Haridwar, March 20
The Akhada Parishad, the sole representative body of all akhadas, has decided to take the task of checking pollution in the Ganga upon itself and it will devise plans to save the river from pollution.

Not satisfied with the results of Central and state governments’ action plans to save the Ganga, the parishad is now quite serious on saving the river.

Perturbed by several hydro power projects being set up on the river, the parishad has blamed these projects for hampering the natural flow of the river.

In lieu of doing away with these projects, the parishad has even offered compensation for the loss incurred by the government.

Akhada Parishad general secretary Shri Mahant Hari Giri Ji Maharaj said initially the parishad could give Rs 1,000 crore as compensation for the closure of Lohari Nagpala and Bhairon Ghati projects. The amount is equal to an estimated loss to be suffered by the government in case the projects are abandoned.

He termed it unethical and unreligious capturing the holy Ganga in the tunnels and diverting it from the centuries-old course.

Akhada Parishad chief Shri Mahant Gyan Das has even warned the authorities concerned of leaving Kumbh city of Haridwar if the Central and state governments didn’t take appropriate steps to shut the ongoing projects and ensure that in future Ganga’s natural flow would not be hindered.

On the issue of setting up a Ram temple at Ayodhya the parishad is waiting for the apex court to first give its decision and if it finds the decision against the religious feelings of the Hindus then it will not accept even the Supreme Court’s decision.

Notably, the parishad will be carrying out a protest at Har-ki-Pauri from March 22 to put forth their demands and will chalk out future strategies according to the government’s stance.

Haridwar, March 20
A replica of the idol of famous Lord Balaji of Tirupati Devasthanam was brought to Har-ki-Pauri today, specifically for the auspicious occasion of the ongoing Maha Kumbh.

Accompanying the holy replica from Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh were 40 priests belonging to more than 400 trusts associated with the Balaji temple.

The statues of Lord Venkatesh, Laxmi and Sridevi, which have been brought from Tirupati, were taken for a dip in the Ganga amid religious rituals. This was followed by mantras and a prayer at the Brahm Kund at Har-ki-Pauri.

Devotees, Ganga Sabha members and pilgrims participated in the rituals and paid obeisance before the holy idols.

DIG (Mela) Alok Sharma and SSP Ajay Rautella were present during the ceremony at Har-ki-Pauri.

Haridwar, March 20
The Kumbh fair is peaking and so are various related activities. Apart from Mahamandaleshwar Nagar and akhada camps, cultural pandals too are abuzz with activity.

Under the aegis of the Cultural Department, Uttarakhand, a gala cultural programme, Swar Ganga, which had items ranging from local cultural art to Sufi presentations, was organised here today.

Collectively presented by Puja Nirankari, Roohani Sisters and Maa Raj Rajeshwari Kutti of the Kala Sangam, the programme was a hit with the audience.

The programme began with Ganga Stuti by Puja Nirankari who sang the song in Garhwali, much to the surprise of the audience. She sang “Gaumukh bati ayi chi Ganga maa...”, which was followed by a series of Garhwali folk songs depicting stories of royal history of Tehri Garhwal, life and struggle of hilly women and as the singer sang “Kaile bajai murli...”, the title of which has been incorporated in a number of Bollywood film “Jab We Met”, people couldn’t but resist to dance to the melodious tunes of the song.

And if there is a Garhwali programme, then how can the traditional Jagar be not presented. Jyoti Krishali sang the Jagar of Lord Shiva and it was just enchanting.

While Sufiyana touch was added to the function by Roohani Sisters with Sufi songs “Piya se naina laga re...”, “Chhap tilak sab choda...”, “Dil awaaz mar da...” and other classical Sufi songs.

Talking to The Tribune, Neeta Pandey and Jagriti Luthra of Roohani Sisters said performing in a Maha Kumbh function was totally an enchanting and satisfying experience.

Pandey, who hails from Almora, is doing MPhil from the University of Delhi and has participated in small screen shows such as “Indian Idol”, “Sa Re Ga Ma” and “Voice of India”. She said music was a learning experience and she wanted to reach the dizzy heights in music as her idol Lata Mangeshkar did.

