Dehradun, February 22
Despite facing a cash crunch, Chief Minister BC Khanduri, with an eye on the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, has already announced developmental schemes worth Rs 400 crore till date.

After the inauguration of the Lakhwar-Vyasi hydro-electric project and railway overbridge at Lacchiwala on February 23, the amount for these developmental projects would be more than Rs 500 crore.

Khanduri made these announcements during his whirlwind tour of the entire state during the past ten days. Acting with military precision, the CM not only toured the entire length and breadth of the state but also announced various developmental schemes in each district to beat the Election Commission’s model code of conduct. The code would be implemented following announcement of the general elections.

Khanduri would wrap up the first phase of his tour by inaugurating the much-awaited Lakhwar-Vyasi hydro-electric project and also the railway over bridge at Lacchiwala, one of the major traffic bottleneck on the Dehradun-Haridwar road.

Interestingly, on the financial front, Khanduri finds himself in a bind. To please the state government employees before the Lok Sabha elections, the state government decided to give revised pay scales in accordance with recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission. But this has opened a Pandora’s box, with teachers and employees of various corporations, boards and panels also resorting to strike to pressurise the state government for the same.

Already, the state government has been burdened with a huge amount of Rs 5000 crore for the increased pay scales. To add to the woes, almost all sections of the employees, including doctors, health staff nurses, roadways employees, teachers are on a war-path making it difficult for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government to annoy them at this crucial juncture.

Khanduri said such demands that would lead the state towards bankruptcy could not be met. But he has been generous in announcing pre-election sops for various districts.

On the other hand, the Congress has been alleging that the CM has been campaigning on state expenses. “It is good that the Chief Minister has announced various developmental schemes. But from will he bring the money?” questioned Congress spokesperson Suryakant Dhasmana. 

Haridwar, February 22
The two-decade-long wait for journalists in Haridwar for a Press Club came to an end today with the inauguration of a building that would house the club by Chief Minister BC Khanduri, here today.

Later, the CM inaugurated 25 development works and schemes worth Rs 82 crore in the district, besides giving a nod to several projects in Haridwar-Roorkee at a massive rally held at Bahadarabad.

The swanky new press club building has been named after a local poet, journalist and novelist, late Acharya Kishore Das Vajpayee. Costing around 30 lakh and spread over 3,000 square feet in the midst of the city, local journalists first envisioned the two-storey building in 1985, but due to paucity of funds and lack of state support the building could not be inaugurated.

Finally, on April 25, 2005, former Chief Minister Narayan Dutt Tiwari laid the foundation stone of the building and after four years the Press Club was inaugurated. Khanduri said being the son of a journalist he knew the intricacies of the profession well. Recalling old days, Khanduri said: "I used to see my father Jai Ballabh Khanduri writing and reporting for national dailies in Pauri with dedication and highlighting the common man's problem through the pen."

Later, Khanduri inaugurated several projects at Jatwadapur in Jwalapur area. Later, while addressing a rally Khanduri refuted doubts over the candidature of BJP's candidate from Tehri Garhwal Jaspal Rana and Madan Kaushik from Haridwar. 

Dehradun, February 22
Addressing the gathering during a function organised by Punjabi Bhaichara Sangathan to honour him, here today, Tehri MP Vijay Bahuguna said the Punjabi community had played an important role in the struggle for separate statehood for Uttarakhand and subsequent progress of the state.

Bahuguna said the Congress party respects all religions, caste and regions, adding that the elevation of Dr Manmohan Singh to the post of Prime Minister is a perfect example of this. Appreciating the policies of the UPA government, he said: “It is indeed praiseworthy that despite global recession, the PM has managed to keep the economy of India stable.”

While lashing out at the Khanduri government, Bahuguna said whatever development works were launched by ND Tiwari regime in Uttarakhand, the present BJP government has miserably failed to continue them.

The chief guest at the function, Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) president Yashpal Arya, said because of the hardwork of Punjabis the entire Terai region in Uttarakhand has achieved the distinction of being the most fertile land. “The assurance given by the Punjabi Bhaichara Sangathan to support Congress would strengthen us,” said Arya.

Congress media incharge Suryakant Dhasmana said contribution of the Punjabi community in the field of education, healthcare, business etc was commendable. Convener of the Punjabi Bhaichara Sangathan DS Mann said the Punjabi community is extremely perturbed by policies of the BJP government. He rued that Khanduri government has yet not disbursed compensation to the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims. He urged Bahuguna to pressurise the Khanduri government for the same. 

Haridwar, February 22
With changing times, Haridwar, a town earlier known more as a pilgrimage centre, is fast turning into a modern cosmopolitan city.

This has largely been the upshot of establishment of a large industrial estate here by the State Industrial Development Corporation Limited (SIDCUL), where as many as 300 companies, including Hindustan Lever, Hero Honda, ITC, Mahindra and Mahindra et al have set up their manufacturing plants.

Due to an increase in income and purchasing power of people, a large number of shopping complexes and showrooms of multinational companies have come up. To tap the growing market, corporates and industrial bigwigs are investing more here and offering state-of-the-art facilities.

By March 2010, Haridwar would have a full-fledged mall along with a multiplex, a first in the entire state. The state’s second five-star hotel, having a capacity of 120 rooms, would also come up at the Pentagon Mall.

A separate entertainment zone is also a part of the mega project, which would have gaming zones and other sporting arcades to allure the next generation of kids and teenagers.

“Earlier we couldn’t shop conveniently like in Delhi or any other metropolitan city, but now a mall and multiplex will change the whole entertainment scenario here,” said KK Sharma, assistant manager in a pharmaceutical company.

Elaborating on the upcoming venture, SK Saxena, general manager, Supertech Limited, the company involved in the construction of the complex, said: “We kept in mind the two regions in Garhwal and Kumaon in Uttarakhand and that’s why we have separate plans for both of them. There was a need for a five-star hotel, super mall and a multiplex here and we have combined all the three into one. Being in the industrial area it will be beneficial to employees here in addition to citizens and tourists flocking the city.”

“Watching movies, shopping, dining and just hanging around in the malls will change this city,” opine Jaya Adlakha and Aarti Sharma, B.com students.

However, old-timers do not seem too keen on the project and point towards the threat posed to small and medium shopkeepers, apart from increasing crime.

“Traffic, pollution and crime has increased manifold since the inception of SIDCUL. Projects like these will only add to it. Shopkeepers like us will face a major crisis due to such malls,” said Upen Dayal, a 70-year-old shopkeeper in Jwalapur, which is adjacent to SIDCUL.

Dehradun, February 22
It was a celebration of creativity, with a collage of colourful ideas at its best. Today, the sprawling campus of Scholars’ Home was agog with activity as thousands of children plunged into a wide spectrum of creative activities to mark the founders day of the school. ‘Rangeelo Rajasthan’ was the chosen theme for this year.

The function began with the solemn ceremony of floral tributes to the founders, Susheela Khanna, amidst chanting of shlokas and soulful rendition of bhajans.

The campus wore a festive look and a creative fervour gripped the students as they expressed themselves in their unique individual styles through the medium of myriad ‘on the spot activities’ comprising flower arrangements, table decorations, vegetable sculptures, mocktails, animated craft and on the spot painting competitions. Amazing creations came alive, bewitched judges with their sheer style and iridescent hues.

The highlight of the day was a splendid tableau ‘Veerangnaay’ depicting the life and times of famous warrior women of Rajasthan like, Rani Padmini.

The grandeur of the spectacular ‘Rangeelo Rajasthan’, an exhibition on architectural heritage certainly stole the show as it left the spectators spellbound by its magnificence. Right from the glorious palace on wheels to the beautiful Hawa Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Lake Palace, City place and Umaid Bhawan along with the Burma Temple, Karni Temple and Ajmer Shariff.

Standing along with them in all their resplendent glory were the Chittorgarh Fort, Jodhpur Fort, Jaaisalmer Fort, Junagarh Fort and Amber Fort with the landmark Jantar Mantar and Indira Gandhi canal of Rajasthan.

All these architectural wonders were brought to life by the students through dexterous paper, wood, sand and clay craft, which at the same time also took interest in enlightening the guest about its history.

The daylong entertainment was brought to its glorious end with ‘Raseelo Rajasthan’ a dance fiesta comprising Kathak, the Albela Kalbelia, the sonorous phalgun and a lively orchestra. After which the chief guest, Dr.SS Negi, director, Forest Research Institute (FRI) complimented the organisers for the mega show and congratulated the winners who bagged the prizes in different categories.

Dehradun, February 22
Potala XI team registered a thumping 5-0 victory over Doon United in the inaugural match of the 17th Narayan Gurung (Zics), Memorial Football Tournament 2009, here today.

The first half saw a solitary goal from the Potala XI forward Nandol in the 30th minute of the game. The first half ended with 1-0 in Potalal XI’s favour.

The second half saw Potala XI come with a different strategy. It dominated the game completely keeping ball in its possession for most of the time.

Potala XI team scored its 2nd goal in the 9th minute of IInd half.

It was Kunsel for Potala XI who took a 20 yards kick from the right to see the ball sail through the nets of the Doon United.

Jigdo scored the 3rd goal for their team in the 15th minute of the IInd half to make the score 3-0. As the match progressed sloppy defence by Doon United team proved costly to them as Potala XI scored two more goals. Kunsel scored his 2nd goal in the 20th minute followed by Dawa in the 25th minute making the score 5-0 in Potala XI favour.

Tomorrow’s matches will be played between Garhwal Sporting and Vijay Cantt and another match will be played between Bajrang Club and Kukri Club.

Haridwar, February 22
The three-day Annual Sports Track and Field Athletic Meet at SMJN college concluded today.

Various events like shot put, discuss throw, hammer throw, triple jump and long distance run were held in the meet. Amit Kumar and Alka Saini were awarded the overall championship trophy.

In 110m hurdle race, Amit Kumar came first while Aman Kumar Kamal and Nitin Tomar came second and third respectively. In 1000m which drew major attention among the spectators Ajesh Kumar emerged winner with Amar Singh Chauhan coming second. In discuss throw, Amit Kumar, Vishesh Kumar and Rajkumar bagged the podium finishes.

In the girls category, Indu Bala came first while Poornima Pal and Aarti Bhandari bagged the second and third places respectively. In triple jump, Yogesh Kumar Ravi won the first spot with Aman Kumar and Yatendra Kumar Singh won the other two spots.

While in girls category, Sangeeta Ray won the gold medal while Paramjeet Kaur and Poornima Pal won silver and bronze medals respectively. In high jump, Amit Kumar, Vishesh Kumar, Amar Singh Chauhan shared podium while Arti Bhandari, Paramjeet Kaur and Poornima Pal emerged winners in the girls section. In 400m, Alka Saini, Poornima and Shikha Nautiyal emerged winners while in 800m, Poornima Pal and Paramjit were the lone two contenders who reached the finished line.

College principal Avneet Kumar Ghildiyal lauded the efforts of the students and assured full cooperation to the students participating in the sports meet.