Dehradun, February 17
Contrary to the advice by the Congress high command to senior party leaders of Uttarakhand to sink their differences with an aim to prepare for the forthcoming Assembly polls, the differences among senior party leaders have become more pronounced, with rivals leaders not leaving any opportunity to embarrass one another in public. On the other hand, with exactly a year left for the next Assembly elections in Uttarakhand, leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have started putting their act together for the crucial elections.

The differences between various factions and their leaders were a reality in the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), and party general secretary and Uttarakhand in charge RK Dhawan had called a meeting of all the senior leaders in New Delhi on February 11 to direct them to put up a united face to fight the ruling BJP. The leaders agreed to do so, but interestingly at the ground level the infighting has only increased.

The spark was ignited by veteran leader and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister ND Tiwari who participated in the launch of the Atal Khadyann Yojana in the presence of BJP national President Nitin Gadkari. Tiwari, although sidelined by the Congress, still wields influence in the state unit. Yashpal Arya, state Congress chief, is his protégé.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Harish Rawat, who has been a bitter political foe of Tiwari for the past three decades, hit back at him for attending a BJP function. Having a dig at Arya, he even asked the PCC to take action against Tiwari. A defensive Arya retorted that Tiwari had no longer been a member of the party since he was elevated as Governor of Andhra Pradesh and that he had left active politics. The matter has been brought to the notice of the party high command by the Rawat as well as Arya factions.

In Tehri, Congress MP Vijay Bahuguna and party legislator Kishore Upadhaya are also involved in a bitter fight. Upadhaya opposed the Tehri Mahotsav organised by the state where Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank announced many welfare schemes for the district. On the contrary, Bahuguna said there should not be any politics on the question of developmental programmes.

The party’s Central leadership had directed the state party leaders not to organise their own party functions and that these had to be held under the banner of the PCC. But none of the senior leaders seems to be bothered about the directive.

Interestingly, today senior party leaders had three different programmes in Dehradun district putting the party workers in quandary. Bahuguna attended a party convention of the Rajpur Assembly segment which was a show of strength by various party claimants for the seat. It was Arun Balmiki, a local councillor, who stole the limelight by turning up with a large number of his supporters. Arya attended another party convention organised by former minister Hira Singh to stake his claim on the newly created Raipur Assembly segment in Dehradun. To top it all, Leader of Opposition Harak Singh Rawat also held a Jan Akrosh rally at Sahaspur town near here today. Meanwhile, the ruling BJP, under the leadership of the RSS, is way ahead in preparing for the forthcoming polls. After a three-day training camp of senior party leaders at Rishikesh, another camp for women leaders will be held at Rishikesh in the last week of February to prepare them for the elections.

Dehradun, February 17
Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh has sought Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank’s company for a visit to the Jim Corbett National Park soon to discuss challenges before this key protected area, particularly in view of the rising cases of man-tiger conflict in the region.

In a letter written to the Chief Minister, the Union Minister has suggested 10 points for minimising the cases of man-tiger conflict in the Corbett.

“The situation in the Corbett is serious for a variety of reasons and we shall pay a visit to the area together soon,” Jairam Ramesh said in the letter.

The minister said though the tiger had been killed recently, the problem might recur owing to the biotic disturbances in the Corbett area.

While assuring the Chief Minister of 100 per cent Central assistance for relocating and rehabilitating the Sundarkhal and Devichaur human settlements in the Corbett, Jairam asked the state government to submit an urgent proposal to his ministry in this regard.

He has called for providing firearm having a calibre of not less than .375 magnum to the field staff for killing tigers and leopards and a calibre of .450 and above for killing elephants.

The minister’s suggestions come in the wake of doubts raised by people over the reliability of the type of firearms used by the Uttarakhand wildlife authorities to eliminatethe recent Sundarkhal man-eater. He also stressed training a special core group of staff for sing and maintaining of the firearms.

Monitoring the movement of wild carnivores using camera traps, carrying out eco development in the buffer area for the benefit of the local people with Central support, placing two rapid-response units in sensitive spots and declaring part of the area of Lansdowne, West Terai and Ramnagar divisions adjoining the core of the Corbett as a buffer zone are some of the key suggestions made by the Union Minister.

