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Pak journalists visit Barne’s Court complex
Palampur chokes under traffic as Admn sleeps
Water supply hit due to faulty pumps
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Killer road stretches on NH 21
Experts stress on patent awareness
CM lays stone of varsity’s regional centre
CM orders drive against
encroachments
Bharat Jyoti award for Dhumal
Renuka — migratory birds’ new destination
BJP Yuva Morcha flays police inaction
BSNL told to pay damages
Decline in number of kiwi growers
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Pak journalists visit Barne’s Court complex
Shimla, January 10 The issue came into focus when a group of 57 Pakistani scribes visited the historic Barne’s Court complex where Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister, and Z.A.Bhutto, the then Pakistan President, signed the Simla Agreement on July 3, 1972. The journalists were too excited to find themselves right next to the table on which the accord was signed. It has been preserved and photographs of the two leaders signing the accord have been displayed on it. The group had a prolonged photo session during which almost all members got themselves photographed with the table on which history was made. The magnificent complex, housing Raj Bhavan at present, was the state guest house at that time. “Much water has flown down the river since the Simla Agreement. The global political scenario has undergone a sea change after the September 11 terrorist attack and with the USSR no longer there to influence matters, the world has become unipolar. The emphasis is on taking things ahead by building bonds of friendship”, Pervaiz Bashir, Editor (Reporting), Daily Jang, said. The two countries, he said, had also come out with the Lahore Declaration and interaction was now taking place at several levels. The two sides were no longer adamant, though in his view India must show more flexibility and refrain from asserting that Jammu and Kashmir was an inseparable part to make progress. Amjad Waraich of The News said the most important aspect of the Simla accord was that India and Pakistan had come to the negotiation table on their own without any third-party intervention. It was the urge to succeed that made Gandhi and Bhutto clinch the issue at the last minute after talks had failed. The leaders would have to exhibit similar vision and an unflinching political will to settle issues. However, Sajjad of News Lahore felt that there were differences between the two countries over resolving matters bilaterally in accordance with the Simla Agreement. While India swore by the agreement, Pakistan laid stress on the United Nations resolution, calling for a plebiscite in the disputed territory. He said all accords should be taken into consideration while making any effort to resolve issues. He said personally he held Gandhi in high esteem as she was the real leader. She had a strong personality which inspired others. There were other scribes like Farah Waraich, News Editor of Daily Jang, and Shah Nawaz of Daily Times, who felt the Simla accord was too sensitive an issue to be commented on. They were of the view that contentious issues should be left aside as the purpose of their visit was to build friendship through people-to-people contact. |
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Bus carrying Pak journalists hits escort vehicle
Shimla, January 10 The
mishap took place when the scribes were on way to the historic Barne’s
Court complex where India and Pakistan signed the famous Simla Agreement
more than 30 years ago. No one was hurt in the accident, but the escort
vehicle suffered extensive damage. The mishap upset the schedule of
visitors and instead of proceeding to Chail, they returned to
Chandigarh. |
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Palampur chokes under traffic as Admn sleeps
Palampur, January 10 Despite the fact that the Holta by- pass is fully operational and being used by a number of vehicles daily, the major influx of traffic is still via Palampur town, where the narrow Pathankot-Mandi national highway has become a major traffic hazard. Earlier the DSP took keen interest in solving the traffic problem of the town and diverted all heavy vehicles via Kalu Di Hatti by- pass, but after his transfer things are back to square one. Wrong parking of vehicles have become a common feature in the town. Besides, heavy vehicles are daily seen unloading goods in front of the shops causing frequent traffic jams. Though, a number of traffic police constables are deployed at different places but they never try to bring the offenders to book. There has been manifold increase in the number of heavy and light vehicles in the town but the width of most of roads is the same as it was 25 years back. The traffic jams in the town has become a regular feature. In peak hours, particularly in the morning and evening, vehicle owners have to wait for a long time as there are traffic jams at one place or the other. The wrong installation of traffic lights in the town has further aggravated the situation. Increasing political interference with the functioning of the police has made the matters worse. Palampur has witnessed all-round development in the past 10 years. The population of the town has increased from 5000 to 35000. Many new housing colonies have come up in and outside the town but no new roads or by-passes have been added to the town. Even no new plans were initiated for the development of the town. Though the proposals were made many times for widening the roads but nothing concrete emerged. The local Municipal Council, which could have played constructive role for the development of the town, has badly failed to meet the expectations of the residents. Despite the fact that crores of rupees have been incurred on the construction of by-passes, still these roads are not fit for regular traffic. In one of the by-passes, a major portion of road has been encroached upon by some persons under the patronage of the local political leaders. It may be mentioned that over 200 vehicles are added to the town every month. |
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Water supply hit due to faulty pumps
