Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO Pahalgam team grieved over loss of life in Kolhai Galicer incident ..

Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO Pahalgam team grieved over loss of life in Kolhai Galicer incident .. 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢

Aru Pahalgam, September 08,2018:Expressing concern over Kolhai Glacier tragedy , Mushtaq Pahalgami president Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO has expressed extreme grief and sorrow over the tragic Kolhai Glacier  shooting rock accident in yesterday resulting in the loss of two precious lives.
KAS Officer among 2 died after  came under mountain shooting rocks at Kolhai Glacier yesterday .

Two mountain hikers including a KAS officer Naveed Jeelani were killed after they came under mounting shooting rocks on Kolahoi glacier in in upper Himalayan reaches in Pahalgam  .

A nine member group of mountain hikers belongs with alpine adventurer club was hiking on Kolahoi glacier summit near Dhanwet, 26 kms from Pahalgam yesterday when two of its members came into a shooting rocks on the glacier  region and both died on the spot and one Hazik Ahmad was critically  injured who shifted today morning Srinagar by IAF chopper from danwat base camp .
We would like to say here the other members are safe reached back Aru and are on way to their homes ,however tow dead bodies was not brought back still from Kolhai Glacier  .

In his condolence message, Pahalgami conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families in their hour of grief to the families whose dear ones died in the accident. He prayed for peace to the departed souls. He also wished speedy recovery to those who were injured in the accident.

We appreciate all those become of the part of this rescue operation including Aru Villagers they provided all logical support from yesterday ,  NDRF Teams , Pahalgam Adventure Association headed by Riyaz Ahmad , local volunteers and others,
Especially we appreciate district administration Ananthnag, Local administration of Pahalgam who are still rescuing the trapped hikers and all those who are monitor closely rescue operation from yesterday evening .......

Press and Publicity,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Sustainable Tourism!!!

Sustainable Tourism !!!

July 06,2018:Sustainable tourism, one that establishes a suitable balance between the environmental, economic and socio cultural aspects of tourism development, plays an important role in conserving biodiversity. It attempts to minimize its impact on the environment and local culture so that it will be available for future generations, while contributing to generate income, employment, and the conservation of local ecosystems.
By doing so, sustainable tourism maximizes the positive contribution of tourism to biodiversity conservation and thus to poverty reduction and the achievement of common goals towards sustainable development.
Sustainable tourism provides crucial economic incentives for habitat protection. Revenues from visitor spending are often channeled back into nature conservation or capacity building programmes  for local communities to manage protected areas. Furthermore, tourism can be a key vehicle in raising awareness and fostering positive behavior change for biodiversity conservation among the millions of people travelling the globe every year.

Source: Other

Courtesy : Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Amarnath Ji Yatra sanitation!!!

June 29,2018:Expressing concerns over degradation of Himalayan region's fragile ecology,  prominent  environmentalist Mushtaq Pahalgami demanded that the ongoing  Amarnath pilgrimage be undertaken in accordance with the standards set in the environmental policy of the state.
The state  government and shrine board should take care of the fragile environment in the Amarnath Cave and its surroundings from pahalgam to holy cave and holy cave to sonamarg , he said. "Just like the principles of conservation of environment and administrative facilitation in the Gangotri pilgrimage and the larger conservation plans for the Ganga River are applied to the pilgrimage, we expect the state government to apply the similar standards in Amarnath yatra", said pahalgami.
He asked the government to get a group of environmental experts study the impact of the unregulated pilgrim rush on the ecology of the Amarnath area and recommend measures to be taken to regulate the same keeping in view the environmental concerns of the people.
"I appeal the environmentalists to come forward to suggest how to address their concerns. The collection and the disposal of solid waste during yatra period is a problem area which needs to be focused on." he added.
"The environmental experts should suggest measures for the protection and conservation of fragile environment in the Himalayan region in the upcoming yatra set to begin on June 28", he said, also raising concerns about open defecation in jungles by BSF men in compartment 35 LDR, expressing hope that shrine board  and the state govt. will do the needful to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene in the yatra period this time.

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

SAVE KOLAHOI , SAVE LIDDER ECOSYSTEM

SAVE KOLAHOI , SAVE LIDDER ECOSYSTEM

June 26,2018:Originating from the Kolahoi glacier near upper reaches of pahalgam and Sonamarg , and flowing for nearly 30 kms through the pristine Liddewat region before the Sheshnag and Kolahoi streamlets join to make it a river at Pahalgam, Lidder is a 73km long river and a major tributary of Jhelum, joining the latter at  Khanabal. River Lidder supplies water for drinking and irrigation for a very large population in the region and commands a vast area of land. Sadly the source of the river has severely receded in the last 20 years and is projected to continue to recede by about 3 meters a year. The Kolahoi has indeed lost almost 18% of its total volume in the last 4 decades  as per expert reports. The reason is partly natural but also in part induced by climate change due to man’s thermogenic activity in the region. Unfortunately much of the avoidable damage is being done to both the glacial region as well as to Lidder itself by continued and unaccounted for private/military/commercial expeditions to the upper reaches as well as by activities like illegal encroachment, deforestation and construction in the area lining the river’s course, illegal garbage dumping and sewage discharge, vehicle washing etc. Recent constructions including private hotels in Movera Yaner ,Langanbal,Amadzoo and other places  area have been built almost inside the river’s basin and flood-plains and threaten to disrupt the course and ecology of the river. The Himalayan Welfare Organization (HWO), Pahalgam has repeatedly brought up the question of the involvement of some senior government officials bureaucrats capitalists and some politicians in the matter and will soon formally launch the ‘Save Lidder Valley’ campaign to help restraint vested private interests determined to destroy the natural ecosystems of the Lidder Valley. We have also repeatedly tried to intervene to stop illegal land grab and construction in the region through information campaigns, seminars and media outreach and through use of instruments like the Right to information RTI, but both the scale and expanse of the problem is increasing by the day, posing new challenges and requiring newer and wider response. We seek everybody’s support in this and request friends in the media, scientific/academic community and school children to come together and join us in creating awareness about the matter and help us resist those who violate the Hon’ble High Court’s restrictions on construction and other activities in the region. We need to urgently understand that without Lidder there will be no Lidder Valley and without its source glacier  Kolahoi, there will be no Lidder. Save the glaciers, save river ecosystems!

