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H A R Y A N A |  |
 Friday, November 27, 1998 |
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Bansi Lal writes to Centre Dewatering
on in 67 villages Small-scale
units to be relocated |
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 World Bank loan for education CHANDIGARH, Nov 26 — The World Bank has for the third time raised its loan limit for the development of technical education in Haryana from Rs 145 crore to Rs 185.70 crore.
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Jindal
may form new front Fall
of Bansi Lal Govt "imminent" Two
shot dead BKU
threatens statewide stir Probe
sought into misuse of funds |
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Bansi Lal
writes to Centre CHANDIGARH, Nov 26 --- The delay in central assistance to mitigate the sufferings of the farmers is worrying the Haryana Government. It is almost four weeks since Haryana submitted a detailed memorandum on the extensive economic damage and widespread human distress wrought upon the state due to excessive and untimely rains. Later, a high-level team had seen the damage in vast areas of the state. But sadly, nothing has really come to the State Government. In fact, the Chief Minister, Mr Bansi Lal, has twice spoken to the Prime Minister and has now written to the Union Minister for Agriculture, Mr Som Pal. "We are sure something would really come", Mr Bansi Lal said here today. He also plans to draw the attention of Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee when he meets him tomorrow. In his latest letter to Mr Som Pal, Mr Bansi Lal estimated the total loss at Rs 2,971 crore and urged for a grant of at least Rs 757.29 crore. The state has overspent from the calamity relief fund to the extent of Rs 27.79 crore. At present, the negative balance from this fund is Rs 11.69 crore. Haryana had Rs 499.55 crore earmarked for calamity relief for 1997-98 but it had spent Rs 520.90 crore till March, 1998. So the state urgently needed funds to meet the latest disaster. Clearly, the state started the present financial year with a negative balance of Rs 21.35 crore. Mr Bansi Lal in his letter said: "In this devastation, standing crops on the threshold of harvesting were damaged in about 11 lakh hectares. It hit the backbone of the State's agricultural economy and infrastructure. The memorandum gave all the details and pleaded that the State and its farmers should be compensated for the tremendous losses." The letter further said: "Being a farmer yourself you would agree that the present relief norms at a maximum of Rs 400 per acre are not only inadequate, they are almost a mockery. In view of the fact that ripening crops had been destroyed in this tragedy, the relief to be given should cover the farmers' huge investment in cash crops like basmati, paddy and cotton, and help the state rebuild the infrastructure speedily." Mr Bansi Lal said: "In the matter of utilising the funds available in CRF we are meticulously following the guidelines given by the Government of India. The list of eligible items chargeable relate to "restoration to pre-calamity level of damaged public works like roads, buildings, irrigation and flood control works, drinking water supply works, drainage works, school buildings, public health centres, hospital buildings and electricity installations". "Ever since the calamity struck the entire state machinery is engaged in dewatering. A round-the-clock operation has been mounted on a war-footing. Apart from utilising all available pumps with the departments and agencies of the state government we have borrowed pumps from Delhi and have effected crash purchases. Heavy earthmoving machinery has been deployed from the state and private agencies in order to clear as much land for rabi sowing as possible. All our resources have been stretched to the maximum. The state as well as the farmers urgently need substantial financial help." The state Chief Secretary,
Mr R.S. Varma, had met the Union Agriculture Secretary,
the Finance Secretary, the Expenditure Secretary and the
member-Secretary of the Planning Commission in this
connection. |
Dewatering
on in 67 villages KAITHAL, Nov 26 — Following the recent heavy rain in this district, the government has launched a massive dewatering operation to provide relief to the residents of about 67 affected villages under Rajound and Kalayat blocks. Giving details of the dewatering operations, the Deputy Commissioner, Ms Jaiwanti Sheokand, said the administration faced an uphill task of dewatering about 35000 acres, where paddy and other standing crops were badly damaged. Initially, it seemed that it would not be possible to sow rabi crop in the rain-affected areas, but the Irrigation Department accepted the challenge and deployed 148 electric motors and diesel pumps, with a total capacity of 619 cusecs, for the purpose. Besides, 17 electric connections were provided to farmers for using their own pumping sets for dewatering. The Irrigation Department also arranged and deployed two machines for digging ditch-drains in various villages to drain out stagnant rain water. Till now, a 25,000-acre area has been dewatered where the farmers have ploughed their fields and sown the rabi crop. However, still a 10,000-acre area is under water and 500 cusecs of the accumulated water was being pumped out daily from 500 acres by 100 electric motors and diesel pumps. The area which is still under water has no drain or irrigation channel, which is hampering dewatering operations. Ms Sheokand assured that an area of about 9000 acres would be cleared in the first week of December. That would leave only about 1000 acres under water in Songri Guliyana and other low-lying villages. Efforts were on to find a solution to the problem of waterlogging in these villages too. Most of the accumulated water in the Kalayat area had been drained out and at certain places the water from Pundri Drain 2 was being pumped out into the main Sirsa canal. The Executive Engineer, Mr J.S. Cheema, further elaborating on the dewatering operations, said a 5000-foot-long ditch drain had been dug by JCB machines to dewater about 1000 acres in the Rajound area. Another 3000-foot-long ditch-drain had been prepared to dewater 400 acres in Deeg village. All this water was being pumped out in to Rajound distributary. Similarly, a 2500-foot-long drain has been dug with the help of J.C.B. machines to dewater about 1000 acres in Rohera and Kithana villages. In addition, to dewater about 1500 acres in Jakholi and Kasan, a 2000-foot-long ditch-drain had been dug. The administration is
likely to spend a total of Rs 80 lakh on dewatering
operations, including purchase and maintenance of
electric motors and pumps, payment of electric bills and
purchase of diesel. The district administration has
reportedly completed the special girdawri to provide
compensation to the affected farmers. |
Small-scale
units to be relocated CHANDIGARH, Nov 26 — The Haryana Governor, Mr Mahabir Prasad and the Chief Minister, Mr Bansi Lal, today exhorted senior officers of the state administration to personally supervise the projects aimed at checking pollution and ensure that the effluent treatment plants set up by the industrial units functioned properly. They were speaking at the ninth meeting of the State Environment Protection Council held at Haryana Raj Bhavan here today. The Governor reviewed various steps taken by the state administration for setting up of treatment plants in various towns, especially those along the Yamuna. It was also decided to take up the matter with the Uttar Pradesh Government regarding setting up of such plants at the earliest. The issue of setting up of sewage treatment plants on the nallahs leading to pollution in the Yamuna and the Gurgaon canal had already been taken up with the Delhi Government. The Chief Minister directed the officers to take stern action against those found not following the prescribed pollution control measures. Vegetable growers should be motivated to grow vegetables without the use of chemical fertilisers for which they should be given suitable incentives. The council also took notice of the contamination of the groundwater being caused by indiscriminate discharge of effluents by small and tiny units engaged in dyeing and finishing work in Panipat. It was decided to formulate a time-bound action plan for the relocation of small scale industrial units working in the congested areas of the town in a separate industrial estate so that their effluent could be treated in a common treatment plant. The Chief Minister said that such small industrial units which were discharging effluents in residential areas should be provided alternate sites on a no-profit no-loss basis and they should also have common effluent treatment plants. The council further desired that the large printing and dyeing units be directed to install effluent treatment plants in their premises in a time-bound manner. The Haryana State Industrial Development Corporation had decided that all the new industrial estates would have common effluent treatment plants. The council was of the opinion that the fly ash should be used in brick manufacturing to overcome the problem of pollution caused by it. The Chairman of Genco, Mr S Y Quraishi, said negotiations in this regard with some private companies were on. The council also expressed its concern over the problem of noise pollution, especially during odd hours caused by loudspeakers. The council directed the district authorities to take necessary action in this regard. The Director-General, Health Services, Dr P L Jindal, said incinerators had already been installed in 10 general hospitals and 250 needle destroyers had already been provided in various health institutions and 350 more needle destroyers would be provided during this financial year. Others who attended the
meeting included Dr Kamla Verma, Mr Jagan Nath, Mr Ram
Bilas Sharma, Mr Charan Dass, Mr Shashi Pal Mehta, Mr
Subhash Chaudhary and Mr Harsh Kumar, all Haryana
Ministers, Mr Ram S. Varma, Chief Secretary, Mr L M Jain,
Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr M L Tayal,
Commissioner and Secretary, Environment and other senior
functionaries of the State Government.
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Hooda
expresses grief CHANDIGARH, Nov 26 —
Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, President of the Haryana
Congress, has expressed grief and shock over the death of
over 100 train passengers in a severe train accident
which took place near Khanna railway station in Punjab
this morning. |
World Bank
loan for education CHANDIGARH, Nov 26 — The World Bank has for the third time raised its loan limit for the development of technical education in Haryana from Rs 145 crore to Rs 185.70 crore. This was disclosed by the Technical Education Minister, Mr Narain Singh, today. He said the bank-assisted projects were launched in January,1992 to bring about a qualitative and quantitative improvement in technical education in the State. He said the department would launch another progressive scheme with the additional World Bank assistance of Rs 40.70 crore for the improvement and consolidation of the existing facilities and expanding the infrastructure in the polytechnics. He said that under the
World Bank project, three new co-education polytechnics
at Narnaul, Hisar and Uttawar and one residential
polytechnic for women at Faridabad were being established
in addition to developing existing eight government
polytechnics and four privately managed government-aided
polytechnics in the State. |
Unique
museum at Kurukshetra KURUKSHETRA: The Panorama Museum, which is nearing completion, will be the second of its kind in the world. According to Mr Ashok Yadav, executive officer of the Kurukshetra Development Board, who is coordinating its construction, the Panorama is being patterned on the lines of the Borodina War Memorial in Russia. Mr S. Kumar, project coordinator, told this reporter that the Panorama would be fitted with light and sound effects which would depict the Mahabharata war. Besides, it would be the first science centre of its kind in Haryana. It is a matter of pride both for the Kurukshetra Development Board, the residents of the Kurukshetra and Haryanavis that it would be the only war museum, which would serve as a memorial to the epic war. Posterity would get inspiration about the Mahabharata days. He maintained that it would cater to the needs of the children of Kurukshetra and adjoining area. Mr Yadav pointed out that the first phase of Panorama which is almost complete, would be dedicated to the public shortly. The Kurukshetra Development Board had provided 4.25 acres of land on perpetual lease, adjacent to the Shri Krishna Museum, at a nominal rate of Rs 1,000 per year to the National Council of Science Museum (NCSM) which is building Panorama. The total cost of the project is Rs 5 crore. This is being shared in 50:50 ratio between the KDB and the NCSM which is based in Calcutta. The first phase which is almost complete, comprise science exhibits, science park in the lounge. The science park would depict the growth of science after the Mahabharata epic. It also includes a planetarium and auditorium also. The second phase, in reality would depict the importance of the Panorama. Mr Kumar told this reporter that eight episodes had been selected from the Mahabharata war which would be depicted in three-dimensional murals in fibreglass. The work relating to this is being taken up in the Calcutta laboratory of the NCSM. It is expected to be completed by March. The eight phases cover Indian ancient science and technology as well as fun science exhibits. The Panorama in the second phase will have a potable planetarium, science park, activity corner for children, temporary exhibition hall and a 150-capacity auditorium fitted with audio-visual facilities. Mr Yadav stated that a unique feature of the Panorama would be a Mehrauli pillar, which would be a replica of the original pillar at Mehrauli near the Capital. Normally such replicas are not allowed by the Union Government. But this is the first of its type. In addition, replica of the wheel of the Sun temple at Konark would also be depicted here. The Panorama would also have the replica of the Bradeshwar temple of South India in Solapith. The entry fee to the museum would be decided by the NCSM. Mr Kumar maintained that
the oldest centre of the NCSM was the Birla Industrial
and Technological Museum at Calcutta, which is about 50
years old. The museum at Kurukshetra is likely to be a
better one. |
Jindal may
form new front CHANDIGARH, Nov 27 — Industrialist-turned-politician O.P. Jindal, who recently resigned from the ruling Haryana Vikas Party after accusing the Chief Minister, Mr Bansi Lal, of casteism and nepotism, is likely to announce the formation of a front tomorrow. According to sources close to Mr Jindal, the former MP may announce the front at a press conference he is scheduled to address here tomorrow. The exact character and nature of the front is still a matter of speculation. The sources say most probably to start with the front will be a non-political organisation aimed at bringing on one platform those communities in Haryana which are less politically assertive than certain other communities. Depending upon the response the front gets, it can be latter converted into a political organisation. Mr Jindal, who is likely to be accompanied, among others, by Mr Ashwani Chopra, resident editor of the Delhi edition of a leading newspaper. Mr Jindal has, meanwhile, alleged that the Chief Minister's men were putting pressure on his former HVP colleagues to issue statements against him. He said if Mr Bansi Lal had moral courage, he himself should issue critical statements against him and reply to his allegations. He said he was happy that because of his resignation from the HVP, Mr Bansi Lal was now giving importance to all those whom he insulted in the party till a couple of days ago. It is not known if Mr
Jindal would try to establish contacts with any of his
former party colleagues here tomorrow. |
Deputy
excise chief's house, office raided FARIDABAD, Nov 26 — The police this morning raided the residence and office premises of Mr Mukesh Gambhir, Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner, and reportedly found assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. According to informed sources, the police conducted the raid after registering the case under the Anti-Corruption Act which was still continuing. The sources said more than 2 kg of gold ornaments, including 100 bangles, silverware and coins, worth about Rs 15 lakh at the present market value and Rs 90,000 in cash. In addition 400 saris, including 47 silk, 200 shirts, 150 towles, 100 suitlengths, 13 liquor bottles, semi-precious stones, 20 insurance policies and several dividend receipts of shares. Some documents of benami property transactions were also found which were being examined. A box full of cheque books, and five diaries which reportedly had entries on cash transactions were also found. His bank locker was also being searched. Mr Gambhir is out of station and is believed to have gone on pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi. The raid is learnt to have
been conducted in the wake of serious allegations
levelled against Mr Gambhir by Birju, a transporter who
shot dead Mr Lakshman Ram, Excise and Taxation Officer
early this month. |
Fall of
Bansi Lal Govt "imminent" SONEPAT, Nov 26 — The Haryana Pradesh Janata Dal President, Mr Ved Parkash Vidrohi, today called upon all opposition parties to join hands and explore the possibility of an alternative government in the state as the fall of the Bansi Lal Government was imminent. In a signed press statement issued here, he said a secular government in the state was the need of the hour and all opposition parties should sink their differences and come together to provide a clean and corruption-free government to the people who were already fed up with the regime of Mr Bansi Lal on account of its anti-people policies. The Janata Dal leader also accused Chief Minister Bansi Lal of encouraging corruption, casteism and following anti-farmer and anti-Dalit policies. The resignation of Mr O.P. Jindal from the HVP and his open allegations of corruption in the administration was a clear proof of misrule by Mr Bansi Lal. Expressing the party's concern over the deteriorating law and order situation and increasing activities of militants, Mr Vidrohi said the recent blast at Kaithal and the recovery of RDX and other explosives in Shahbad Markanda depicted the helplessness of the present government to curb the activities of militants. He urged the Chief Minister to take effective steps immediately lest the situation should go out of control. The Janata Dal leader
demanded a high-level probe to expose the links between
politicians and criminals and bureaucrats who patronised
such elements. |
Two shot
dead GURGAON, Nov 26 — Two persons were shot at Sector-31 yesterday night. Those killed have been identified as Anoop Kumar and his son-in-law Amit. The two were killed while returning from the market. In a complaint to DLF police station Anoop's mother, Promila Bhatia has identified, Ravi Sharma and his son Saurabh as suspects. Promila has alleged that Ravi and Saurabh had kidnapped her grand daughter Ekta when they resided at Rana Partap Bagh four years ago. Both were convicted for the crime. Later when Ekta was married to Amit, Ravi and his son allegedly started making threatening calls at their house. Anoop and Amit had gone to the market. The killers followed them and shot them. The postmortem report has confirmed bullet injuries. The police has registered
a case under Sections 302 and 120B against Ravi Sharma
and Saurabh. |
BKU
threatens statewide stir ROHTAK, Nov 26 — The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has threatened to launch a statewide agitation in case its state President, Mr Ghasi Ram Nain, was not released from the prison unconditionally. An emergency meeting of the state executive of the union has beeen convened at Jind tomorrow to chalk out the future course of action. Mr Jagat Singh Khasa, General Secretary of the union, said the members of the family of Mr Nain and the union had no information regarding the place where Mr Nain was being held. He said the government should avoid the repetition of "Kalayat Kanda." Meanwhile, describing the support price of sugarcane as inadequate, the BKU has demanded Rs 125 per quintal. The members also opposed
the state government's decision regarding the bearing of
transportation charges of sugarcane up to the mill gate
by the farmers, and said the farmers would not yield to
such "unjustified" condition. |
Probe
sought into misuse of funds SONEPAT, Nov 26 — Residents of a number of villages, including sarpanches, panches and members of block samitis, have urged the state government to order a vigilance probe into the alleged misuse and bungling of public funds by officials of construction division No 28 and others in the Irrigation Department during the past two years. In a memorandum sent to Chief Minister Bansi Lal a copy of which was released to the Press here, they alleged that the bulk of the funds allotted to these divisions for various schemes had either been misused or misappropriated by officials of these divisions. The memorandum pointed out
that substandard material had been used in the
construction of bridges and other allied works. Most of
the irrigation schemes commissioned in this district
during the past few years were either defunct or
partially functional. |
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