Kumarhatti, January 10 The snag in motor pumps at all three stages of the water-lifting scheme has virtually created a water crisis in the area, particularly in Banasar where taps have been dry for the past 38 days. With natural water sources drying up, the residents are finding it hard to even meet their drinking water requirement. They have been forced to trudge long distances in search of water. The disruption in the water supply and alleged failure of the department concerned to restore it has forced the residents to use unsafe water. The Irrigation and Public Health Department (IPH) has so far shown a callous attitude towards the problem, alleged Mr Upender Sharma, pradhan of Banasar panchayat. There has been an inordinate delay in the repair of pumps, alleged Mr Sharma. The IPH has kept on repeating that the pumps have been sent for repair, but in reality no action has been taken so far, he said. The IPH says that low voltage was the reason for the suspension of water supply despite the fact that the area was getting a good power voltage, Mr Sharma pointed out. At every stage of the water scheme, two water pumps have been installed so that the second pump can be used if the main pump fails. But almost all the pumps are on the verge of breaking down, said Mr Sharma. No effort has been made to replace the faulty pumps with the new ones, he rued. Meanwhile, according to the SDO of the Dharampur Public Health Department, the water supply has already been restored to the area. Admitting the poor condition of motor pumps, he said they needed immediate replacement. He cited poor voltage as another major problem for the regular suspension of water supply to the area. |
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Killer road stretches on NH 21
Mandi, January 10 Local residents informed that for the past few months as many as 12 accidents have taken place on these narrow road stretches. Vehicles coming from the Slappar side sometime fail to negotiate the narrow and dicy turn at Kango said the shopkeepers of Kango. Two cars have already plunged into the nullah here, killing six youths on the spot in two separate accidents and injured another five seriously”, they added, citing a car accident that took place yesterday. There is another narrow stretch between Pandoh and Hanogi and between Khoti nallah and Aut on the Mandi-Kulu national highway that has witnessed over a 10 minor and major accidents last year, including one major bus accident that killed over 14 passengers in August last year. The road is narrow, marked with the sharp turns and curves. Adding to the risk on these stretches are the boulders that fall from the loose strata on the rocky steep mountainsides. Admitting the danger to the traffic on the Hanogi and Aut road stretches, Mr Shiv Lal Sharma, Executive Engineer, National Highway 21, Mandi, said the highway had the desired width. “There is always a scope for improving the highway to make it more safer. But the then rash and irresponsible driving is to be blamed for this preventable deaths on the road”, he added. |
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Experts stress on patent awareness
Solan, January 10 With the prevalence of laws like the Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Protection Act, 2001, Biological Diversity Act and Patent Act, there was ample safeguard available to the plant breeders. These Acts had made it mandatory to get registration of varieties done and a state was required to follow a three-tier system for biodiversity management. Experts said with the advent of the WTO pact from January, it was essential to frame intellectual property rights(IPRs) by research institutes. While safeguarding the interest of researchers, these could also help to check the sale of technologies to foreign shores. With testing of biological processes in foreign countries being banned after the WTO regime, the researchers would now have to lay more stress on research. The Parmar university has yet to frame IPRs. It had, however, secured a patent and four others had been sent for patent. The government which is yet to declare its patent ordinance would have to ensure that foreign students in Indian research institutes were brought under the purview of certain laws. This is required as after securing education here, they could use our research technologies in their own country without the mandatory permission, the experts said. |
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CM lays stone of varsity’s regional centre
Dharamsala, January 10 He announced reduction in the lease money of Rs 17 lakh per annum to a token Rs 1 for the eight hectares of land transferred on lease to the university for setting up the regional centre. Addressing those present, he also directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to plan a by-pass to McLeodganj. He also announced a 10-bed hospital at the Primary Health Centre in Khaniara. Prof L.R. Verma, Vice-Chancellor, said the regional centre would provide the same facilities as available on the Shimla campus. He further said the fee structure in Himachal was the lowest in the country. Mr Chander Kumar, MP, Ms Chandresh Kumari, MLA, Mr Sudhir Sharma, MLA, Mr Sushil Rattan, vice-president of Freedom Fighters’ Welfare Board, Mr Vikram Katoch, former Minister, and Dr Jagmohan Singh, Vice-Chancellor, CSK Agricultural University, Palampur, and Mr M.R.Goma of the District Congress Committee, were also present on the occasion. Earlier, the Chief Minister, laid the foundation stone of the building for physically challenged children at Dari, to be built at a cost of Rs 37 lakh. He also unveiled the statue of Bhagat Singh at Kotwali Chowk in Dharamsala. |
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CM orders drive against
encroachments
Palampur, January 10 He said there was sharp increase in encroachments on the government land during the past five years. The state government could not get even a small piece of land for new schools and other institutions, he said. Necessary instructions were being issued to all DCs, SPs and SDMs all over the state. He said most of the cases of encroachments were reported during the BJP regime when the Prem Kumar Dhumal government announced to regularise encroachments in the state. People encroached upon the government land overnight to take benefit of the regularisation policy of the BJP government. No government had the power to regularise encroachments on the government land.
