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Finally, work on Karcham-Wangtoo project to start
Govt keen on international airport in Mandi
MC shoots down move on retention policy
Couple, baby murdered
in Kangra
2 women hurt in firing in land dispute
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Finally, work on Karcham-Wangtoo project to start
Reckong Peo, September 29 The project is the nation’s largest private venture in the hydroelectric power generation. Under this project, a 98 m high dam has been proposed to be constructed on the Sutlej near Karcham village. The project, which has been granted sanction on a built-own-operate basis, is likely to be commissioned by the end of the year 2009. But, the voice of the local people is coming in its way, therefore, the fate of this mega-project seems to be uncertain at the moment. Sources in the JAL revealed to The Tribune that the company authorities had finally decided to begin the construction work on the main tunnel, the dam and other sites of project in few days so as to avoid cost over-run. The company claims that both the Centre and the state government have granted permission to them in this regard. The company is already carrying out construction work on the diversion tunnel of the project near Karcham. However, legal hurdles created by the local gram panchayats, likely to be affected by this project, seem to be coming in the way of the project There is a strong opposition from the tribal people of Kinnaur with regard to the construction work on The gram panchayats of Miroo, Yula, Urni, Chagaon, Panvi, Poonang, Ramani and Brua exercising rights conferred to them under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution had already denied permission to set up the project within their territories. Ever since, the company was awarded the contract on a built-own-operate basis in the year 1999, the issues related to its impact on environment of the area raised by the local people and the gram sabhas continue to hamper the work on this mega hydroelectricity project. The biggest hurdle is the amended ‘Himachal Pradesh Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act-1968’ that makes it mandatory for the private investors to get prior consent of the panchayats/gram sabhas concerned before seeking clearances from the required departments of the state government to initiate work on the project. Concerned over the environmental hazards in the already fragile mountainous area, local villagers and non-governmental organisations have also stood up against this proposed project. Mr R.S. Negi, a former IAS-turned-environmentalist, along with a deputation of local people, met Mr Kunwar Singh, Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), during his visit to the tribal district last week and apprised him of the prevailing situation. The Chairman had assured the deputation that the construction work would not be allowed to begin without the consent of the gram panchayats concerned. When contacted, Dr Amandeep Garg, District Magistrate, Kinnaur, told The Tribune that the JAL authorities had recently approached the district administration to provide adequate security to them so that the construction work could be started smoothly. In reply to a question, the DM said: “The district administration is committed to provide adequate security to the company whenever they demand it for initiating the construction work on the right bank so as to avoid any clash between them and the local people.” |
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Govt keen on international airport in Mandi
Shimla, September 29 This was stated by the Chief Minister, Mr Virbhadra Singh, after formally launching the e-ticketing facility of the Jagsons Airlines here today. He said the number of tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh exceeded its native population for the first time last year when the state had over 65 lakh visitors. This was despite the fact that the state did not have any worthwhile rail or air connectivity. Tourism was no longer a seasonal affair and the tourists thronged the state round the year. The biggest disadvantage of not having proper air connectivity was that the state lost out on high spending tourists. He said the government was alive to the need of upgrading the tourism infrastructure. An international airport would facilitate the landing of bigger aircrafts. The government proposed to built another international airport at Una under the special economic zone scheme. The three existing airports were being expanded. Further a network of about 60 helipads had been created in the state. Earlier, he dedicated to the people the new complex of the regional ayurvedic hospitals constructed at a cost of Rs 4.41 crore. He also said separate panchkarma cabins had been provided for men and women. The government planned to promote panchkarma therapy as part of health tourism.
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MC shoots down move on retention policy
Shimla, September 29 Cutting across party lines, councillors belonging to the Congress, BJP and CPM rejected the retention policy as they said it was made keeping in mind the entire state, whereas the case of Shimla was different. The issue was discussed thoroughly at the special House meeting of the MC here yesterday. The House also decided that a delegation would meet the Chief Minister, Mr Virbhadra Singh, on the issue and seek his intervention. The councillors decided that before October 8 the final draft of the retention policy would be prepared and submitted before the government. The councillors objected to the fact that the guidelines of the policy would not be applicable to structures raised illegally in the core areas of various towns. “ None of the constructions in the town are unauthorised as there are only deviations and as such the policy cannot do justice with the problems of house owners in Shimla and a one-time settlement is the only solution,” said Mr Harbhajan Singh Bhajji, a councillor. Mr Bhajji was of the opinion that irrespective of the green area and core and heritage zone, the government must settle the cases in Shimla through one-time settlement. He said there was no question of confrontation with the government on the issue. He lamented that the policy of successive governments on the green areas has been convenience oriented and changes were made as per suitability. Councillor Ashok Sood said the government has so far brought in five retention policies for areas outside the MC limits but had not specifically made a policy suited for the residents of the town. “The MC is charging tax from those plot owners who have not been able to undertake construction because of the ban on constructions in the green and heritage zone,” he said.
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Couple, baby murdered
in Kangra
Kangra, September 29 While the husband, Vinod Kumar, 30, and wife Meera, 22, were strangulated, the child was gagged to death by tying a piece of cloth to her mouth. Mr Yadav said forensic experts had been requisitioned to examine the scene of crime and lift fingerprints from the
spot, adding that motive of the triple murder was not known and a new family friend living with the family was
found missing. — UNI |
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2 women hurt in firing in land dispute
Kangra, September 29 Mr Virender Singh Thakur, DSP, Kangra, told The Tribune that the incident took place this morning at Kholi village when Paras Ram Choudhary (58), and his sister-in-law had a wordy dual over a land dispute. He said this was followed by heated arguments and then Paras Ram, alias Parsi, took out his .12-bore licensed gun and fired at Meena Devi (42), wife of his brother, Raghuvir Singh, leaving her injured in the firing. He said another woman of the village, Sunita Devi, who was present at the site of the firing, was also injured. |
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