-target-militancy-provide-jobs.html500 crore.

Third tunnel opens at Vaishno Devi shrine

JAMMU: With the opening of a third tunnel, waiting time for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine has been further cut. The tunnel is connected to the sanctum sanctorum of the cave shrine at a height of 5,200 feet above sea level.

On an average, the shrine attracts 25,000-30,000 pilgrims a day. This is one of the peak seasons for the pilgrims. And the rush is expected to rise further. Last year, the shrine got eight million pilgrims.

"We are expecting the number of pilgrims to touch 10 million in the next couple of years," Jammu and Kashmir tourism minister Rigzin Jora said on Wednesday.

The construction of the tunnel started two years ago and was completed in March this year.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Third-tunnel-opens-at-Vaishno-Devi-shrine-/articleshow/5839581.cms

India to restore telecom link from JK to Pakistan

Srinagar: In a bid to facilitate trade, the Government of India has cleared a proposal to permit international calls from Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan after a gap of 20 years, informed sources said. This facility will be confined to select trade centres.

The international subscriber dialling (ISD) facility to Pakistan from Jammu and Kashmir was withdrawn in 1990 following the outbreak of separatist violence, reports IANS.

The sources said the Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) would install ISD facilities in the offices of the District Development Commissioner (Poonch), the Manager of the District Industries Centre (Poonch), the custodian of Line of Control (LoC) trade in Salamabad in north Kashmir's Baramulla district and in the office of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Srinagar.

Traders in the state had been demanding a phone link between Jammu and Kashmir and Muzaffarabad, capital of the Pakistan-governed Kashmir, since cross-border trade began in 2008.

Presently, no one can make telephone calls from Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan.

http://www.igovernment.in/site/india-restore-telecom-link-jk-pakistan-37468

Chamba Bhaderwah road construction begins.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/18/stories/2007061801151400.htm
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100429/j&k.htm#5
At present a 50 km stretch of the Bhaderwah-Chamba road is traffic worthy till village Thanalla which is situated 22 km from Bhaderwah town. Thereafter the road is closed to traffic because of landslides caused by rains.

J&K gets Rs 6,000 crore plan, and a pat

Finally, when the plan discussions took place in New Delhi on Friday, Jammu and Kashmir had a lot to cheer about , Rs 6,000 crore plan allocation, and another Rs 1200 crore under Prime Minister Reconstruction Plan.

More than this was the appreciation of the state’s direction in steering the economic development in the challenging times.

Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahaluwalia complimented Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for providing a direction that would lead the state to new heights.

The state had been waiting for the plan allocation for over four months now. But when it was finally allocated today, there were smiles all around among the officials who had prepared the plan with meticulous details and precision .

Also came a pat for the Employment policy of the state. The policy makers in the planning commission told J&K delegation that they would like to emulate it at the national level.

In cool statistical terms, the Planning Commission approved the size of current year’s Annual Plan for J&K at Rs 6000 crore, a straight hike off 9 per cent, or Rs 500 crore more than the previous year’s allocation.

An additional Special Plan Assistance of Rs 4606 crore will be made available by the Centre to the State, over and above the State’s entitlement for fully funding the Plan.

Additionally, the State is going to receive Rs 1200 crore under Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan (PMRP).

The Planning Commission has conveyed its deep appreciation of the efforts being put in by the Coalition Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for translating development measures into concrete and positive outcomes.

In particular, the Planning Commission had a word of praise for the Chief Minister and his team for moving decisively on the reforms agenda—both in the Urban and Power sectoRs

Based on a considered assessment of the State’s resources during current year and a clear endorsement of the State Government’s requirement of pursuing a vibrant and effective developmental agenda, the Planning Commission today approved such a size of plan for the state, in need of extra pace of development both in building infrastructure.

It was a result of a shared theme of the Omar Abdullah Government and the Centre that the development was intrinsically linked to peace and prosperity of the state.

The violence of the past 20 years had ruined the infrastructure and also threw additional challenges of governance.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/J-amp-K-gets-Rs-6-000-crore-plan-and-a-pat/Article1-559763.aspx

Azad Stresses on added efforts to make Bhaderwah a vast tourist hub,Jammu Press boycotts
by Vijay Kumar June 16, 2010
http://www.groundreport.com/Media_and_Tech/Azad-Stresses-on-added-efforts-to-make-Bhaderwah-a_2/2924864

Bhaderwah/Jammu,June 16 (Scoop News) - Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad, today said that Bhaderwah has marched tremendously towards progress and prosperity during last few years thus occupying a significant place in national tourist map but still a lot needs to be done to make this place the most liked tourist hub of the country.

Referring to road connectivity of Bhaderwah with different parts of the District and neighboring state Himachal Pardesh, he said that with the upgradation and augmentation of Bhaderwah-Chamba and Bhaderwah– Bani–Basohli road, an alternate road connectivity, will certainly help in giving a fillip to tourism, trade and people to people contact. With the completion of these road projects the local made products and other items will get huge exposure in other parts of the country.

Basohli is in Kathua district near Jammu in J&K, Chamba is in Himachal pradesh..

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/7023/jkmappi7.jpg

Please post all news related to projects and development of J&K here.

___________________
Centre to introduce auto LPG, CNG in J&K (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Energy/Oil__Gas/Centre_to_introduce_auto_LPG_CNG_in_JK/articleshow/2131490.cms)



____________________

Ministry clears road project


Read On (http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/18/stories/2007061801151400.htm)

______________________
PM likely to inaugurate Srinagar international airport in Sep


Read On (http://www.newkerala.com/news5.php?action=fullnews&id=40947)

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http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/839/4082224578ee40f4446bdzk4.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=4082224578ee40f4446bdzk4.jpg)

A. Project Introduction
1. Jammu and Kashmir Urban Development Sector Project (JKUDSP) is under preparation for sector loan funding from the Asian Development Bank for improving infrastructure and municipal services in two municipal corporations and selected tourist centres within Jammu and Kashmir State. The two cities are Jammu and Srinagar. The tourist centres and other important towns initially selected for consideration are Patnitop (Jammu region), Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg (Kashmir region). The project will include investment in physical infrastructure plus proposals for capacity building and institutional strengthening of city and state authorities.
2. In accordance with ADB’s procedure for sector lending, a set of four sample subprojects have been selected in the two Project cities of Srinagar & Jammu for project preparation and processing in each of the four major urban sub-sectors namely – Water Supply, Sewerage, Solid Waste Management, and Urban Transport. Out of these four sample subprojects, two sample subprojects have been selected in Jammu city and two sample subprojects in Srinagar City.
3. Since the Project is mainly concentrated in the cities of Jammu and Srinagar, a very limited presence of IP households was noted in the socio-economic survey (SES) undertaken during the course of initial poverty and social analysis. No adverse impacts of the subprojects have been identified on the IP households in any of the sample subprojects. It would also be worthwhile to note that the IP households were positive about the subproject and did not feel that they will encounter any adverse socio-cultural or economic impacts as a result of the Project. The key benefits envisaged out of the Project mainly comprise of a sustained improvements in basic service provision within the cities of Jammu and Srinagar and other important towns. Indirect benefits will be available in the form of improved living conditions, a healthier living environment and the prospect of improved health status of the population plus an improved economic climate with employment opportunities.
4. Nonetheless, this Indigenous Peoples Development Framework (IPDF) is intended to guide selection and preparation of additional subprojects under the Project where impacts on tribal people are identified to ensure better distribution of the Project benefits and promote development of the indigenous peoples in the Project areas. The framework is prepared in accordance with ADB’s procedures for sector loans as presented in ADB’s Policy on Indigenous Peoples (1998).

Work resumed on Bhaderwah Chamba inter-state Road after 20 years
10 July 2010 05:11:12 PM by ANI ( Comments )

Bhaderwah July 10(ANI): The Bhaderwah-Chamba road project has been sanctioned under Inter-State Connectivity program at a cost of Rs. 73.33 crores.

The total length of road is 145 Km and the road upto 22Km has been opened to traffic. This road was motor able for vehicles up to 1986, but due to the militancy the road has been abandoned.

Construction and widening of the 42-km-long Bhaderwah- Chamba road which had been hanging fire for the past three years has started and this will facilitate connectivity between this part of the state and Himachal Pradesh for the promotion of tourism.

“We have been dreaming since our childhood that this project will be completed one day and will further improve the economic condition of Bhaderwah and will connect Bhaderwah to rest of the country and will open the road for tourism in the state,” said Jawed Ahmed

The upgradation and augmentation of Bhaderwah-Chamba project is alternate road connectivity, which will connect India with Kashmir Valley.

The completion of the project will certainly help in giving a fillip to tourism, trade and people to people contact. There by strengthening the local economy. It will improve the primitive culture, lifestyle and tradition of the mountainous valley Bhaderwah. It will also increase the potential of pilgrim tourism of the Bhaderwah which is known for Machail Yatra, Mani Mahesh Yatra etc.

The step taken by government of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the completion and widening of this road is

Imtiaz-ur Rehman said: “Jammu and Kashmir Government has resumed work of widening of this road and reopening of this road is a major achievement for us. Our culture and climate resembles that of Himachal Pradesh and we feel connected to the state.”

Completion of Bhaderwah Chambha road will help in diverting the tourists to different small tourist destinations in Bhaderwah and adjoining areas. The local made products and other items will get huge exposure in other parts of the country. It will strengthen the employment opportunities in the region.

