Business Archives | Page 58 of 102

Almond cultivation on verge of extinction, courtesy govt apathy

February 14, 2017 Editor

With every passing year, the almond orchards in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district are being axed for apples as the government has not shown any interest in promotion of almond cultivation. For the past few years, the area under almond trees has declined as swathes of Karewa land, that was deemed to be the best for cultivation, has come under apple cultivation. Horticulture experts maintain their view about the huge scope of dry fruits in the district as Karewas occupy a considerable area here. While comparing almond and apple preferences, the…

Airfare for Kashmir Sector going through the roof

February 7, 2017 Editor

For Tuesday – February 7- the highest fare was around Rs 18,577 for a one way travel and lowest fare was Rs 11,508 with overall average of Rs 13,678 price available with different airlines. Airfares soared to new highs on routes connecting Srinagar with other cities as the only surface link with Kashmir continues to remain a non-certainty due to inclement weather. Tickets for flights to Jammu, less than 45 minutes away by air, went up to several thousands of Rupees. One-way-economy class air travel from Jammu to Srinagar costs…

Transfer of hydel projects to state still a distant dream

January 13, 2017 Editor

As the PDP-BJP regime will complete two years of government on March 1 this year, one of the main objectives of the Agenda of Alliance — transfer of hydropower projects from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation — still remains a distant dream. The Jammu and Kashmir Government is still pursuing the matter with New Delhi. The last and only formal meeting with the Union Power Minister over the issue was held on March 16, 2015, giving an indication that the coalition has put the issue on the back-burner. Most of…

Kashmir remained shut for over 2,000 days in 27 Years

January 13, 2017January 13, 2017 Editor

In the past over two-and-half decades when India was making long strides and expanding its wings in the competitive global market, its crown Kashmir witnessed complete shutdown for a cumulative period of over five years on account of ‘hartal calls’ and ‘bandhs’ sponsored by separatists and terror outfits. A State Police Department report revealed that between January 1990 and December 31, 2016, the Valley has witnessed nearly 2,000 ‘hartals’ (shutdowns) on account of bandh calls, completely jamming the wheels of the economy. In addition to this, approximately 2,500 processions and…

Snow Carnival beckons tourists at Gulmarg

January 13, 2017 Editor

Snow cricket and snow cycling are new additions to the snow carnival starting January 22 After a summer of discontent, the stage is all set for the snow carnival in the winter wonderland of Gulmarg. From ice hockey to snow cricket to snow sculpting, Gulmarg is gearing up to welcome domestic and foriegn tourists in the 15-day-long festival starting January 22. Situated at an altitude of 2,650 meters, Gulmarg is famous for its lush green meadows world class peaks which is the biggest draw for the skiers during winter. The…

State Govt pursuing transfer of power projects from NHPC

January 12, 2017January 12, 2017 Editor

JK government today said the transfer of power projects from National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) was an important part of the developmental agenda of BJP-PDP coalition government and the state is actively pursuing the transfer of these projects. In a written reply to the question of Devender Rana of National Conference in Legislative Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, who also holds the power portfolio, said the government is actively pursuing the transfer of power projects. Rana had asked if the government has approached the Centre to transfer Dul Hasti,…

Nothing to beat unrest blues, rues Kashmir Inc

January 12, 2017 Editor

The Budget 2017-18 announced by Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu today failed to impress Valley-based businessmen and tourism stakeholders. Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president Mushtaq Ahmad Wani said there was nothing much for the handicrafts, tourism and horticulture sector. “There is nothing for Kashmir economy’s main sectors like handicrafts, tourism and horticulture. For long, we have been demanding that the tourism sector should get industry sector benefits. However, our demand has not been incorporated in the budget,” said Wani, who is also a hotelier. He said the tourism…

Pahalgam resort turning into winter tourism destination

January 6, 2017 Editor

The Tourism Department has started ice climbing inPahalgam to attract tourists and adventure sports lovers. By introducing the adventure sport on a frozen waterfall, the department is aiming to bring Pahalgam on the winter tourism calendar. Gulmarg has mainly remained the hub of winter tourism in the Valley. “Ice climbing is an internationally acclaimed sport. Earlier, this sport was possible only in Ladakh, which remains closed in winter. By holding a camp in Pahalgam that saw a participation of 27 local and national players, we want to make Pahalgam a…

Work on 1856-MW Sawalkote Hydel Project to commence soon

January 4, 2017 Editor

As the major works on 1856-MW Sawalkote Hydel Power Project are going to begin soon, district administration Ramban today reviewed pre-construction activities of the project here. District Development Commissioner, Ramban, Mohammad Aijaz chaired the joint meeting of engineers and managers of construction companies, according to an official statement issued here. The meeting was informed that the project would involve a total of 1400 hectare of land including the submergence part from main site upto Ramban town and at present Rs 5 crore have been disbursed among the land owners for…

Online Travel Portal owners booked for cheating

January 3, 2017 Editor

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has lodged a complaint against a travel portal for unlawful bookings and sale of helicopter tickets to pilgrims travelling from Katra to Sanjichhat and back for performing “darshan” at the holy cave shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi in Reasi district. According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the board, AK Sahu, the sale of helicopter tickets for pilgrims travelling from Katra to Sanjichhat and back was the sole prerogative of the CEO and his designated authorities and he has not authorised any…