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Environmental Conservation and Green Development!!!

Environmental Conservation and Green Development !!!

18 June 2018:People who are concerned with protecting the environment often use the terms preservation and conservation. These two terms are often confused and are generally used to mean the same thing, although differences exist.
Conservation of environment simply implies the sustainable use as well as management of natural resources which include wildlife, water, air, and earth deposits. There are renewable and non-renewable natural resources. Conservation of natural resources generally focuses on the needs & interests of human beings, for instance the biological, economic, cultural and recreational values. Conservationists have the view that development is necessary for a better future, but only when the changes occur in ways that are not wasteful.                                                                                                         As far as preservation of environment is concerned, it tries to maintain the present condition areas of the nature or Earth which are not yet touched by humans. This is because of the fat that mankind is encroaching onto the environment at such a rate that various wild landscapes are being given over to farming, industry, housing, tourism and other human developments. And we lose much of the natural areas. Preservationists also strongly support the protection of nature for purely human-centered reasons. However, some adopts less human-centered approach to environmental protection, placing a value on nature that does not relate to the needs and interests of human beings. But is a fact that by preserving and conserving environment we can make a healthy atmosphere to live in.
Environmental preservation is viewed or seen as the setting aside of earthly resources for preventing damage normally caused by contact with humans or by certain human activities, such as logging, mining, hunting, and fishing, only to replace them with new human activities such as tourism and recreation. Furthermore regulations and laws may be enacted for the preservation of natural resources. Being earth friendly is very essential as this will save our planet at the time making a better place to live in for us, for future generations.
Some common steps that need to be taken to ensure sustainable and green development include fair and regular assessment of environmental damage and accordingly formulated replenishment and conservation/preservation measures like tree plantation, preservation and restoration of natural water bodies and dedicated efforts at conserving the flora and fauna. Concretization and rapid concretelization  has to be opposed at all cost and eco-friendly and regulated construction has to be promoted. Small scale and low impact tourism must be promoted and proper treatment of waste before disposal must be ensured. A Finally, strategies for a sustainable engagement with conservation and preservation have to be evolved and implemented with full zeal and a civil society campaign initiated to the effect.

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

***Happy World Environment Day 5 June 2018***

***Happy World Environment Day  5 June 2018***

The theme for 2018 is beating plastic pollution.

4 June 2018:World Environment Day is the UN's most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries.

World Environment Day is the "people's day" for doing something to take care of the Earth. That "something" can be focused locally, nationally or globally; it can be a solo action or involve a crowd. Everyone is free to choose.

The is organized around a theme that focuses attention on a particularly pressing environmental concern.

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

June 04,2018: International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 4 June 2018!

Hugs not Slugs.
Kids deserve to be Happy, Healthy,and Safe....

June 04,2018: International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression  4 June 2018!

The United Nations' (UN) International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed on June 4 each year. The purpose of the day is to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. This day affirms the UN's commitment to protect the rights of children.

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

We appeal to local politicians should not interfere in education matters!!!

01 June 2018: I was talking to an officer in the education department yesterday and asked him why there's a shortage of staff in the upper areas of pahalgam . He said one there's a shortage of staff and secondly, a number of teachers do not return to the far flung areas even afrer the attachment period ends using local political influence. Teachers who are ordered to go to these areas also resist such postings with the help of political influence. He also said that such problems dont exist in areas like Ananthnag and other areas of district ananthnag where teachers are more and students lesser. Sadly the Education department does not pay attention to upper areas like pahalgam aru, mandlana, mamal, ganieshbal, frislan, athnadan, laripora kalan laripora khurad, gujran batkoot, serchen, kicherwan, grendwan hapatnar, reshikulbal, nagbal, khilan, lehandajan, shikhpora, etc where there's a severe shortage of staff. A number of RET and other teachers also don't go these schools at all despite drawing pay from the school depriving poor children going to these schools of education. We appeal local politicians not to interfere in these matters and stop putting the question of their education under duress. They should instead think these are their own children and try to do whatever they can to ensure there's no shortage of staff in schools in far flung areas. The Director Education Kashmir, CEO Education Ananthnag and concerned ZEOs must also ensure posting of additional staff in the 3 education zones of Mattan, Aishmuqam and Srugufwara.

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

World No Tobacco Day 31 MAY 2018!!!

World No Tobacco Day 31 MAY  2018!!!

Every year, on 31 May, WHO and its partner organizations , mark World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) to highlight the health and other risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

This year, World No Tobacco Day will focus on the important link between tobacco and heart disease, under the campaign theme “Tobacco Breaks Hearts”. The campaign aims to increase awareness on the link between tobacco and CVD and promote feasible actions and measures that governments and the public can take to reduce the risks to heart health posed by tobacco. World No Tobacco Day 2018 will also be an opportunity to bolster commitment and empower the cardiovascular community in the fight against tobacco.

Cardiovascular disease kills more people than any other cause of death worldwide, and tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure contribute to approximately 12% of all heart disease deaths. Tobacco use is also the second leading cause of CVD, after high blood pressure. Despite the known harms of tobacco to heart health, and the availability of solutions to reduce related death and disease, knowledge among large sections of the public that tobacco is one of the leading causes of CVD is low.

