WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2011

DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU

Excelsior
Established 1965

daily

Kashmir: Recapitulating recent events

By K.N. Pandita Some interesting developments in recent weeks are noticeable on Kashmir political scenario. Both factions of Hurriyat have sealed their lips on US-Pak spat following the event of 26 November in which 24 Pakistani soldiers and some civilians were killed in drone attacks on two Pakistani military posts called Salala in Mohmand area just a kilometer and half away from Pak-Afghan border in Kunar province of Afghanistan. Pakistani "Memogate" left Kashmiri separatist leadership disconcerted because of its entrenched belief that Pak leadership will never do anything against the super sanctity of that nation. Twice bitten by humiliation at the hands of the Americans, Army Chief trained his guns first against pro-President Ambassador in the US and then very much against the President forcing him to go on self-imposed exile to Switzerland though the regime tried to play down the humiliating episode by saying that the President had gone to Dubai for treatment. It misled the nation by telling them that the President's life was not safe if he were admitted to a local hospital. Such is the reach of theo-fascists in that country that the administration cannot provide protection to the life of the President of the country while the Army Chief exudes bravado of fighting the Americans and asking his soldiers to retaliate without waiting for orders from GHQ. General Kiyani is more subtle than his predecessors in misusing his power as leading military man. The second interesting episode that sparked triangular controversy among the State Government, Central Government and the Army is about the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). State Chief Minister wants it to be revoked contending that militancy had come down in some parts of Kashmir and Jammu. But the Army has put its foot down as it does not see eye to eye with the perception of the State Government. The Cabinet Core Group left the matter to the discretion of the Command Headquarter where Chief Minister Omar may not be able to cobble a majority vote. Though the CM lobbied vigorously at New Delhi, he could not convince the Defence Minister who made no bones in expressing that he would go by the opinion of his field commanders. More recently, the issue has assumed somewhat interesting legal dimension. The security officer of 15 Corps said in a press briefing that Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) and AFSPA were two different things and could not be made inter-dependent. In other words, it meant that if DAA was withdrawn it did not mean that AFSPA becomes ineffective automatically. So far the notion was that with the withdrawal of DAA, AFSPA would evaporate. The spokesman argued that DAA was extended year after year but since 1997, it has never been extended and left to languish which means that it is no more in place from 1997 onwards whereas AFSPA has been very much operative. Army's stand has been reinforced by the most recent statement of the Defence Minister saying that it was Army alone that would decide whether the time was ripe for revocation of AFSPA. Evidently, the future course of action in this context could be an exercise in building consensus of opinion. Surprisingly, PDP leader Mahbooba Mufti recently came out with high appreciation of the services of the Army rendered during militancy. She said the Army will go back to the barracks with due honour and in its martial glory as it, and the nation, are rightfully proud of achievements made in Kashmir. AFSPA has to go sooner or later but it should go not leaving behind acrimonious atmosphere. The death of a National Conference activist, while in the custody of the Crime Branch of State Police, triggered hysteria in the Valley. All sorts of accusations imaginable were hurled at the doorstep of the Chief Minister who took the most rational and legal action of handing the case to a single judge Commission of Enquiry. The person conducting enquiry right now has been nominated by the Supreme Court of India. With that, those who whipped up sentiments of people beyond proportion have now chosen to be silent. Omar Abdullah has been vindicated. Two more incidents happening last week, though contradictory in essence, are quite interesting and could be a pointer to the events that will unfold in days to come. One is the pro-Gilani stone throwers beating to death one Tariq Ahmad, a petty shopkeeper in Nowhatta locality of downtown Srinagar for defying the call for strike and keeping his shop open. He succumbed to internal injuries inflicted on him brutally by his assailants. Except the business community of Nowhatta locality, none among the separatists gave a call for bandh in protest against wanton killing of an innocent youth. In an editorial this paper honoured him by calling him a martyr who laid down his life for the right cause of freedom of expression. This attitude of the separatists and their infuriated crowds stands in diametrical opposition to how they violently react to a chance killing by police personnel under right to self protection prerogative. The second incident is that stones and brickbats were hurled at Maulavi Omar Farooq, the chief of APHC (M) faction when he was addressing a large crowd in Sopor. A group of local youth raised slogans against the Maulavi. The police had to intervene to disperse the crowds. Sopor is the stronghold of Ali Shah Geelani and also extensively infested with militancy. It is a strategic town where routes from all vulnerable points of infiltration converge. Sitting at the edge of a vast hinterland, Sopor has had commercial connections with the entire border belt from Bandipor/Gurez to Uri. Anti-Maulavi Farooq demonstrations in Sopor and anti stone-throwing mobs demonstration in Nowhatta, Srinagar are two contradictory events. These clearly indicate that the gulf between two factions of Hurriyat has considerably widened and deepened. This phenomenon of contradiction seeps into valley society in so many aspects. Despite sticking fast to its traditional stance, Maulavi faction seems to be responsive to consequential changes in regional strategies whereas Gilani faction holds on to Pakistan tantrum like a leech. But it should not be assumed that Gilani is devoid of resilience. His reaction is more attuned to day to day events which usually have a varying graph. The last event of much consequence is a rather unusual and partially provocative content of the statements of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah given at public rallies during his tour to Doda, Kishtwar and Bhaderwah. Addressing the youth he was candid in telling them that hooliganism, stone throwing, black flags, and anti-India slogans were not going to carry them anywhere. When studied closely, one finds that he has been philosophizing like a patriarch and not resorting to a politicians' claptrap. This is precisely the right course not only for him but for all elected political leaders of the State if they really mean to pull the State out of the morass of retarded mindset.