“The work on this project is going on with full pace and you will see that the whole machinery is installed there. It has the potential to complete the width of Four Kms in one month. We have acquired the land for the width of sixty feet out of which thirty three feet width will be the actual road the mechanized road.” Said Farooq Khan DC Doda

The project will exploit the potential of Bhaderwah as transition between Kashmir valley and Himachal Pradesh thereby increasing the inflow of tourists in the state and escalating the economy of the state. (ANI)
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/work-resumed-on-bhaderwah-chamba-inter-state-road-after-20-years_100393680.html

J-K aims to produce 5,000 MWs of power by 2016

The Jammu and Kashmir government has launched a three-tier power generation plan for producing 5,000 MW with the help of National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) and Independent Power Producer (IPP) over the next six years.

A programme to generate about 5,000 MW of power in next five to six years has been launched under a three-tier power generation plan, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said addressing the 60th meeting of Board of Directors of State Power Development Corporation (SPDC) on Friday.

"We are striving for mobilising power projects as joint ventures in Private Public Partnership (PPP) mode in the state sector indigenously, and with the help of NHPC and IPP," he said.

Omar said power development was an essential ingredient in the growth of economy and industrialisation in the state.

The hydro-energy potential available in the state provides tremendous scope for viable power projects and the government has put in place a proactive strategy in this regard to give new dimensions to the power generation programme, he said.

Omar stressed on the need for fast-tracking the implementation of various power development schemes by the Corporation.

The SPDC should explore the possibility of launching Karthai-I and II projects simultaneously to generate about 1,000 MW of power within the next five to six years, he said.

"This will help you to get benefits and assistance for mega projects provided by the Centre."

Omar said work on 93-MW New Ganderbal Hydro Power Project should be intensified. He also stressed on expediting work on the 450-MW Baglihar-II and the 1200-MW Sawalakot power projects.



source (http://www.indianexpress.com/news/J-K-aims-to-produce-5-000-MWs-of-power-by-2016/698441)

Mughal road to be inaugurated in September next year (http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_mughal-road-to-be-inaugurated-in-september-next-year_1473184)
Published: Sunday, Nov 28, 2010, 1:31 IST
Place: Jammu | Agency: PTI

The historical Mughal road, which would serve as an alternative highway connecting the Kashmir Valley with Jammu region's Poonch district, is expected to be inaugurated by September 2011, a state minister said today.

The inter-regional road link would not only reduce travel distance, but would also serve as an alternative to Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which is closed due to heavy rains and snowing during winters, state minister for roads and buildings Javaid Dar said in Jammu.

Speaking at a meeting in Jammu, Dar asked the authorities of Hindustan Construction Corporation (HCC) to accelerate the pace of work on the 80km stretch from Bafliaz (Poonch) to Shopian and ensure that its timely completion.

The road would integrate local economy of Poonch, Rajouri and Shopian districts by opening new trade avenues for the people of these areas, he said.

The minister also directed the chief engineer to monitor the progress regularly.

The total cost of the project is Rs639.85 crore, of which Rs394.84 crore have been spent till date.

Two police posts are being set up on either side of the road to check unauthorised movement of vehicles, which hampers the progress of the project.

Unprecedented rains in the area, unrest in the valley, labourers strike were the main reasons for the delay in completing the project.

this connects muslim dominated areas of poonch-rajouri with kashmir valley. good for the state. poonch-valley can be made a separate state of india.

Government mulling three tunnels in Kashmir-The three proposed tunnels will connect Kargil, Gurez and Tangdhar, which are otherwise cut off from mainland India during winter months


Srinagar: Government is mulling to dig three tunnels in strategic border areas of Kashmir to provide the year round connectivity to soldiers and civilians alike.

The three proposed tunnels will connect Kargil, Gurez and Tangdhar, which are otherwise cut off from mainland India during winter months.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has already agreed to conduct survey of Razdan pass next year to construct a tunnel.

The tunnel at Razdan pass will connect Gurez, a strategic valley situated on the Line of Control. Experts say that constructing the Gurez tunnel would give India an upper hand over Pakistan in the area, which is often used as an infiltration route by militants.

“Similar tunnels are also proposed for Sadhna and Zojila passes,” Abdullah said The two tunnels would connect Tanghdar and Kargil respectively.

These regions are also geographically spectacular and will prove a boon for tourism sector, once provided with year round and hassle free connectivity.

Early this year government approved 4.50 km tunnel connecting Kashmir valley with Kishtwar district of Jammu division at an estimated cost of Rs 400 crore in private public partnership with Jammu and Kashmir Bank.

http://www.igovernment.in/site/government-mulling-three-tunnels-kashmir-38977

+1000000000 we need 24X7X365 day connectivity with the kashmir. :banana::banana: At the time of kargil war pakistan have cut off our supplier and Indian Army trucks have to move in the night with their headlights off so that pakistani can't see them and not destroy them with artillery shelling.

As china is building high speed rail link with pakistan to the Gwadar port to reach Gulf region. The pakistanis have already occupied high peaks to cut off kashmir from India.

That was the prime reason for kargil attack by pakistan, even after the kargil war pakistanis still occupies peak that can see and harm directly the National Highway - 1.

So, more and more link are the only option.

J&K mulls to roll out SWAN

It is mulling to inter-connect all the government offices of the state through State Wide Area NetworkSrinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is mulling to inter-connect all the government offices of the state through State Wide Area Network (SWAN) which envisages a common and high speed data network, aimed at promoting transparency and efficiency.

Minister for Information Technology and Science and Technology, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi said that SWAN will be of immense benefit to people of the state.

“The intra-state network subsequently will be connected with the national network, aiming at modernization of communication infrastructure and improving administrative efficiency and quality of service to the common man,” Ruhullah said.

“With the help of this programme, the citizens will get effective government services with easy access through single window system.”

Government hopes that once the system is in place, it will greatly help in fighting corruption at various levels in the state. Ruhullah said that many more steps have also been taken to promote e-Governance in the state.

For making Common Services Centres (CSC) service more effective, Aga Ruhullah said that they will be connected with broadband facility. Out of 1109 Common Services Centres assured to set up by J&K Bank in the State, 491 stands established and is fully functional.

The CSCs are providing B2C services to the consumers at Khidmat Centres including banking correspondence, micro finance, mobile recharge, air and railway ticketing, sale of solar lights and digital photography the meeting was informed.

The 135 blocks have Community Information Centres with V-sat connectivity, computer terminals and printing facilities, the meeting was informed.

According to officials, 24 services of 11 departments under G2C service and State Service Delivery Gateway (SSDG) scheme would be provided to the people. “50 computers will be provided in every district and 7 services will be provided in first phase,” an official said

http://www.igovernment.in/site/jk-mulls-roll-out-swan-39054

Nice updates sanju :cheers: All year connectivity is very much needed for Kashmir

Nice updates sanju :cheers: All year connectivity is very much needed for Kashmir

Thnx World8115..Hope the Momentum gets Going so that we can witness a new
J/K in another 5-10 yrs:)

Centre to build 100 MW geo-thermal projects in J&K: Farooq

Jammu, Jan 10 (PTI) Assuring Jammu and Kashmir of complete assistance for harnessing resources in the renewable energy sector, Union Minister Farooq Abdullah today said the Centre is working on to launch 100 MW geo-thermal projects in Reasi and other feasible areas of the state.
"We are working to launch 100 MW geo-thermal energy projects in Reasi and other feasible areas in J&K and bidder project would be a pilot project in this regard," Abdullah, the Minister for New and Renewable Energy, said at a meeting here.
He asked the state government to provide schemes for introducing solar lighting and water heating systems in government institutions, hostels, civil secretariat complexes, official residences at Srinagar and Jammu.
"This would save your non-conventional energy to a greater extent and help its utilisation in other fields," he added.
The minister advised the state to make its construction policy more eco-friendly and dependent on solar and non-conventional energy resources.
The meeting was informed that Union Ministry has sanctioned 68 villages in Anantnag, Kulgam, Budgam, Ganderbal, Pulwama and Shopian for electrification under MNRE projects.
The meeting was also told that under the comprehensive programme of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, photovoltaic solar lights, solar power plants, grid connections and water heating systems are being provided.
Under this scheme remote village electrification programme is being helped by giving 90 per cent subsidy to the project cost.
It was informed that about 31,000 solar lights are being provided to people in various un-electrified areas involving an expenditure of Rs 68.59 crores.
It was stated that as many as 9,250 solar lanterns have been distributed in remote and far flung areas.
The Ministry is also giving nod to various proposals pertaining to the energy parks at various institutions and special projects for shrines, universities and colleges.

http://news.in.msn.com/business/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4786166

J&K gets Rs 190 crore for power reforms
(http://www.igovernment.in/site/jk-gets-rs-190-crore-power-reforms-39100)

Srinagar: Union Power Ministry has approved Rs 190 crore Restructured-Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Program (R-APDRP) for 30 major towns of Jammu and Kashmir.

The ailing power sector of the state has been reeling under the defective transmission, revenue deficit and heavy power losses. The program is expected to help state improve its power infrastructure at par with rest of India.

State government has received a formal approval from Union Power Ministry. Under the programme the state will receive central assistance of Rs 151.99 crore whereas rest will be borne by the state.

According to State Power Development Department officials, the R-APDRP is primarily aimed at reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses and improving the quality of power delivery. The program will be completed in six years.

J&K has one of the highest Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses in entire India. Last fiscal it was 65.78 per cent whereas this year AT&C losses have zoomed upto 72 per cent creating huge gaps between projected revenue realization and the actual revenue realized against the Power Purchase Bill.

R-APDRP is a two phased programme which will be completed in six years. It will cover urban areas, towns and cities with population of more than 30,000 souls. The Power Finance Corporation will be the nodal agency for implementing the programme.