Courtesy :
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Save Pahalgam Save ,The Future Generations

Save Pahalgam Save Future Generations.
April 28,2018:It's a common duty to save and conserve the resources that provide us livelihood and employment. It is incumbent upon us all to happily and dutifully take care of these natural gifts , especially river Lidder which provides employment to thousands of us. We should also similarly, proactively care for Kolhai Glacier and make efforts to save it from melting. We must also keep an eye on anyone destroying our surroundings through polluting, contaminating, dumping garbage, illegal encroachment and construction etc. and must make efforts to stop them. We should form a trust and collect funds from all unions and concerned people to design and implement some program for the conservation of these bodies and work in collaboration with the MCP, PDA, Tourism and Revenue....... departments to save the Surroundings of Pahalgam from being destroyed.

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Himalayan Green Award 2018!

April 19,2018:In the Himalayan Green awards, 2018, the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Srinagar Reyaz Ahmad Wani was also presented a letter of appreciation in absentee for doing an outstanding job as director, urban local bodies especially for better sanitation and environmental conservation. Director, Tourism, Kashmir Mahmood Ahmad Shah was also duly appreciated for his efforts for tourism promotion. Both officers will be presented with the certificates in person soon.

Press and Publicity,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Stop Labour Child!!!

Profound solidarity !!!

April 18,2018:A number of underaged children are employed in the in different  sectors  in Jammu and  Kashmir, especially in Pahalgam,Gulmarg ,Sonamarg and other spots    as pony walas and in hotels, local restaurants,shops  and vehicles driver conductor. These are minors who instead need to be at school and are compelled to drop out of education, mostly due to poverty and lack of accessibility of and acceptability in local schools. We brought up the matter in the time to time and now again we requested industry players to not resort to child labour as a source of cheap labour but to no avail. Both the tourism and Labour departments as well as ministries of education and child welfare need to take immediate cognisance of the problem, have these kids rescued and rehabilitated and sent to schools as well simultaneously punishing the employers and making it difficult for them to employ children as workers, which is legally a punishable crime as per the J&K Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act, which "provides for regulation of employment of children in non-hazardous process or occupation .The act also provides for rehabilitation of child workers and providing support to the family on account of loss of income."

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Open letter to Chief Executive Officer Pahalgam Development Authority.

Open letter to Chief Executive Officer Pahalgam Development Authority.

April 08, 2018: Private companies who have been alloted/commissioned for ex. JIO Reliance, who was commissioned first in year 2017 for digging whole Khanabal Road from Ananthnag to Pahalgam and local pahalgam town too, second KEI industries Limited New Delhi and now BSNL, digging the same khanbal Pahalgam road, these companies laying underground JIO Reliance Cable, KEA power cableing work in Pahalgam town and BSNL telephone cable esp for Amarnath yatra purpose must not be allowed to use heavy machines JCBs etc. This not only adversely impacts this ecologically sensitive  area but also upsets the already precarious nature-construction balance here.
Without permission of Building Operation Controlling Authority -  BOCA no work is possible here in jurisdictions of Pahalgam Development Authority but I am sure these companieswas not at all by doing this Building Operation Controlling Authority -  BOCA  and Development Act -DA ignored or sidelined which is a biggest crime  the second thing is such kind of projects Environment Impact Assessment - EIA should must do that before work you asked the environment and ecology damage but here they thrown all laws and norms  into lidder river. 😔 😔 😔

We urge concerned authorities to take note of the danger and ensure that simultaneous turfing is carried out and any malba/debris dug out in the process is disposed off outside the Pahalgam Development Authority PDA area. The Chief Executive Officer Pahalgam Development Authority PDA must also ensure that compensation is claimed for environmental damage from the companies have ruined/ damage   here should be punished and booked under law as soon as possible. 

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Lack of public toilets in highway and public places in Kashmir Valley.

March 29,2018:Holes in the implementation of the Swatchta Hi Sews or Swatch  Bharat Abhiyan are becoming too wide to ignore here in the whole National Highway from Jammu to Srinagar, Srinagar To Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg.... The concern department especially Jammu and Kashmir  Tourism ,Rural Development Kashmir, Municipal Committee, Councils and other tourism development authorities are not paying any attention to the problem from where to the common people, tourists also pass  in daily routine basis where people forcing to use open places for toilets...
When toilets should be but they don't built it's the failure of the government they spend crores over the wazwans and flop events but where need they don't spend there.
Non availability of public toilets or defunct public toilets causing much inconvenience to tourists and the people of the region . It's extremely unfortunate and a travesty of the principles of public responsibility and accountability that while these departments make high claims of development on one hand and celebrated the 'Swatch Bharat Weeks ' with much pomp, on the other hand, a problem as basic yet with such grave implications is being neglected. Despite being a world famous tourist destination, Kashmir Valley faces a severe shortage of public toilets and there is an urgent and pressing need for making the new and existing toilets functional and for building more toilets esp in national highway , so that tourists,and general public do not have to face unnecessary inconvenience and the already fragile and sensitive ecosystem of the region is not threatened further.

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Loot in golf course pahalgam!

Thief in the dress of  .......!!!