While Jagriti Luthra, who is doing a research on noted artiste Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, says they both have been giving joint performances for the past two years and it’s their musical bonding as well as intuitive musical skills that compliment each other’s performance.

The other attractions of the cultural show were pandav nritya, dhol nritya and sameshwar pashawa doli nritya, etc.

Dehradun, March 20
The Action and Research for Conservation in the Himalayas today observed the First World House Sparrow Day in Dehradun.

At a function held at MKP(PG) College, Dr RS Tolia, Chief Information Commissioner, Uttarakhand, recalled the importance of the rich avian fauna diversity in the state. He said the house sparrow stood as a symbol towards conservation of avian fauna.

Chief Conservator of Forests Jairaj disclosed that birds always revealed the health of the environment. He called for an understanding between Dehradun schools and forest authorities for wildlife conservation.

In his keynote address, orthinologist Prof Dinesh Bhatt from Gurukul Kangdi University attributed change in house building pattern as the main reason behind the dwindling number of house sparrows. He said usage of pesticides was also reason behind the deaths of sparrows.

Earlier, founder trustee of ARCH Prateek Panwar said ARCH had been receiving a tremendous response towards the conservation of house sparrows. He said ARCH had also come up with a group, Friends of House Sparrows, to further the cause.

ARCH on the occasion also handed over wooden nests to interested individuals. Dr Indu Singh, Principal, MKP (PG) College, and members of the college Science Club was also present on the ocassion. 

Nainital, March 20
An irate langur that had unleashed a reign of terror in parts of the lake city was eventually gunned down by personnel of the Forest Department yesterday. The simian was buried

after a postmortem was conducted on its body.

From Holi onwards the langur had unleashed terror in certain areas like the Charlton Lodge and its adjoining areas. It had bitten about two dozen persons till March 8 when it was decided to trap the animal.

The laying of a trap had proved to be a futile exercise and this had been followed by a chase by Forest Department officials who tried to tranquilise the animal. Although they managed to hit the langur with tranquilisers several times, the effort proved to be pointless as the animal had efficiently been taking out the tranquiliser needles and throwing them out.

However, when it again bit around eight persons, it was decided by officials to gun down the simian. But still it turned out to be a two-day exercise when the animal was finally shot down by Hira Singh Shahi.

For the past several days people residing in areas around Charlton Lodge were a worried lot on account of the safety of children and the aged. The children were reluctant to go to school because of the terror of the langur.

Officials have been asserting that the growing population of simians in the city is becoming a major problem. The problem is further compounded by people who offer eatables to simians at public places. The Nagar Palika is mulling getting professional catchers from Mathura to trap irate monkeys and langurs in the city.

Meanwhile, the Forest Department is also learnt to have granted permission to another irate langur in the Kapkot area of Bageshwar where it has let loose terror in villages like Pachar and Kidai. It is learnt that the langur has been attacking and biting dogs and human population in the area.

Dehradun, March 20
To spread awareness and curb the situation of food poisoning among Doonites, the Sai Institute of Paramedical and Allied Sciences held a workshop on “Food Poisoning: Awareness, Challenges and Strategies” at the Survey of India auditorium here today.

However, keeping global health problems among people in mind, experts and guest speakers from the health organisation were brought under one roof to share their views as well as concerns during the workshop. A large number of students and guests had attended the workshop discussing the trouble.

The workshop aims at incorporating healthy lifestyle among people who have till now been consuming contaminated food. The speakers had rendered information on food safety measures to prevent food poisoning and other preventive methods.

Various eminent scientists, doctors and health professionals participated while enlightening the gathering with their expertise. The interactive topics of the session were emerging food-borne viral and parasitic infections, food-borne bacterial infections, current status of food borne intoxications, toxicity of agrochemicals of food origin, convention and molecular techniques for the detection of pathogens in foods, epidemiological approach to investigate food borne outbreaks, surveillance system and preventive measures for food-borne illness and how safe eatables are in Uttarakhand.

Addressing the gathering, Harish Arora, chairman of the institute, expressed concern over the prevailing health problems, especially in rural areas of the country. He termed unawareness among people as the biggest lacuna that was responsible for the present scenario.

