 |
| Wednesday,
July 11, 2001, Chandigarh, India   
|
Haryana to deploy RAF Deadly virus hits cotton
crop Sadhu akharas to be
apolitical Tanneries flout pollution
norms NFL workers’ union starts
stir POSTINGS/ TRANSFERS |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Check population growth:
Chautala
Plan to give ‘woman power award’ Panchayat poll on July 29 Judge records his statement in
male child case Ambala best under economic programme 70 tubewells transferred to farmers 15-year-old raped, killed 2 killed in
accidents Tanker rams into car, 5 hurt 10 men held for travelling in ladies’ coach
|
|
Haryana to deploy RAF Rohtak, July 10 The Director-General of Police, Haryana Mr M.S. Malik, is likely to begin deployment of the RAF in Haryana from here on July 12. He will visit the town and is likely to meet prominent citizens and retired IAS and IPS officers to seek their co-operation in maintaining law and order. The CPM state Secretary, Mr Inderjit Singh, said because of high-handedness of various government departments like the HVPN, people were being forced to come on the streets but the state government’s “indifference” towards the people was condemnable. He said there was an alarming increase in domestic violence against women with society showing little tolerance towards women. The Inspector-General of Police, Rohtak Range, Mr Resham Singh, said the RAF would be deployed for patrolling in towns and villages to prevent crime and disorder and also enhance police presence at public places. He said besides the constitution of a special task force’, the government proposed to set up a criminal investigation agency under the Range Inspector-General of Police (IGP). The agency would investigate all heinous cases which remain unsolved after six months of registration. The Range IGP, he said, may take over the investigation on a case in his jurisdiction and entrust the same to the agency under his charge for investigation. Mr Resham Singh said the ‘special task force’ would draw out a list of 100 most-wanted criminals in the range and make efforts to apprehend them. In future, the RAF would be deployed for bandobust duty at the time of festivals, meals, VIP visits and public meetings. |
|
|
Deadly virus hits cotton
crop Hisar, July 10 According to reports received here, cotton crop in Hisar, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Bhiwani and Jind districts has been severely affected. Even the research farm of the prestigious Chaudhry Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University has been affected. It has been found that the plants sown around April 15 in this farm were more affected by the
disease which was first noticed there in some plants in the first week of June. Senior cotton scientists of HAU Dr M. S. Chauhan and Dr B. P. Lather, said the disease was first noticed in varying intensity in a few villages of Sirsa district. However, it now posed a serious threat to the cotton crop in the state. The disease is caused by the leaf curl Gemini virus. Its only known vector is the cotton white fly. The virus can also spread by grafting. However, it can not spread by seed, through soil or mechanical inoculation with sap. It manifests on the affected plants through the thickening leaf veins, upward cupping and curling of leaves. It stunts the plant growth completely if the attack is severe. The yield is reduced to almost nil through the shrivelling of fruiting bodies. The crop losses vary with the severity of attack, inter cultivation and proximity of crops in the neighbouring fields. The white fly usually acquires the virus while still in the larval stage. It transmits the disease to plants when adult. The fly can transmit the disease throughout its life. The severity of the infection depends upon the age of the plant. The symptoms appear within two to six weeks of infection. Dr Chauhan and Dr Lather said the farmers should rogue the affected plants, weeds and hosts from the field, roadsides, water channels and canals immediately. This should be followed by the application of the recommended systemic insecticides or the latest Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technology. Inquiries by The Tribune revealed that it had been noticed in the past that once the disease broke out, it was very difficult to control it at the farmers’ level. This was more so in the case of farmers who continued to cultivate older varieties not resistant to the disease. However, several farmers said even the varieties which were touted as resistant to the disease had been severely affected. The experts said the freak weather in the cotton belt could have helped the growth of the virus. The hot winds usually associated with the area during summer were absent this year. Instead, there were heavy pre-monsoon and cyclonic showers in the area which kept humidity at unusually high levels throughout the summer. |
|
Sadhu akharas to be
apolitical Karnal, July 10 This has been decided because of late dissensions had come to the fore among members of the akhara parishad because of the political involvement of some of its affiliated akharas. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and its President, Mr Ashok Singhal, had all along been making efforts to actively involve the ABAP in the affairs of the Ram Janmabhoomi issue. So much so that even the name of the parishad was used for making the Dharam Sansad held at Allahabad during the Mahakumbh of the 21st century a big success. While certain members of the ABAP had given support to the success of the Dharam Sansad, some others had shied away from its deliberations. Again, during the Ganga yatra, the VHP tried to involve the ABAP in the movement. When Mr Singhal had threatened to hold a relay fast at the Tehri Dam site, then also an effort was made by the VHP to involve activists of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad. This has led to clear divisions among various bodies of saints and sadhus. A pro-Congress ideology group had emerged among the ranks of the sadhus and saints. This groups based at Hardwar continued its tirade against the VHP activities. Such incidents were reflecting poorly on the performance of the ABAP. Therefore, as a first step the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad decided to remove such members who openly dabbled in politics of one kind or the other. Mahant Gangapuri, general secretary of the Maha Nirwani Akhara, a main part of the ABAP, told The Tribune today, the parishad had removed Swami Vasudevanand Giri from the cashiership of the parishad. This step was taken as the swami, who is an activist of the Maha Nirwani Akhara, had taken sides in the politics of the VHP and pro-Congress elements. So much so that the swami had also addressed a kisan sammelan against the wishes of the Maha Nirwani Akhara. Mahant Gangapuri further disclosed that Swami Vasudevanand had also been removed from the management of the affairs of the Daksh Prajapati Shiva Temple at Kankhal (Hardwar). The temple, according to the Puranas, was the one where Lord Shiva had beheaded Daksh Prajapati, his father-in-law, to avenge the death of Goddess Shakti. Lakhs of pilgrims visit the temple every year to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva here. Prominent among those who had prayed here were Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, the recently slain Nepalese King Birender Bikram Shah Deva and Queen Aishwarya and Ma Anand Mai. Besides, union ministers, several Governors, Chief Ministers and others had prayed here before Lord Shiva. The Maha Nirwani Akhara has removed Swami Vasudevanand Giri from the management of the affairs of the akhara at its head quarters at Kankhal. Mahant Gangapuri said the akhara was of the opinion that no saint, howsoever high his position, should be allowed to defile the sanctity of Lord Shiva’s temple. The saint further said all branches of akhara parishad had been cautioned not to fall into a trap by involving themselves in any activity of Swami Vasudevanand Giri, which might ultimately harm the prestige of the ABAP, and that of the Maha Nirwani Akhara. Mahant Gangapuri had been appointed to look after the affairs of the akhara at
Kankhal. |
|
Tanneries flout pollution
norms Jhajjar, July 10 There are four tanneries at Jhajjar involved in the processing of raw skins. These tanneries release liquid effluents mixed with highly poisonous chemicals like hexavalent chromium and boron. Not only the environment but also the groundwater falling within a radius of 500 has been polluted. It may be mentioned here that four villages situated around these tanneries are dependent on groundwater for drinking or other purposes. However, the most startling fact in this case is that despite falling under entry No.24 of schedule one of the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, the two projects — M/s N.K. Trading and M/s Discovery — had not obtained any environmental clearance certificate, which was a pre-requisite. Schedule one of the notification stated, “A new project listed in schedule one of this notification shall not be undertaken in any part of India unless it has been accorded environmental clearance by the Central Government.” Everything was going right for these tanneries despite objections and complaints by the villagers, until the case was represented by Ram Kanwar, who took the matter to the Punjab and Haryana High Court on September 4, 1999. The high court in its order dated April 5, 2000, directed the member secretary, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Administrator, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), to consider and take action in accordance with law within three months. However, a final decision had not been taken even after the expiry of the stipulated period, although correspondence continues between the CPCB and HSPCB at regular intervals. According to information collected by this correspondent, the CPCB in its letter dated July 24, 2000, to the HSPCB stated that the effluents of the tanneries, even after treatment, were not to be allowed for irrigation or for land disposal. In its next letter on October 12, 2000, it held that if the Haryana Irrigation Department was not permitting the tanneries for drain disposal, there was no option left but to close down the industries under reference due to limited availability of groundwater in the area. The decision was taken by the CPCB after it tested the samples of groundwater, which showed that the level of effluents had exceeded the prescribed limits for drinking purposes. Interestingly, it reversed its own decision through its letter dated March 5, 2001, stating that “since the Haryana Irrigation Department has turned down the request for disposal of treated effluents of the tannaries into the drain, the tanners may be allowed for land disposal, but not with edible crops.” The sources say that the decision was taken in such a haste that the pactum regarding the refusal of the Irrigation Department was not even confirmed. The CPCB, however, ignored the fact that land disposal would contaminate groundwater, which was also a matter of concern. But the CPCB again changed its stand vide its letter on March 8 ruling out land disposal to save groundwater from contamination. But vide its letter on March 20, it justified its decision to allow the tanneries to discharge its effluents on land. But again on April 3 it observed that, “the issue of drain disposal has not been resolved so far”. In this way, the CPCB changed its stand four times within a month, even after it had established the fact by its own investigations that the tanneries were discharging their effluents without proper treatment, which were in excess of the prescribed limits. Meanwhile, in a related development two more tanneries, M/s Arora International and Erendy Leather, were closed down by a order from the Chairman, HSPCB, for polluting the environment. But strangely, the closure was revoked and the tanneries started operating. Sources disclosed that there was a lot of pressure from the higher-ups to reverse the closure orders. |