March 28,2018: There have been a number of shady and fraudulent dealings from last one decade in Pahalgam's 18 hole golf course and it is an open secret, we have been raising our voice time to time against it but nobody seems to have cared. Conditional Contracts invited PDA for maintainence of said golf course and repeatedly have been granted to benefit certain class of  people and huts have been constructed in 2012-13  by cutting of green forests with the support of PDA . The trend of diverting developmental funds from Pahalgam's poor local population and redirected to construction and maintainence of golf course, clubs and huts, continues till today. Even the local people of Laripora whose land was confiscated to build the golf course have not been given jobs as promised and their children only given contractual jobs through contractors till today, the government or PDA not provided them a job, who were promised at that time.
We fail to understand what could be the rationale behind such a discriminatory, exclusionary and anti people policies of the government, where funds that could be used for building roads, hospitals and schools are instead diverted for elite clubs and expensive sports facilities,due to this there is no benefit for Poor and common people of the area...
I ask this question to the government and Pahalgam Development Authority -PDA as to how much they have generated and earned from these golf course, club and huts since 2014 and how do these earnings compare to a similar investment that could have been made in health and education and if they haven't even generated sufficient earnings from these facilities who are they being run for obviously at the local ordinary people's cost??

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

(Photo Date December 2013 when these golf course huts were built )

File Photo

Special sanitation drive from uranhall to mattan chock!!!

March 24,2018:The  Municipal Council Ananthnag did also a good job today and helped make the area National Highway  from Uranhall to Khanabal and Khanabal to Mattan Chock clean and garbage free. One can see it clearly in the pics and we thank the MCA esp MCA Secretary Nazir Ahmad Malik Shb for the wodwrful job, hoping they will continue to serve with the same dedication in the future too. Everybody joined and became a part of the movement  and we deeply thank everybody for their efforts.
(There is a need everyone should to do so)

Press and Publicity,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Today carried out rural sanitation drive from Langanbal to Laddi village pahalgam!!!

March 24,2018: Today,Pahalgam Development Authority  carried out a sanitation drive under the leadership of CEO PDA  from Langanbal to Ladi Village all that rural areas along with the Social Activist  Mushtaq Pahalgami  and all employees of the Department . We appreciate the efforts and concern of the CEO PDA and hope he carries on such efforts with the same spirit.

(Sorry to say, Rural Development Department is not working properly and sincerely)

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Scientific solid waste management project (SWM) Pahalgam.

March 24,2018:Visited the Pahalgam Dumping site with Mushtaq Simnani Shb CEO, PDA today, where we reviewed the work of scientific solid waste management project (SWM) which is the first project of its kind in the state. This project will start working in some and will immensely benefit the local ecology and environment of the region, though the pace of the project is good and we satisfied with the work....

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

We collect garbage at our houses and throw on the streets ,is it justice???

We collect garbage at our houses and throw on the streets ,is it justice???

March 22,2018:I've been seeing a lot of garbage dumping on both sides of Khanabal Pahalgam Road  KP, road, and Bijbhera Pahalgam Road BL,road. Esp Ananthnag, Mattan, Seerhamdan, Aishmuqam, Batkoot in KV Pora side and DP Pora side Zirpora, Kanalwan, Chaniwudar, Srigufwara, Badroo, Sallar, Walarhama, Kullar etc particularly  near the gurudwara in Hutmaroo where so much garbage has been thrown that one feels like crying. In a district with so many educated people and officers there should at least be basic cleanliness. I appeal to the administration and civil society to have the both road side  cleaned and save  the embarassment we all  have to face because of the garbage and filth as people from around the world come to visit world famous tourist destination Pahalgam.

(Where need our help we HWO stand with  together)

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

World Meteorological Day on 23rd March 2018.

World Meteorological Day on 23rd March 2018.
Weather-ready, climate-smart is the theme of World Meteorological Day!!!
March 24,2018: The ever-growing global population faces a wide range of hazards such as tropical cyclone storm surges, heavy rains, heatwaves, droughts and many more. Long-term climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather and climate events and causing sea level rise and ocean acidification. Urbanization and the spread of megacities means that more of us are exposed and vulnerable. Now more than ever, we need to be weather-ready, climate-smart and water-wise.

It is used to provide the people to get the facilities and service for the people to get the people aware of the World Weather, climate condition .

The date of the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization in 23 March 1950 has been named World Meteorological Day. This organization announces a slogan for World Meteorology Day every year, and this day is celebrated in all member countries.World Meteorological Day is celebrated every year on 23 March to commemorate the entry into force in 1950 of the convention that created the World Meteorological Organization. The day also highlights the contribution that National Meteorological and Hydrological Services make to the safety and well-being of society. The United Nations' (UN) World Meteorological Day is annually held on or around March 23 to remember the World Meteorological Organization's establishment on that date in 1950. Many different activities and events are organized for this occasion.

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Save Water The Future Is In Our Hands

(Save Water The Future Is In Our Hands)

World Water Day 22 March 2018!!!
It’s our future
“ Be Water Wise”

March 22,2018: We urge and request people to conserve and preserve water, we especially request civic bodies in J&K who dump garbage near water-bodies, to follow guidelines of the environment protection act and immediately stop this practice as it gets washed with rains and flows International World rivers subsequently, severely raising chances of water-borne disease and other health issues for downstream populations. It is also the need of the hour to start working for preservation and conservation of all source-springs rivers and streams with a missionary zeal, given the massive extent of Industrial pollution and rising burden on water bodies due to rapid urbanization.
We, the Himalayan Welfare organization have been running the Save Sins and Lidder Since 2008 and  save Shahkul campaign since 2016.

WWD, on 22 March every year, is about focusing attention on the importance of water.
The theme for World Water Day 2018 is ‘Nature for Water’ – exploring nature-based solutions to the water challenges we face in the 21st century.

Damaged ecosystems affect the quantity and quality of water available for human consumption.
Today, 2.1 billion people live without safe drinking water at home; affecting their health, education and livelihoods.

Sustainable Development Goal 6 commits the world to ensuring that everyone has access to safe water by 2030, and includes targets on protecting the natural environment and reducing pollution.