Rani Arora, vice-chairperson of the institute, also made an appeal to the educational institutes, NGOs and other active organisations to take initiative in curbing the menace of food poisoning from society.

Dr Harak Singh Rawat, Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, was the chief guest who inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp while the guests of honour were Dr Rajender Dobhal, Director of UCOST, Dehradun, and Dr Jagmohan Singh Rana, Director of Biotechnology, Biotech Bhawan, Udham Singh Nagar.

Dehradun, March 20
Today was the closing ceremony of the ongoing workshop of National Testing Service (NTS) at Shri Guru Ram Rai (PG) College where 40 students participated.

In the first phase of the camp, Prof RC Nautiyal, Dean, Academics, Garhwal University, lectured on the effective ways of making question papers and said for the overall development of students, teachers should use simple words that could easily be understood.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Vandana Singh, IGNOU, New Delhi, said the teachers as well as the authorities that set up the examination papers should make the question paper keeping the allotted time-frame to students in mind. The paper should be planned according to the ability of every student.

Certain steps, if taken by colleges and schools, could provide respite to the students. 

Dehradun, March 20
Poly Kids School, Vasant Vihar, celebrated its annual day at the school campus here today. Students presented cultural and musical performances on the occasion.

The programme began with Saraswati Vandana, while the cultural programme included dances, songs and music. The highlight of the function was a Gujarati dance presented by little girls in folk style. The entire function was filled with fun and frolic.

Students who excelled in the academics and curricular activities were awarded with certificates.

Dr Anuradha Singh, Head of Department of Psychology, MKP (PG) College, was the chief guest who inaugurated the event. Nandita Singh, Director of the Vasant Vihar branch, appreciated the efforts of the participants as well as their teachers, who guided and trained them to give their best performance. He also congratulated and encouraged the spirit of the non-participants while boosting up morale of the winners.

Other dignitaries presented on the occasion were Capt Mukul Mahendru, Chairman, Ranjana Mahendru and Capt Rohit Singh, Directors, Shivani, Headmistress, and staff members. 

Dehradun, March 20
Under the aegis of the IMA Blood Bank, Sardar Bhagwan Singh Post-Graduate Institute, Balawala, held a blood donation camp at their campus here today. Every year the institute organises blood donation camps to help poor needy people at the time of emergency. The camp was free and open to all and organised with an aim to encourage younger generation to come forward and take initiative in saving lives of others.

The camp, that started in the morning, had 287 units of donations by the end of the day. The camp was conducted under the supervision of a large unit of doctors and experts from the blood bank.

On the occasion, Prof AK Sharma, Director of the institute, Dr BR Panhotra, patron of the Blood Donation Club, and others were present to support the noble cause. 

Dehradun, March 20
Anisha of Teak House set 1.35-m record in the girls’ high-jump event on the second day of the Ninth Annual Sports Meet of Forest Research Institute (FRI) here today.

She also won the top honours in the 400m and 100- girls final, besides getting the third position in girls’ discus throw event.

Shikha also of Teak House and Mousami of Pine House got the second and third positions, respectively, in the 400-m girls final.

Mousami of Pine House finished second right behind Anisha in the 100m girls’ final, while Shikha of Peak House got third place.

In the discus throw event, Shikha of Pine House stood first. Neha of Sal House got the second position and Anisha of Teak House stood third.

In the high-jump girls final, Neha of Sal House and Anjali of Teak House finished second and third, respectively. While in the high-jump boys final, Raja of Teak House got the first place.

Azad Butt of Sandalwood House bagged the top position in the boys’ discus throw final. Pawan of Sal House stood second and Sidharth of Peak House stood third.

In the 100-m boys final Nandan of Sal House, Abhishek of Sandalwood House, Adwin Murmu of Pine House got the first, second and third positions, respectively. 

Dehradun, March 20
Doon Panthers surpassed Youth Cricket UP by three wickets in a knockout match during the Uttarakhand and UP Real Host Cup Cricket Tournament being organised by Uttarakhand Youth Twenty-20 Cricket Association in Biharigarh here today.

The Youth Cricket team won the match and invited Doon Panthers to field. Ajay Chauhan (54) was the mainstay of the Youth Cricket innings. He took the team to a respectable score. His half century came in just 50 balls.