J&K Govt to launch City Mobility Plan for Jammu & Srinagar

Source (http://www.groundreport.com/World/J-K-Govt-to-launch-City-Mobility-Plan-for-Jammu-Sr_1/2934581)
The Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that Government is contemplating to launch a comprehensive City Mobility Plan for the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar to streamline traffic movement, improve and upgrade road networks, introduce additional commuter facilities including launch of metro service and other programmes in a planned and balanced manner.

“We have already tied up with a national agency RITES to make detailed studies and finalize a report for the purpose. We expect the Agency to start his work in this regard by March this year”, he said adding that the requirement of additional flyovers and bridges in Jammu and Srinagar cities would be conceptualized in this mega development strategy.

Omar Abdullah was speaking in the Jammu District Development Board meeting, said that the culture of Traffic Lights to manage movement of vehicles in the cities of Srinagar and Jammu is yet to be cultivated and Government is also working with two reputed companies to make studies and formulate DPR for this purpose. “Perhaps Jammu and Srinagar are only capital cities in the Country where traffic is not managed by Traffic Lights”, he said adding that this aspect needs focus of attention.

The meeting chaired by the Chief Minister was attended by the Minister for Medical Education, R. S. Chib, Minister for Revenue and Relief, Raman Bhalla, Deputy Chairman Legislative Council, Arvinder Singh Micky, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Devender Singh Rana, Chairmen, Advisory Boards, legislators, Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, Principal Secretary Planning and Development, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary PWD, K. B. Agarwal and senior officers.

Omar said that the 1.20 kilometres flyover road project at Bikram Chowk at a cost of Rs. 91.35 crore and 6-lanning BC Road project at a cost of Rs. 43.9 crores have already been finalized and sent for Asian Development Bank (ADB) funding. He said the 1.9 kilometre Bikram Chowk, road project envisages two sub-ways and one overhead bridge. “We are expecting a team from ADB here shortly to finalize the projects”, he said.

Omar said that he has already released Rs. 1 crore for the development of city roads in Jammu and another Rs. 1 crore is being released shortly. He said Jammu Municipal Corporation has been allotted Rs. 30 lakhs for the development of lanes and drains. “Soon we receive utilization certificates of these funds next installments will be released”, he added.

“Government is also contemplating a new corridor for Poonch-Rajouri bound traffic Bye-passing Jammu city areas”, he said adding that the R&B Department has been asked to make studies for formulating a project to this effect under centrally sponsored scheme of viability gap funding. He said Rs. 19 crores have been earmarked for rural roads in Jammu district in the current District Development Plan and a bridge at Sangad in Nagrota constituency stands preferred to NABARD for funding.

He said that Border Security Force (BSF) would pay rent to the owners of land from the time it has taken its possession for Fencing Of Borders.

“BSF will also pay the compensation to the owners after acquiring the said land. The State administration has finalized an arrangement with BSF in this regard”, he said in response to some points raised by various legislators in the meeting.

Omar said that 49 water supply schemes have been completed in Jammu city where as 44 overhead tanks and reservoirs stand constructed besides, laying of 323 kilometres water pipes. He said various works to improve and upgrade drainage system is already underway in the district.

The Chief Minister announced over Rs. 7.50 crore additional funds for the current district plan to help complete various ongoing schemes. These include Rs. 1 crore untied grants, Rs. 2 crore for HT/LT improvement and Rs. 1.33 crore for irrigation and PHE works.

The Chief Minister directed the Planning and Development Department for working out a scheme regarding setting up of ‘Water Pumps Bank’ on the analogy of ‘Power Transformers Bank’ initiated in the State on the directions of the Chief Minister from last year. “The Water Pumps Bank could prove highly useful to the farmers during irrigation season when pumps usually become faulty and tell upon badly on smooth conduct of agricultural activities”, he added.

The Deputy Chairman Legislative Council, A. S. Micky, Vice Chairmen, Pahari, Kissan, Gujjar, SC and OBC Boards M. A. Bukhari, Rachpal Singh, B. A. Naz, Swarn Lata and Kuldeep Raj Verma, legislators Chaman Lal Gupta, Ashok Khajuria, Yashpal Kundal, Awashni Kumar, Jugal Kshore, Shyamlal Choudhary, G. R. Bhagat, Bharat Bushan, Sukhnandan, Indu Pawar, Ajay Sadhotra, B. R. Kundal, T. S. Wazir and Amar Malhotra in their speeches highlighted various development demands of their constituencies and stressed on launch of new schemes for the expansion of health, education, PHE and communication network in the district. They also raised the points pertaining to the development of border and rural areas of Jammu district.

The legislators appreciated the Chief Minister’s keenness to monitor pace of progress in each district personally and appreciated him for providing new schemes in various sectors.

In a PowerPoint presentation the District Development Commissioner, Jammu, Sanjeev Verma stated that the district has registered 73.68 percent progress under the current District Plan by the end of January 2011. He said out of the total availability of Rs. 102.37 crores more than Rs. 75.42 crores have been spent during the said period. The District Development Commissioner gave sector wise resume of the achievements registered and targets realized in the district under the current plan.

Land acquired for four-laning of Kashmir highway (http://www.hindustantimes.com/Land-acquired-for-four-laning-of-Kashmir-highway/Article1-672853.aspx)



Decks have been cleared for the four-laning of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only road link between Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, with the state government facilitating the land acquisition for the purpose, officials said on Sunday. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has been informed about the land acquisition in the areas along the highway where there are plans of widening the road or construction of bridges or tunnels, a source said.
The task had been pending for the past six years.

"It was the intervention at the highest level that made the revenue authorities work hard and acquire land for four-laning of the highway," a senior official told IANS.

"The decks have been cleared. Now, it's the work of the men and machines to do rest," he added.

The 294-km highway is a nightmare for travellers as it is prone to landslides and frequent blockades during winter and rainy seasons.

Though it's double-laned, it becomes single-laned at many points, obstructing the free flow of traffic, which in turn disrupts supplies to the valley, where almost everything, from foodgrains, poultry to cars and trucks, are supplied from other states.

"Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been personally monitoring the progress in the four-laning of the highway, and has asked the NHAI to expedite the work," the official said.

Abdullah has also asked the NHAI to set a "time frame" for the completion of work, he said.

JKSRTC to procure 450 new buses

Source (http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Mar/25/jksrtc-to-procure-450-new-buses-4.asp)
Minister for CAPD and Transport, Qamar Ali Akhoon has said that government has submitted a project of 450 buses to the centre for approval to meet the need of plying SRTC buses on various routes especially in hilly and remote areas in the state.

This was stated by the Minister in reply to the supplementaries of several members raised on the main question by M S Niaz in Legislative Assembly here today.

The Minister said that government is purchasing 10 more buses for operation in Doda district, adding that the demand of Bhaderwah would also be accordingly catered to.

Akhoon said that at present transport department is plying 27 passenger buses in erstwhile Doda district of which 7 are plying in Kishtwar district. He said the demand of the area for plying SRTC buses on various routes of these twin districts would be fulfilled after receiving the approval of Centre.

Replying to the main question, the Minister informed the House that inadequacy in SRTC buses operation in Thatri, Bhallessa and Bhaderwah blocks is because of limited fleet availability of buses, adding that on the basis of availability of buses two routes from Doda-Bhaderwah and Bhaderwah-Chinta are covered by JKSRTC buses presently.

‘Rs 4400 cr allocated under state sector’

Source (http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Mar/25/-rs-4400-cr-allocated-under-state-sector--3.asp)
Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather today informed the House that Rs. 436650. 61 lakh have been allocated to various sectors under state sector in J&K during current financial year.

He said while releasing funds, the Planning and Development Department conducts Plan discussion with various Administrative Departments where the requirement, priorities and potentials of various sectors are discussed thread bare.

He said the State sector funds are allocated on the basis of need projected by the concerned departments, requirement of basic infrastructural facilities in different areas and also aspirations of the public.

This was stated by the Minister while replying to a question by Ch Zulfkar Ali in Legislative Assembly here today, an official handout said.

The Minister said the projects which are of inter district nature such as Grid Stations transmission lines, University, Medical Colleges, inter district roads or those projects which require heavy funding such as District Hospitals, major bridges, degree colleges etc are generally taken up under state sector.

The Minister said that State Government is committed to ensure the equitable and balanced development of all the areas of State. He said the Plan funds are allocated among the districts and departments with this objective in mind and based on the requirements on ground.

He said the State Finance Commission, which has dealt with this issue has submitted its report which is under examination.

HDFC Bank opens branch

Source (http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Mar/25/hdfc-bank-opens-branch-2.asp)
HDFC Bank today inaugurated a branch at Gangyal here taking its total branch strength in J&K to 11. Amongst the private banks, HDFC Bank currently has the largest network of branches in the state. The new branch is located in the largest industrial belt of the region.

The new branch will offer its customers world-class banking services under one roof ranging from basic services such as Savings Account, Fixed Deposits, Current Account, Mutual Funds, Insurance, Kisan Gold Card, Two-wheeler loan, Auto loan, Commercial vehicles to sophisticated direct access banking channels such as ATM, PhoneBanking, NetBanking and HDFC Bank International Credit and Debit Cards. Zubair Iqbal, Deputy Vice President & State Head (J&K), HDFC Bank, said, “The focus of the bank is to reach out to the large unbanked segment in the region and provide banking solutions and accessibility to funds.”