He also categorically favoured the promulgation of Section 144, CrPC, on part of the district authorities so as to avoid agitated local people surrounding the spots frequented by wild animals, which hampered the operation to locate a man-eater and led to serious injuries on people and staff.

The minister yet again espoused the cause of conservationist Bijendra Singh urging the Chief Minister for his appointment as Honorary Wildlife Warden for the Corbett for utilising his valuable guidance.

“The state government has already been requested in this regard earlier and I have spoken to you twice on this,” observed Jairam

Dehradun, February 17
Though the High Court has prohibited illegal mining in the state, mining mafias are still minting money by promoting it. The mining mafias recently attacked a government official, who was trying to enforce a court order in Vikasnagar. This episode reminds one about the Maharashtra ADM, who was doused in fire as he dared to challenge the oil mafia.

Talking to The Tribune, Vikasnagar SDM Jharna Kamthan said the illegal mining had increased in the district in the past many months. “We carry out instant raids on receiving reports of illegal mining in the riverbed areas of Vikasnagar. But their informers are so strong that they flee once our vehicle leaves the office,” she said. “If anyone of them is caught, they do not hesitate to attack,” she added.

On being asked how such incidents can be avoided, Kamthan said, “Such incidents can be prevented only if officials, along with the heavy police force, are deployed at the check posts located in the area”.

“We recently submitted a proposal to the district administration to set up a police check post in the locality, but are yet to receive any communiqué from them,” she said.

Dehradun District Magistrate Sachin Kurve stated that he had directed the officials to carry out instant raids on receiving reports of illegal mining in the riverbed area of the district and catch hold of those involved in the crime.

“Two persons, who were responsible for attacking department officials, were punished recently. An appropriate action in this regard is being taken in consultation with the SSP,” he said.

Informing about the cases of illegal mining in the district, Dehradun Nayab Tehsildar TR Bhatt said, “We have registered 383 cases of illegal mining. Fortysix cases in April, 26 in May, 39 in June and July and September, respectively, 37 in August, 45 in October, 67 in November, 31 in December and 34 in January since April last year,” and added, “Around Rs 1.46 crore has been collected as penalty from these operators, who were caught while lifting minerals, sand and grit within the district limits”. 

Dehradun, February 17
Already perturbed over forest conservation being a major stumbling block in its development, Uttarakhand could have more troubled tough times ahead as the Central government contemplates eco-zones around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

This could act as a deterrent in the conduct of any commercial activity even in areas that are outside protected zones, but lie in their vicinity.

The forest predominant state of Uttarakhand has over 35,000 sq km of its area under forests that includes a number of wildlife sanctuaries and parks. The Himalayan state is always under immense pressure to save its forests due to its importance from the environment point of view.

After conserving its forests for years, Uttarakhand, off late, has started demanding compensation from the Centre as it considers forest conservation as one of the biggest hassles in its development.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister had recently even sought a Green Bonus from the Centre to compensate for its forests, which, he says, benefits the entire northern part of the country.

Interestingly, the Centre a day earlier issued guidelines for the creation of eco-zones that entails putting a check on human activity like mining, setting up of saw mills, hydro projects and other commercial activity.

Moving a step ahead, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has even asked the states to constitute a committee comprising the Chief Wildlife Warden, an ecologist and a revenue department official to suggest the requirements of an eco-sensitive zone.

The committee will suggest eco-sensitive zones for the protected area under consideration.

The motive behind the creation of eco-zones will finally be to make these zones act as a buffer between protected areas and villages.

Humans stand in direct conflict with forests in almost all protected areas across Uttarakhand. While man-forest conflict is well known in the tiger-famous Corbett, other parks and sanctuaries like the Rajaji National Park, Askot Sanctuary and Govind Pashu Vihar are also experiencing a conflict situation with villages in their vicinity.

Uttarakhand Forest and Environment Advisory Committee Vice-Chairman Anil Balooni opined that Uttarakhand needs to be adequately compensated for all it was doing to conserve the environment of the country.

He said that stringent conservation rules were only making locals distance themselves from forests. Balooni reiterated the state’s demand for a Green Bonus from the Centre as compensation for its forest cover. 