Chauhan kept the team score rolling, but didn’t get much support from other side and later got run-out. The team scored 140 runs in the allotted 20 overs.

Naeem and Johar got two wickets each for Panthers. Ravi and Junaid also tasted success with one wicket each.

Batting second, Panthers achieved the target in 19.4 overs. Naeem (36) and Srikant (29) were the principal scorers for the team. Their partnership proved fruitful for the side. Kashif also contributed with a knock of 18 runs.

For the losing side, Rohit bowled beautifully and got three wickets. While Ajay got two and Rakam pocketed one wicket.

Dehradun, March 20
BS Dhillon emerged as the best golfer in the open category at the end of the first day of the Pioneer-Radisson Cup that started at the FRIMA Golf Course here today. GS Gambhir was the second best golfer in the open category.

While Capt KS Sud (retd) was the best golfer in the veteran’s category and Jrotika Shamsher in the women’s category.

Meanwhile, MP Vijay Bahuguna, an avid golfer, Indian Military Academy Commandant Lt Gen RS Sujlana, Major-Gen GS Bal, Deputy Commandant, and Editor-in-Chief of the Dehradun edition of The Pioneer Sidharth Mishra were also present at the venue.

Bahuguna also hit the turf with the participants. Fiftysix participated today and another 60 are lined for tomorrow.

Dehradun, March 20
To commemorate the one-month remembrance of Sufi saint of the Muslim world and figurehead of the Qadri Sufi Order, Sheikh Abdul Qadri Geelani Gous-e-Azam, a function was organised by the All-India Ulema and Mashaikh Board here today.

National president of the board Hazrat Alaama Syed Mahmood Ashraf said, “The Sheikh gave the message of love, brotherhood and good rapport with people, which is why even today Sufi saints give the same message of compassion and sympathy to all without any prejudice”.

Dr Maulana Muhammad Ahmad said, “Ever since people followed the teachings of Sufi saints, the world witnessed an environment of love and peace. If we do the same today, we will live in harmonious world”.

Ashraf Hussain Qadri said, “Our board is devoted to the protection of the rights of Sunni Muslims. We request the state government to hand over the Sunni Wakf Board to Sunni people. People who are working against dargahs should be dispossessed from their rights on these religious places,” he added.

All-India Ulema and patron of the Mashaikh Board Manzoor Begh Sahab Qadri brought attention to the deplorable condition of 15 lakh Muslim population that live in Uttarakhand. “Similar is the state of the Rajput population. If both communities get together on the same platform, they can easily win the war for their rights,” he said.

A proposal to position chairperson of the Uttarakhand Bar Council Razia Begh as chairperson of the Sunni Wakf Board was passed unanimously. 

Dehradun, March 20
Mayor Vinod Chamoli gave orders to carry out all repair works at the Rudrapur Animal Shelter Home which have been pending for a long time. He also talked of roping in help of interested NGOs in taking care of stray animals.

Chamoli said, “The animal shelter home was shifted from the Sahastradhara road to Rudrapur. It was found that the wiring was broken and a storage tank for water needed repair. The wires have been set right, but work on storage tank is going on. Then, it was recently found that a gate was also broken. So, I have given orders to set everything right so that we can give impetus to catch stray animals from the road”.

He accepted that the problem of multiplication of stray animals on the road was becoming a constant headache for the DMC. He said, “Only one NGO, People for Animals (PFA), which is working to sterilise animals, is not enough for us. In the past too some NGOs had shown interest in taking care of stray animals. So, I am seriously planning to take their help to take charge of those that are old and sick. This move will be clubbed with punishing those who let their domestic animals on the road either by mistake or deliberately with fine. With these measures, we will get some relief from this problem.”

Talking about the action taken to tackle the dog menace which hogged the limelight in a working committee meeting on a revised budget, he said, “When I came only 35 dogs were registered. Today 28,600 dogs have been registered. Only dogs that have been given anti-rabies treatment are registered. With this move, even if a dog bites it will not spread rabies to the victim.”

To the problem of dog biting which has not been tackled despite the sterilisation drive, he said, “We can not help as our hands are tied with legal provisions such as an Act against animal cruelty. We have to be conscious while handling animals.”