Rs 386 cr for conservation of Wullar Lake: J-K govt

Source (http://www.kashmirlive.com/story/Rs-386-cr-for-conservation-of-Wullar-Lake-JK-govt/766811.html)
Jammu and Kashmir government has formulated a Rs 386 crore comprehensive management action plan.

Jammu and Kashmir government has formulated a Rs 386 crore comprehensive management action plan for the conservation and management of Wullar Lake in the Kashmir Valley.

Replying to a question of PDP member Nizam-ud-Din Bhat in the Legislative Assembly today, Minister for Forests Mian Altaf Ahmed said that the comprehensive management action plan has been prepared for the conservation and management of Wullar Lake in Kashmir valley.

The project has been prepared in consultation with Wetland International Asia, New Delhi for an amount of Rs 386.39 crore for a period of five years and submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, he said.

Rs 120 crore would be provided under the 13th Finance Commission with an allocation of Rs 30 crore from 2011-12, he said.

For the effective coordination, monitoring and implementation of the programme a full-fledged Wullar conservation and management authority is being constituted, he said.

Land acquired for four-laning of Kashmir highway (http://www.hindustantimes.com/Land-acquired-for-four-laning-of-Kashmir-highway/Article1-672853.aspx)

Does this also apply to the Jawahar Tunnel?

Rs61.99 crore allocated for tourism infrastructure in Ladakh (http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_rs61-99-crore-allocated-for-tourism-infrastructure-in-ladakh_1527548)

Rs61.99 crore has been allocated for the creation of infrastructure to promote tourism in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir government said today.

Replying to a question of Aga Syed Ahmed Rizvi in the legislative council, minister of state for tourism and urban development Nasir Aslam Wani said that Rs61.99 crore has been allocated for the creation of infrastructure related to promotion of tourism in the Ladakh region of the state.

He further said that out of which Rs29.27 crore has been released for Kargil and Rs32.72 crore for Leh district of the region.

^^ cheers!

^^ Cheer AFTER they translate into anything tangible!!
Frankly - 62 crores ,even forgetting kickbacks and feasibility reports ,is peanuts!!

HC for fresh environmental clearance to GVK's project (http://www.sify.com/finance/hc-for-fresh-environmental-clearance-to-gvk-s-project-news-news-leubvEhieij.html)



The Uttarakhand High Court today directed Alaknanda Hydro Power Company Limited (AHPCL), a GVK group company, to seek fresh environmental clearance for its 330 Mw Srinagar hydel project from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). However, the court refused to stop the construction work.

A division bench of the High Court comprising Justice P C Pant and Justice B K Bist also directed the MoEF to decide the matter in three months, said the counsel of the petitioner, Ram Lal.

Lal had petitioned before the High Court that AHPCL did not seek necessary environmental clearance from MoEF for enhancing the capacity of the project from 200 Mw to 330 Mw.

However, the court rejected the petitioner’s plea to stop the construction work of the dam, saying the project could not be completed soon.

The project, which is scheduled to be commissioned in December this year, had hit a roadblock during the past two years over the issue of submergence of Dhari Devi temple.

The government had stopped the construction work of the project around the temple last year after a prolonged agitation by a section of the Sangh Parivar, including former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister

Uma Bharati, that is opposed to the shifting of the temple, which will get submerged in the dam’s reservoir to be built on the Alaknanda river.

Since Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank intends to contest the Assembly election from the Srinagar constituency, the issue had taken political dimensions with the state government setting up inquiry committees to deal with it.

GVK was given the task of completion of the Srinagar hydel project by the previous Congress government in 2006 after the project remained suspended for nearly 20 years.

JK eyes 7056 MW power production in next ten years
(http://www.hydroworld.com/index/display/news_display.1407567613.html)



Jammu and Kashmir Government is looking forward to generate 7056.50 MW power in the next ten years by developing hydropower projects across the state under various modes, said JK Minister of State for Power, Shabir Ahmed Khan.

According to him, the government is keen to harness the available 20, 000 MW hydro power potential in the state, adding that out of the identified 16, 000 MW capacity as much as 2456 MW power has already been generated. J&K government has attached significant importance to the full exploitation of hydro power potential in order to affect a major turnaround in the state's economy and power scenario, noted the minister. "Development of Hydroelectric projects requires substantial investments. The objective of rapid development of the potential cannot be met with state funding alone as there is always competing demand for State funds", he said. The minister added that the state has therefore to look at alternative investment policies. The J&K Government has already approved an implementation framework for speedy development of hydro projects under state and central sectors, joint ventures with Central Public Sector Units and private sector and under Public Private Partnership mode. The Government has recently signed a Promoters agreement to float a joint venture company to develop Pukhal Dul, Kiru and Kawar Hydro Electric Power Projects with a total capacity of 2150 MWs with JKSPDC, NHPC and PTC India, said the minister. 17 power projects, with an aggregate capacity of 1897. 76 MWs are under execution in the State under State, Central and Private Sectors, while projects with aggregate capacity of 7056.50 MWs are planned for execution in the available modes in the next ten years, he concluded.

New Bridge to Connect Punjab, HP & J&K (http://www.groundreport.com/Media_and_Tech/New-Bridge-to-Connect-Punjab-HP-J-K/2939139)

http://imageshack.us/m/822/5877/screenshot20110523at403.png

Basholi/Jammu, May 22 (Scoop News) –Construction work for a permanent bridge over river Ravi to link three North Indian states- Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab will kick start tomorrow when the Chairperson of the National Advisory Council Sonia Gandhi lays the foundation stone for the project at Basohli in J&K.

The bridge will also open up new areas for development and tourism in Kathua and Doda diastricts in J&K and along Ranjit Sagar Dam. The 592 metre bridge, to be built by the Border Raods Organisation of the Ministry of Defence at a cost of Rs 145 Crores, will open up an alternative route to National Highway 1A and to the Kashmir Valley via Basholi, Bani, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Chhatroo and Anantnag and boost development of these areas with better connectivity.

Scheduled to be constructed by September 2014, the bridge will open up avenues for commercial mining of materials like Gypsum and Lime stone.

Indicative of the significance of the occasion, a galaxy of dignitaries including the Defence Minister AK Antony, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad, Minister for New & Renewable Energy Dr Farooq Abdullah, the Chief Minister of J&K Shri Omar Abdullah, the Minister of State for Defence Dr MM Pallam Raju will attend the function. The Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar and the Director General Border Roads Lt Gen Ravi Shankar will also be present on the occasion.

From a technical point of view, the Basohli bridge is going to be a technological marvel. It will be a cable-stayed bridge, similar to the Second Hoogly bridge at Kolkotta, Naini Bridge at Allahabad and the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link at Mumbai. The Basohli bridge will have a tower height of about 88 metres above deck level. The decking and the span regions will only be supported by cables. There will be 1.5 metre wide footpaths on both sides. The contract for the construction of the bridge has been awarded to M/S IRCON-SPS Construction Pvt Ltd.

It may be recalled that the Border Roads Organisation, raised in 1960, was primarily tasked to build strategic roads for the Army. It has now diversified to bridging, tunneling and building airfields.

Monday, May 16, 2011, 11:00 Hrs [IST]
BDA to unveil official website at Bhadarwah Tourism & Cultural Festival (http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/bda-to-unveil-official-website-at-bhadarwah-tourism--cultural-festival-13403)
By Imran Khan | Mumbai
Bhadarwah Development Authority (BDA) which was set up by the Jammu & Kashmir government under the Prime Ministers Reconstruction Plan is all set to unveil the official website for the region at Bhadarwah Tourism & Cultural Festival to be hosted by BDA from May 27-30, 2011. The under construction website to be known as www.bhadarwahheavens.com, will include details about tourists destinations, accommodation facilities, tenders for developing infrastructure in Bhadarwah region beside news updates and the calendar of events.

Informing about the development Kalyan Singh Parihar, Chief Executive Officer, BDA said, “For promoting the region separately as a tourist destination there was always a need to have an official dedicated website for Bhadarwah. The region has good potential to attract tourists hence we thought of launching a website to address tourists queries. We will unveil the official website at Bhadarwah Tourism & Cultural Festival to be held at the end of this month.”

According to Parihar, the region has plans to attract high-end tourists and is focusing on develop infrastructure within the town. Currently there are five to six hotels catering to high-end tourists and another four to five private hotels are being developed with the assistance of J&K Government. The region also provides home stay facilities for mid-segment tourists. To improve the accessibility to the region the state government is developing Bhadarwah-Chamba National Highway which is expected to be completed in next two years.

Furthermore, some of the major events that are schedule to held in Bhadarwah include a week long Mughal Road Rally to be held in June or July, Mela Pat, an historical three day fair schedule for month of September, 2011 beside its annual Kailash Yatra and Machail Yatra. Bhadarwah region received a total of 70,000 tourists last year including pilgrims.

A welcome development indeed! We definitely need more and more such projects to hasten integration of J&K with rest of India.

Tunnels to cut Jammu-Srinagar travel time by 5 hours by 2016
(Source: ToI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tunnels-to-cut-Jammu-Srinagar-travel-time-by-5-hours-by-2016/articleshow/9365609.cms))

In the next five years, you can hope to travel to Srinagar by road even during harsh winter or at the height of monsoon, and that too at a high speed.

The feat will be realized, thanks to Asia's longest all-weather two twin tunnels being built on the NH-1A, which connects Jammu with Srinagar. The tunnels will reduce the distance between the two towns by almost S51km, lessening the travel time by at least five hours.

The tunnels will not only make the journey less risky, but will also help boost tourism in the border state that saw a revival of the industry this year after a long gap. The stretch is also of immense strategic importance.