Noise Pollution

Lokpal Bill on the anvil

here are nearly 70 amendments to the draft Lokpal bill which means that Government has almost redrawn the draft it had prepared for presentation to the Parliament for debate and decision. Of these amendments, two are under very close consideration. These are inclusion of Prime Minister in the ambit with adequate safeguards and change in the mode of appointment of CBI Director. Team Anna Hazare has been insisting on inclusion of the PM in the ambit and also for total autonomy of the Directorate of CBI. From what has tricked down about the discussions held so far by Government quarters, it is learnt that in any case the bill will go to the parliament and the government has agreed to extend the session by a few days in order to accommodate the bill to be tabled in final shape. It is reliably learnt that most of the amendments have been accommodated and only some "faults" remain to be corrected. The late night meeting of the Union Cabinet that was expected to approve the Lokpal Bill was postponed as the UPA Government's "legal eagles" were locked in intense deliberations through the day poring over the fine print of the final draft of the proposed legislation. After a flurry of meetings to clean up the Bill, Law Minister Salman Khurshid said the draft will be shown to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for their green signal after which it will be placed before the Cabinet for its approval. The Centre is faced with the unenviable task of drafting a Bill which appears to accommodate Team Anna's demands but, at the same time, does not erode the Government's authority. Given the timeline, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal indicated that the revised Lokpal Bill can be expected to be brought to Parliament on Wednesday or Thursday. Bansal also said the present session may be extended by three days after the Christmas break if Parliament does not pass the Lokpal Bill this week. Keen to push the Bill through in this session, the Government's legal experts Home Minister P Chidambaram, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, Minister of State in the PMO V Narayansamy and Khurshid spent the day going through the Bill with a fine toothcomb. UPA sources said while the broad contours of the legislation were discussed with the PM and Mukherjee the previous night, Chidambaram lately found fault with it. The delay was also being put down to the fact that there are nearly 70 amendments to the Bill. Consequently, the ruling coalition will introduce a new Lokpal Bill in the Lok Sabha. UPA sources said though it had been decided to accept the BJP suggestion that the CBI director be appointed by a panel comprising the PM, Leader of Opposition and the Lokpal, Chidambaram objected and wanted to know whom will the CBI director will report to. Another view was the Lokpal could not sit in on the appointment of a government officer. The selection panel could now include the Chief Justice of Supreme Court or his nominee. As the Government mulled over the relationship between the CBI and the proposed ombudsman body, the Centre is determined that the investigative agency should be independent but wants to retain administrative and financial control over it. It is against handing over control of the agency's investigative wing to the Lokpal, as demanded by Team Anna. As a compromise, Government is likely to arm the Lokpal with a unit which will conduct preliminary enquiries into complaints which could then be handed over to police or CBI for further probe. Lokpal will have the authority to supervise these cases. The Citizen's Charter will be incorporated in the right of citizens for time-bound delivery of services and redress of their grievances Bill, which is to be introduced in Lok Sabha tomorrow. Anna Hazare has publicly accepted the supreme authority of the Parliament which he hopes will show its eagerness to see that the bill is passed as his team expects. He said that everybody assured him that they want the ombudsman institution to work independently and fearlessly in order to curb corruption. Hence he had every reason to trust them and called them respectable persons. However, the long and tortuous process of introducing the bill could not be avoided as the bill had to go through democratic process to be acceptable to people and the Government.

