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Thursday,
May 9, 2002, Chandigarh, India  
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Dhumal losing ground: Cong MLAs Notices to minister, kin on land possession plea Experts disapprove of sea-buck thorn Blindness doesn’t hinder S. African Judge
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Govt move to encourage inter-caste
marriages Gujral praises Himachal for achievements in HRD Christian institutes’ protest Freak weather hits apple crop HC notice to Revenue Secy DISTRICT DIARY Encroachments removed 2
killed as jeep rolls down gorge Governor’s appeal
on Red Cross Day
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Dhumal losing ground: Cong MLAs Shimla, May 8 In a joint statement here on Monday, Mr Chander Kumar, Mr Ram Lal, Mrs Asha Mumari and Mr Singhi Ram have said Mr Dhumal had become panicky following the defeat of the BJP in the recent elections to the Shimla Municipal Corporation. They described Mr Virbhadra Singh as the only leader with a mass base in the state and alleged that Mr Dhumal was trying to portray him as a feudal because he had realised that power was slipping out of his hands. Mr Virbhadra Singh was a public man and had risen in the political field through elections and not because of being a former ruler. These MLAs said the people were waiting for an opportunity to overthrow the Dhumal government in the Assembly elections because they were annoyed with the misrule in the state under the present regime. The political opponents were being harassed by the state government. They said that although Mr Dhumal had initially claimed to be principally against raising loans for running his government, during the past four years loans amounting to over Rs10,000 crore had been raised from the open market. They alleged that public money was being wasted on jaunts in helicopter and a jumbo sized ministry. They alleged that instead of development, the BJP-HVC combine government had created a new record in corruption. |
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Notices to minister, kin on land possession plea Shimla, May 8 The court also issued notices to Ministry of Environment , Chief Secretary of the state, the Pollution Control Board, Director of Land Record and directed them to file their reply within eight weeks. Petitioner is a social organisation of Rupi village in Kulu district to protect the right and interest of inhabitants of that area, has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) where in they have alleged that after coming into the existence of the state, the 1957 Jagirdar Act was passed and in 1972 it was revoked. After 1972 the power of grant to ‘patta’ was revoked. But Mr Mohinder Singh, father of Maheshwar Singh and Karan Singh, granted land on ‘patta’ to both of his sons in 1968 and 1972, which was totally illegal. They alleged that both the brothers were selling the land and installing the stone crushers on the land. The land for which the government gave compensation of Rs 1,05,000 in 1962 was still in their possession. The petitioners has prayed from court to take back the possession of the land from Mr Maheshwar Singh and his brother, Mr Karan Singh, given to them on lease and demanded action against the responsible officers. |
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Experts disapprove of sea-buck thorn Shimla, May 8 Both states have been encouraging its plantation in cold desert areas as it has done wonders in China, where the topography is similar. The idea of large-scale plantation of sea-buck thorn, particularly in the tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh, was mooted on the advice of the experts of the Nepal-based International Centre for Mountain Development a couple of years ago. This was not only aimed at greening these areas, but also at binding the soil and generating commercial activity for the residents as the plant was of medicinal value. However, the experiment had reportedly not been a big success because of the climatic difference in China and these tribal belts. Prof Papa Dopal, an expert from the World Bank, which was aiding the project, suggested that stress should be laid on plantation of elaegnus, belonging to the family of sea-buck thorn, which could be more successful here. The cost of plantation of sea-buck thorn was as high as Rs 55,000 per hectare, while the returns were comparatively low for the farmers. When contacted, Mr Surnider Kumar, coordinator of the Himalayan Forest Research Institute, said sea-buck thorn was successful in the cold desert of China, where the average rainfall was upto 200 mm, whereas the rainfall in the tribal areas here ranged between 10 and 40 mm. He said it was a water-loving plant and requires moisture. Its plantation in certain areas of Leh and riverside belts of Lahaul-Spiti had been successful. The germination of the plant was poor in other arid cold desert areas. About 46 per cent of the total geographical area of the two states constitutes cold desert. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, the Himalayan Forest Research Institute, the Forest Survey of India, and officers of the forest departments of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh had jointly made a spot assessment of the plant species of the cold desert. They had listed 30 threatened medicinal plants in these two states, among which sea-buck thorn had also been named. The team suggested that permanent research stations be established at the strategic locations in the cold desert region for better understanding of the ecological parameters. This would help monitoring of the climatic changes in this fragile region. |
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Blindness doesn’t hinder S. African Judge Shimla, May 8 Even though he became blind when he was only 16 months’ old as a result of
meningitis, he has become a judge of the highest court of South Africa. He told TNS in an exclusive interview that India and South Africa were both struggling against oppression and had a variegated population. Mr Justice Yacoob was a member of the African National Congress and has remained a votary of political activism. He was a member of the executive committee of the Durban Detainees Support Committee from 1981 to 1985 and in that capacity called for release of the detainees. He said his interest in law started growing when he was in Class VIII and his teacher backed him although he was blind. He said the recent major judgement of the Constitutional Court,