The tunnels are being constructed by the National Highways Authority India (NHAI) at two points - Quazigund to Banihal and Chenani to Nishri, which are part of the widening of the Jammu-Srinagar highway project.

Two parallel 8.5km tunnels between Quazigund to Banihal are being built by Indian infrastructure major Navayuga Engineering Co. at 1,790m above the sea level. This will be the first project in India, where each tunnel will be dedicated for only one-way traffic.

"Though each of the tubes will have a 7-m carriageway, which is adequate for two lanes, we will allow traffic only on one lane. The other lane will be set aside for emergency. The two tubes will be inter-connected at a distance of every 500m," said an NHAI official.

A senior engineer overseeing the project said tunnel will have modern amenities, including provision to make emergency calls and a state-of-the-art ventilation system. Oxygen will be released into the tunnels, and there will be facility for release of the polluted air. "Since the tunnels will provide uniform gradient, the average speed of vehicles would be about 50-60kmph. Dedicated tubes will also make the travel smoother," the engineer explained.

The existing stretch on NH-1A in this corridor has blind curves, steep gradient and vehicles - with more than eight--tonne load - are not allowed. NHAI officials said the entire mountainous stretch between these two points sees frequent slope failures, rock falls and avalanche.

There will be toll plazas at the end of both tunnels, which will also regulate the entry of vehicles. On Monday, highways minister C P Joshi laid the foundation stone for this project, and said efforts would be made to complete it before the deadline.

The second twin tubes are being built between Chenani and Nashri at 1,300m above the sea level by Australian infrastructure major, Leighton. The 8.9km tubes built through the Patnitop hills will ensure non-stop traffic movement even in inclement weather. At present, snowfall at Patnitop area leads to closure of the Jammu-Srinagar highway. The stretch traverses through several hairpin curves.

NHAI officials said the two tubes would be of different width. While the main tube will be a 9-m carriageway for both up and down traffic, the other one will have a 5-m carriageway. "This second tube will be used only for emergency evacuation," said an NHAI official.

Both the Quazigund-Banihal and Chenani-Nashri tunnels are built with the help of New Australian Tunneling Method (NATM) technique, where a portion of the rock is cut and explosives are fixed. Then, controlled explosions are carried out to hollow out rocks for laying the road.

"We are using boomers and machines that cut the rock to fix explosives. Then, programmed blasts at interval of micro-seconds are carried out. Later, machines are used for processing of dry or wet mixtures to reinforce the vaulting of tunnels," said a highway engineer.

http://www.kashmirdispatch.com/headlines/17074669-jkca-ropes-bishen-singh-bedi-to-coach-cricketers-kashmir.htm

ammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has roped former Indian spinner Bishen Singh Bedi for three years to coach cricketers from the state. JKCA President Dr Farooq Abduallh announced a three years contract with legendary spinner who will start coaching camps at SK Cricket Stadium from August 1 this year.

“We have signed a three year contract with Bishen Singh Bedi who along with his team will train our players. Our priority is that our Ranji Cricket team should not only participate but win matches,” said Abdullah who was accompanied with Bedi.

Urging the Ranji players to sweat out in the fields, Abdullah said "no recommendation will help any players in the selection".

“We will make our players lose sweat. We want killing spirit in them. There will be no compromise on hard work and dedication. Those who will show dedication and have talent will only be selected for the team. We want our teams to win the matches,” said JKCA President.

He said a coaching will be imparted to junior and the women cricket teams also.

“Besides working on with the Ranji players, we will prepare juniors and the women cricket team also. The players will be imparted training in every department with modern technology aid,” said Abdullah.

Farooq Abduallah said JKCA has indentified land at Ganderbal in Kashmir for the construction of an International Standard Stadium for which BCCI president Shashank Manohar, ICC President Sharad Pawar and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will lay the foundation stone.

“We have identified land at Ganderbal. We will talk to chief minster and sports minister for the acquisition of the land at Ganderbal. We have to build an international stadium here,” informed Abduallh.

He also said that the construction works for the international stadium at Bajalta in Jammu will start form September.

“We have already acquired land at Jammu. We will start develop the road leading to the ground from September so that construction material is carried to the stadium. When we have international stadiums, the cricket will improve in the State,” said he.

Farooq Abdullah said the grounds of the SP College and Amar Singh College will also be developed for cricket activities.

“These two grounds get sub-merged under water. I will give Rs 1.40 crore for the development of Amar Singh College Ground and Rs 40 lakh for the SP College ground. We want these grounds to be ready so that we can hold cricket tournaments there,” informed Abdullah.

On why politicians are in the field of sports, Abdullah quipped saying only politicians will help sports bodies move ahead.

“I would love if politicians come in sports to help the game improve. Only politicians can take the game formed. They will make the work happen for sports bodies they will be representing,” said he.

Bedi, who was also present at the press conference, said during his stint with JKCA he focus would be to make the JK team perform instead of just to participate.

"Now they will not have to participate but compete and win matches," the former India captain said.

"We will be taking these players to others cities to familiarise with conditions there so that they can adapt to changing conditions (during competitions)," he added.

Bedi said he was pleased to know that the JKCA was working on providing the right kind of infrastructure to the players from the state.

Asked what the players from state lacked, he said, "I would on what they need. If they need a gym, then they should get it and if they need a video analyst, he should be made available."

The JKCA had invited applications for building stadiums in Jammu and Srinagar of international standards i.e. international cricket stadiums. It seems that the two stadiums will come up in Balijata (Jammu) and Ganderbal (Srinagar). I shall post details below.

http://www.kashmirdispatch.com/headlines/17074669-jkca-ropes-bishen-singh-bedi-to-coach-cricketers-kashmir.htm

ammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has roped former Indian spinner Bishen Singh Bedi for three years to coach cricketers from the state. JKCA President Dr Farooq Abduallh announced a three years contract with legendary spinner who will start coaching camps at SK Cricket Stadium from August 1 this year.

“We have signed a three year contract with Bishen Singh Bedi who along with his team will train our players. Our priority is that our Ranji Cricket team should not only participate but win matches,” said Abdullah who was accompanied with Bedi.

Urging the Ranji players to sweat out in the fields, Abdullah said "no recommendation will help any players in the selection".

“We will make our players lose sweat. We want killing spirit in them. There will be no compromise on hard work and dedication. Those who will show dedication and have talent will only be selected for the team. We want our teams to win the matches,” said JKCA President.

He said a coaching will be imparted to junior and the women cricket teams also.

“Besides working on with the Ranji players, we will prepare juniors and the women cricket team also. The players will be imparted training in every department with modern technology aid,” said Abdullah.

Farooq Abduallah said JKCA has indentified land at Ganderbal in Kashmir for the construction of an International Standard Stadium for which BCCI president Shashank Manohar, ICC President Sharad Pawar and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will lay the foundation stone.

“We have identified land at Ganderbal. We will talk to chief minster and sports minister for the acquisition of the land at Ganderbal. We have to build an international stadium here,” informed Abduallh.

He also said that the construction works for the international stadium at Bajalta in Jammu will start form September.

“We have already acquired land at Jammu. We will start develop the road leading to the ground from September so that construction material is carried to the stadium. When we have international stadiums, the cricket will improve in the State,” said he.

Farooq Abdullah said the grounds of the SP College and Amar Singh College will also be developed for cricket activities.

“These two grounds get sub-merged under water. I will give Rs 1.40 crore for the development of Amar Singh College Ground and Rs 40 lakh for the SP College ground. We want these grounds to be ready so that we can hold cricket tournaments there,” informed Abdullah.

On why politicians are in the field of sports, Abdullah quipped saying only politicians will help sports bodies move ahead.

“I would love if politicians come in sports to help the game improve. Only politicians can take the game formed. They will make the work happen for sports bodies they will be representing,” said he.

Bedi, who was also present at the press conference, said during his stint with JKCA he focus would be to make the JK team perform instead of just to participate.

"Now they will not have to participate but compete and win matches," the former India captain said.

"We will be taking these players to others cities to familiarise with conditions there so that they can adapt to changing conditions (during competitions)," he added.

Bedi said he was pleased to know that the JKCA was working on providing the right kind of infrastructure to the players from the state.

Asked what the players from state lacked, he said, "I would on what they need. If they need a gym, then they should get it and if they need a video analyst, he should be made available."

The 330 MW Kishenganga hydro-electric power project has a 24 km tunnel component to it. Water from Kishenganga will be diverted to the Wullar lake. Here are some pics of the TBM being used - these were taken in May 2010.

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/8264/themachinewas.jpg

http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/5627/specialceremonyto.jpg

Italian tunnelling specialist SELI has celebrated its 60th Anniversary by manufacturing a 400-ton, 6.18m diameter DSU TBM painted gold, for the Kishanganga tunnel project in India. The gilded machine was delivered to the main contractor HCC (Hindustan Construction Company) today during an official ceremony at the company’s factory in Aprilia. The DSU TBM will bore 700-1000m under the Himalayas, crossing critical geological conditions of localised poor and squeezing rock as well of fault zones.The TBM has been specially designed to cope with the ground conditions and improve them through extensive pre-treatment works.

The TBM, is equipped with 8 no. AC motors of 315 kW each, generating a total cutterhead power of 2520kW, controlled by a VFD system. Main and auxiliary thrust have also been over-specified.

The TBM will have high conicity, to cope with squeezing rock, and the shields are equipped with a special bentonite injection system to lubricate the shield in contact with the rock to reduce shield friction. Overboring and overcutting facilities will create further increases in the clearance around the shields in bad rock conditions under high cover.