A case study of Jammu city

By Prof (Dr) R D Gupta* ore than 100 years ago, a well noted German Bacteriologist (Nobel Laureate) once said, "The day will come when men have to fight noise as incurably as cholera and plague". Today his prediction has become true particularly in urbanized areas. Increasing urbanization has lead to a problem of noise intruding into the privacy of urban dwellers affecting the quality of life. "Any sound reaching the ears that serves no useful purpose is called noise." Today noise as pollutant has become a great nuisance. It is now present in real danger, especially in crowded cities of the country where there is still no staunch legal or moral curb on noise automobile engines and use of blaring horns and high pitched conversation. "Noise pollution" has now become a health hazard and, therefore, it is the burning problem of the day. While noise induced hearing loss is irreversible, it is preventable and its risk could be reduced with application of noise control devices, occupational hearing loss prevention programmes as well as planting of strips using different species of plants and trees.

While noise induced hearing loss is irreversible, it is preventable and its risk could be reduced with application of noise control devices, occupational hearing loss prevention programmes as well as planting of strips using different species of plants and trees.
In Jammu city particularly in the conjested areas noise pollution menace is at peak at most of the places due to looming traffic. As per the report of Pollution Control Board's scientists, in commercial areas the noise level has crossed the maximum limit of 65 dB in almost all the places like Prade Ground, Shalamar, Dogra Chowk, Vikram Chowk, Satwari Chowk. Even at Shalamar opposite to SMG Hospital, the noise level has increased alarmingly to about 80 to 85 dB or even more than this figure. The noise level at Medical College Bakshinagar has been reported to be about 70 to 75 dB. Medical Professionals have already expressed a great concern about the significant rise in the level of noise pollution. According to them noise above 90 dB for continuous period of 8 hours day-1 causes temporary hearing loss, a single exposure of 150 dB produces permanent injury to the ears internal mechanism. Sources Three main sources of noise pollution are: Industries and machineries, surface transport and air traffic, and community activities like entertainment - religious occasions (Diwali, Ramadan, Guru Purab) when ear splitting crackers are fired. The use of loud speakers in temples, mosques, gurudwaras, social functions, and marriage ceremonies, stereos in the matadors, televisions in the travelling buses and houses, are the other sources, which create noise pollution, when run in more sound. Control * Excessive noise can be controlled by checking the noise source such as radio/television, vehicles etc. Noise intrusion into a building can be best combated by sealing all outlets to the outside. Gaskets around doors can also reduce noise pollution from one place to other. * Inside the buildings, carpets, drapery and acoustical files can reduce some noise level though such internal provisions do not affect the noise intrusion from the outside. * Planting of strips of m width on both sides of the roads is the most simplest and easiest method to control noise pollution generated by the running vehicles. While planting the trees growing of local species having broad leaves must be preferred. Rows of tall trees with ample foliage on both sides of highways and busy roads have proved more beneficial for checking the noise pollution. It is because they serve as good noise absorbers by functioning as noise filters. * The trees which can easily be planted within the cities include neem (Azadirachta indica), Ashoka plant (Saraca indica), katrer (Bauhinia Variegata), amaltas or karangal (Cassia fistula), pipal or peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) and borh (Ficus bengalensis) can also be grown as they also have great noise absorbing power and cleanising the air. * As noise is directly proportional to congestion of buildings and population so urban planning should give more stress on the dispersal of the settlements. * Public awareness about noise pollution and its hazards and impacts through media can also go a long way to control noise pollution. Suggestions for improvement in the future * Directions of Honble Supreme Court must be followed in letter and spirit. The Supreme Court judgement passed on 18th July 2005, which reaffirms complete ban on use of loud speakers and fire crackers between 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in all public places, must be implemented strictly. Strict action is required to be taken against the defaulters. * Noise pollution should be tackled from administrative angle. This would imply to form regulatory policies for plying vehicles and running industries with strict of observance and rules. * The problem of noise pollution should be explained by way of electronic media i.e. radio, television etc. * Industrial areas must be built well outside the city and workers given medical checkp up regularly. * The traffic police must take stringent action to force motor vehicle's owners to lessen noise emitting from their vehicles.

