Dehradun, November 3
With worries of carbon emission coming to a naught, the environment friendly poor-man’s water mill is being viewed as an ideal replacement for hydro-power plants, the future of which seems uncertain in the environmentally sensitive state of Uttarakhand.

From earning the wrath of environmentalists to doubts expressed by religious heads about the purity of water in rivers in the aftermath of large dams having been built on them, the hydro-power projects have caught the government in a bind.

The future of water mills seems to be bright, more so after these mini power plants were lauded by Dr R Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Advisor, government of India, who today visited a 200-year-old water mill at Bhaniyawala, a village some kilometres away from Dehradun.

He termed them as saviours against ill-effects of climate change and also stressed on the commercial viability of the enterprise that could go on to power rural economies making the villagers custodians of the natural resources and at the same time reap economic benefits.

“I see the water mill technology as useful in combating climate technology and they need to be promoted in a big way in the country,” said Dr Chidambaram, while taking a look at the old water mill that was resuscitated and revived by the Himalayan Environment Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO).

He said the accruement of rewards for preserving the ancient mills should go directly to the villagers, “Let them be masters of their own destiny. We can assist them by providing technological knowhow,” he emphasised.

A complete decentralised rural industry powered by water mills is what Dr Chidambaram emphasised. “The water mills have a great potential and need to be promoted nationally and internationally, especially when the countries are working towards curbing carbon emission levels,” said Dr Chidambaram.

The water mill at Bhaniyawala has been upgraded by HESCO and for the past seven years, Rajesh has been running it and earning around Rs 4,000 per month.

“After the water mill was upgraded by HESCO, I have running it regularly. The locals come to me with their cereals and spices. It provides me a good income and also powers my house,” said an elated Rajesh.

The water mill technology, though ancient, has been made relevant in the 21st century after in-house engineers from HESCO worked on refining and upgrading the mills so that the users could repair them at ease. “The technology is locally fabricated and in case of breakdown, the locals can work on their own without having to run to the town. Our emphasis is on making the water-millers independent,” stressed Dr Anil Joshi.

The installation cost on a single water mill unit comes to around Rs 70,000-80,000 with an installed capacity of 3-4 kilowatt that can be further raised to 12 kw. In Uttarakhand there are 30,000 water mills that are still being used by villagers.

Dehradun, November 3
Experiments underway in Thailand for developing vaccine against HIV/AIDS have given hope to Third World countries to concentrate on research and development activities and develop indigenous vaccines at a much less cost.

Stating this today, Dr Pushkar Singh, GM Business Operations Rusan Pharma Limited, stressed that several countries were involved in research activities and in India too similar work was on, but at the moment all attention was fixed on the research work underway in Thailand in collaboration with the United States of America.

“But the research has to be validated and several more tests will be in line before a green signal is given for the mass application of the vaccine. In India, the research is still in its formative years, but the Thailand experiments are encouraging,” said Dr Pushkar.

He said by 2015 under Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations of which India is also a signatory, India, along with several other countries, has committed to fighting AIDS/HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and work for their complete eradication.

Rusan Pharma that manufactures a wide range of products in various therapeutic segments such as analgesics and anesthetics, cough, cold and flu, anti-infective, anti-tuberculosis and anti-fungal has recently set up world-class manufacturing facility of Rusan Pharma, at Selaqui Dehradun, the third unit after Kandla and Ankleshwar units.

“The Dehradun unit will produce Rusan’s indigenously developed transdermal patches of fentanyl drug used for chronic pain management which will provide relief to cancer patients,” said Dr Singh. The plant has been approved by the WHO.

RA Patel, Director, Rusan Pharma said, “Tax holiday is an incentive that encourages pharmaceutical companies to set up establishment in the first place, but later on good business practices are what keeps companies keep going.”

He said the pharmaceutical companies should adjust to new patent regime. “Now, we need to strengthen our research and development activities,” he stressed.

Dehradun, November 3
With expelled Gori Range Van Gujjars determined to enter Rajaji forests on November 6, the park authorities today held that they would under any circumstances not allow any encroacher to enter park premises.

Rajaji Park Director SS Raisaily said while the park authorities were always humane towards the concerns of the Van Gujjars, certain people were trying to make encroachments on forest land.

He admitted there were initially 21 Gujjar families in the Gori range and they had voluntarily declined to accept land allotment to them under a rehabilitation programme. “These families had left the Rajaji Park,” Dr Raisaily claimed, adding that there was no question of allowing anybody inside the park premises. He said they could be some encroachers.