The gripper shield is equipped with 26 holes for probe drilling/grouting the rock ahead of the face, while the tail shield is equipped with an additional 8 holes.

Convergence measurements will be performed continuously during excavation through specific holes in the front shield.
Source-Tunnel Talk (http://www.tunneltalk.com/Company-News-May10-SELI-60th-anniversary.php)

Leh to get Golf course (http://www.kashmirdispatch.com/news/15095847-leh-to-get-golf-course-kashmir.htm)

Stating that the beautiful mountains and vast terrains in Ladakh region possess great potential for attracting visitors from all over the World, the Chief Minister Thursday announced an 18-hole Golf Course at the banks of river Sind in Leh.

The Chief Minister said that Kashmir and Jammu are already on the map of world golf destinations. The development of full-fledged golf course in Leh would open new avenues of sports tourism in the area.

Abdullah praised the people of Ladakh for showing unity, brotherhood and courage in overcoming the hardships and difficulties caused by the natural calamity in the shape of cloud-burst and flash-flood last year. “I salute you for exhibiting this kind of bravery,” he told them asking for maintaining and nurturing the same spirit in future.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Tourism, Nawang Rigzin Jora highlighted the schemes Tourism Department has initiated in the State especially in Ladakh region for the promotion of tourism.

The Minister said that every measure would be taken to safeguard the environment and cultural heritage of the State while promoting the tourism activities.

Militancy obstructs opening of Bhaderwah-Chamba route (http://www.jknewspoint.com/index.php/j-a-k-news/29139-militancy-obstructs-opening-of-bhaderwah-chamba-route)
Written by Newspoint Bureau
Thursday, 27 October 2011 23:29

Doda, October 27
An ambitious attempt to provide an alternate link to Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country has seemingly reached a dead end, as the work has been affected due to prevailing militancy in the area and the government seems to be oblivious. The two crucial road networks-Bhaderwah-Bani-Basohli and Bhaderwah-Chamba (Chamba district falls in Himachal Pradesh) started 33 years back and were termed crucial for the State's progress. This road would have considerably reduced the traffic flow on the Delhi-Pathankot-Jammu-Srinagar National Highway 1 and was particularly important for the people living in Doda district which is a poverty stricken belt of the State and geographically isolated from rest of the country. The work on the 60 km Chamba road had almost been completed in the early 1990s and civilian traffic had started plying before its official opening. But the movement of militants in the belt made the security forces to block this road as the civilians could have been easy targets. Similarly Bhaderwah-Bani-Basohli, which is a 166 km route, was scheduled to start a decade back and if the conditions had remained normal it would have been opened now. Security officials admitted that it is difficult to ensure the protection of workers in thick forest belt. Seven years back terrorist attacked the working people on the same road. Immediately after the incident, additional troops were rushed to provide security to the labourers and the project restarted. But before any headway could be made, the massive snowfall gave a major blow to the project, said Masth Nath Yogi, a local leader. Due to the geographical isolation, many hamlets like upper Thannala of Bhaderwah tehsil have poor standards of education and living. For instance, in this village only seven people are literate and are mostly dependent on agriculture. If this road is opened, then the more than 1000 km distance will be reduced to less than 300 km enabling the producers to directly reach the trading centre of Punjab. "We will thus be able to earn more and ensure considerable economic progress," says Abdul Hafeez , a local resident. Hundreds of hamlets in Doda district are facing the same problem and for them the direct link with rest of the country remains the only hope. The district has the highest number of Below Poverty Line families in the State numbering 63,000. According to the 1981 census report the literacy rate in the district was 18.50.


Mughal Road links people, economies (http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Oct/20/mughal-road-links-people-economies-50.asp)
SYED MOHSIN
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Poonch, Oct 19: After every two days Sajjad Ahmad Dar brings two quintals of apples here in a load carrier from Shopian district of the Valley. He sells one kilogram apple at Rs 20. And people here say paying Rs 20 for famed Kashmiri apples is no big deal. Sajjad sells all apples in two days and returns to the Valley to bring more. “Though apples which we bring here are of low quality, it has takers here and we earn good revenue,” says Sajjad. He says high quality apples will cost around Rs 80 per kg.
He says nearly 30 load carriers take Mughal Road route to bring apple to Poonch and Rajouri areas of Jammu division each day, which a year ago was not possible.
The Mughal Road has reduced the distance between Bufliaz area of Poonch district in Jammu to Shopian in Kashmir valley to just 84 km.
Parveen Kumar is constable with Jammu and Kashmir Police. His eighty-year-old father had taken apple thrice in his life. “I was once posted in Sheeri area of Baramulla district in Kashmir Valley. And whenever I would come home, I will bring apples from the Valley. And I brought only thrice,” he said.
Now, he says, his father takes apples every day after traffic started plying on the Mughal Road. “It is not costly and we can afford apples every day,” he said.
Before opening of the Mughal Road the residents here would get one kg of apples at Rs 120 to Rs 140 and they were of good quality. “But now we get good quality apples at Rs 20 per kg,” says a journalist based in Rajouri. These days every family serves apples to guests in both Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Even though Mughal Road has not been officially opened, the vehicles ply on the road from both sides. The road has reduced distance between Valley and Pirpanchal region to three hours drive. There remains, however, a constant danger of landslides but it doesn’t deter people and traders here who are excited about the travel on the road.
They say once the road will be officially thrown open it will bring new economic opportunities.
“Even apples which are being brought from Shopian here are not of high quality. We have waited for them 60 years. Whatever their quality they are apples from Kashmir and they are being brought here through Mughal road, what else we need,” says emotionally charged Sabzar Ahmad, president Traders Union Thanamandi.
Anticipating that the road will attract large number of tourists, the land prices have already shot up. No one is ready to sell land at Bufliaz.
“They know after two to three years when Mughal Road will be officially opened it will bring all those tourists who visit Valley to this place. So why should they sell the land,” says a political leader. He rightly says tourists who visit Valley will be amazed to see the region. Like Kashmir, the Pirpanchal region has beautiful mountains and Valleys and it is also known for Sufi shrines.
Thousands of pilgrims from all across the country and from across LoC visit Sufi Shrine of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah at Shahdra Sharief in Thannamandi Rajouri and Dargah Sain Baba Miran Bakhsh Sahab at Kopra Guntrian Moutain in Poonch. Both the shrines have facilities for food and lodging for the pilgrims. At present large number of Kashmiris taking the Mughal Road visit the shrine on Saturday and Sunday.
Travel on Mughal road itself is an exotic experience. The road passes through Pirpanchal mountain range, at an altitude of 11,500 ft (3505 m) that is higher than Banihal pass. At Pir Ki Gali a traveller could even touch the clouds.
There is a grand Sarai at Thannamandi and a terrace at Noori Chamb waterfalls. It was named after the Noor-Jehan, the queen of Jehangir.
A grand Mughal rest house still stands at mountain peak at Chandimarh on the route.
On both sides of Pirpanchal pass work is in progress. The revised estimate approved by both central and the State Government for the road is Rs 635 crore.
The official say another Rs 500 crore for construction of tunnel would make it an all-weather road and reduce the distance to 15-km from the present 84 km.
In early 70s, it was grandfather of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah who mooted the proposal of an alternative route to the Valley to improve the economy of Rajouri and Poonch and reduce traffic load on Srinagar-Jammu highway, right now the only link of Valley to the rest of India. In 2002 after Mufti Muhammad Sayeed took over as Chief Minister, he took up the project and despite several legal hitches got it completed.
Not sure if the road will close in winter..

Infosys to train 100 Jammu and Kashmir youths every year

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/jobs/infosys-to-train-100-jammu-and-kashmir-youths-every-year/articleshow/11702055.cms#write

Software giant Infosys Ltd will train 100 engineering students from Jammu and Kashmir every year on advanced Information Technology enabled services.

Announcing the initiative today, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said the Approval Committee of Special Industry Initiatives (SII), Jammu and Kashmir had on January 11 approved the proposal of Infosys Ltd to train 100 engineering graduates and Master of Computer Applications students in one year.

"Proposals of Future Group, Tata Consultancy Service (TCS), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Infosys Ltd to train 3,100 candidates under SII J-K have been approved so far," Chidambaram told a press conference here.

The approvals assume significance as there was a long pending demand from various quarters for providing advanced Information Technology enabled services related training to thousands of unemployed youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K International Cricket Stadium at Jammu - capacity of 40,000

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7991/18507716.jpg
- Source (http://www.fpindia.com/updated/Samvad_%20Sept11.pdf)

Niaz demands completion of Bhaderwah-Chamba road (http://earlytimesnews.com/newsdet.aspx?q=75205)
6/21/2011 11:21:39 PM
BHADERWAH, 21 June: Former Minister and MLA Bhaderwah Mohammad Sharief Niaz demanded that work on Bhaderwah-Chamba road be speed up as the completion of this road is vital for tourism promotion in the area.
Addressing a felicitation function of newly elected Sarpanches and Panches at Bhaderwah Dak Bungalow, Niaz said that more than 90 percent of the Congress workers have emerged victorious in the just concluded Panchayat elections. He said that victory of such a large number of Congress workers in the Panchayat elections is a clear indication that party has strengthened its base in Bhaderwah assembly segment.
Pointing towards problems being faced by the locals, he demanded that over 30 kilometers belt from Hadal Barai to Shindra area in the right bank of Neeru Nullah has been confronting with the acute scarcity of drinking water. He demanded that water supply should be streamlined in this belt to minimize hardship being faced by the people.
He further demanded that Bhaderwah to Kailash Kund road, Bhaderwah to Seoz cable car project should be approved to boost tourism in this area. He reiterated his demand that Bhaderwah-Bani road should be made functional for big vehicle. He said that completion of this road would boost tourism.
Niaz said that the restoration work of Bhaderwah fort and its conversion into a museum is going on very slow despite shifting of the jail from the complex.

