Nainital, February 15
Failing to elect a new President amidst a major internal conflict, Uttarakhand’s only regional political force, the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) has decided to let senior party leader Dr Narayan Singh Jantwal to continue as its President for another six months.

The decision came at the end of a two-day bi-annual convention held at Ramnagar. While talking to The Tribune, Jantwal said, “The new President could not be elected due to shortage of time and lack of consensus on the issue”.

The candidature of senior leader Kashi Singh Airy who had recently resigned from the post of the Chairman of Hiltron, a government subsidiary, could not become a unanimous

choice as the faction led by Uttarakhand’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister Diwakar Bhatt had supported the candidature of Trivenda Singh Panwar, thus signalling that the party stands a divided house.

In fact, the party has swept another important issue pertaining to continuing the support for the Dr Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank-led BJP government in the state under the carpet for the time being. “No decision could be taken on the issue, but we have decided to keep on evaluating our support as per the will of our party men from time to time,” said Jantwal after the meeting.

The party is vertically split on the issue with a large section of the cadres wanting to part ways with the BJP. They feel that the UKD has been decimated in the entire process of supporting the BJP and have been expressing the view that it was the continuing support for the BJP government that had resulted in the party faring miserably in the Lok Sabha polls held last year.

The BJP had refused to enter into any seat adjustment with the UKD, an ally in the state government, for these polls.

A large section of the cadres are of the opinion that by continuing its alliance with the BJP, the UKD would be damaging its prospects for the next assembly polls to be held in less than two years. However, again it is a faction led by Bhatt that is in favour of continuing its support to the BJP led state government.

Jantwal further disclosed that a set of important resolutions had been passed by the party on the second day of the two-day convention.

The first important resolution passed was for declaring Gairsain as the permanent capital of the state. The second important resolution that was passed pertained to the power projects in the state. The party has resolved that given the typical geomorphologic and seismic character of the state, the size of the power projects being set up should be reduced and preference be given to the local companies and people for executing the projects.

The third major resolution pertained to the implementation of the Forests Act and the party has sought that the Act be implemented in a manner that is practical and is in tune with the needs of the people of the state.

The UKD has also demanded that small farmers be given land rights on the smallholdings being cultivated by them in the state.

Dehradun, February 15
A 15-day extravaganza, Khadi Mela Maha Kumbh, came to an end at the Parade Ground here today. On the closing ceremony of the trade fair, Prem Budakoti, Adviser to the Chief Minister, awarded artisans from far-flung areas of the country.

This state-level Khadi and Village Industries exhibition was organised under the aegis of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Shri Anand Gram Udyog Samiti. The fête compound of the fair was jam-packed with visitors on the concluding day.

A total of 150 artisans from all over India exhibited their skills and participated in the grand burlesque, while Rs 2 crore worth products were sold at the fair. The fortnight fair was the coalition of cultural performances by local artistes that delivered the true colours of the state through their skills. There were 60 stalls of khadi and 75 of village industries. Twelve states in all who displayed their finesse.

Moreover, an array of khadi products, particularly herbal cosmetics, medicines, furniture, winter wear, artificial products to locally grown products such as pickles, pulses, vermin-composed soil products and many other consumer-friendly items were exhibited and sold in the fair.

The mela was organised with the scheme of promoting the small-scale entrepreneurs, artists and self-help groups. The Khadi Board had tried to provide a platform to the artisans to train them according to the selling strategies and market-centric promotional skills.

“As, there’s so much competition, it is essential that these small-time entrepreneurs get an opportunity and a medium to showcase their talent and in return boost our economy. All exhibitors are provided facility of stalls and lodging,” said Gagan Tiwari, KVIC Nodal Officer.

Furthermore, exhibitors from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab also participated in the trade fair. The artists from Uttarakhand and adjoining states had ushered in the marketing mode as the Khadi Gram Udyog Board had endorsed the products of the burgeoning states.

Prem Budakoti was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. The programme commenced with lighting of the lamp followed by the welcoming speech of the honourable guests.