World Water Day is an annual event celebrated on 22 March. The day focuses attention on the importance of universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene ( WASH) facilities in developing countries. The day also focuses on advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
World Water Day is supported by stakeholders across the globe. Many organizations promote clean water for people and sustainable aquatic habitats. Events such as theatrical and musical celebrations, educational events, and campaigns to raise money for access to clean and affordable water are held worldwide on or close to 22 March.
The first International World Water Day, designated by the United Nations, was commemorated in 1993.

We at HWO , are trying our best to spread the awareness campaign.... please participate individually to do something for our own future It’s our sincere request .

Let’s come together and create awareness to save and conserve water ..

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

File Photo

We should plant trees to save ourselves!

Happy World Forest Day 2018!
We should plant trees to save ourselves!
March 21,2018:Planting trees is very beneficial to the society because trees provide a foundation to life.
Trees contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, conserving water, preserving soil, supporting wildlife and reduces global warming.
We should plant trees in vacant areas in our places and towns, also we should advise all to do so.

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

File Photo

Himalayan Green Award 2018!

We thought some people need encouragement ,esp those who want to do something to improve the society!!!
March 20,2018: We feel proud to have identified 6 recipients for the first edition of the Himalayan Green Awards, 2018, for the six categories, Environment, Education, Education and community development, Social work and community development Print media and Electronic media. The awards would be presented to the recipients in an event shortly.
1. Environment: Lidder Forest Division , for played an indispensable role in fencing of Pahalgam Forest Ranges  various compartments and thus preventing their misappropriation by the land mafia in the name of 60C gazette . 
2. Education: Dr Simin Akhter Naqvi, Assistant Professor, Zakir Husain College, University of Delhi, for helping us through unwavering academic and intellectual collaboration to further the cause of education for local children, especially girls' education in the region.
3. Social work and community development: Abdul Khaliq Rather @ Khala Peer, for dedicatedly and tirelessly working to make the teaching of Arabic and now of modern education, available to local children, especially children in far flung areas of the region.
4. Education and community development: Principal,Mohmmad Afroz Baba Shb, Principal, Govt. Higher Secondary, Pahalgam, for his steadfast efforts and resolve to successfully turn around the fate of Pahalgam's higher secondary by bringing many positive changes in the curriculum, pedagogy and administration of the school, in his capacity as the principal.
5. Electronic media: Mudasir Qadri, Journalist, for his very creative, thoughtful and much-needed efforts to promote region's local tourism and culture and thus help revive and sustain the tourism industry which is the mainstay and source of bread for a vast majority of people here.
6. Print media: Saahil Suhail, Journalist, for his fearless defense of the truth and his honest writings especially on the subject of illegal state and forest land grab and land-encroachment in the region, despite persistent threat by local politicians , for which he didn't only have to face the wrath of the local land mafia but also had to face false allegations and successfully fight a battle in the courts of law.
Apart form this, more than 60 teachers are also being presented with certificates of honour for their extraordinary role in spreading the importance of environmental activism in school, and for helping students and the school administrations maintain clean and green environments. A number of social workers, community  leaders and trade union leaders are also being presented with certificates of honour, in recognition of the general role and significance of societal service to wider social development and upliftment. We once again congratulate each one of the recipients, thank them for their efforts and wish them all the very best ahead. Finally, there were also a number of other people who were deserving of felicitation and honour, and their not getting the awards this year doesn't mean we do not appreciate their efforts. We do hope they continue to serve the society in the times to come so we can duly include them next time. Looking forward to a sustained and meaningful engagement in all future endeavors.

Press and Publicity,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

World Forest Day 2018 Theme: Forests and Sustainable Cities

World Forest Day 2018 Theme: Forests and Sustainable Cities
21 March 2018:is observed as world forestry day. We appeal to the local society to understand the importance of trees and forests and to propagate the message of preservation of forests for the future of our children. Forests are a precious natural asset, providing habitat to species of flora and fauna and are a source of wood, fire-wood herbs and medicines among other valuable plant derivatives Forests also act as lungs of our environment, purifying the air around us. Forest cover also prevents soil erosion and thus is the guardian of our agricultural land and villages. Unfortunately, our forests are depleting fast and the general state of awareness about forest conservation is dismal.
On the occasion of World forest day and spring festival Nauroz, the Himalayan Welfare Organization requests you to join us in spreading awareness about forest Conservation.

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

20 March International Sparrow Birds Day!!

20 March International Sparrow Birds Day!!

(THEME 2018 WSD :I Love Sparrows)
World Sparrow Day (WSD) is celebrated on March 20 every year to raise awareness of the House Sparrow to urban environment and of threats to their population. WSD - 2018 theme : I love Sparrows. The theme has been inspired by the hope that more and more of us will celebrate the relationship between people and Sparrows since thousand years. Let us take pledge today  on WSD-2018 to save Sparrow one of the oldest companies of human beings.

Today we do not see Sparrow Birds  anywhere,we destroy them ,we did not protect them that was our responsibility,we did not give them water, we did not give them food...There is still time that we save sparrow bird, there  are still the time to save our environment....

Save sparrow bird and protect your environment from being more destructive

Happy Sparrow Bird Day 2018

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

File Photo

Polythene eating our earth!!!

Polythene eating our earth!!!

March 15,2018: The matter here is clear why the government has completely failed to stop polythene in state ,because there is a certain big industrialist based  in Jammu, who has been operating as polythene king in the area manufacturing and selling polythene despite a blanket ban on the same enforced by the high court since 2006.

The said person/ persons has obvious links with the present government . and the government also seems determined to further his private interest at the cost of the society, causing much avoidable damage to the environment.

We urge concerned authorities to take strict and immediate note of the matter, comply with the honb'le high court's order in the matter and seal the premises of all such factories immediately especially in jammu .