Better connectivity is not only the key to the development its also a good tool to kill militancy. Where ever there is bad roads/no roads there is militancy be it Maoist or others.

I know this is not related to Industries, but I dont find any other thread to post this.

Kashmir’s Fragile Calm: Tensions Take Backseat to Tourism
Kashmir's reputation as an idyllic vale has taken a battering over decades of separatist insurgency and brutal crackdowns by the Indian military. But, while tensions remain and the quest for justice continues, tourists are flooding back

http://timeglobalspin.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/600_int_kashmir_0711.jpg?w=600&h=400&crop=1
Skiers walk in India's famous tourist resort Gulmarg, located just miles from the Line of Control that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan

Read more: http://world.time.com/2012/07/11/kashmirs-fragile-calm-tensions-take-backseat-to-tourism/?iid=gs-main-lede%3Fxid%3Drss-topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29#ixzz20OB4KmBL


The Saturday crowd at the Gulmarg gondola is a frenetic throng of saddled horses, kulfi stands, groups of students and camera-wielding teenagers. Most of the day-trippers eschew the option to ascend from the Kashmiri hamlet of Gulmarg by foot or horse, preferring instead to buy a ride on the wire to the electric green fields of the Khilanmarg plateau in the Himalayan Pir Panjal range. The metal pods sweep a steady flow of tourists over the tall pines and purple lupine, occasionally swaying to a halt that elicits whoops and whistles from the giddy passengers suspended hundreds of feet in the fresh mountain air.

Tourism is Kashmir is back in full swing, with visitors fleeing to the high valley to escape summer’s heat as a semblance of peace — or at least, less violence — has gingerly settled over these lakes and mountains. Indian operators in high-altitude getaways outside Kashmir — like Dharamsala, the Dalai Lama‘s retreat — which surged in popularity when the conflict was at its worst, are fretting about the loss of business as domestic visitors are returning in droves to the fabled destination. Last year, over a million tourists visited the region, and officials say they’re expecting more than twice that number in 2012.

(PHOTOS: The New ‘Kashmiri Intifadeh’)

That’s good news for a region grappling with the combustible combination of lots of young people and not enough jobs. Despite the packed gondolas and the flotillas of supine tourists being paddled around Dal Lake’s glassy waters, the valley’s internecine conflict is never really not there. Since the late 1980s, tens of thousands of people have been killed by a separatist insurgency and India‘s ensuing military crackdown. Civilian and military deaths have decreased tremendously since the conflict was at its peak in the mid-1990s, but tensions remain. On June 25, for instance, a 200-year-old Muslim shrine burned down in the capital, Srinagar, sparking protests against the slow response of firefighters that rapidly transformed into violent demonstrations against the Indian state as a whole. Even on uneventful days, security at the local airport is worryingly tight, and, with hundreds of thousands of Indian security forces still stationed around the region, camouflage trucks are ubiquitous on Srinagar’s clogged streets. A woman in Delhi, upon hearing about my weekend getaway to Srinagar, said that even though she grew up spending her summers there, she wouldn’t ever choose to spend a holiday in a place with so many gun-toting soldiers around. “I wouldn’t be able to relax,” she said.

She’s not alone. If Kashmir’s worst days are behind it, the painful act of facing atrocities committed during the bloody conflict still lies ahead. Last August, a report from Jammu and Kashmir’s State Human Rights Commission concluded that over 2,000 unidentified bodies, which the group acknowledged could belong to civilians, had been dumped in dozens of unmarked graves near the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. Residents had long been reporting to police that their family members were disappearing over the years, and for years the answer they got was that they must have slipped over the border into Pakistan to join the fight against India. “For years, Kashmiris have been lamenting their lost loved ones, their pleas ignored or dismissed as the government and army claimed that they had gone to Pakistan to become militants,” Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said last year as the organization called for an investigation into the deaths. Parvez Imroz, a lawyer whose advocacy sparked the official investigation into the unmarked graves, also has documentation suggesting that, statistically speaking, as many as 1 in 6 Kashmiris has been tortured, according to an article that ran this week in the Guardian.

(MORE: Will New Delhi Allow Its Troops in Kashmir to Face Prosecution?)

On the other hand, for all the justice still to be done, many in Kashmir would probably just as soon forget about it — or at least put off thinking about it for a while and enjoy the sun and ice-cold kulfi. In an April article in the Indian weekly Open called “Sorry, Kashmir Is Happy,” Manu Joseph writes that he met plenty of everyday folks in Kashmir who seemed perfectly happy with the newfound calm. “Trauma in Kashmir is like a heritage building — the elite fight to preserve it,” Joseph writes. “They want the wound of Kashmir to endure because the wound is what indicts India for the many atrocities of its military. This might be a long period of calm, but if the wound vanishes, where is the justice?”

In Gulmarg, a steady stream of hearty souls who prefer to walk trudge uphill under the gondola. Even this high up, it’s hot, and halfway up, my hiking buddy and I take a break under a tree to watch people pass. A student in her school uniform — a plaid tunic, long pants and a headscarf — spots us and bounds over. “Please, can I have some water?” she pants, clutching a few plucked flowers and a small portable radio playing a scratchy tune. I hand her a bottle and she tips her head back to take a long, cold gulp. “Where are you from?” she then asks, still breathless. “Canada,” says my friend. The girl’s eyes widen briefly. “Well,” she says with certainty and a whiff of pride, “I’m from Kashmir.” And with that, she hops back onto the trail, leans into the slope and runs up. If kids like her are in charge someday, things might just be O.K.

VIDEO: Kashmir: Taking the Revolution Online



Read more: http://world.time.com/2012/07/11/kashmirs-fragile-calm-tensions-take-backseat-to-tourism/?iid=gs-main-lede%3Fxid%3Drss-topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29#ixzz20OAdsViX

Government may clear all weather tunnel to Leh today
NEW DELHI: The Centre is likely to clear the first all-weather tunnel project connecting Kashmir valley to Leh on Monday, which will be built at a cost of approximately Rs 2,700 crore. Almost all top construction firms in the country and even a major foreign firm specializing in tunnel construction have submitted bids for this project. At present, Leh remains cut off from the rest of India for at least six months due to heavy snowfall.

Border Roads Organization (BRO), which will build the 6.5 km tunnel called Z-Morh on behalf of the highways ministry, has received bids from 22 firms. The final bidder will construct, operate and maintain the tunnel on NH1 (Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road). It will have a main tunnel and a parallel escape tunnel for emergencies.

Sources in the highways ministry said the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) will take up the project for clearance on Monday and financial bidding for the project would start soon. "We had fixed August last week for laying the foundation stone and are still trying for this. In the worst case, it will happen in September," said an official.

The project will take five years to complete. To ensure that the contractor finishes it in time, the government will start making the payment only after the work is done. "The contractor will get the entire amount in installments since the project is being executed on (BOT-annuity) mode," said an official.

Earlier, Planning Commission had raised questions on the manner in which BRO got the project report prepared by a consultant. Plan panel member secretary Sindhushree Khullar in her letter dated July 9 to expenditure secretary R Gopalan said the project formulation was based on "very preliminary conceptual design" and the cost estimate was based on the experiences of the consultant on a European project. She had also highlighted how the cost was calculated in euro and later converted into rupees.

"We have addressed all issues. A European consultant will obviously work out cost in euros. But since this project will be bid out and all the best companies are eyeing this tunnel, cost should not be an issue. Whoever quotes less will get the project. This is a major project and has huge significance. This will bring major changes in the entire Leh region," said an official.

The ministry and BRO swung to action recently after Rahul Gandhi reportedly showed interest in this project. The 13-km Zojila Pass tunnel on this stretch would be bid out later by BRO.


http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=19348

Centre sanctions Rs 1,248 cr project for Jammu and Kashmir


SRINAGAR: The Centre has sanctioned road and bridges projects worth Rs 1,248 crore for Jammu and Kashmir helping to open up its far-flung and remote areas for economic betterment and welfare of the people there.

This would enable the state to initiate 484 road connectivity works and construction of 50 bridges involving total road length of 2651.23 kilometres, an official spokesman said today.

"The Union Ministry of Rural Development has accorded clearance to the proposals of Jammu and Kashmir Government pertaining to road connectivity under Phase-VIII New Connectivity of Bharat Nirman, PMGSY and long span bridges involving over Rs 1248.15 crore," the spokesman said.

The approved grants include Rs 310.37 crore under Bharat Nirman Stage-I, Rs 851.92 crore under PMGSY Stage-II, Rs 21.02 crore under normal PMGSY (for border blocks), Rs 55.39 crore for long span bridges and Rs 9.45 crore under roads and bridges Stage-II, he said.

The spokesman added it will help to cover 10 habitations of more than 1,000 population each, 63 habitations with over 500 population each and 42 habitations each with more than 250 population.

The projects were approved following a request from state Chief Minister Minister Omar Abdullah to Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh for expeditious clearance.

Expressing his gratitude to the Union leadership, Particularly Ramesh, for the assistance to the state, Omar said, it will help in a big way to open up far-flung and remote areas for economic betterment and welfare of the people. PTI

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-07-21/news/32776812_1_road-connectivity-jammu-and-kashmir-bridges

HCC wins Rs 1,534 cr contracts including 10.2 km tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir


NEW DELHI: Infrastructure major Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) today said it has bagged two major contracts worth Rs 1,534 crore in various business segments including one in Jammu & Kashmir for construction of a tunnel.