|
NFL workers’ union starts
stir Panipat, July 10 The first phase of the agitation began with the posting of posters in the NFL premises in all units from yesterday. According to the president of the Panipat unit, of the NFL Mr Satbeer Singh Nandal, this poster-pasting campaign will continue till July 11 and the posters will carry anti-privatisation slogans highlighting forthcoming problems after privatisation. In the second phase, he said, the union would write to the Prime Minister about the problems which would be faced by employees and farmers after the privatisation of the units and the Prime Minister would be requested not to allow the privatisation. In the third phase of the agitation memoranda would be handed over to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana where NFL units were located, highlighting the problems which would be faced by employees as well as farmers, he said, adding that the Chief Ministers would re requested to exercise their influence over the Central Government for withdrawing the privatisation process. In the fourth phase, all employees would work wearing black badges and in its fifth phase, the employees would stage dharna at main gates of NFL units on July 25 and 26 and organise protests against the Central Government. During sixth and the last phase, the employees would distribute pamphlets among people which would highlight the problems that would be faced after privatisation. In a meeting of the union today, Mr Nandal reiterated that the union would not allow the privatisation of NFL units at any cost which otherwise rendered about one lakh employees jobless. |
|
|
POSTINGS/ TRANSFERS Chandigarh, July 10 Mr Ramendra Jakhu, OSD, Rules, and Secretary, Haryana Urdu Akademy, becomes Managing Director, Confed, and Secretary, Haryana Urdu Akademy, vice Mr H.S. Rana, who has been posted as Director, Industrial Training and Vocational Education, in place of Mr Ashok Khemka. Mr Khemka goes as Director and Joint Secretary, Information Technology, in place of Mr R.S. Vundru, whose services have been placed at the disposal of the Union Government for appointment as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Mr Ram Niwas, Director, Industries, Mines and Geology, has been given additional charge of Managing Director of the Haryana State Small-Scale Industries and Export Corporation and the Handloom and Handicrafts Corporation in place of Mr Vijai Vardhan, who becomes Director and Special Secretary, Rural Development Department against a vacant post. Mr P.K. Mahapatra, Special Secretary, Home-I, will also look after the work of the Project Director, Swaran Jayanti Shahari Rojgar Yojna, the Local Government Department and the State Urban Development Society in addition to his present duties vice Mr M.K. Midha, who has been posted as Joint Secretary, Home-II, and Joint Commissioner, Gurdwara Election, Haryana, against a vacant post. Mrs Neerja, awaiting posting orders, has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer, Mewat Development Agency, Nuh, relieving Mr K.S. Yadav of the charge. |
|
|
Check population growth:
Chautala Chandigarh, July 10 In a message issued on the eve of World Population Day, Mr Chautala said a strong movement should be launched to check the growth of population. The alarming rise in the population in Haryana — at the rate of four lakh persons annually — was diluting the impact of welfare schemes. Mr Chautala said Mahila Swasthya Sanghs had been set up in the rural areas of the state to enable women to follow the small family norm in a scientific manner. |
|
Plan to give ‘woman power award’ Kurukshetra, July 10 Dr Mahajan said the Central Government had planned to give ‘Woman power award’ every year to five women who achieved their goals and earned fame. The Vidya Bharti Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Sansthan joint secretary, Ms Indumati Katdarey, said the character of the child was built at home by parents, particularly by the mother. She said the awakening of women would be helpful in child development and consequently in the nation’s progress. A book ‘Chetna’, written by Mr Madan Lal Sharma, former Principal, Gita Niketan Awasiya Vidyalya, was also released by the minister. |
|
Panchayat poll on July 29 Bhiwani, July 10 The District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner said here today that the elections for Ward No. 9 of zila parishad, Bardu Chaina, Zhanzhade and Hasanpur, including Loharu panchayat, Badalwala, including Tosham panchayat, Dhani Ramjas panchayat of Siwani block, Kheri Batar of Dadri second block, Dabh Dhani of Kairu block and Kheri Daulatpur of Buwani Khera would be held on July 29. The election for the posts of panch would also be held on the same day. He said the nomination papers could be filed from July 12 to 14 and these would be checked on July 16. |
|
Judge records his statement in
male child case Hisar, July 10 The couple from Jalandhar submitted evidence that the child Arsh Deep Singh was born at Abohar on 25.9.1995. They said the tantrik prayed and performed puja for the birth of this child. The couple was ready to undergo any scientific test to prove their parentage. The police also recorded the statement of Balraj and Sunita, the couple which has claimed the child to be theirs. Balraj told newspersons that some persons came to him and pressurised to withdraw the case. He said that one Mohan Lal, a tea shop owner, is an eyewitness to the tantrik taking away their child. Meanwhile, on the petition of Deepinder Kaur, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has already issued notice of motion to the state of Haryana, the SP and SHO of Hisar and restrained them from taking custody of the child. The tantrik is already undergoing imprisonment for befooling and depriving another couple of their male child. The court has restored the child to his real parents.
UNI |
|
|
Ambala best under economic programme Ambala, July 10 Mr V.J. Mattoo, senior regional manager of Punjab National Bank, who was presiding over the meeting, expressed satisfaction over the achievements of Ambala. He said deposits and advances in the district during the year 2000-2001 had increased by 16 per cent. Priority sector advances also increased by 12 per cent. Similarly the agriculture advances registered a growth of 35 per cent against the national target of 18 per cent of total advances. Mr Mahender Kumar, ADC, Ambala, advised the banker to put in all efforts to achieve the target under the Poverty alleviation Programme for this year. Mr Binoy Kumar, AGM, RBI, Mr R.K. Singh, AGM, NABARD, and Mr N.K. Kalra were also present on the occasion. |
|
|
70 tubewells transferred to farmers Chandigarh, July 10 An official spokesman said the Chief Minister took the decision in order to redress the grievances of small and marginal farmers in areas where canal irrigation was not available. The decision would benefit thousands of farmers in Ambala, Yamunanagar, Panchkula and Kurukshetra district. Farmers will be required to form a society and get it registered under the Societies Registration Act. Thereafter, the transfer of the tubewells will be made by the management of the MITC to the society, which will run and maintain these. While such societies will undertake repairs of the tubewells and pay the electricity charges, the MITC will render suitable technical assistance. |
|
|
15-year-old raped, killed Faridabad, July 10 According to a complaint lodged by Maan Singh of Hansapur village, his daughter was abducted, raped and killed by the accused Mahender of the same village recently. The police has arrested the suspect after registering a case under Sections 302, 366, 363, 376 and 201 of the IPC. Meanwhile, one person was killed and six others were injured in a collision between a tractor and a three-wheeler near Mandola village in the Chainsa police station area. The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash, while five injured persons as Sonu, Mahesh, Saira, Nandu and Vinod. |
|
|
2 killed in
accidents Ambala, July 10 Ramesh Kumar and his father, Mr Mahendra Pal, who were travelling on bicycle were hit by a truck last night near the Paraw bridge. Ramesh Kumar was brought dead to the hospital and Mahendra Pal sustained serious injuries. The truck driver escaped. In the second accident, Santosh Kumari was hit by a Bullet motor cycle near Hari Palace in Ambala City. The motorcyclist escaped after the accident. She was rushed to the hospital where she died. |
|
|
Tanker rams into car, 5 hurt Sonepat, July
10 According to reports reaching here, brakes of the oil tanker went out of order and the driver lost the control over it. The tanker after hitting a car and a mule cart rammed into the showroom of the petrol station. Four occupants of the car
Narain, Summandar Singh, his wife Mrs Savitri and his son Anupam were injured. Kishan
Lal, driver of the tanker also sustained serious injuries. The police has registered the case against the tanker driver. However, no arrest has been made. According to another report, two persons, including a rickshaw-puller, were injured seriously when a tractor hit the rickshaw near Mukhi hospital here last evening. |
|
|
10 men held for travelling in ladies’ coach Faridabad, July 10 According to the police, the accused, identified as Rameswar, Subodh, Heera Lal, Prabhat, Gautam, Rajjak, Punit, Shiv Kumar, Akhilesh and Ram Sewak, were found travelling in the compartment reserved for ladies in a raid. The police has stepped up checking and patrolling in the shuttle trains running between Palwal and Delhi after complaints of eve-teasing, and chain snatching in ladies’ compartments. |
|
|
Prisoner booked Kaithal, July 10 |
 |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | In Spotlight | Chandigarh Tribune | Ludhiana Tribune 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 121 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
