Commercial flights to begin from Jamshedpur
The decks have been cleared for commercial flights to begin from Sonari Airport in Jamshedpur, and they are likely to start by July this year. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held in New Delhi a few days ago. Before the flights begin, all hindrances will be removed. Initially, services from Jamshedpur to Kolkata using a 19-seater aircraft are being planned. Incidentally, the Jharkhand government had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry in connection with the Regional Connectivity Service in August 2016, but no regular air service from Jamshedpur was started.
Apple plantation in Jharkhand
Jharkhand will soon become an apple producing state as a trial conducted at Ghaghra near Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi to produce the fruit on a small scale has been successful. Now the state government is planning to do it on a large scale, and Netarhat hills in Latehar district have been identified as ideal for plantation of apple trees. The temperature of Netarhat is cooler than Ranchi all the year on round. It can be said that this place is the coolest in the whole of Jharkhand. To promote apple plantation in the state, farmers will be trained in apple cultivation. A guideline for apple plantation in the state will also be prepared.
State to get 44 new all-women police stations
Looking at the increasing incidents of crime against women in Jharkhand, 44 new all-women police stations will be set up at the sub-division level in the state. According to DGP DK Pandey, the police stations will be staffed only by women. The decision was taken in the light of the gang rape that took place in Kochang, Khunti on June 21, so that immediate help can be provided to women in need.
Veteran parliamentarian Sumbrui dies
Veteran Parliamentarian Bagun Sumbrui, undergoing treatment at the Critical Care Unit of Tata Main Hospital for the last 45 days, died of multiple organ failure on June 22. Born in 1924, Sumbrui, the five-time parliamentarian from Singhbhum and four-time MLA, belonged to the indigenous tribe Ho. He was popular across the political and social spectrum. He was a minister in the Bihar government during the years 1969-72. He was elected to the Lok Sabha for the last time in 2004. Chief Minister Raghubar Das, former CMs Arjun Munda and Babulal Marandi, Leader of Opposition Hemant Soren expressed condolences on Sumbrui’s demise.
Mukesh Ranjan
Our correspondent in Jharkhand
mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com