"The first order is for the construction of a 10.2 km tunnel on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line in Jammu & Kashmir...This contract is worth Rs 884 crore and will be completed in 60 months," HCC said in a statement.

The tunnel contract on the Dharam-Qazigund Section in the state has been given to HCC by IRCON International Limited, which is engaged in constructing the Udhampur-Srinagar- Baramula railway line, the company said.

This will be the second largest tunnel in India after the 10.96 km long Pir Panjal Tunnel between Qazigund to Banihal in Jammu and Kashmir, which has also been built by HCC. The tunnel is nearing completion.

"The second is an EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) order for expansion of a section of the National Highways-8 between Vadodara and Surat, which also includes the construction of an extradosed bridge across River Narmada," the company said.

The order, with a value of Rs 650 crore, is a contract from HCC Concessions, a step down subsidiary of HCC.

This contract was awarded to HCC Concessions by the National Highways Authority of India in April this year for the six-laning of a section of NH-8 between Vadodara and Surat, the statement said.

The scope of work also includes the construction of a new four-lane extradosed bridge across the Narmada River in Gujarat on a DBFOT (design, build, finance, operate and transfer) (Toll) basis, it added.

Work has already commenced on this project, and is scheduled for completion in 36 months.

The company claimed it has executed a number of India's landmark infrastructure projects.

This included constructing 25 per cent of Hydel Power generation, over 50 per cent of country's Nuclear Power generation capacities, over 3,100 lane km of Expressways and Highways, more than 200 km of complex Tunneling and over 324 Bridges.

HCC's other projects include the Bandra Worli Sea Link, Mumbai - India's first and longest open sea cable-stayed bridge; the Kolkata Metro, Farraka Barrage and India's largest nuclear power plant at Kudankulam - Tamil Nadu, it said.

The group, which comprises HCC, HCC Infrastructure, HCC Real Estate, Lavasa Corporation and Steiner AG in Switzerland, has a turnover of Rs 8,157 crore

JK CM Inspects Railway, NHW tunnels at Qazigund

Qazigund,Srinagar, September 10 (Scoop News)-Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday highlighted the importance of Railway link between Jammu and Srinagar to provide a dependable, modern and all weather communication system for the people of the State. "This and 4-laning of National Highway (NHW) from Lakhanpur to Srinagar are the prestigious projects cherished by the people for a long time", he said underlining the significance of these communication links in the socio-economic development of the State.



Omar Abdullah said that up to the mark road communication in a State like Jammu and Kashmir is all the more important for its geographical diversity, hilly terrain and remoteness. He said the rail communication to provide alternate and all whether commuting facility for the people and transshipment of goods including fruit and vegetables from the State is of significant economic importance to the Valley. He said both the projects of 4-laning of National Highway and Railway link between Jammu and Srinagar would help generation wide-ranging economic activities for the people in the State.



The Chief Minister this afternoon inspected the pace of work on both these projects at Qazigund, Galander and other places on National Highway and received presentation from the concerned agencies on the status of progress of the works.The Chief Minister inspected the Pir Panchal Railway Tunnel (T-80) connecting Jammu to Kashmir Valley through Pir Panchal mountain range of Himalaya. The Pir Panchal Tunnel is the longest rail tunnel in India located between the Banihal in South and Qazigund in North with 10.960 kilometers length. The tunnel is completely straight and runs almost parallel to North-South direction.



Presenting the status report of the project, the Railway Authorities told the Chief Minister that the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway project of Indian Railways has been declared a National Project and it envisages construction of large number of tunnels and bridges to be implemented in highly, rugged and mountainous terrains with most difficult Himalayan geology.



The alignment also crosses deep gorges of Chenab River. The 359 meterbridge over River Chenab will be the highest bridge in the world and longest span of BG Rail line with each span of 467 meters. The total length of the bridge is 1315 meters coming up at a cost of Rs. 5120 million. The main arch span of the bridge is 467 meters.



Enquiring about the status of jobs being provided by the Railway to the locals, the Chief Minister was told that permanent jobs are being provided in Railways to one of the family members whose more than 75 percent land has been acquired and so far 650 such families have been benefited. It was also given out that employment to the locals for day-to-day requirements is being provided.



The Chief Minister also inspected 9 kilometer long tunnel at Qazigund being constructed by National Highway Authority of India under the 4-laning of National Highway project between Lakhanpur to Srinagar. The concerned authorities presented the status of progress on the project to the Chief Minister. It was stated that 114 kilometers of 400 kilometer road project have been completed at a cost of over Rs. 590 crores. This includes stretch from Lakhanpur to Jammu including 15 kilometers Jammu Bye-Pass and 17.80 kilometers Srinagar Bye-Pass.



The work on 286 kilometer road length is under way in 6 packages. The major structures to be constructed include two tunnels of 10.8 kilometers length at Chenani and 9.2 kilometers at Qazigund. It also envisages construction of 12 shorter tunnels, 34 major bridges and 24 viaducts.The Chief Minister inspected the 4-laning of Qazigund Bye-Pass and 4-laning of Pampore Bye-Pass from Galander to Lasjan. He emphasized the need for fixing time lines for the completion of various works so that the projects are completed within the stipulated time period. He directed for fast tracking the works wherever required.



http://www.groundreport.com/Media_and_Tech/JK-CM-Inspects-Railway-NHW-tunnels-at-Qazigund/2947964

Omar announces ring roads for Srinagar, Jammu

Srinagar, Sep 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday gave nod for the construction of Srinagar and Jammu Ring Roads to decongest traffic and provide alternate communication for commuters.

Approving the prestigious and most required duo projects involving an expenditure of about Rs 3000 crore at a high-level joint meeting of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and Jammu and Kashmir State R&B Department here, the Chief Minister directed the NHAI executing agency for the projects to formulate the Detailed Project Reports (DPR) and put up the proposals to the R&B Department for finalization, an official handout said.

The proposed Ring Road project for Srinagar will start at Galandar near Pampore and meet the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway near Narbal junction in its Phase-I.

The road will be 4-lane with 6-lane future projection. Under the Phase-II of the project, a two-way road will start at Narbal and meet the Srinagar-Leh highway near Ganderbal.

The project is likely to cost Rs 1195 crore in Phase-I and Rs 448 crore in the Phase-II. The road length in the Phase-I will be 34.72 kilometers and in the Phase-II, 27.2 kilometers. There will be a Toll Plaza at Narbal junction.

In the proposed 4-lane road project from Galandar to Narbal there will be 155 culverts, two road-over bridges, two flyovers, five major junctions, 17 minor junctions and one Toll Plaza.

The two-lane road from Narbal to Ganderbal will have 135 culverts, 5 major junctions and 9 minor junctions.

The Chief Minister said that the projects should keep room for widening from 4-lanes to 6-lanes and from 2-lanes to 4-lanes to cater to futuristic needs.

The Jammu 4-lane Ring Road involving an expenditure of Rs 1355 crore will have one Toll Plaza in each of the homogenous sections. It will start near Vijaypur (Raipur) and meet the highway at Akhnoor where from it will go up to Nagrota Bye-Pass.

The road project will be about 60 kilometers in length. It will have 4 major bridges in Phase-I and 4 similar bridges in Phase-II while the number of minor bridges in Phase-I will be 5 and 4 in Phase-II. The number of culverts in Phase-I will be 215 and in Phase-II 102. There will be two flyovers in each package while as two overhead bridges will be constructed in the Package-II.

Under the Package-I the road length from Raipur to Akhnoor will be 43 kilometers and in Package-II it will be 16.9 kilometers.

Omar said that upto mark ring roads for the cities of Srinagar and Jammu are need of the hour and to cater to the futuristic requirements of the two capitals growing on faster pace.

The Project Director NHAI in a PowerPoint presentation explained the salient features of the proposed road projects and highlighted the main features of the projects. http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2012/Sep/26/omar-announces-ring-roads-for-srinagar-jammu-66.asp

As expected, India won the puerile case against the Kishanganga hydroelectric plant yesterday:

Hague court upholds India’s right on Kishanganga hydroelectric project (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/hague-court-upholds-indias-right-on-kishanganga-hydroelectric-project/article4430705.ece)

NEW DELHI, FEB 19:
In a significant development in an Indo-Pak dispute, the International Court of Arbitration at The Hague has upheld India’s right to divert water from the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project (KHEP) in Kashmir.

Reacting to the development, an official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said: “The award of the Court of Arbitration at The Hague has reaffirmed validity of India’s position regarding KHEP by allowing diversion of water from the KHEP as envisaged by India.”

Indus Waters Treaty

He said: “It highlights once again that India is adhering to all the provisions of Indus Waters Treaty.” The spokesperson also said the details of the award were being studied.

Pakistan has been objecting to the construction of the hydroelectric project on the Kishanganga river in Kashmir, which is called Neelum upon entering Pakistan.

Kishanganga dam dispute

In November 2009, Pakistan had proposed the establishment of a Court of Arbitration and the appointment of a neutral expert to resolve the Kishanganga dam dispute.

Indus Waters Treaty, inked between India and Pakistan, provides for the appointment of a neutral expert by the World Bank as a last option to resolve water-related issues between the two countries.

The Kishanganga plant, in Bandipora district of north Kashmir, is part of a run-of-the-river hydroelectric scheme that is designed to divert water from the Kishanganga river to a power plant in the Jhelum river basin.