Haridwar, February 17
Despite being the largest suburban town of Haridwar, residents of Jwalapur are facing basic civic problems daily. This despite the fact that the Jwalapur market is one of the biggest bazars in the state where people of different religions live in large numbers.

Poor amenities and a lackadaisical attitude of the civic body have forced the residents of this area to take to the streets to press their demands. In one such protest yesterday, schoolchildren, youngsters and senior citizens raised slogans against the municipality for doing little to rid them of the problem of water stagnation in various parts of the town.

The area witnessed a flood-like situation last monsoon and the administration had made tall claims of undertaking anti-flood measures. However, just two days of intermittent rainfall has exposed its hollow claims.

At several points on the roads near markets and residential colonies, choked drains and overflowing sewage have hit daily life. Such is the situation at these points that it’s almost impossible to cross the roads. The flooded roads lead to traffic snarls and are affecting the business of nearby shopkeepers. In the Paodhoi area, auto-rickshaws that ferry schoolchildren got stuck midway in the stagnant water.

Meanwhile, the protesters raised slogans against local legislator Madan Kaushik and Municipal Chairman Kamal Johra for not paying attention to the woes of the citizens.

Vijay Kumar, a shopkeeper, pointed out this was the norm in the area whenever there is a rainfall. “Just a year has passed since the Maha Kumbh was held in Haridwar when a budget was allocated to improve the infrastructure in the Jwalapur area. However, half the work was done only on paper and the rest was quite low on quality,” he said.

City Youth Congress chief Ravish Bhatija has demanded an explanation from the BJP-led municipality for allegedly neglecting Jwalapur, which has a sizable minority population.

Johra said he was getting into the details and would take up the issue on a priority basis. Notably, MC Chairman Johra’s residence also falls in the Jwalapur area. Many protests against the poor amenities in the town have been held in front of his residence, but to no avail.

Dehradun, February 17
A film on tiger conservation, “Mission Tiger”, had its premiere show here today. The People For Animals (PFA), Uttarakhand, Divisional Forest Officer, Nainital, Biju Lal and Omkar Naina Productions jointly showcased the film at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy’s auditorium.

Member Secretary, PFA, Uttarakhand, Gauri Maulekhi said the PFA was actively participating in the tiger conservation in the state by trying to find effective solutions for the man-animal conflict. “We are also working in tandem with the Uttarakhand Forest Department to spread awareness about the issues that may help preserve this magnificent animal,” she said.

“Mission Tiger” is made by Omkar Naina Productions after thorough research and study. The film is based on insights from renowned tiger biologists and conservationists and assistance from the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

The film focuses on the various reasons that have been responsible for the decline in the tiger population, especially in India. More importantly, it provides suggestions for the administration to reverse the decline and how ordinary citizens can contribute in preserving the big cat.

Mussoorie, February 17
A three-day workshop, “Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders”, commenced here on Monday. It was jointly organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-APCICT), Government of India’s Department of Information Technology (DIT) and the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA).

The workshop launched the academy programme of APCICT to equip government officials with the necessary skills to fully leverage ICT for socio-economic development.

The launch was presided over by joint director of LBSNAA PK Gera, additional secretary, Department of Information Technology Shankar Agrawal and director of APCICT Hyeun-Suk Rhee.

LBSNAA, Mussoorie, is India’s apex training institution for providing foundational and mid-career training to members of higher civil services. The SVP National Police Academy, the National Academy of Customs Excise and Narcotics, the National Academy of Direct Taxes, the National Academy of Audit and Accounts, the Indian Railway Institute of Transport Management, the Railway Staff College, the Postal Staff College, India, participated in the workshop.

Over 30 Indian government officials and senior training instructors from these institutions had joined the workshop. India’s cutting-edge and growing IT industry ranks amongst the top outsourcing destinations for global multinationals.

However, India ranks 117 out of 159 countries in terms of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development, according to the latest report by the International Telecommunication Union. To bridge this gap, the government is committed to increasing ICT connectivity throughout India and strengthening ICT human resource and institutional capacity to facilitate overall development of the country. 

Dehradun, February 17
Nagar Vikas Karamchari Mahasangh members, who were protesting for the past three days, ended their protest after a meeting with Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) Executive Engineer (EE) today.

