Hailstorm ~ Tea plantations incur huge loss.....Padmashree awardee mountaineer calls for awareness among women

SNS, 21 April 2013 KURSEONG, 21 APRIL: Heavy hailstorms that occurred on 19 April evening in and around Kurseong region, has also affected and damaged several tea plantations, in a huge manner, under Kurseong sub-division area. 

Notably on the evening of 19 April, heavy rainfall was followed by hailstorm affecting and damaging several agriculture products as well as damaging roofs of several houses. It was learnt that mainly, around eight to 10 tea estates situated nearby Kurseong region which experienced hailstorm have been badly affected that have caused huge loss to the tea industry. The most affected tea gardens were Castleton, Gauri Shankar, Sivitar, Jungpana and Singell, where at least 70 to 80 per cent of tea bushes have been damaged by hailstones.

Padmashree awardee mountaineer calls for awareness among women

SNS, SILIGURI, 21 APRIL: Sukhia Pokhri-born mountaineer, Premlata Agarwal, who was conferred the Padmashree Award for her outstanding achievement in sports by the President of India Pranab Mukherjee yesterday, feels there is tremendous need to generate awareness about mountaineering among women in north Bengal.

Premlata, who arrived in Siliguri today, told this correspondent that the veteran mountaineers in the region should train and encourage the aspiring climbers among the women here to take part in expeditions. 

“The successful climbers here should not only groom women mountaineers but also inspire aspiring sportspersons among the womenfolk in the region to take up rock climbing as a sport,” said the 49-year-old housewife, who dedicated her Padma Shri to mentor and ace mountaineer Bachendri Pal.

Premlata, who became the oldest Indian woman to conquer Mount Everest on 20 May, 2011, said she aspired to inspire women whose confidence sagged once they crossed their youth. 

“My aim now would be to devote time to educate women of my age on benefits of body fitness. Good health gives you confidence, which most women lack,” said the ace climber, who has recently returned from Antarctica after scaling the windy Mt Vinson Masiff.

Premlata, who conducted a 90-day training camp on trekking, river-rafting and rock-climbing recently, admitted that she was looking for a proper platform to fulfil her new ambition. 

“To spread awareness, I need a platform. I am confident that I can convince women to come out of their houses and take part in outdoor adventure activities like trekking,” she said.