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 )

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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

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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

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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

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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