Dehradun, February 14
Tourism in Uttarakhand is all set to get a new face in the form of geo heritage tourism. The Uttarakhand Chapter of the Indian Geological Congress has identified three key sites in Dehradun and adjoining Rishikesh that have immense geo-tourism potential.

These three sites include Shanshahi and Maldevta in north and north-east of Dehradun, respectively, and the third site falls on the Ganga valley in Kaudiyala, near Rishikesh. The chapter has come up with a detailed report on these sites and it is to be submitted to the Uttarakhand government shortly.

Geo sites are an integral part of Himalayan geology and Uttarakhand keeps an immense potential of geo tourism. Secretary of the Uttarakhand Chapter of the Indian Geological Congress RJ Azmi said while these sites must be preserved for posterity, it was all equally important to develop these as eco tourism destinations. Tourists who came to Uttarakhand hills would definitely be interested to visit these sites. A large number of tourists visited Uttarakhand and these tourists could be diverted to the geo heritage sites, which would be new source of earnings for the state.

There is a general curiosity among the masses to know of the places that have early signs of human evolution. These geo tourism sites could be source of big tourist attraction as in the West where a number of European nations have not only preserved such sites but also put these on their tourism maps.

Azmi even cites caves in the state as a source of tourism. “There are numerous caves across Uttarakhand hills that can be exploited for eco-tourism purposes,” Azmi added.

Interestingly, the Geological Survey of India based in Dehradun had a few years ago strongly advocated developing rock formations of geological importance as tourism sites. Its geologists had even taken initiative towards the identification of sites of geological importance and suggesting the Uttarakhand government exploitation of these sites for tourism potential. Senior geologists UB Gupta asserted that no matter geo tourism was in a stage of infancy in the country but added that a beginning could however give excellent results.

Significantly, Uttarakhand has an opportunity to be home to some of the finest geology research institutions and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology at Dehradun tops the list. Its expertise can be used to specify these geo heritage sites. Geological details linked to sites can also be displayed at these sites to make it more informative.

Another eminent geologist BN Tiwari said geo tourism sites stood as spots of immense tourist attraction in the West. He suggested promoting that form of eco tourism in the country. He said Uttarakhand hills did have sites that were a fit case for geo tourism and publicising these sites was very much needed.

Haridwar, February 14
The protests and threats by various organisations against the Valentine’s Day celebrations couldn’t stop young couples from celebrating the day in Haridwar. Open expression of love was partially visible yet couples were easily seen strolling around in markets, alongside the Ganga ghats and cafeterias and restaurants.

Especially at Ranipur, city’s poshest area, couples from BHEL whether young or married were seen spending quality time.

“We had crowd pouring in from early morning itself and it’s certainly going to increase by evening. We had special menu for today. Majority of visiting couples were married and its good to see that Valentine’s has not just confined to unmarried couples,” said Uday Semwal, a restaurateur owner.

While flower shops and gift shops too had a brisk business. Raju owner of Raju Flower shop at main road said rose sticks were more in demand. “I made a hefty profit as people don’t mind buying one rose stick for Rs 50-60 while bouquets were made on customers’ choice and demand,” said Raju.

Symbolic protests too were witnessed in the district by Bharatiya Janata Party, Hindu Jagran Manch, ABVP and Bajrang Dal.

At Ranipur Mod, the ABVP activists stopped many young couples and girls with flowers and gifts in hand from celebrating the day. This resulted in a heated debate with girls. They also went on to Archies Gallery and ripped the Valentine posters and forcefully closed the shop. Though no police complaint was registered by the gallery owner against the ABVP activists.

BJP Yuva Morcha burned the effigy and held a protest at Prem Nagar Ashram ghat but they too were not more than a dozen which made their protest only an eye catcher and showed lack of support from the party members itself.

Though Hindu Jagran Manch too had warned that their squads will be all over the city and had also gone to the extent that they will marry the couples if found celebrating the day. Yet due to strict security presence in the city no such incident came to light.

City head Nathi Ram Saini said their threat had made its impact and lovers refrained from going beyond limits which made their work easier. He said parents should also act against such western norms and culture, which is spoiling our generation.

Dehradun, February 14
The Tarun Sangeet Evam Vichar Manch organised “Sanskar”, a cultural and award-distribution ceremony, to mark its 31st anniversary. The chief guest on the occasion was ONGC Director (Exploration) Dinesh Kumar Pandey. Directors of the manch Sukriti Arya and and Dr Mridul Rastogi, founder director Sudhir Vir, presidnet Avneet Rastogi and general secretary Naveen Joshi were also present.

The function commenced with a musical performance by the children. The audience immensely enjoyed the cultural performance of “kathak” by the children. “Natya” depicted the popular romance of Lord Krishna and Radha aptly fitting the theme for the day. It was directed by Deepak Bhatt, a student of Pt Birju Maharaja, and assisted by Sangeeta Kukreti.

