Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 21: Mian Altaf, Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, called on N.N. Vohra, Governor, here at the Raj Bhavan today.
Mian Altaf apprised the Governor about the ongoing relief and rehabilitation work being undertaken in district Ganderbal and elsewhere in the Valley. They also discussed the importance of ensuring sanitation and cleanliness in all the flood affected areas.
Consequent to the unprecedented floods, the Governor and Mian Altaf discussed the varied adverse effects of polluted water bodies over the local flora and fauna and damage to the entire vegetation cover and the measures which need to be taken for ensuring the protection of forest cover and other natural resources.
A delegation of Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), called on Mr. Vohra.
The delegation, led by Haji Mushtaq Ahmad Darial and Haji Advocate Mushtaq Ahmad Sagar, Chairman and President, respectively, highlighted the varied problems and hardships which are being faced by the trading community in the Valley on account of the recent floods.
The delegation sought interest waive off on bank loans and Cash Credit Limits, one-time compensation of Rs. 2-3 lakh to traders who have suffered damage to their business establishments and merchandise; ensuring timely transportation of essential commodities for winter stocking .
They also requested the Governor to urge the State Government not to defer the examinations of present academic session in the Valley and promote all students up-to 8th standard without deferring examinations.
The Governor assured the delegation to take up their demands with the State Government.
A delegation of Jammu and Kashmir People’s Forum (JKPF), also met Mr. Vohra.
M.M. Shuja, General Secretary, JKPF, apprised the Governor about their demands which related to provision of adequate compensation for reconstruction of houses and other buildings damaged due to the recent floods in the State; involving NGOs, area-wise, to ensure speedy rehabilitation of the people rendered homeless; urgent disposal of claims by the insurance companies; setting up of the Legal Aid Centres in every flood hit town for securing quick settlement of claims related litigations; deferment of recovery of old loans and moratorium of 1-2 years on recovery of interest on all fresh loans advanced to the traders in the State; and removal of all illegal constructions and encroachments in the Valley.
Advocate Nadeem Qadri, an Environment Lawyer, submitted a memorandum to the Governor, seeking formulation of a strong Environment Policy for the State so that such disasters could be controlled in future. He particularly requested the Governor to intervene in making wetland conservation a priority.
The Governor assured the delegation to take up all the issues raised with the State and the Central Governments.
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