Raisaily said while he strongly favoured bringing the Van Gujjars into the mainstream of society and believed in a considerate attitude towards them, there was no question of allowing encroachers on the park.

Meanwhile, Prashant Badoni, Block Pramukh, Yamekeshwar, who has threatened to stage an agitation along with the Van Gujjars on November 6, reaffirmed to continue with the proposed protest. “The Rajaji Park authorities have forcibly evicted 21 Van Gujjar families, who now stand displaced and are in a lurch,” Badoni said.

Gujjars’ rehabilitation continues to be most challenging for the park authorities, which are in a dire need to free its park premises from human habitation in order to get a final notification as National Park. While there has been reports of irregularities in the rehabilitation process, the forest authorities have always contested on the total numerical strength of the Gujjars to be rehabilitated.

Dehradun, November 3
Though colourful and unique handicrafts and cultural programmes presented by artistes from 22 states at Saras Mela-09 at Parade Ground in Dehradun have created a mood of gaiety there, the problem of a poor management in providing better accommodation to the participants has been felt.

“We are made to stay in temples and gurdwaras where dirty toilets and an inadequate supply of water is the prime problem,” said Nirmala Devi, an artisan from Pitthoragarh.

ary groups from Rajasthan, Jaipur, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Pitthoragarh, Garhwal, Orissa, Lucknow and Nagaland have taken initiative to promote India’s real talent and heritage through skills of weaving, stitching and pottery done by artisans from far-flung areas.

But like Nirmala Devi, there are many other participants at the show who are facing similar problems of poor management. Another artisan from Rajasthan, Kesara Ram, said: “Before coming here, we were told that a dharamshala (lodge) will be provided for the stay, but the management has failed to do so. We are made to stay in temples where beddings and bathrooms provided to us are not clean. I fear, if such conditions prevail for more two of three days, then we may get ill soon”.

Prabhakar Bebni, project management officer, Rural Development Department, Uttrakhand, said: “Yes, earlier, on first two days, we faced such a problem of improper management. We have arranged for accommodation according to the registration made by the handicraft and handloom groups. But many other artisans have also arrived, which created panic”.

Dehradun, November 3
Perseverance and zeal of women to excel can be very well noticed at the ongoing Saras Mela, an initiative by the Ministry of Rural Development. The mela has proved a boon for women entrepreneurs coming from across India in a big way. Coming from 22 states, around 250 self-help groups taking part in the mela are being run by 450 entrepreneurs, nearly 60 per cent share of which belongs to these talented women.

Disclosing the statistical report, the Additional Secretary, Rural Development, Dr PS Gusai, said: “From Uttarakhand, there are approximately 162 stalls, Maharashtra 26, Andhra Pradesh 10, Haryana four, Kerela seven, Karnataka four, Tamil Nadu four, Nagaland four, Assam five, Jammu and Kashmir six, Himachal Pradesh five, Chandigarh eight, Uttar Pradesh 14, Madhya Pradesh 10, Gujarat four, Rajhasthan five, Punjab two, Orrisa eight, Bihar nine and many other self-employed people and self-help groups have joined hands to showcase a variety of items and getting opportunities to succeed in this cut-throat competitive market.

However, besides facilitating the talent and providing a market to these meticulous taskmasters, this platform holds a bright future for women entrepreneurs. Under the leadership of the Centre, to uplift and empower women, many schemes are sanctioned. “Where last year the mela saw participation of only 16 states, this year 22 states have participated, indicating a potential growth prospects for these entrepreneurs.

“Moreover, this medium has turned out to be extremely rewarding and an enriching experience for women as under various schemes, creativity ability is given recognition which is by an large a forte of women, attracting crowd to purchase a number of genuine items at reasonable rates,” said Sharad Sundreyal, event management head, Saras.

At counters selling a wide range of products from alluring pickles of Andra Pradesh to authentic spices and pulses of Uttarakhand, women can be found busy attending customers. Primarily, the stalls of South India are totally under the leadership of women. It has provided confidence to many who are from rural areas and are seeking a platform to display skills,” he added.

“For the past eight years, we are working under the Madhurima self-help group, based at Guntu district, Andra Pradesh, and are very happy with the response we have received in Dehradun,” said Meri, an employee. 

Haridwar, November 3
With the advent of modern communication tools and equipment, and especially with cyber crime becoming a major tool in the hands of criminals, the state police realises the need to be computer literate.

Paying heed to this, the Uttarakhand police has started a special scheme for giving computer training to its personnel and as well as to PAC jawans. The scheme has been started by the government in collaboration with various computer educational institutes all over the state.

