JAMMU: National Panthers Party MLA, Harsh Dev Singh has strongly condemned the neglect of Mansar and Surinsar lakes in the matter of funds allocation by the Govenrment of India and sanction of an additional package of ` 356 crore exclusively for Dal lake. Describing the decision as the most blatant act of regional discrimination, Mr. Singh further lambasted the State Government for its apathy and neglect of the tourist resorts of Jammu region and intentional non-projection of demands with respect to their development.

Pakistan and Qatar are likely to sign two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) according to which the two countries will jointly explore development of hydropower, identification of sources of financing, exploration of investment opportunities in energy sector, rehabilitation of existing hydropower plants and construction of National Highway and Motorway infrastructure, official sources told Business Recorder.

These MoUs, sources said, will be inked during the visit of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, scheduled for February 6-8.

Reacting strongly to Narmada Bachao Andolan’s demand for scrapping of the project and CBI inquiry, the Shree Maheshwar Hydel Power Corporation Limited (SMHPCL) on Friday alleged that the Narmada Bachao Andolan has been spreading inaccurate information to mislead people, malign the project and delay it. According to information, alleging massive financial irregularities in its execution, the Narmada Bachao Andolan had demanded in Delhi on Thursday, scrapping of the controversial project in MP. They had claimed that its cost had escalated several times than the original estimate.

JAMMU: Highlighting the State's rich bio-diversity and uniqueness of being land of rich fauna and flora, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Friday emphasized the need for protection and preservation of this individuality of Jammu and Kashmir.

Chairing the 2nd meeting of State Board for Wildlife (SBW), the Chief Minister, who is also its Chairman, said that measures should be in place to minimize wild animal-human conflict.

International Development Association (IDA) will provide dollars 250 million for Punjab Irrigated Agriculture Productivity Improvement Programme Project Phase-I, while local beneficiaries would bear dollars 173.5 million.

According to an update project report of World Bank, the project's main objectives are to improve water productivity.

A delegation comprising judge of International Court of Arbitration (ICA) and Indian Secretary Water Resources, are to inspect 969 MW Neelum Jhehlum Hydroelectric Project to weigh Pakistan's arguments against construction of 330 MW Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project in held Kashmir, well informed sources told Business Recorder.

The sources said one member of the delegation has already reached Islamabad whereas others are expected on Friday evening or Saturday.

The delegation will stay in Pakistan for two days.

The Housing and Urban Development Department which administers Lakes and Waterways Development Authority, had taken up with Union Ministry of Environment and Forests the project for funding the compensation to be paid to the Dal dwellers for acquisition of their land and structures within the Dal lake. The project has now been cleared after its techno-financial justification.