He said about 2 per cent population of South Africa was of Indian origin. He is able to speak some Hindi words as his father migrated from India to that country in 1939. His wife’s family has been living in South Africa for the past several generations. Soon after reaching here, Mr Justice Yacoob interacted with a group of students of the Law Department of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU). They were introduced by Prof Amar Singh Sankhian. Mr Justice Yacoob remained active against apartheid and unjust laws. He represented a group of persons who came to be known as the “Durban six” in negotiations with the British Government. The “Durban six” occupied the offices of the British Consulate in Durban during September-October, 1984, in protest against apartheid. He represented their case before the Secretary-General and representatives of member countries of the United Nations in New York. He participated in the activities of the Natal Blind and Deaf Society, which was responsible for work concerned with the rehabilitation and education of the blind and the deaf with a view to their effective and meaningful participation in society. Blindness does not hamper his activities and besides being a judge, Mr Justice Yacoob is Chancellor of the University of Durban-Westville and a member of the executive committee and national management committee of the South African National Council for the Blind. Besides delivering lectures during his stay here, he is also planning to visit Kashmir in June. |
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Govt move to encourage inter-caste marriages Dharamsala, May 8 Officials of the department said couples going in for inter-caste marriages were given a sum of Rs 25,000 each. With caste discrimination still being a dominant factor especially in villages, the government has launched a number of schemes for the uplift of weaker sections of society. The state government has made the Welfare Department the single nodal agency to ensure appropriate focus on policy formulation and effective implementation of the schemes for SCs and for the protection of their rights. The department has as such been rechristened Social, Women and Scheduled Caste Welfare Department. As compared to a sum of Rs 755 crore being spent on the social service sector last year, an amount of Rs 869 crore has been set aside this year, which works out to be 45 per cent of the total annual plan layout of the state. In order to provide clean, hygienic and improved living conditions for Dalits, Rs 24 lakh have been spent in Kangra district on 94 bastis. Housing subsidy of Rs 8,000 for construction of houses and Rs 4,000 for repair of existing ones is being given to eligible persons belonging to the SC and OBC category. The department is providing scholarship to physically challenged students studying in educational and vocational institutions. Those having 40 per cent or more disability are entitled to free education up to the university level. They are also being given financial assistance to set up small independent business establishments in the form of tea stalls or stationery shops. The social security pension, enhanced from Rs 150 to Rs 200, is being given to 31,402 persons in Kangra district. The department is spending Rs 3.24 crore annually in Kangra on this pension. |
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Gujral praises Himachal for achievements in HRD Shimla, May 8 In a letter written to Himachal Chief Minister, Prem Kumar Dhumal, he complimented the Chief Minister for achievements of the state, which had found mention in the National Human Resource Development report. The report observed that the process of
development in any society should ideally be viewed and assessed in
terms of what it did for an average individual. It has to be seen in
terms of the benefits and opportunities that it generates for people
and how these are eventually distributed. Obviously Himachal measures
up to and it was a matter of joy and satisfaction for him, he wrote. |
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Christian institutes’ protest Kangra, May 8 The local Maple Leaf Hospital, St. Milda’s School, Kangra, Shishu Vinod Institute, Birta, St. Paul’s Senior Secondary School, Palampur, and Leprosy Home and Hospital, Palampur, belonging to the diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India, remained closed yesterday. A letter, addressed to the Chief Minister of Punjab, signed by Wg Cdr I.A. Williams (retd), Col C. Sohan Lal, and Dr P.K. Paul, Heads of the St. Paul Senior Secondary School, Palampur, Leprosy Home and Hospital, Palampur, and Maple Leaf Hospital, Kangra, respectively, which was circulated among mediapersons here said some miscreants who were economically powerful and influential persons were making attempts to grab the valuable properties of the diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India. The letter said the anti-social elements who tried to grab property of the diocese of Shimla were now trying to grab the church property at Man Singh Gate in Amritsar. The letter added that the Christians in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir were feeling harassed. It alleged that the miscreants were trying to implicate Dr A.C. Lal and other diocesan functionaries in false cases and demanded the cancellation of the FIR. |
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Freak weather hits apple crop Shimla, May 8 Adequate snow, considered as “white manure” for the apple crop, during the winter had raised the hopes of a bumper crop. Moreso because last season the state had a lean crop. As apple experiences alternate bearing a lean crop is invariably followed by a bumper crop. However, frequent hailstorms and abnormal variations in temperature have severely hit the crop. After it snowed six times the winter came to an abrupt end as the mercury started shooting up in March. The orchards blossomed immediately and the “good flowering” raised the hopes of a bumper crop. But the weather took a turn for the worse towards the second half of March when a heavy rainfall lashed the region repeatedly. The temperature again fell and plunged to as low as 9°C which affected fruit setting. Frequent hailstorms in April only made things worse. A preliminary survey conducted by the Horticulture Department has revealed that the crop will be below normal. As against the expected 2.10 crore boxes, only 1.25 to 1.40 crore boxes of apples were likely to be produced. The maximum damage to the crop has been caused in the midhill areas, which account for over 70 per cent of the total production. The crop in upper hill areas, particularly in Kulu and Chamba districts, have not been affected
much. The growers are still expecting good returns as they hope that a fall in production will lead to higher market prices and the loss will thus be made up. |
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HC notice to Revenue Secy Shimla, May 8 A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice W.A. Shishak and Mr Justice Arun Kumar Goel directed the Secretary to produce the relevant record of the Secretariat. The issue of interim directions was seriously contended by the Advocate General saying that it was the absolute right of the government to decide, where to locate any of its offices. The Bench directed to list this matter for further hearing on May 8. Petitioners Guntha Ram President of the Nasogi gram panchayat of Manali tehsil alleged that the state government had decided on July, 1976, to transfer the land in question measuring 6-12 bighas in favour of government high school, Manali for the playground. In 1978 the conservator of Forests informed the Chief Conservator of Forests to hand the Deputy Secretary, Forest, issued over the land to the Education Department and the no-objection certificate in this regard. It was further submitted by the petitioner that the Deputy Commissioner, Kulu, also issued directions in 1980 to the tehsildar concerned to transfer the possession of the land but the ownership was not transferred in the name of school. Later in 2001, the parent-teacher association made a representation to the Education Minister to transfer the ownership of the playground in the name of school. On February 26 this year, elected representatives of the Manali tehsil met Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and requested him not to construct the mini-secretariat at the playground sight. During the hearing the court took serious note of the matter and observed that the construction of the mini secretariat at the place in question would destroy the education environment of the school. |
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DISTRICT DIARY Chamba According to an official spokesman, work on 63 km of the highway has been completed at a cost of about Rs 3 crore. Work on a road length of 28 km is left to be completed between Alwas and Kilar. In the absence of a proper
road, residents of the Pangi valley took four-five days to reach Chamba town. Recently, a
15 km road was opened to traffic with the commissioning of the Sansari Nala
bridge. This has benefited people coming Chamba via Batot and Jammu. Work on a road from Kilar to Sural has been completed whereas Rs 1.20 crore has been earmarked for the construction of the Lujei valley road. The road from Kilar to the Sechu panchayat and the Kuthal are has already been completed. *** The 100-kw Juther micro hydroelectric project in the far-flung areas of Churah subdivision in Chamba district, which was commissioned a few months ago, is supplying electricity to more than eight panchayats in difficult terrain. According to official sources, it is for the first time that such a project has been set up in this distant alpine belt of Himachal Pradesh. In the Churah area, 31 km of high-voltage and 14 km of low-voltage transmission lines have been installed besides 20 transformers to tackle the problem of low voltage. The government had recently cleared the construction of a Tarela-Mangli road and sanctioned Rs 1.17 crore for the
purpose. Work on this road is expected to be taken up soon. Sixteen hand pumps have also been installed in the area to overcome water scarcity. |
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Encroachments removed Dharamsala, May 8 Local Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), A.N. Sharma along with a team comprising of the ASP and Executive Officer of the Municipal Council, today continued the campaign. All illegal structures and extensions made by the shopkeepers and hotel owners were removed. No obstruction was caused to the drive of the administration. Local residents welcomed the move. |
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2 killed as jeep rolls down gorge Shimla,
May 8 The deceased have been identified as Basant Ram and Suman. The occupants of the jeep were returning to Navgaon after paying obeisance at Baba Balaknath temple in Hamirpur district. The authorities have given an ex gratia payment of Rs 10,000 each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 1,000 each to those injured.
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Governor’s appeal
on Red Cross Day Shimla, May 8 The Governor, while addressing the schoolchildren and office-bearers of the state Red Cross Society, underlined the need for making it a people’s movement. He flagged off an awareness rally from Raj Bhavan, which was organised by students of Government Senior Secondary School, Lalpani. Office-bearers of Red Cross also called on the Chief Minister at his official residence. He said efforts of the society would go a long way in supplementing government’s efforts to mitigate the sufferings of the people. |
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Two get 7-yr RI Bilaspur, May 8 Earlier public prosecuter L.R.Dodo pleaded that the youths, finding the girl alone in her house raped her.The police had arrested them on FIR lodged by the girl. |
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2 houses gutted Bilaspur, May 8 |
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