All the members of the Mahasangh had gathered on the premises of the corporation as they had boycotted the work for today because their demands had not been taken up by officials. Within an hour of the opening of the office, EE Sushil Kumar invited them to discuss their problems. The members then called off the strike after he assured them that their demands would be looked into.

The members had asked the DMC to provide jobs to family members of the employees who had expired, promotion on the basis of seniority and cleaners on the vacant posts of driver. The Mahasangh also wanted a green signal for their elections.

Their other demand included masks, gumboots and gloves to all the drivers, cleaners and other employees who work on the vehicles that carry filth from all over the city.

Pithoragarh, February 17
Fed up of government apathy towards building a motor road to link their village, villagers of Berinag have now resorted to self help and started work on the road through ‘shramdan’.

The 5-km-long motor road from the Jawahar Chowk in Berinag town to nearby Tripura Devi village was proposed 10 years back, but due to hurdles posed by forest laws and government apathy, the work could not start.

“In 2007-08, when the road was put in the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sarak Yojna, oak trees on the way were a hurdle. Today, the youth from nearby villages gathered early in the morning with digging equiments and started work on this road,” said Kamelesh Pant, village pradhan of Tripura Devi.

He said the oak trees which were cited as a reason for not constructing the motor road have since disappeared.

“The village youth who volunteered to work on this road have set an example for nearby villages, and villagers from other places were taking inspiration to construct the long-awaited roads near their villages,” said Deepak Pant, president of the Youth Club.

Dehradun, February 17
Head of Irrigation Department BK Tamta has directed Superintendent Engineers of all the district units of the department to meet their targets and utilise their funds by March.

Out of proposed irrigation on 15,654 hectare, the department has to irrigate 9,810 hectare by March through tube-wells, lift schemes and canals in the state. He also asked them to complete all district-level plans and works under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme within one and a half month left of the current financial year.

To get the maximum benefit under the MANREGA scheme, he put forth the point to include more and more development plans under this scheme. Be it the detailed project reports of various projects, approved plans, plans to be started and the progress reports of the plans all these are to be timely sent to all the District Magistrates, he told them.

He also directed the officials to speed up irrigation projects, which came under the SC/ST sub-plans. “We need to irrigate land in villages, wherever it is required, by creating more water bodies, be it small or big ponds, to provide maximum benefits to farmers,” he said. He also added that the department should revise the overall assessment of the damage to the structures of the departments in the rain-related disaster last year.

Tamta pulled up Chief Engineers for their failure to prepare the financial and physical progress reports of the department to be submitted to Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank this month. The officials concerned should prepare these monthly reports by the 2nd of every month.

Mussoorie, February 17
Possession holders of the historic Hakmans Hotel for the past four decades were in for a shock when the administration, at the direction of the District Court, ousted them and gave possession to the legal owner yesterday.

The property was under dispute for the past 40 years and had turned into a shambles. Owner of the property Mohd Yusuf finally heaved a sigh of relief when the possession holders left the building.

The police force accompanied the hotel owner, which instilled fear among 250 so-called tenants in the compound. The tenants had been given a month’s notice to move elsewhere or the administration would take punitive action on the directions of the judiciary.

Owner of the property Mohd Yusuf, who received the possession of his property after several decades, provided reprieve of a month to the tenants on humanitarian grounds. He told The Tribune that considering the plea of the tenants, he provided relief of a month and asked them to evict it till March 15 this year. Mohd Yusuf also said he was planning to restore the old glory of the hotel.

Hakmans Hotel used to have its own Hakman’s queen in the summer and autumn festivals in the late ’70s. Vinay Chaturvedi, who worked as a receptionist at Hakmans, said, “In 1977-78, we used to go hunt for cabaret artistes in Delhi and book them for the season. The cabaret artistes were paid Rs 5,000 per month, with lodging and boarding”.

Deepa, Liza, Sonia, Tina and Breta from Bangalore were in demand during those days. The entry was Rs 10 each night and on special occasions, it used to go up to Rs 50-100. Vinay said the cabaret at Hakman’s ended due to the high rate of entertainment tax that broke the backbone of the hotel.