Omar to raise climate change issue with PM

Disturbed over the deteriorating environmental situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where forests are being vandalised, glaciers are receding and there is unplanned construction all over, the chief minister is likely to ask the prime minister for special help to mitigate the effects of climate change, official sources said. "It's a serious situation," an official told reporters. "The chief minister will bring it to the prime minister's attention."

Jammu and Kashmir is facing an unprecedented drought like situation. The irrigation system has failed and rain fed areas have witnessed an unusually long dry spell. The prime minister, who will be flagging off a train from Qazigund to Anantnag, will review the progress of the Rs 24,000 crore reconstruction plan on Wednesday afternoon. The plan's goal is to focus on infrastructure building in all sectors, including connectivity, education and health.