The idea behind this is to make the state police hi-tech and trained to deal with the ever-increasing cyber crime in the state. In one such training programme in Haridwar, at least 200 jawans are being given training which will commence for two months.

The police personnel taking computer training feel better as earlier they had quite a problem in dealing with computers and especially felt handicapped in cyber crime-related cases.

“Initially, I had inhibition in going to computer classes, but now I find it very interesting and it is helpful in daily work too,” said a policeman of the Kotwali police station.

The computer teachers too are quite happy in giving training to them. “They are fast learners and apart from giving them basic education, we have devised the course which caters to their profession,” said Mahendra Kukreja, a computer instructor.

Haridwar, November 3
At Dev Sanskriti University, which is associated with Shanti Kunj under the aegis of the Bharatiya Yog Sansthan, a three-day All-India Bharatiya Pranayam Seminar was held. The venue, where yoga experts from 20 states of the country gathered, was like a paradise for yoga lovers.

Around 700 yoga practitioners and experts participated in the yoga seminar-cum-camp. Yoga experts dwelt on yoga medication, allopathic medication as also remedies regarding various diseases.

Dehradun, November 3
Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) is known for its integrity and secularism. The college fraternity takes part in each and every function organised to mark any festival of any religion. It is happy to have a temple, gurdwara and mosque on its campus.

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the college organised a function. All cadets and masters gathered at the gurdwara in the morning. The master-of-ceremony was Cadet Ajinder Singh. Cadets Rakesh Singh, Guninder Singh, Karan Raj Sohi, Sachin Preet Singh, Hasan Preet Singh presented a kirtan. Cadets Sachin Preet and Hasan Preet spoke about Gurpurb and the life of Guru Nanak Dev in Punjabi as well as in English. A shabad kirtan was also performed by ragis. The function was followed by a langar, in which cadets served actively.

The cadets also planted a sapling each to commemorate the occasion. The saplings planted were of peach, pear and plum and each plant was tagged with an aluminium foil which had the engraving of respective cadet’s name on it.

Col H Dharmarajan, SM, Commandant, also planted a sapling. He said by planting these trees, the cadets would grow affection and bonding towards the plant and with utmost care the trees would bear fruit in the near future. The cadets also pledged to take proper care of the trees.

Dehradun, November 3
The Indian National Cartographic Association (INCA) organised a national map quiz recently. Many schools from all over the country participated in it. Three cadets of Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) have brought laurels to their college by securing the first position as a team in All-India Map Quiz organised by INCA. The RIMC team comprised Cadets Varun Kumar Deevan, Asteek Chauhan and Prajwal Bhatt.

These cadets beat strong contenders from all over the country. They were tested on their map-pointing skills and geographical knowledge. The three cadets study in Class X and are preparing for their upcoming board examinations. Cadet Prajwal Bhatt is an eloquent debater and has actively participated in many inter-school debates. All three cadets are among top students of their class. Cadet Varun Kumar Deewan is a good marksman and has won many laurels and medals for himself as well as the college in many inter-school and national shooting championships. Cadet Asteek Chauhan is a good quizzer as well as debater. The cadets have been ably guided by Thamil Selven, a member of Social Sciences Faculty, RIMC. The team will be going to Kolkata where it will be awarded at the National Convention of the Indian National Cartographic Association (INCA).

Col H Dharmarajan, SM, Commandant, RIMC, congratulated the team and wished the best for their exams.

Dehradun, November 3
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) is enchanted by the mesmerising music of the Indian Army Band.

In the Indian Army the military bands , pipes and drums are treated with profound honour and they are considered the pride of the units and regiments.

The ceremonies of state and national days, celebration of victories and military pageants are invariable to the beat and rhythm of military music.

Today evening, Khetarpal Auditorium of the IMA was filled with music, which was beyond belief as a band concert by the Indian Army Band was held.

Lt Gen RS Sujalana, AVSM, VSM Commandant, IMA, was the chief guest on the occasion.

They say if music is the food of love, play on. But the music flowing in the auditorium was the food for the soul and the jam-packed crowd was elated with the stunning performance of the musicians. In the end Commandant, IMA complimented each and every artiste for their splendid performance.

The Army today has 50 Military Bands and more than 400 pipes and drum bands. The Indian Army Band, which performed at the IMA was raised in 1991 in New Delhi.

Principal conductor was SR Kandpal, a song titled “Hye Jude” was specially arranged for the gentlemen cadets. The band comprises finest musician from all over the regiments of the Army. In recent past, the Indian Army Band has participated in various military tattoos and music festivals in Russia, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Germany.