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

File Photo

The Pahalgam Tent Travel Operators Union held a office bearers and executive body meeting today at pahalgam.

March 13,2018:The Pahalgam Tent Travel Operators Union held a office bearers and executive body meeting today at pahalgam under the presidentship  of Mushtaq Pahalgami   he is also president of the said trade union which was attended by all the office bearers and executive members  associated with the PTTOU Pahalgam and it was resolved that we all would stand firmly with poor tent operators and shopkeepers of Amarnath region. The role and efforts of Chief Executive Officer-PDA Pahalgam and Sub Divisional Magistrate Pahalgam were praised in securing yatra permissions . It was demanded that the condition of electric bills being mandatory must be removed in the said ongoing tent shop permission process, It was also decided that supporting documents including affidavits and police verification be demanded from those operators whose names get selected in the draw. It was also resolved and demanded that priority be given to local players, travel agents and camping agencies in permit allocation.
Later the union members met Chief Executive Officer Pahalgam Development Authority , PDA in his office and discussed about all the issues, he CEO PDA heard us seriously...

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Pahalgam Tent/Travel Operators Union, Pahalgam

File Photo

International Women Day 2018.

Today 08 March is International Women's Day.

The theme for this year is (Time is Now: Rural and Urban activists transforming women's lives ).
March 08,2018:International Women's Day  celebrated to highlight the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and for honouring the women across the globe.

It's an opportunity to empower women in all settings , rural and Urban and to realize their potential.
No relation is complete without a woman in this world and she is the architect of the society.

Let us respect and empower  women in all spheres of life ....

Happy International Women's Day 08,March 2018!!!

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Dream will be fulfilled inshallah!

Dream will be fulfilled inshallah!

Admission open at Darul Uloom Jamia Zain Ul Islam , at Sarbal, Pahalgam. Both Arabic (deeniyat) as well as modern education is imparted in the school, set up with the noble purpose of providing basic primary education to people in far flung areas esp. in Pahalgam who can't afford to send their children outside for a good education. Admissions are being offered from pre nursery to 4th classes this year.
Admission forms are available in Darul Uloom Jamia Zain Ul Islam , at Sarbal, Pahalgam from 12 February 2018 to 10 march 2018!
Please contact school adminitration for forms and enquirey during office hours.

Contact : 09419435621

Courtesy : Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

دیکھ کیسی قیامت سی برپا ہویی ہیں آشیانوں پر اقبال جو لوہو سے تعمیر ہویے تھے پانی سے بہے گیے ۔

دیکھ کیسی قیامت سی برپا ہویی ہیں آشیانوں پر اقبال
جو لوہو سے تعمیر ہویے تھے پانی سے بہے گیے ۔

پہلگام 19 ماہ فروری 2018: آج میرا خون کھل گیا دیکھ کر جب پہلگام ڈویلپمنٹ اتھارٹی کے ملازمین ان سٹالز کو ٹوڈ رہیے تھے  مجھے ایسا محسوس ہوا  جیسے  مجھے اور میرے پورے شریر کو  یہ لوگ بےدردی سے  تہس نہس کر رہیے تھے اور دکھ  اور صدمے سے کم سمہا وہاں میرے لیے یہ سب دیکھ کر نہیں تھا ۔آپ سب جانتے ہیں چند دن پہلے ان سٹالز کو بڑھی محنت اور کاوش سے اچھا خاصا پیسہ لگا کر بنایا گیا تھا اور وہ پیسہ یہاں کے غریب عام انسان کا ٹیکس سے دیا ہوا پیسہ ہیں جس پر اسی غریب انسان کا حق ہوتا ہے  جس پیسے  سے عام انسان کی سڈک پانی اور صحت کی ضروریات پوری ہونی چاہیے تھی۔ ہم مانتے  یہاں  اس سب کی بھی ضرورت ہوتی ہیں اگر آپ بہتر سیاحت چاہتے ہیں مگر اس کا بلکل نہیں یہ مطلب آپ پیسہ لگا کر یہ ٹوڈ فوڈ کر کے غریب عوام کے پیسے کا یہ حشر کرتے اگر کل ہمیں ایسے ایونٹ کی ضرورت ہوتی تھی ان سٹالز کو ہم وہاں بھی کام میں استمال کر سکھتے تھے مگر یہاں اس سب سے بدل  کر ہوا جو ایک صدمہ سے کم نہیں ہیں ۔
آپ سب دوستوں کو میں بتانا چاہتا ہو ہم نے چیف ایگزیکٹوں افسر پہلگام ڈویلپمنٹ اتھارٹی پہلگام ،ڈائریکٹر ٹورازم کشمیر اور ٹورازم منسٹر کی ذہن میں اس بات کو اجاگر کیا تھا کی فیسٹیول اختتام ہونے پر ان سارے خوبصورت سٹالز کو جو یہاں کی ایک  بیکار پارکنگ چند سال پہلے ہوٹل پورنما کے پاس بنایی گیی ہیں جو کسی بھی کام کے استمال میں نہیں لایی جاتی جو بیکار پڑھی ہیں وہاں ان سب سٹالز کو نسب کیا جایے اور یہاں دہلی ہاٹ طرز پر پہلگام ہاٹ کا قیام عمل میں لیا جایے جس میں کشمیری دستکاری سے لیکر ہر چیز دستیاب ہو جس سے سیاحت سے لیکر عام انسان کو ہر چیز با آسانی مل سکے اس کے علاوہ روزگار کے موقے دستیاب ہوسکھتے تھے اور ٹورازم کو بھی اچھی خاصی آمدنی مل سختی تھی ۔مگر ہم سمجھ نہ سکھے ک  اگر چیف ایگزیکٹوں افسر پہلگام ڈویلپمنٹ اتھارٹی پہلگام ،ڈائریکٹر ٹورازم کشمیر نے ہمیں بھروسہ دیا تھا کی ان سٹالز کا ایک بہتر بازار بنایا جایے گا  یہاں پہلگام۔میں ہی  مگر آخر وقت میں کس کے دباو میں آکر ان کو ٹوڈ دیا گیا اگر بازار بھی نہیں بنایا جاتا تھا کم سے کم کسی جگہ سمبال کر رکھتے تاکی عوام کے سرمایا کی قدر ہوتی مگر  یہ سب سوچ کر انسان یہی۔سوچ سکتا کی نہیں یہاں کے عام انسان کے محنت کے پیسے کو کوئی قدر کی جاتی ہیں اپنے ذاتی مفادات کے خاطر ۔۔۔۔۔ہم اس سب کی سخت مذمت کرتے ہے  اور آنے والے دنوں میں ہم( ار ۔ ٹی۔ آیی ) داخل کر کے اصل حقایق جانے کی کوشش کرے گے ۔