Budakoti also visited each and every stall at the fair. He spoke a few encouraging words to the artisans. He said, “It’s good to see so many artists turning up from the rural areas of the state and becoming independent by earning their living through khadi and Gram Udhyog”.

He also congratulated women for marking their presence in the international market through their khadi products, as more than 25 per cent women participated in the fair trade.

Winners of the mela were awarded with certificates and mementos by the board. The first prize of the khadi industry went to Ritika Honey Udhyog, Dehradun, the second prize to Pushpanjali Gram Udhyog Sansthan, Pratapgarh, UP, and the third prize was won by the Sarvodya Gram Udhyog Sangh, Agra.While the first prize for Gram Udhyog went to the Chetriya Gandhi Ashram, Haldwani, the second to the Chetriya Gramin Vikas Samiti, Bikaner, and the third to the Gram Udhyog Vikas Mandal, Jaypee Nagar, UP. Sanjay Tomar, coordinator of the mela, was awarded a certificate and a trophy for his endeavouring cooperation.

Haridwar, February 15
In the wake of the recent Pune blast, the Haridwar Maha Kumbh mela police has purchased two bomb-disposal trailers to take away a suspected bomb to the nearest safe place.

These trailers can sustain the impact of a blast caused by explosive material weighing up to 5 kg and have successfully been used by the National Security Guards in various operations. After the New Delhi serial blasts, a bomb was defused with the help of this trailer near Regal Cinema.

These trailers will be stationed at Har-ki-Pauri and Haridwar railway station throughout the Maha Kumbh tenure.

On February 2, the mela police had detected a bomb planted at railway station and it was defused in time by the bomb disposal squad.

In charge of the bomb disposal squad Ramesh Chandra Gairolla said this bomb trailer could be attached to a jeep, truck, tractor or any four wheeler.

“This is equipped with high-quality shock observers, break and iron plates. In case a bomb is found a bomb blanket is put on it and then is carried to nearest safer place by this trailer”.

Dehradun, February 15
The Yuva Kalyan Evam Prantiya Rakshak Dal Vibhag organised a ceremony to introduce their newly appointed Vice-Chairman Subhash Barthwal here today. The chief guest on the occasion was Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and the special guest was chief of state BJP unit Bishan Singh Chaufal.

Barthwal spoke about the success of the abolition of liquor syndicates in Uttarakhand and youth employment schemes and disclosed future plans of promoting organisations for women and youth. He emphasised a sports ground in every village be constructed.

Nishank felicitated the Chairman of the Yuvak Mandal Dal. He also announced an increase in the salary of the volunteers of the Prantiya Rakshak Dal from Rs 120 to Rs 150. The “protsahan rashee” given to the Yuvak Mandal Dal has also been increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000.

Haridwar, February 15
After being cancelled three times and held just once in the two-year tenure of the BJP-led Haridwar Municipality, now again a new date has been fixed for the Palika Board meeting. Municipality Chairman Kamal Johra has called on the meeting on February 20.

The first two times the board meeting was postponed due to national and state issues. On the first occasion Johra had cited the ongoing parliamentary session as the reason, while the second time he had put the onus on the state assembly session as the cause. And the last time the meeting could not be held due to lack of quorum in the Palika, as the stipulated number of ward members were not present at the time of the meeting.

Notably, the committee working has been marred by infighting in the BJP and strong second and third fronts in the Opposition.

Now all eyes are set on this board meeting as more than 70 odd proposals are to be passed.

Leader of the Opposition Sanjay Sharma said it was the BJP that had marred the board meeting and other proceedings, while the Opposition had always been cooperative and development oriented.

Haridwar, February 15
In a major offshore achievement for Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL) today a 120 MW Gas Turbine Generating Unit at Siddhirganj Power Plant in Bangladesh which has been set up by BHEL was inaugurated today by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

This is the first unit set up of the 240 MW Siddhirganj Peaking Power Plant Project of capacity 2x120 MW. The second unit is also in an advanced stage of completion, which has been funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

BHEL has earlier set up a 100 MW Baghabari Power Plant in Bangladesh in year 2000. The commissioning of Siddhirganj power plant marks another milestone in further strengthening Indo-Bangladesh trade and economic relations.

