D E H R A D U N    E D I T I O N

In Haridwar, it’s like any other day
No lessons learnt from Mumbai
Haridwar, November 28
Despite the massive terror attack in Mumbai and the tall claims of Haridwar police of strict security measures here, the ground reality was much different today.

Entrance gate of the Haridwar railway station was devoid of security personnel on Friday; and (R) a monkey sits atop a tower meant for policemen. Tribune photos: Rameshwar

Convergence programme for IGNOU students
Dehradun, November 28
For the first time, a new convergence programme - an amalgamation of distant education and traditional classroom teaching - would be introduced for the students of Indira Gandhi National Open University in Dehradun, said Dr. Ajay Saxena, coordinator of the IGNOU centre, here today.

New railway overbridge for Doon
Dehradun, November 28
Much awaited construction of railway over bridge (ROB) replacing the century old railway underpass at Lachhiwala, which is considered the worst bottleneck for Dehradun-bound traffic from almost all parts of the state and vice-versa will start from next month.

The century-old railway underpass at Haridwar, which is a major traffic bottleneck, will be replaced by a new overbridge ahead of the Kumbh Mela. Tribune Photo: Anil P. Rawat

Cops pray for Mumbai victims
Dehradun, November 28
The IPS Association Uttarakhand Chapter today observed a condolence meeting at the meeting hall of the Police Headquarters here toady. The police personnel mourned the death of the police officials in the Mumbai attacks. The cops also observed two minutes silence and prayed for the peace of departed souls.

Doonites light candles in memory of Mumbai terror victims at the Clock Tower on Friday. Tribune photo: Anil P. Rawat

Rare books on display at Mahotsav
Dehradun November 28
Yellowed with age, the books written by renowned scholars and first-time writers bearing testimony to the history, culture and language of people of Garhwal and Kumaon down the ages put on display at the Uttarakhand Mahotsav are cynosure of all eyes.

Stolt Valor’s Capt calls on Governor
Dehradun, November 28
The captain of MT Stolt Valor, the ship that was hijacked by Somali pirates, Prabhat Goyal along with his wife Seema Goyal met the Uttarakhand Governor B.L. Joshi today.

National Handball Tournament
Dehradun gets stronger with every match
Dehradun, November 28
Uttarakand is going strong in the ongoing 54th National Handball Tournament underway at Parade Ground. It won all it league matches in both boys and girls category with a convincing margin here today. In the boys, the team had an easy triumph over Rajasthan and Punjab, whereas as in the girls, the team won its match against Uttar Pradesh and Chattisgarh teams.

Workshop on rural employment
Dehradun, November 28
With an aim to promote rural employment, the state Khadi Board and the directorate of industries held a one-day workshop in Dehradun today.

Mayor visits Tagore park
Dehradun, November 28
As part of Municipal Corporation’s beautification initiatives, mayor Vinod Chamoli yesterday visited Tagore Villa park in downtown Dehradun.

In Haridwar, it’s like any other day
No lessons learnt from Mumbai
Sandip Rawat
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, November 28
Despite the massive terror attack in Mumbai and the tall claims of Haridwar police of strict security measures here, the ground reality was much different today. A visit to major areas of the city revealed that security was lax and it seems that the city police is oblivious to the terror threat looming large over the major cities, particularly Haridwar, which is one of the major Hindu pilgrim centre.

At the Haridwar railway station, where security was tightened yesterday the situation was quite in contrast today. There was no police at the main entrance gate and the checking gate adjacent to railway superintendent office was also without security personnel. Nobody was manning the metal detector gate and everyone was moving casually.

When superintendent of the station S. Goswami was asked about the situation just next to his office, he evaded an answer: “This is a media created threat and more security means inviting terrorists’ attention.” However, railway police officials said they were checking all trains.

The scenario was similar at the bus station where the empty police post bore testimony to the lax attitude of the authorities. Buses and passengers were hardly being checked. “The situation is like every other day, barring yesterday,” said a newspaper vendor at the bus station.

Har-Ki-Pauri, the place deemed most sensitive, was crowded with pilgrims and tourists but no additional police force was employed here. At the two control towers made at Har-ki-Pauri for vigilance, no guard was found. Instead, monkeys were seen at these control posts!

At Rani Pur Chowk, the busiest intersection in the new Haridwar area, which is a gateway to Jwalapur and BHEL, SIDCUL, yesterday evening police commandos were seen, but today despite several agitations being held at the place none except regular traffic constables could be seen.

There were massive jams at the chowk as organisations such as Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Shiv Sena blocked the traffic and burned effigies to register their protest against terrorist attacks in Mumbai. However, police arrangements were totally lacking.

“Only one day has passed and the situation is this. The administration and police is taking it very casually,” says Mira Raturi, a social activist.

Even at the Chandi Mandir bridge police check post no one could be seen, as the cops posted there were busy playing a 
game of carom, oblivious to the passing traffic! 

Convergence programme for IGNOU students
Divya Semwal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 28
For the first time, a new convergence programme - an amalgamation of distant education and traditional classroom teaching - would be introduced for the students of Indira Gandhi National Open University in Dehradun, said Dr. Ajay Saxena, coordinator of the IGNOU centre, here today.

“We have tied up with the local DAV College and the students of IGNOU would be using their infrastructure for 2008 and 2009,” said Saxena.

Courses under the new convergence programmes would provide opportunities to students to have face-to-face mode of teaching with a nominal fee structure. Masters in business management, journalism, computer application, diplomas and few other certificate courses are added to the programme.

“Students from different backgrounds with 50% marks and without any work experience can sit for the entrance examination, and can avail the upcoming opportunities in the field of education,” said Saxena.

Compulsory evening classes from 5 pm to 7 pm with qualified teachers and study material would be held for the students. “It’s a great opportunity for the youth of Uttarakhand to enrol in 134 courses offered by IGNOU, in addition to their regular studies,” he added.

From December 5, forms of different courses will be out and detailed information regarding the new convergence programme would be available on the website of IGNOU. Starting from June 2009 to January 2010, examinations would be held with periodic assessment on the basis of 30% weightage to assignments and 70% to written examinations.

“Higher education through democratisation and job- oriented courses for people 
from varied backgrounds is opening a lot more avenues,” said Saxena. 

New railway overbridge for Doon
Raju William
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 28
Much awaited construction of railway over bridge (ROB) replacing the century old railway underpass at Lachhiwala, which is considered the worst bottleneck for Dehradun-bound traffic from almost all parts of the state and vice-versa will start from next month.

Besides being a major relief for the state government, which had been working hard for its much-awaited sanction especially in view of expected rush on coming Maha Kumbh mela. The construction would also reduce the frequent traffic woes of normal Haridwar-bound commuters from Chandigarh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. “We have received the funds and construction work will start from December, 2008 after completion of tender process,” chief engineer PWD Lalit Mohan said.

The construction will be completed by December 2009, a month ahead of the Maha Kumbh starting from January 2010 at Haridwar. The Uttarakhand Public Works Department (PWD), which is the major partner, will jointly construct this four-lane ROB at the cost of Rs 39 crore in association with the Railways, he added. Its height will be about 6.5 metres above the rail track. The Railways will undertake construction of the main structure at the cost of Rs 8 crore while the PWD will be responsible for the approaches connecting both sides.

The existing underpass is not wide enough and its height too barely allows passage of a bus or a truck. It is considered nightmarish for the commuters as traffic gets held up for hours. The problem compounded during rains in absence of any water disposal system. The need for an ROB became all the more pronounced due manifold increase in the traffic volume after Dehradun became the capital with creation of Uttarakhand.

As per technical appraisal, the round the clock two-way commercial vehicle density (CVD) apart from the passenger cars and other vehicles at this point was worked out to be 1,875 vehicles.

The ROB proposal is originally part of the four-lane project of NH-72 to be executed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). But its construction suffered delay as the NH-72 project failed to take off due to procedural wrangling.

Upset over the delay, Chief Minister BC Khanduri took up the matter with the Ministry of Road Surface Transport and proposed to undertake its construction by the state. After completion, the ROB will automatically be joined with NH-72 as and when its four-laning is done. 

Cops pray for Mumbai victims
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 28
The IPS Association Uttarakhand Chapter today observed a condolence meeting at the meeting hall of the Police Headquarters here toady.

The police personnel mourned the death of the police officials in the Mumbai attacks. The cops also observed two minutes silence and prayed for the peace of departed souls.

They also conveyed their tributes to the family members of the deceased officers, through the DGP Maharastra. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Youth) leaders along with Punjabi Mahasabha members today lighted candles at Clock Tower to pray for the victims of the Mumbai attack.

Rare books on display at Mahotsav
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun November 28
Yellowed with age, the books written by renowned scholars and first-time writers bearing testimony to the history, culture and language of people of Garhwal and Kumaon down the ages put on display at the Uttarakhand Mahotsav are cynosure of all eyes.

Around 550 books are on display, collected over the years by Akhil Garhwal Sabha, some donated by trusts.“We have put rare books on display, some are not even in publications, these are available at our library but by putting them on display, we have provided an opportunity to research scholars and students interested in the history of Garhwal,” informed B.D. Sharma of Akhil Garhwal Sabha.

These books, provided an occasion for the writers to convey the need to accord a separate place to Garhwali language, that is not a dialect but a complete language with its own grammar.

Tracing the cultural history of Garhwal, the book titled ‘Garhwal Ka Sanskritic Vaibha’ authored by Dr Shivanand Nautiyal is sought after by historians for its in-depth analysis of the complexities of the state that lies in the Himalayan region.

Similarly the first edition of Ghar Bhasha Lila Ramayan by Gunand Pathik, traces the history of Garhwali Ramayan as it was staged in the hills.

Also the first edition of Puran Path Pathik’s book titled Mero Bawana (my uncle) containing an old sketch by B.Mohan is also on display. A book dedicated to Garhwali language ‘Garhwali Basha Ka Shabdh Kosh’ by Master Jai Lal Verma is an example of the writers scholarly work in tracing the various nuances of the language that was the language of the courts during the rein of Garhwali Kings.

If Grahwali and Hindi were preferred choices for writers writing about culture and history of Garhwal, then there were exceptions as well in the form of Pandit Ganga Datt Upreti who chose English as it was the lingua franca of the day. The books titled Proverbs and Folklore of Kumaun and Garhwal is written in English by Pandit Upreti an acclaimed ethnological researcher and scholar of Archaeology and Folk lore who was given the title of Rai Bahadur in 1910 by Lord Minto Viceroy and Governor General of British India,” informed General secretary Roshan Dhasmana of Akhil Garhwal Sabha.

The book has been published by Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts (IGNCA). 

Stolt Valor’s Capt calls on Governor
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 28
The captain of MT Stolt Valor, the ship that was hijacked by Somali pirates, Prabhat Goyal along with his wife Seema Goyal met the Uttarakhand Governor B.L. Joshi today.

They expressed their gratitude to the Governor for his efforts towards holding talks with the foreign minister and the shipping minister for facilitating the release of the then captive Prabhat Goyal.

Capt Goyal along with other members of the crew of Stolt Valor were held captive by the pirates in Somalia for around two months before he was released a few days ago.

The Governor blessed the couple on the occasion.

National Handball Tournament
Dehradun gets stronger with every match
Vishal Thakur

Dehradun, November 28
Uttarakand is going strong in the ongoing 54th National Handball Tournament underway at Parade Ground. It won all it league matches in both boys and girls category with a convincing margin here today. In the boys, the team had an easy triumph over Rajasthan and Punjab, whereas as in the girls, the team won its match against Uttar Pradesh and Chattisgarh teams.

Result: Boys Category: Karnatake bt Chattishgarh (10-16), Uttar Pradesh bt Himanchal (9-5), Andhra Pradesh bt NVS (13-9), Delhi bt West Bengal (21-5), Punjab bt Rajasthan (12-10), Chandigarh bt J&K (15-11), Manipur bt Andhra Pradesh (20-13), Haryana bt Jharkahnd (18-17), Maharastara and Gujrath played a draw (12-12), Uttar Pradesh bt J&K (3-0), Uttarakhand bt Rajasthan (18-6), Manipur NVS (16-14), Uttarakhand bt Punjab (9-5), Maharastara Vidhya Bharti (16-8), J&K bt Tamil Nadu (10-5), Karnataka bt Madhya Pradesh (14-12), Andhra Pradesh bt Maharastara (11-8), Gujrath bt Vidhya Bharti (10-0).

Girls Category : Karnataka bt J&K (7-1), Uttarakhand bt Chattisgarh (7-7), Manipur bt NVS (9-2), Jharkahdn bt Gujrath (7-4), Delhi bt Chandigarh (8-0), Haryana bt Uttar Pradesh (12-8), Madhya Pradesh bt Vidhya Bharti (12-1), Punjab bt Karnatak (13-0), Uttarakhand bt Uttar Pradesh (10-7), J&K and Maharastra played a draw, Punjab bt Andra Pradesh (6-2), Manipur bt Maharastra (8-4), Delhi bt Rajasthan (8-7), Chattisgarh bt Madhy Pradesh (15-9), Rajasthan bt Madhya Pradesh (16-4). 

Workshop on rural employment
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 28
With an aim to promote rural employment, the state Khadi Board and the directorate of industries held a one-day workshop in Dehradun today.

Chief secretary Indu Kumar Pandey stressed on the need for employment generation in rural areas. He said strengthening the rural economy was the need of the hour.

VP Khadi Gramudhyog Board, Prem Budakoti, said there was a need to soften the formalities linked with PMRY in order to ensure that maximum benefit reaches the rural youth. He said it was generally seen that applicants face a lot of hassles while doing the same.

Principal secretary industries P.C. Sharma said the state has excelled in the implementation of PMRY scheme. He said after the creation of the state, till date 64,803 people have been benefited by the scheme.

Chief officiating officer Khadi Gramudhyog, Karnail Singh, said under the PMRY scheme, a proposal to impart vocational training to 5,343 artisans and 534 rural youths was on cards.

Additional director industries S.C. Nautiyal, in addition to senior officials from industries, banks and other departments attended the meeting.

Mayor visits Tagore park
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 28
As part of Municipal Corporation’s beautification initiatives, mayor Vinod Chamoli yesterday visited Tagore Villa park in downtown Dehradun.

While giving directions for filling up of low-lying areas in the park, he also ordered the construction of footpaths and gave instructions to work towards enhancing the greenery. He directed the corporation officials to add necessary infrastructure to it.

The mayor has lately been undertaking visits to various parks in the city.