Late Prem Prakash Rastogi - Asha Rani Rastogi Memorial running trophy was awarded to Brightlands, St Joseph’s Academy and Convent of Jesus & Mary School for winning the maximum number of awards. Winners of the XXXI Mathematical Ability Scholarship Test were also felicitated in the event.

The chief guest presented Rs 50,000 to the manch to help promote the education of dance, music and fine arts in the region.

Dehradun, February 14
In a tough final encounter, 2/3 Gorkha Rifle got the better of Gorkha Brigade 4-2 in the penalty shootout during the second President’s Cup Football Tournament held here today at Pavalion Ground.

Playing in front of good number of crowd here both the teams gave a good performance.

Though players of the teams vied hard to score in the first half but couldn’t get the success. The players made some attempts, which proved futile.

Moka Bahadur of Gorkha Rifle tasted the first success in the 82nd minute of the game. However, Yoven Gurung of Gorkha Brigade retaliated in the 86th minute to level the score.

The team later put their utmost to get a single goal later but the match ended in 1-1 draw.

The match was later decided by penalty shootouts in which 2/3 Gorkha Rifle got the cake.

The 2/3 Gorkha Rifle scored four penalties while Gorkha Brigade could net only two penalties and lost the coveted trophy.

Earlier the final match started with the sounds of military band that enlightened the gathering and with the fluttering of balloons.

Dehradun, February 14
Dhruv Pal and Sachi Belwal had double delight as both won two titles each on the final day of the 10th Uttarakhand State Open Junior Tennis Tournament organised by Uttranchal Tennis Association here today at the Shanti Tennis Academy, Dalanwala in Dehradun.

In the under-14 boys’ final, Dhruv Pal of Shanti Tennis Acadmy (STA) beat Mayuk Rawat of STA 4-2, 4-2. He also registered an easy win in the u-18 boys’ final beating Akshay Virmani of Doon Club 6-1, 6-1.

While in the u-10 boys’ final, Dhruv Sabbarwal of St Jospeh managed to beat Dron Walia of the STA 0-4, 2-0, 4-2. Mayuk Rawat who lost the u-14 title defeated Uttkarash Bhardwaj 4-2, 4-0 in u-12 boys’ final.

This was the day of Sachi Belwal in the girls’ category events. She drubbed Ashna Agarwal of Welham Girls School 6-1, 6-3. Even in the open women category her rival Shivani of the STA was no match for her as Sachi drubbed her 6-1, 6-0.

Dehradun, February 14
New Star Cricket Club defeated Al-Fatah Club by 20 runs in at Suresh Chand Memorial Cricket Tournament organised by the Uttarakhand Youth t-20 Cricket Association here today.

New Star won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers Gary (21) and Arvind (19) played good innings but couldn't score big. Both went back to the pavilion on Tarik's delivery.

The first down batsman and captain Aslam also contributed with 19 runs and stayed on the pitch longer playing 33 balls but couldn't get support from other batsmen of the side. None other batsmen of the team could score double figure number.

The team was all out on 110 in 19.1 overs. For the bowling side, Nadeem, Ajmal and Tarik pocketed two wickets each while Jalise and Shahid took a wicket each.

Replying to the target of 111 runs Al-Fatah team couldn't perform to their strength. Abhieet and Gary claimed three and two wickets respectively. While Azad, Arvind and Zunaid took a wicket each.

Eajaiz (23) and Sumit (18) were the top scorers for Al-Fatah. Rest of the batsmen couldn't score respectable number and the team was bundled out on a meager total of 90 in 19.1 runs.

Dehradun, February 14
A practice camp for forthcoming National Para Olympic Championship slated to be held in March in Banglore was organised here at the Parade Ground by the Uttarakhand Para Olympic Association.

Association secretary Prem Kumar said the players for the national competition would be selected from the camp.

The association organises camp on every Sunday and players from even far-off places come for the practice.

Long jump, high jump, javelin on wheelchair and shot put on wheelchair were held today.

“We only participate in these events in the nationals since for participating in other events we neither have facilities nor any ground,” said the secretary.

He said, “We have urged the government several times to provide us with these facilities, but it is of no use as even the ticket fares are being managed by the association only.”

However, they were supported by Manglam Ventures Limited that had borne all our expenditure.

This is the third time that disabled players would participate in the national games.

Earlier they played in the 2008 national games held in Jaipur and in the 2009 in Delhi.

“Though we didn’t win in the nationals, that doesn’t matter, what matters is playing. We are new to it and gradually with the experience we would learn,” said the secretary.

The participants were seen excited to be a part of the camp.