Educate the tourist visiting Jammu region

By Jeet Dogra

mong numerous methods of promoting militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, the handlers of separatists and militants from across the LoC have recently tried to whip up the rumour of large scale increase in infiltration after the row on AFSPA issue. Detractors across the line of control expected that the debate on the revocation of AFSPA that shaped between the State Government, Armed Forces and the Security paraphernalia, would escalate and thus lead to a breakdown of relationship. As that did not happen, they tried to plant canards in sections of media that infiltration had increased in Jammu and Kashmir. The Army has come out with a repudiation of this false story and said in a statement that no such information has come from the Army's intelligence sources. The statement said that past experience has shown that infiltration takes place mostly before the winter sets in and passes are coved with snow. Now that winter is at its peak in Jammu and Kashmir and snowfall on peaks has already blocked passes, there is little to be said about infiltration at this part of the year. Actually there is a disinformation campaign unleashed by the sources across the LoC with the purpose of creating a wedge between the State Government and the Army. Contrarily, relations between the State government and the Army in J&K have been excellent and the case of AFSPA has not created any ill-will whatsoever. Of course there is variation in perception and this has been discussed threadbare by stakeholders. The final position is that a consensus is being built on when and how to withdraw the AFSPA so that the security of the state is not adversely affected.

Disinformation campaign

hether online or offline, tourism brochures usually showcase the same sort of advertisement and marketing skills related to various attractions of tourism destinations around the world. Sometimes, the lavish resorts to attractive man-made theme parks, sometimes, mountaineering expeditions to cycling tracks, sometimes, heli-skiing to bungee jumping, etc. all the activities occur with in the tourism destinations always fascinated and pull tourist towards the destination. With the advent of time and study about the mass movement of tourist towards wilderness areas, their impact on nature sounded alarm bells and then international and national organizations thought seriously to tackle such threats. The concept of carrying capacity (where the actual capacity for carrying the tourists are calculated and then accordingly allow them to visit that place in some stipulated number) came into existence but as far as its implementation is concerned, it is fully dependent upon the will of tourists as well as on the local communities. Hence, to educate and sensitize the tourists as well as the local community is the need of the hour for well-being of the healthy tourism practices. The above mentioned discussion suits the Jammu region also. This region, receives annually more than 8 million tourists. These usually visit of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Amarnath. These huge numbers bring economic and other kinds of benefits to the region as well as to the state. The danger of adverse social and economical impacts also come along with the benefits. One such biggest

threat is disposal of wastes and garbage here and there in the surroundings. The plastic bags and polythene, although banned by the government, is used without fear by the local as well as by the visitors from outside the state. To tackle such problem, it is necessary to educate people about it.The main objective to educate the visitors is to sensitize them about the local practices as well as about the environment sustenance. Then this

enjoys the fundamental rights then they should practice the fundamental duties and develop the moral and ethical manners towards the environment sustenance. To educate the masses, we should start right from the grass-root level or primary level. The former Indian President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on July 23, 2011 in one of his public speeches said that the future of Indian education will depend upon the quality of primary education. Rightly said, the primary

The above mentioned discussion suits the Jammu region also. This region, receives annually more than 8 million tourists. These usually visit of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Amarnath. These huge numbers bring economic and other kinds of benefits to the region as well as to the state.
sensitization further helps the visitors to study the local ethics, values, tolerance and beliefs. Furthermore, it also helps in emotional linking with the local culture and traditions and enhances their travel experience within the region. The process of sensitization should be up to that level where every visitor as well as local resident will think twice to dispose garbage or other non bio-degradable stuff on in the surroundings. The policies and guidelines should advocate for sustenance of environment as well as the local culture. The locals should share their beliefs with the visitors before their arrival to the region. These environment friendly guidelines become the unwritten constitutional duties of every citizen or visitor whether they travel to with in or outside their residential areas. If a citizen level education develops the right kind of approach in the next-generation. The think-tank should frame the policies which will educate the people about the ill-effects of visitors or local communities on eco-system, the ecology and on the environment. For example, if any visitor resides in Jammu city and goes for an excursion to Jia Pota Ghat in Akhnoor. There are chances that they would like to carry the packet snacks, soft drink bottles and other packaging stuff. In the evening, the litters are thrown 'here and there with no fear'. The immediate need is to convert that attitude of 'no fear'. If the same visitor enjoys the local made eating stuff like burfi, pakoras or milk in Akhnoor market, it would do definitely do no harm to him. On the other hand, the visitor feels a unique experience by consuming the locally made food stuff