To satisfy the yearning of music connoisseurs and the popular demand, the band will perform for officers of the station and various eminent schools of Dehradun.

Dehradun, November 3
Kendriya Vidayalay (KV) 1 will clash with Kendriya Vidayalay Haldwani in the final of Basketball Tournament at the Regional Sports Meet of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan here today.

In first semifinal match, KV 1 beat KV FRI by 32-10. The KV 1 team spikers dominated the proceeding right from the beginning and scored baskets at regular intervals to make it to the final.

The second semifinal proved to be a cliffhanger with KV Haldwani overcoming the challenge put forth by KV Meerut by 20-19.

In girls volleyball semifinal, it was tough match between KV Bandasa and KV OFD in the first set. KV OFD won it by 25-23.

In the second set KV OFD won it by 25-15 and in the last set it won by 25-17. In second semifinal KV Birpur outplayed KV Haldwani by 25-6, 25-18 and 25-13.

In boys handball semifinals, KV NER and K.V NOI cruised into the semifinal. In the first semifinal match KV NER won it match against KV IIP by 25-6 and KV NOI defeated KV ITBP by 6-5.

In cricket KV Meerut defeat

ed KV Muradabad by five wickets. KV Muradabad batted first and pilled a total of 63 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 10 overs.

Divendra was the highest scorer for the team with 63 runs followed by Shashank, who scored 17 runs. For KV Meerut Arvind took two wickets for 11 runs and Rajkumar picked up two wickets for 12.

In reply, KV Meerut team achieved the target with five wickets in hand. Dushank was the highest scorer with 25 runs followed by Abhishek. For Muradabad team Shashank took two wickets.

Meanwhile, in the second match KV 1 defeated KV IMA by seven wickets. KV IMA team scored 70 runs for the loss of five wickets.

Sajan was the highest scorer for the team with 19 runs and Rahul came up with useful knock of 13 runs. In reply KV 1 reached the target in with seven wickets in hand. Rishab was the highest scorer for the team with 26 runs and Preetum scored 19 runs. For KV IMA team Mohit scored two wickets for 14 runs. 

Dehradun, November 3
The three-day North Zone Chess Tournament was inaugurated at Odinance Factory here today. K Garg, Chief Director of training centre Ordinance Factory, inaugurated the tournament.

On the occasion, Garg said that games help in keeping human body and mind in good shape and chess is one of the favourite games of the many people and help in sharpening once mind.

He asked all the players to play the game in good spirit and give their best performances at the tournament.

The tournament is being participated by six teams. The tournament will be played in six rounds. 

Dehradun, November 3
In the boys’ category the Hiltron School defeated Carman School by 25-7 in u-15 District Basketball Tournament, whereas in girls the Aryan School emerged winner in today’s matches.

In the boys’ match Hilton School outplayed Carman School. The spikers of Hiltron School began their match with a bang scoring seven baskets in the first quarter to take a lead of six points in the first quarter. Carman could only score one point.

Hiltron did well to maintain the lead of first quarter throughout the match.

In the second quarter its spiker scored another six points to take against Carman School, who could only score five points.

In the second last quarter Carman School was completely over shadowed by Hiltron and failed to score a point in the match.

In the last quarter, the Hiltron School scored basket frequently to help the team reach the score of 25 point whereas Carman could only manage to score four points in the quarter.

In the girls’ match, The Aryan School beat Sighali Hills by eight points.

Sighali Hills gave The Aryan School tough competition in the first three quarters.

The scores in the first three quarters were 4-2, 2-2 and 5-4. But in the last quarter the scoring picked up pace for The Aryan School and they scored 9-4.

The final score in the end was 20-12.

Roorkee, November 3
The host Adarsh Bal Niketan School emerged as winner of the IInd Inter-School Basketball Tournament (boys) trailing Montfort Senior Secondary School by 44 points in the final tie here today on ABN court.

The score was 89-45 in favour of the winners when referees, Vinod and Sudhir Pundir blew the final whistle.

Abhay Rathi from the host team stole the show with his terrific display of game.

He alone scored 22 points while from the other side Abhishek finished as the highest point getter with 18 points.

As many as six times of the local schools, including St Gabril School, Children Academy, BSM and Sarvagya Public School took part in the tournament, organised by the AVM school.

Local municipal board chairman Pradeep Batra, the chief guest on the occassion, distributed the prizes among the winners in prize distribution function and motivated the players to participate more in such sports events.