This project according to Sheikh Hasina will provide the much additional power generating capacity needed for the country and will also pave more avenues for more joint collaboration and investment from Indian firms.

According to BHEL spokesman, the Indian major public sector company did designing, manufacturing, testing, supply, installation and commissioning of 126 MW ISO rated gas turbines and generators along with auxiliaries and gas booster compressors, besides other major equipment and civil works.

Haridwar Ranipur unit situated in Uttarakhand too had contributed in major equipments along with other BHEL plants in various parts in the above mentioned areas. While for the civil as well as erection commissioning and other local works, local companies in Bangladesh were associated.

Bangladesh has been a key export territory of BHEL, where in the past, it has successfully executed several contracts, including the 100 MW Baghabari Gas Turbine Power Plant; 230 kv Baghabari Substation and extension of the existing 230 kv Ishurdi Substation, besides supply of Power Transformers, HT Motors and Oilfield equipment to various industries in Bangladesh.

BHEL has installed over 1,00,000 MW of Power Plant equipment and has now expanded its working in all the six continents of the world, spanning over 70 countries.

Dehradun, February 15
With an aim to establish itself among the 100cc to 110cc motorbikes, which cater to 50 per cent of bike buyers in India, Honda launched CB Twister here today.

Besides, Honda also launched upgraded models of CBF Stunner and Dio.

“With the 110cc CB Twister, we are targeting youngsters, who want style at affordable rates and cannot go for high price for that,” Vikrant Singh, zonal manager of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, told The Tribune.

Singh said among all bikes Honda had launched till today, Honda Shine sold the most, that was close to 25,000 since its launch in 2006 in India, while Unicorn and Stunner too had a sale of close to 10,000 to 11,000.

Twister comes with viscous air filter to cut down on maintenance and also with maintenance-free battery for a hassle-free ride. It is equipped with 110cc, 9 bhp engine that gives a mileage of 70 kmpl, said the zonal manger.

The Twister will hit the Indian roads by the end of this month with the ex-showroom prices of Rs 42,000 in Kick-Drum-Alloy, Rs 45,000 in Self-Drum-Alloy and Rs 48,000 in Self-Disc-Alloy. While new CBF Stunner comes at a price of Rs 50,641 in Self-Drum-Alloy, Rs 53,642 in Self-Disc-Alloy and Rs 64,769 in Self-Disc-Alloy and new Dio is at a cost of Rs 36,890.

“We will finish launching of the Twister by February 25 and are expecting a sale of Rs 2,20,000 by the end of the next financial year,” Singh said, adding that this bike was inspired by CV1000 R costing Rs 9,50,000 to give the optimum to the customers.

Roorkee, February 15
The sewerage problem of Roorkee is likely to get solved very soon. In a recent meeting of authorities concerned in Dehradun, it has reportedly been decided to kick off the work on the overhauling of sewerage line of Roorkee as early as possible.

According to the authorities, the work on the project will start within a couple of weeks. The existing sewerage lines, which had been laid around five decades before, were not sufficient according to the increasing size of the population of the town. Due to this, many localities here witnessed the sewerage choking problems every now and then.

In monsoon, the situation got worsened, especially in the old localities like Ambar Talab, Maqtoolpuri, Subhash Nagar, etc.

The local Municipal Board officials maintained that earlier also the Jal Nigam Department had taken up the issue by sending the project report to the administration, but the work on it could not get green signal due to the financial crunch.

The budget on the project was reportedly around Rs 32 crore. But now the government has reportedly planned to take loan from Asian Development Bank for the purpose.

The recent visit of a team from Dehradun to inspect the situation here just raised the hopes in this direction, said Pradeep Batra, Chairman of the Municipal Board, Roorkee.

“In our meeting with the team members, detailed discussion on the project took place. The information regarding the population, area, geographical location for the lines, city map and location for sewerage treatment plant was provided to them,” said Batra while adding that the work on the project would likely to start this month.