which is beyond his routine life as compared to the soft drinks which are responsible for depletion of ground level within their manufacturing units. To visit any place means to completely indulge with in that environment. In conclusion, Jammu region has immense potential for tourism activities right from pilgrimage tourism to art and craft showcase, from historical monuments to museums and art-galleries, from wetland to border tourism aspects, from eco-tourism to cultural tourism perspectives. The need is to first educate the local visitor about the long term sustenance of these tourism resources. Ultimately with the involvement of all stakeholders, to sensitize and educate the guests coming from outside the state or even outside the country. In order to provide them the lifetime memorable experience, encourage them to respect and indulg a in the genre of local ethics and contributes towards the environmental wellbeing. The online and offline advertisements and marketing mediums for tourism promotions which displays Jammu and Kashmir state and especially the regional tourism of Jammu should also give appropriate space to the ethics, code-of-conducts and guidelines for sustainable tourism practices. The proverb penny penny, makes so many suitably fit into the sustainable tourism practices. The educated and sensitized guests always felt delighted during and commencement of their tour by knowingly that they contributed into the sustainable and responsible tourism practices which ultimately cherish by the present and future generations. (The author is UGC NET & Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Ph.D. Research Scholar, School of Hospitality & Tourism Management (SHTM), (The author is former Associate Dean cum Chief Scientist Krishi Vigyan Kendra, SKUAST,Jammu.) Universityof Jammu).

Prove worthy of democracy

Sir, Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahatir bin Mohamad's assertion at recently held Hindustan Times leadership summit that India could be China in terms of development if it was somewhat ''Less democratic'' is apt, carries weight and is worth emulating. Even after 64 years of getting freedom from colonial rule we are not conditioned like the British, French, Japanese, Americans or the Germans, who value their democracy, respect it and cherish it. They have the Govts which are of the people, by the people and for the people. Wheras in our context it is the reverse. We have Govts off the people, buy the people and far the people. We Indians tend to abuse and misuse our democratic freedom with impunity. It is because of Iron hand policies of the Chinese Govt that the population explosion in that country was controlled and stabilized by prescribing ''one child norm''. Whereas in India population has exceeded 1.2 billion mark, straining beyond repair our land and natural resources with millions living in slums and unhygienic conditions. Starvation deaths and suicides are rampant in rural areas with indifferent Govt doing nothing. 50 percent of eligible Indian voters do not vote in the elections, which makes it imperative for the Govt to make voting compulsory. Secessionism and corruption have thrived. Littering is rampant. Problems of pollution and adulteration have assumed serious proportions affecting the health of general masses. Thousands of persons die annually due to rash and negligent driving or due to violation of traffic rules and this happens on a regular basis in every nook and corner of the country. Crimes against women are on the increase because there is no fear of law. Due to our slow and lengthy Judicial process violators and criminals, in most of the cases, go scot free. Whereas in countries like China, Saudi Arab or Singapore the punishment is prompt and proper which acts as a deterrent for others. Nobody likes or wants dictatorship or military rule. But for democracy to be meaningful and the fruits of democracy to percolate down we have to learn to stop misusing our democratic rights as citizens of a free country and stress more on our duties as members of democratic set up to prove that we are worthy of democracy. Yours etc... Vinod Bhan Radio Colony, Bantalab Sir, At Surinsar lake, there exist four rest Houses belonging to PWD, PHE, Forest and Tourism Deptts. But all these are meant only for the officers of respective deptts. Now with the construction of decent link road between Jammu to Surinsar many would like to visit that place for picnic and sight seeing. Ironically none of these houses is allotted to tourist against payment. The Govt should either make it open for tourist against payment or fix a board prohibiting tourists of all kinds and declare it to be meant for Govt officers for their recreational purpose. Yours etc... Vijay Kumar Gupta 17/3, Trikuta Nagar

Not for tourists