مشتاق پہلگامی
ہمالین ویلفیئر ارگنزیشن ۔ ایچ ۔ دبلویو ۔او

آسی ہووک لالٹین پہلگامکن لوکون!

آسی ہووک لالٹین پہلگامکن لوکون!

ماہ فروری 18۔2018:پہلگام میں آج دو  روزہ پہلگام ونٹر فیسٹیول اختتام پذیر ہوا جس میں لوگوں کے بہت بڈی تعداد نے دونوں دن شمولیت اختیار کی جو کی ایک خوش آئند بات ہی ہے مگر ساتھ ساتھ کہا جایے جو امید بیرون ملک یہ ممالک سے متوقع تھی وہ بہت کم  تعداد میں دیکھنے میں آیا ۔دوسری بات اس فیسٹیول میں جس طرح پہلگام کے عام لوگوں نے کامیاب کرنے میں تحاون پیش کیا ہر طرح سے اس حساب سے انکی حوصلہ افزائی نا ہویی۔ ہم نے خود بذات خود  دیکھا ہر جگہ جہاں  انہوں نے یہاں پہلگام  کے عام انسان کو کوئی عزت افزائی نہیں کی بلکی نظر انداز  کیا ، البتہ کام یہاں کے عام انسان سے لیا جس سے فیسٹیول کامیاب ہوا، وہ پہلگام کلب ہی کیوں  نہ ہو وہاں صاف دیکھ رہا تھا کی لوکل اور عام انسان کی  کوئی سنوایی نہ تھی  کرسی فرہم کرنا بہت دور کی بات ۔باقی جو ایونٹ منعقد کرنے کا سوال تھا اس میں بھی اثر رسوک کی بنیاد پر کام فرہم کیا گیا جس میں یہاں لوکل کارگر سے لیکر مزدور کو بھی کام پر نہ رکھا گیا جس کی ہم سخت الفاظ میں  مزحمت  کرتے ہے۔ ایونٹٹ ٹھیکہ بھی منظور نظر لوگوں کو دیا گیا تھا جس میں بھی لوکل پی ڈی اے اور ایم  سی پی   ورکرز سے کافی سارا کام کروایا گیا ۔۔۔۔بہرحال ہم ٹورازم ڈیپارٹمنٹ باقی متلحقا محکموں کے ساتھ ساتھ پرنٹ و  الیکٹرانک میڈیا ، خاص کر لوکل یونین باڈیز ، پہلگام کے  عام عوام ، کاریگروں اور جن لوگوں نے فیسٹیول میں آکر اپنی شمولیت اختیار کی اور ایونٹ کو کامیاب بنانے میں اپنا برپور تہاون پیش کیا ان سبوں کا تھا دل سے شکریہ ادا کرتے ہیں  ۔
اور ہم امید ظاہر کرتے ہیں اس سال 2018 میں بہتر ٹورازم کا سال ہو ۔خدا کرے امین

مشتاق پہلگامی
ہمالین ویلفیئر آرگنزیشن

(Ann poshi teli yeli wann poshi") meaning 'Food will last as long as forests last! (Sheikh Noor ud-Din Noorani RA)

(Ann poshi teli yeli wann poshi") meaning 'Food will last as long as forests last!
(Sheikh Noor ud-Din Noorani RA)

January 27,2018:  The Government esp State Forest Corporation SFC  has been recklessly felling precious Devdar and Kail trees for timber for over thirty years at a stretch esp forest compartments like 33, 34, LDR from certain quarters, without adequate replacement. Given the fact that Devdar and Kail take over 150-200 years to grow back, the government needs to have a strong forest replenishment policy in place or places , with at least three trees of the same species being [planted for every tree fell, given the natural rate of biological growth of these species. The government, however, has been cutting down Devdar and Kail and planting Keekar and Far, whose biological and economic value is much less than the existing species of Dewdar and Kail. This attitude of the government . has massively damaged the forest cover in the state , and if this reckless and irresponsible felling of trees continues we stand the risk of losing  the natural biodiversity of the state esp in Himalayan region. The Himalayas are the largest fresh-water reserves in the world, second only to the glacier ice-caps and the bio-diversity and forest cover here, needs to be preserved for more than one reasons. Negligence in conservation of Himalayan Bio-diversity and the absence of a strong Forest policy puts us at great risk and peril that must be avoided at any cost.

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

File Photo

Protest against shortage of power supply at pahalgam.