— OC |
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Bharat Jyoti award for Dhumal
Hamirpur, January 10 State BJP joint press convener Rajinder Rana said that these award were given to those who had attained excellence in their respective fields of work. The recipients include Mother Teresa, Dr A.R.Kidwai, Justice P.N. Bhagwati, R.S. Sarkaria and Sunil Gavaskar.
— OC |
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Renuka — migratory birds’ new destination
Shimla, January 10 The census carried out by the wildlife authorities last month put the number of the winged winter visitors at 603. Last year 526 birds visited the wetland during the entire season. The number has been increasing gradually. In all 15 species were recorded, which included coots, millards and egrates. Known for its diversity in fauna the national wetland has over the past three years started attracting migratory birds from Central Asia and high reaches of north-western Himalayas. The presence of migratory birds was first noticed in 2001 when a flock of about 20 birds descended on the water body for the winter sojourn. The Wildlife Department started a regular birdcount during the winters only last year. The Renuka wetland has a total of 443 species of 26 fauna groups, ranging from microscopic protozoa to mammals. In all, 24 species of mammals,103 species of birds,14 species of reptiles, nine of amphibians and 19 of fish have been recorded among vertebrates. Besides, 225 species of insects and 49 of other invertebrates were also found during the survey conducted a decade ago. The arrival of migratory birds will add to the biodiversity. Dr Lalit Mohan, Conservator of Forests, who has been keenly observing the phenomenon, said that birds were very cautious and selective in choosing destination. The leader of the flock first carries out a recce of the new water body they come across. The flock descends only if the place is found suitable. Citing an example, he said last year flock of millards comprising about 24 birds flew over the lake repeatedly. After sometime the leading pair descended on the lake to assess the availability of food and nesting sites. Subsequently, the pair flew and returned with the entire flock. The birds spent the entire winter in the lake. Though comparatively small, Renuka Lake has several positive features, which help support a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is located in the heart of a sanctuary and being a religious place killing of fish is not permitted. As such, there is enough food for bird and other animals. The measures taken by the department to check the inflow of silt into the lake had also improved the habitat. Over the years the effective area of the water body had been reduced by over 25 per cent due to silting and weeds. The eastern side of the lake has been transformed into a marshy land. The measures taken by the department have indeed brought down the silt content. The Centre has sanctioned Rs 5 lakh to further improve the habitat so that it grows as a destination for migratory birds. The funds will be utilised for creating nesting sites and planting suitable shrubs and trees to make it ideal destination for the winter sojourn of the migratory birds. |
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BJP Yuva Morcha flays police inaction
Mandi, January 10 Talking to the reporters here Mr Rana alleged that Dr Brij Lal was an honest officer and was killed by some mischievous elements and his body thrown into the Beas near Aut, about 40 km from here. Mr Rana said the police had recovered Rs 2,600 in cash, but Dr Brij Lal’s mobile phone and a dairy were missing. Raising concern over the increasing incidents of violence and murder in Mandi district and in the state. Mr Rana said criminals were striking in the broad day light, citing the acid case in Shimla, an attack on a minister at Naduan and murder of the sister of the Punjab Chief Minister in Shimla a few months ago as examples of the increasing lawlessness in the state. Mr Rana warned that if the police failed to nab the criminals the BJP Yuva Morcha would launch an agitation. |
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BSNL told to pay damages
Shimla, January 10 Passing these direction Mr Suresh Chaudhary, president of the forum, further directed the BSNL to restore the telephone connection of the complainant within seven days. The forum has also imposed Rs 1500 as litigation cost on the BSNL. The complainant had alleged in his complaint that his telephone connection was snapped by the BSNL without intimating him and thereafter issuing bills to the complainant despite the fact that no service was being provided to him. After hearing both parties, the forum held that the BSNL had been deficient in rendering service and had indulged in an unfair trade practices. |
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Decline in number of kiwi growers
Solan, January 10 The fruit which had become popular due to its unique taste has few takers today. Experts opined that as much as 50 per cent decline has been noticed in the past few years. As against an initial price of Rs 180 per kg the fruit was bought for Rs 25-30 from growers and later sold at a higher profit in markets. While middlemen flourished the actual growers had little to gain from cultivating the fruit. The fruit which matured around October and November had a higher shelf life. The demand for other fruits like peaches, plums, apricots, and apples continued to be high. The Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry which started selling saplings from January is daily selling saplings worth Rs 2.5 lakh for various fruits. The university had raised as many as 70,000 saplings, a majority of which were sold out in the very first week of the year. Disappointed growers had to return empty handed from the university. |
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