Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Services (JKPSC)

• 19 Nov 2024

BRO Clears Snow at Zojila Pass

Why in News?

Recently, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) conducted a snow clearance operation at Zojila Pass, following heavy snowfall, to restore connectivity and ensure safe travel in the area.

Key Points

• The Machil sector in Kupwara district experienced fresh snowfall, adding to the region's scenic beauty.
• Zoji La Pass:
  • Zoji La is a high mountain pass located in the Kargil district of Ladakh.
  • The pass links Leh and Srinagar and provides an important link between Union Territories of Ladakh and Kashmir.
  • Zoji La pass remains closed during winters due to heavy snowfall, cutting off Ladakh region from Kashmir.
  • In 2018, the Zoji La tunnel project was launched. The tunnel is Asia's longest and strategic bi-directional tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

• BRO was conceived and raised in 1960 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for coordinating the speedy development of a network of roads in the North and the North Eastern border regions of the country.
• It works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.
• It has diversified into a large spectrum of construction and development works comprising airfields, building projects, defence works and tunneling and has endeared itself to the people.

Saffron Production Declines in Kashmir Valley

Why in News?

The Kashmir Valley has experienced a notable decline in production of saffron due to insufficient rainfall.

• The harvest, traditionally carried out from mid-October to November, is primarily concentrated in South Kashmir's Pampore, famously known as the "Saffron Bowl of Kashmir."

Key Points

• Rainfall Deficit in Kashmir:
  • Srinagar meteorological department reported a 79% rainfall deficit from 1^st October to 14^th November 2024, following a 26% deficit during the monsoon, severely affecting agriculture, including saffron.
• Government Initiatives:
  • The National Mission on Saffron (NMS), launched in 2010–11, aims to address challenges in saffron cultivation.
  • In 2020, Kashmiri saffron received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, with efforts underway to position it as a globally recognized brand.
• Farmers’ Demands:
  • Farmers emphasize the need for operational borewells and enhanced funding under NMS to ensure sustainable saffron cultivation and address ongoing challenges.
• Saffron:
  • Saffron is a plant whose dried stigmas (thread-like parts of the flower) are used to make saffron spice.
  • Saffron cultivation is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Central Asian immigrants around the 1^st Century BCE.
  • It has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine and represents the rich cultural heritage of the region.
  • It is a very precious and costly product.
  • In ancient Sanskrit literature, Saffron is referred to as ‘Bahukam’.
  • It is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Types:
    • There are three types of saffron available in Kashmir Lachha Saffron, Mongra Saffron and Guchhi Saffron.
  • Importance:
    • It rejuvenates health and is used in cosmetics and for medicinal purposes.
    • It has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine and represents the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• A GI tag is a name or sign used on certain products that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.
• The GI tag ensures that only the authorised users or those residing in the geographical territory are allowed to use the popular product name.
  • It also protects the product from being copied or imitated by others.
• A registered GI is valid for 10 years.
• GI registration is overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.