Ancient Shiva Cave Discovered in Reasi

An ancient Lord Shiva cave has been discovered on the high mountain near Thanpal in Salal area of district Reasi.

The area is tough terrain and nearly 2 hour on foot journey along Surman ‘Khud’. The villagers with their efforts managed to make narrow track up to the cave which is on the steep rocky mountain. On one side there is Salal dam and on the other at high mountain this cave.

The locals said that this cave was inaccessible due to its location but as they used to hear some kind of sounds from that area, nobody ever dared to go that side. A daring youth of the area namely Sunil Kumar, son of Paras Ram, armed with gun and assisted by 2-3 more youth, managed to reach up to the cave using ropes and his mountaineering skills. He saw a Shiva Lingam, stone idols of Shiva family, a statue of Saint and Hanuman. The cave appears to be almost equal to that of Shiv Khori. After this, the youth returned and told this matter to the whole village.

The next day, the village Sarpanch and some locals started digging track on the rocky mountain and with in few days they managed to reach there and saw the cave. They saw ‘Pindis’ and a big Shiva Lingam. The villagers narrated the matter to the local MLA and district administration. On their request, some officers including DC also visited the cave last week and they were astonished to see such a wonderful cave. They assured to develop the area and the cave for pilgrimage on the pattern of Shiv Khori.

There are two different routes one via Talwara-Siar Baba and Thanpal using boat over Salal dam and another one via Reasi Salal and yet another one via Bidda Dhayangarh Dam site.

Goa Arts and Literary Festival Begins

Giving detailed introduction of Kashmiriyat, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today said that Jammu and Kashmir represents a great civilization that nurtured pluralistic ethos, cultural diversity, brotherhood, universal détente and mutual love.

"The captivating natural beauty, cultural diversity in unity and rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir has been unique brand and blend of this State", he said adding that artists, writers, poets and artisans with magical skills have made their mark internationally.

Addressing the inaugural function of 3rd Annual Goa Arts and Literary Festival at Kala Academy here, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir has been land of art, culture, literature, folk, music and handicrafts. He said this speciality of the State has added colour to its bio-diversity and natural beauty. He said the highest degree of hospitality inherent in the people of this place has also earned name and fame to this place.

Highlighting the richness of Jammu and Kashmir in offering wide-ranging and diverse tourism attraction round the year to tourists, travellers, trekkers, skiers, golfers, adventure lovers and sportsperson, Omar Abdullah said that Kashmir globally known as 'Heaven on Earth' is on path to restore the tourism sheen which received heavy setback during the period of disturbance.

"Peace is rooting fast and this year State received about 12 lakh visitors, over 6 lakh Amarnath Yatris and lakhs of pilgrims of Mata Vaishno Devi", he said, adding the perception about the law and order situation and travelling to this part of the country is undergoing paradigm shift towards positivity.

"We have underlined the visit of lakhs of tourists here an economic activity and is being promoted in this perspective", he said adding that the efforts of the State Government to change the perception of people in their minds regarding visiting Jammu and Kashmir have yielded good results. "After Japan and Germany, Britain has also modified its negative advisory for the citizens regarding visiting Jammu and Kashmir. We hope other countries will also follow the suit", he added.

Omar Abdullah congratulated the organizers of the festival and said that the participation of artists and literary persons besides a group of folk artists from Jammu and Kashmir in Goa festival gives him great pleasure.

The Chief Minister also referred to the great sufi-saints, historians, travellers and scholars of high eminence, adding that their preaching and teachings have had great impact in the development of a tolerant society in the State. He said the secular characteristic and amity between various sections of the society has been trait of the people in this part of the country. He said that this trait has sustained all challenges and defeated onslaughts and attempts aimed at disturbing it.

He expressed the hope that this characteristic of the State will get further strengthened with the passage of time.

The Goa Arts and Literary Festival is a regular gathering of writers, poets, literature experts, painters, artists, readers, etc at the International Centre Goa.

A folk dance group of Jammu and Kashmir is also performing in the Festival besides participation by 12 literary persons.

Jammu Srinagar NH closed for traffic

Parts of Kashmir Valley experienced the first snowfall of the season overnight, including the Jawahar Tunnel area forcing closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

The officials said here that the Srinagar–Jammu National highway is closed due to snowfall at Jawahar Tunnel and other places. Efforts are being made by Chief Engineer, Beacon, to clear the snow and re-open the road.

The officials said that the depth of snow recorded at various places this morning is: “Jawahar Tunnel 10 inches, Verinag 4 inches to 5 inches, Kokernag 3 inches to 5 inches, Pahalgam 5 inches, Anantnag 1 inch, Kulgam 3 inches, DH Pora one feet, Shopian one feet, Sedow one to one and a half feet, Gulmarg around 2 feet, Tangmarg 6 inches, Kupwara 3 inches, Lolab 4 inches to 5inches, Gund 6 inches, Gagangir 7 inches to 8 inches, Sonamarg 7inches, Ganderbal 1 inch, Baramulla 2 inches, Rafiabad 5 inches, Srinagar one inch, Bandipora 2 inches, Handwara 2 inches, Pulwama 3 inches.

The officials said that the Chief Engineer, Mechanical Engineering Department Kashmir started snow clearance operation in many areas of the Valley, where snow death exceeded 4 inches, including Gulmarg-Tangmarg Road, Verinag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian-Sedow, Ganderbal-Babanagri, Kupwara.

The Gulmarg-Tangmarg road has been re-opened for vehicular traffic, but only vehicles with 4x4 or anti-skid chains fitted on tyres are being allowed between Tangmarg and Gulmarg.

Heavy rush at Bahu Fort on Ist Navratra

The eight day Navratra festival witnessed a colourful start with Dy Chief Minister Tara Chand inaugurating the mega event at Katra, the base camp of holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi by lighting the sacred `Jyoti' while all the shrines of the `Goddess' at Bahu Fort, Chichi Mata, Sukrala and other places in the region saw heavy rush on fist day of Navratras today.

Navratra Festival, 17th in the series is being organized at Katra by Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board and Tourism Department in collaboration with the District administration. An impressive Shoba Yatra, depicting rich cultural heritage was also taken out at Katra town in connection with the celebrations. A large number of locals and senior officials from Board and other agencies participated in the event. The DyCM extended greetings to the people on this occasion.

MLA Reasi, Baldev Sharma, Addl Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB Dr M K Bhandari, Director Tourism R S Mehta, DIG Jagjit Kumar, SSP Reasi Raghubir Singh and former president MC Katra Ambrish Mangotra were also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, thousands of `Shiv Sainiks' from the State and outside took out a big rally in the winter capital city here before leaving for Katra Mata Vaishnodevi while all the shrines of the `Goddess' at Bahu Fort, Sukrala, Chichi Mata etc witnessed huge rush of devotees on first Navartra today.

A large number of `Shiv Sainiks', attired in traditional Dogri dress including turbans, assembled at Maulana Azad Stadium. Then led by the Sena leader from the State, Ashok Gupta, they took out a religious procession towards city. Over six thousand `Shiv Sainiks' from the State and outside took part in the procession passing. They were carrying `Trishuls'. A team of Brass band and drum-beaters was leading the large procession. `Shiv Sainiks' were raising religious slogans.

The district administration diverted the traffic to different routes but traffic jams were witnessed at many city bottle-necks during the procession this afternoon.

In Samba town also large procession was taken out by the Shiv Sainiks. Nearly 400 Sainiks started their procession from Chohata and then moved towards Main Bazar and Bus Stand. Local Sena leader Romesh Gupta was leading. Then they moved towards Jammu in buses fitted with Sena flags different vehicles. Similar, processions were taken out in Kathua and other towns of the region by Shiva Sainiks before leaving for Jammu.

A senior police official said that nearly 5500 Shiv Sainiks assembled at MA stadium and then took out procession in the city here. He claimed that over 3200 `Shiv Sainiks' in nearly 70 buses and minibuses besides other vehicles left for Katra Mata Vaishnodevi at around 4.15 pm from here today.

Meanwhile, heavy rush of pilgrims was witnessed a Mata Vaishnodevi Darbar, Bahu Fort, Chichi Mata Samba, Sukrala Mata, Bala Sundri Mata shrines Billawar & Nagri, Mata Pingla Ramnagar, Jorha Wali Mata at Bani and Jasrota Fort temple in Kathua. The additional deployment of police force has been made and necessary arrangements put in place for the devotees by the respective district administrations at these shrines. They were highly decorated by the management committees on Navratra festival.

Minister of State for Cooperatives, Finance and Planning Dr Manohar Lal Sharma inaugurated Navratra festival at Sukrala Mata shrine and paid obeisance at the holy shrine. He prayed for peace , progress and prosperity of the state. He greeted people on this occasion. A large number of devotees thronged the shrine on first day of Navratras. The minister also inaugurated an ATM counter of J&B Bank at Sukrala.

At Ramnagar, an impressive function was organized in connection with Navrta festival. MP Lal Singh in presence of DC Udhampur P K Pole, SDM Basantgarh Krishan Lal, SDPO and Tehsildar Ramnagar inaugurated festival by lighting 26th Akhand Jyoti of Mata Pingla, at Chabutra Ramnagar. A large number of people were present besides members of the Akhad Jyoti Committee. It was disclosed that grand Shoba Yatra will be taken out on 4th day of Navratra from Pingla Devi Chabutra at Ramnagar.

Meanwhile Divisional Commissioner Pardeep Gupta today inaugurated Navratra festival at Raghunath Mandir Chowk here today. The function in this connection was organized by Raghunath Bazar Businessmen Association led by Baldev Khullar. Commissioner JMC K L Khajuria, ADC rehana Batul were also present. They greeted people on this occasion. Entire market has been decorated by the association members.

Bhagwat Mahapurana Katha at Durga Nagar Concludes

Week long Bhagwat Mahapurana Katha organised by Shri Hari Kirtan Adhyatmik Jagriti Mission in collaboration with Shiv Shakti Mandir Committee, Roop Nagar Enclave, concluded at Shiv Shakti Mandir.

During the week-long Bhagwat Mahapurana Katha, large number of devotees from all walks of life participated and took away the blessings of Lord Krishna.

Throwing light on various chapters of Bhagwat Mahapurana, Bushan Lal Bhat, Sharangat, urged devotees to surrender themselves unconditionally in the feet of Lord Krishna and not waste their precious time in mundane affairs only.

On the concluding day, prasad was also served among the devotees. Besides, fruit and other essential materials were also distributed in Orphan Ashram and Old Age Ashram, Amphalla, Blind Ashram, Roop Nagar and Christian Ashram, Tali-Morh.

Navratra Festival 2012 at Bawe Wali Mata Temple

Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla today asked the JDA, PDD, JMC, R&B, Health, Police and Traffic Departments to make all necessary arrangements at Shri Bawe Wali Mata temple for the smooth conduct of nine-day Navratras Festival.

The Minister said this while inspecting the arrangements made by the various departments at the temple, here this evening.

Officers of JMC, R&B, PHE, PDD, Health, Police and Traffic Departments accompanied the Minister.

Mr. Bhalla asked the JMC to complete the remaining works of temporary toilet blocks, including construction of water reservoir positively in double shifts for the convenience of devotees. He asked the PDD and JMC to make functional all the street lights in and around temple, including way side.

The Minister called upon the shopkeepers not to sell stale eatables to the visitors and beautify the area by displaying goods in an attractive manner with attractive sunshades for protection.

Mr. Bhalla said, "to meet the challenges in tourism, our emphasis is on diversification and providing requisite infrastructure facilities to the pilgrims and tourists in the State". He said that efforts are on to divert tourists of Mata Vaishno Devi to other pilgrim places and leisure and adventure spots of both the region and added that for the purpose Government was making all out efforts to upgrade the infrastructure and recreational facilities at tourist and holy places across the State.

The Minister said Tourist Reception Centres, wayside facilities and huts have been developed along the way to almost all the tourist destinations.

Giving the details of some initiatives taken by the Government for development and upgrading of tourism infrastructure in Jammu Division, the Minister said that the restoration and conservation work of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore, adding that out of which Rs.75 crore have been approved by the Centre for the current financial year.

He said that Government has sanctioned Rs. 3.5 crore for developing the river Tawi embankment area near Peer Kho Temple by constructing park, Tourist Reception Centre, artificial lake and viewpoints, adding that Rs. 90 lakh have been kept for construction of view points and road widening from Bahu Fort to Harki Poudi temple.

Saving water bodies in Kashmir

When god created the blue planet and filled the deep drenches with fresh water, he would have hardly thought that one day man will pollute it to such an extent where from it will become impossible to beat a retreat. The importance of water is becoming a worldwide issue and India does not fall too deep in the count. And in India, when we peep deep, J&K is found quite high up in the list.

Indeed, Srinagar is blessed with the deep depths of the Dal and the Pacific water of the Wullar besides the countless little rivers and streams. The valley might be decorated by these water bodies by nature itself, but only to be polluted with heap of waste by the people themselves.

The various aspects which are responsible for snatching the glory of these water bodies, we found five main cornerstones after a detailed case study of 25 days.

* Heavy drenching of Dal still unnoticed:-
When it comes to drenching, it has been going on from the past few years openly and unnoticed. The people to hold responsible are the boatmen residing in houseboats who every now and then try to convert a portion of the Dal into a kitchen garden. Our team has even found a company of boatmen cultivating vegetables on large scale for commercial purposes. On looking into the water and after a prolonged investigation, it was found that the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) Department constructed a separate colony years ago near JVC Bemina to habitat the boatman on large scale and curb encroachment. The plan worked for a couple of years. But after that, to utmost surprise, these boatmen sold away these houses in colonies to earn revenue and rehabilitated to house-boats again on mass-scale to add to the problem.

* Waste-disposal into Dal:-
Valley produces tons of garbage every day. Besides the local people residing near the water bodies, some other vehicles ferrying waste from surrounding areas were found dumping heaps of garbage into these water bodies en mass.
The environmental activists reacted to the serious problem which later ended up in the construction of large pits for waste disposal and free dustbins especially to Dal residents.

* Sewage-flow Dal and Wullar:-
In the past few years, all the drains in the city and adjoining had one common destination? The Dal in the central and the Wullar in the northern side. Due to constant sewage flow into these water bodies, their size was decreased by around 15 kilometers which is shocking yet not surprising.

Taking notice of the serious problem, various sewage-treatment plants were established which ceased a problem to a greater extent but our team report suggests that there is still a lot of work to be done to tighten the screws on the grave problems.

* Use of toxic chemicals:-
To ensure early ripening of the fruits and increase the size and quantity of other commercial vegetables, valley-folk drove relentlessly towards profitable and lucrative markets by making use of chemicals which proved to be a disaster for the aquatic life.

The case study in Apple town of Kashmir sopore revealed to our team that decline in fish population in world famous Wullar lake was a consequence of the frequent use of toxic-chemicals. And that was not all! The use of these chemicals became so orthodox that they soon began to be supplied to every nook and corner of the valley. As ill luck would have it, the ultimate sufferer of the hazard was the aquatic life in general and surrounding population in particular.

As an evil consequence, Cholera cases were reported recently from several villages like Lawaypora.
This case study was enough to reveal the curtains which had not been raised from several previous dark years.

Vitasta Triyodashi 2012 Celebrated

Various functions were held across the State today in connection with celebration of Vitasta Triyodashi (Veyth Truvah) -the birth day of River Vitasta.

While Panun Kashmir and Kashmira Vahini held separate functions at Rajinder Park Canal, Vitasta Devasthan Prabandhak Committee Verinag organised the function at holy spring of Vitasta Mata at Veerinag in Kashmir valley, Non Camp Migrant Organisation celebrated the day at the banks of Ranbir Canal at Muthi while Vitasta Samaj Sewa held functions at Akhnoor on the bank of river Chander Bagha and TRT Nagrota respectively.

The PK function at Rajinder Park besides its leaders was attended by women activists also who performed pooja of the river in a traditional way.

Speaking on the occasion PK president Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo said there is an urgent need for the passage of the Temples and Shrines Bill to preserve the ancient heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said Kashmiri Pandits would return to their own home land in Kashmir when there is free flow of Indian Constitution.

"There is a need to take massive confidence building measures to instill a sense of confidence among the displaced community. The outcome of the recent so called Apex Committee meeting in Kashmir does not inspires much confidence," Chrungoo said.

Chrungoo and his team mates including Ravinder Raina, Kamal Bhagati Virender Koul, Vijay Qazi and other members paid floral tributes to the river Goddess.

At the Kashmira Vahini function a large number of Kashmiri Pandit women along with men and children participated.

The program started with hoisting of the flag of Kashmira Vahini accompanied by holocaust dhun. Swami Kumar Ji, Swami Pran Nath Ji Garib "BHAIJE", Dr. Manmohan Shastri and B.L.Handoo Pre-sident Brahaman Mahamandal Kashmir inaugurated the function and threw light on "Vitasta Divas."

Nirmala Tickoo read the welcome address.

Bushan Lal Bhat Sharnagat and his fellow devotees enthralled the audience with their devotional musical concert. Several upcomming child artists including Anikate Hashia and Shannu Zadoo presented captivating musical hymns.

Khema Kaul spokesperson of Kashmira Vahini presented an overall review of Vahini. She emphasized the role Kashmira Vahini has been performing with regard to removing the draconian conditions attached to PM’s employment package and simultaneously drawing the attention of the President of India and Governor of J&K to the pathetic conditions of living in Jagati, enhancement of relief, enactment of Temple Bill, mischievous attempts of changing name of Villages, hillocks and like recent one of changing name of Srinagar to Shahar-e-Khas.

Mrs Gaytri Hashia presented vote of thanks and Meenakshi Sidha administered the oath to continue and intensify the struggle for homeland.

The function organised by Non Camp Migrant Organisation at Canal Bank Muthi started with Kanka Poojan which was followed by Bhajan Kirtan and Arti of godess river Vitasta.

The function was presided over by Swami Kumar Ji. He highlighted the significance of the day and also appealed the people to follow the teachings of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta.

Besides president of Non Camp Organisation Nana Ji Dembi, its other leaders Ashok Pandita, Kashyap Tikoo and others also spoke on the occasion and threw light on the essence of celebrating these festivals.

The pooja of river Chanderbaga was performed at a function held at its bank at Akhnoor today by the activists of Vitasta Samaj Sewa led by Chand Ji Khar. The organization also celebrated the day at TRT Nagrota under the chairmanship of Nana Ji Pandita.

Reports reaching from Anantnag said hundreds of devotees thronged the holy spring of Vitasta on the occasion of Veyth Truvah. On the occasion a grand religious function was organised by Vitasta Devasthan Prabandhak Committee (Veerinag).

A Maha Yagya was solemnized under the supervision of Jyotshi Sham Lal Sharma while Moti Lal Koul and Madsudan Bhat were the Yajmans. The devotees were served with prashad after puranhauti. Besides the KPs from different parts of the country, a large number of local Muslims also attended the function.

The traditional flag was hoisted by Shambo Nath Bhat. The devotees also demanded renovation of Shiv Temple at Omoh, construction of two Hawan kunds one at Vitasta shrine and another at Omoh, dharamshalas at Vitasta and Omoh with all facilities of kitchen etc besides setting up a Police Check Post at Vitasta shrine.

Maha Yagya organized in Kandi Khass

Shri Sadhu Ganga Asthapan Trust in association with the Biradari of Village Kandi Khass, Kupwara Kashmir, organized a Maha Yagya at Sadhu Ganga Asthapan, here.

Thousands of devotees participated in the yagya which was performed for the first time in 22 years after the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley in 1990.

A large number of people participated in the yagya and performed ‘darshan’ of famous ancient Asthapan in North Kashmir.

Apart from a huge number of Kashmiri Pandits, Army personnel and local populace attended the event with great enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, after the completion of five ‘Suhakars’, followed by ‘Puran Aahuti’, a Maha ‘Bhog’ was served to the devotees amidst ‘Bhajan’, ‘Kirtan’ and ‘Satsang’.

Elaborate security and allied arrangements were made by the State Government, while the cooperation of Army and local brethren was a delight to watch.

The yagya was held under the supervision of Som Nath Raina, Sohan Lal Raina, RK Raina Chuni Lal Raina, Satish Raina, Sanjay Raina and Omesh Raina.

Illegal Mining in Jammu and Kashmir

Illegal mining of sand and pebbles in various nullahs across Jammu-Lakhanpur Highway sector has caused serious damage to at least two major bridges, namely Devak and Balole. Portions of basements of these vital bridges have got exposed and partly washed away by the floods during current monsoons. Mining mafia has been lifting sand, stones and pebbles close to the basement pillars of the bridges rendering them vulnerable to flash flood damages. Despite a ban imposed by the authorities on illegal mining, the illegal activity continues unabated, mostly at night or in early hours. This is not possible without the connivance of supervising authorities supposed to impose the ban strictly. The cost of repairs to the damaged bridges, as disclosed by the authorities, will run into many crore rupees besides consuming several months for bringing it to completion. This is a major anti-national act and deserves to be taken serious note of. Persons involved in these clandestine activities should be given exemplary punishment. The mining mafia has to be exposed and their connections and conduits should be prosecuted under the law. Lifting of construction material obtained from the nullahs should be banned 500 meters up and down the site of all bridges of this crucial national highway.

Capping LPG cylinders in Jammu Kashmir

Chaotic situation has developed in regard to capping of LPG cylinders ordered by the Government after consultations with oil and gas majors in the country. On September 14, Union Government announced drastic reform in supply of LPG cylinders and fixed maximum of six cylinders per family per year on subsidized rates. However, additional cylinders would be available on higher rates. But this is not a uniform criterion. The Congress ruled states like Delhi will provide nine cylinders per family per year on subsidized rates and beyond that cylinders will be available on higher rates.

In the case of Jammu and Kashmir, only six cylinders per family per year have been allowed. It means that since half of the year (2012) is already gone, for the remaining period of six months till March 2013, each family in the State will get only three cylinders on subsidized rates. Anybody in need of extra cylinders will have to pay the higher price though that too is not sure because the Government is yet to decide what would be the price of non-subsidized cylinder.

This drastic decision has been taken by the Union Government in view of spiraling bill on energy resource in the country. The bill was likely to touch 200 lakh crore of rupees by the end of current financial year. The Prime Minister had touched on this point during his recent broadcast to the nation. He was emphatic in stating that some hard measures had to be taken to bridge over country's financial difficulties. Capping of the supply of LPG cylinders is the result of one such austerity measure. Hike in the price of diesel may not evoke as much of public resentment as the new policy of supply of LPG cylinders has evoked. The reason is that diesel is consumed by affluent sections of society and big business magnates who run diesel cars. But LPG is a dire necessity for all and curtailment of cylinder is going to adversely affect the middle and lower middle class of our population.

But the manner in which the entire matter is handled in our State has raised many fingers. Firstly, if Delhi ---- a Congress run State--- has been allowed nine cylinders per family per year, why should not this be possible for J&K State when we know that this hilly and mountainous State is debilitated economically in more than one way? Objectively speaking, the State should be allowed nine cylinders per family per year, and that would be justified in view of long winter and greater consumption as a consequence. Secondly, much chaos has been caused by asking consumers to get their gas cards re-verified although only three months back this exercise had been completed. Why are half hearted decisions taken by the gas outlets and why does the Government let them have their way. It is harassment of the people and unacceptable as it will call for PIL on a large scale. People have not forgotten the ordeal through which they were made to go when three months ago they were asked to get their gas cards verified. Re-enactment of that activity will earn the wrath of the people. Therefore the Government should immediately order stopping of re-validation of gas cards in the case of those that have already gone through the process.

Reports are coming in that besides ordinary consumers, even the Congress and NC activists including some ministers have expressed resentment to the capping of LPG cylinders to a maximum of 6 in the case of J&K State. Some ministers have even said that they would be raising the issue in the forthcoming cabinet meeting and will forcefully plead for a mechanism of rationalizing the decision. Revenue Minister disclosed that he has even written to the Chief Minister about people's resentment to the unjust capping of cylinders and demanded revision of the policy. He has also pointed out that re-validation of gas connection is harassment of civilian population.

In final analysis, it is true that the country is passing through financial hardship and the Government has to take drastic steps to check its deterioration. It is also true that ultimately people will have to bear the brunt. But at the same time, the reformative measures should be uniformly applicable, and secondly these should not cause harassment of the ordinary people. The Government should have worked out smooth transition from one set of conditions to another. Put in simple words, the Government has to do two things to bring this chaotic situation to an end. One is to increase the number of subsidized LPG cylinders from six per family per year to nine and second is to withdraw orders of re-verification of gas connections in such cases in which verification has already been done. This will ease the situation