January 23,2018: The coalition of Unions, Pahalgam with the support of Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO, Pahalgam Hotel/ Guest House Owners Union,Pahalgam Peoples Welfare Organisation, Pahalgam Hotel Restaurant Owners Association,Adventure Tour Operators Association Pahalgam,Pahalgam Photographers Association, Tourist Taxi Stand (01) Pahalgam, Tourist Taxi Stand (02) Pahalgam,Poney Owners Union and other trade bodies  is organizing a protest at Pahalgam on Thursday 25 January 2018 , against continuing severe power shortage in the region . We appeal to all unions and individuals to support the protest and register their protest against this injustice and apathy by the Power Development Department- PDD and state government. Since the government and administration has not moved an inch on the matter despite repeated appeals and requests, the Coalition Of Unions Pahalgam -CUP feels compelled to come out on the streets against this. We give the adminstration one day to fix any issues and restore proper power supply to the region, in the absence of which the administration would itself be responsible for any protests.

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Coalition Of Unions Pahalgam, Pahalgam

Mushtaq Pahalgami Addressed a number of local municipal workers and volunteers of Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO,civil society members etc at the MCP-PDA joint event at townhall, Pahalgam today.

January 10,2018: Mushtaq Pahalgami Addressed a number of local municipal workers and volunteers of Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO,civil society members etc  at the MCP-PDA joint event at townhall, Pahalgam today. The Pahalgami spoke about solid waste management and source segregation, how it can be done, what are its benefits and why we need to conserve and save our environment on priority basis. Hundreds of municipal and PDA workers, local volunteers, civil society members  local officers of MCP and PDA  officers were also present including CEO PDA Pahalgam  and spoke on a number of related issues. The HWO also presented a power point presentation on the subject.

Press and Publicity,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Some Doctors are pursuing private practise in Kashmir valley ,

January 07,2018: Some Doctors are pursuing private practise in Kashmir valley , running private clinics while also being government employees. Poor patients are also exploited by some of these doctors who send poor patients to particular diagnostic centres for tests etc and particular medical shops for medicines ..... there is no secret where they get commission. The civil society should take note and the Doctors Association Kashmir who doing good job  should take a stans  against such exploitation so that the professions ethics and dignity can be preserved and the cause of societal service be served.
Some doctors are  the better than the limit, but some doing wrong which come in front of everyone!

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

House panel inspects Chenani-Nashri tunnel!

House panel inspects Chenani-Nashri tunnel!

December 01,2017: To conduct an on-the-spot inspection of pollution at the Chenani-Nashri tunnel, The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly environment committee headed by its Chairman, Mohd Yousuf Targami, and other committee members, Environmentalists ,Media  persons visited the said site  including MLA Shangus Gulzar Ahmad Wani,MLA Surankote Ch Mohd Akram,MLA Tangmarg Mohd Abas Wani, MLA Zanskar Syed Bakar Rizvi, MLA Udhampur Pawan Gupta, Prominent Environmental Activist Mushtaq Pahalgami and other concerned officers of various concerned departments Pollution Control Board And Environment, Ecology and Remote Sensing.
Chairman of the committee  and other members including environmental activists yesterday morning reached the tunnel to assess the pollution and other environment-related problems at the tunnel.

The National highway Authority of India and IL & FS gave a Power Point presentation to the environment house committee makers about the functioning of hi-tech measurements installed to avoid pollution inside nine-km tunnel.

The committee members and other environmental activists, media persons ,officers of the concerned departments remained at the tunnel site for more than four hours and visited both north and south ends of the tunnel.
It was seen there that the Environment Impact Assessment -EIA and Environment Conservation has not been conducted properly as there was a lot of dust and pollution inside and outside the tunnel. Chairman of the committee directed the concern agencies and authority to take effective measures to control the pollution inside and out side of the prestages tunnel.
The  committee also directed the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board JKPCB and National Highway Authority NHAI to prepare a comprehensive report with regard to control of pollution and to be maintain the ecological balnace ,and to subbmit the same the Assambaly Secretariat before 10 of December 2017!
Later, the chairman of the committee said the committee would submit a detailed report to the Cabinet which would be tabled during the Assembly session for the past one month, smoke inside the tunnel has caused problems for commuters and accidents have been taking place due to poor visibility.

Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO

Bribery is a serious crime ,then why not do enough people avoid it ?

Bribery is a serious crime ,then why not do enough people avoid it ?

See the what law says !
Prevention of corruption act 1988
Chapter III: Offences and penalties

The following are the offences under the PCA along with their punishments:- Taking gratification other than legal remuneration in respect of an official act, and if the public servant is found guilty shall be punishable with imprisonment which shall be not less than 6 months but which may extend to 5 years and shall also be liable to fine.

Taking gratification in order to influence public servant, by corrupt or illegal means, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall be not less than three year but which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.Taking gratification, for exercise of personal influence with public servant shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall be not less than six months but which may extend to five years and shall also be liable to fine. Abetment by public servant of offences defined in Section 8 or 9, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall be not less than six months but which may extend to five years and shall also be liable to fine. Public servant obtaining valuable thing without consideration from person concerned in proceeding or business transacted by such public servant, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall be not less than six months but which may extend to five years and shall also be liable to fine. Punishment for abetment of offences defined in Section 7 or 11 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall be not less than six months but which may extend to five years and shall also be liable to fine. Any public servant, who commits criminal misconduct shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall be not less than one year but which may extend to 7 years and shall also be liable to fine.Habitual committing of offence under Section 8, 9 and 12 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall be not less than two years but which may extend to 7 years and shall also be liable to fine.
Source:Other

Courtesy : HWO

Say no to corruption!

Say no to corruption!
January 07,2018: Corruption Crossed All Limits In Jammu and Kashmir state esp in rural development department, public works department, health, public health engineering ........... Each and every Government Department indulges in corruption in one way or the other in our state.
It is time all of us should come in front and say bye bye to infamous  bribery system in our localities !

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO