Dehradun, December 13
With the year 2011 coming to an end, New Year revellers have started flocking wildlife-rich Uttarakhand. But forest authorities in the state are also taking all precautions to ensure that none of the tourists go for any misadventure in the forest territory.

There are over 200 Uttarakhand Forest Department's rest houses and dak bungalows in the state, and particularly those inside tiger famous Corbett and elephant famous Rajaji National Parks are in big demand.

The bookings for rest houses in Corbett and Rajaji National Parks are already full till the first week of January. While the Dikhala rest house in Corbett is reserved up to January 15 next year, all the rest houses of Rajaji Park at Ranipur and Chilla are also packed to capacity. There has been a big demand among tourists for forest rest houses and bungalows in Uttarakhand in the recent times as the most of those living in Delhi and other neighbouring metros prefer spending the year end with their families in the sylvan surroundings of nature and the protected areas of Uttarakhand.

The Uttarakhand forest authorities, too, have spruced up their rest houses in anticipation of the tourists. But the Forest Department also maintains a strict vigil during these days. The department, as a matter of policy, does not allow any mass activity in any of its rest houses and bungalows. The department ensures that there is no harm to forest biodiversity.

Rajaji Park Deputy Director Swaran Kumar said the tourist rush to Rajaji Park increases during the months of December and January, all due to vacations coupled with New Year celebrations at this time of the year. “But we maintain that the norms of stay inside protected areas are strictly observed,” Swaran Kumar pointed out. He said there was no question of any usage of loudspeakers or even a small informal public get-togethers inside a protected area as this may disturb the wildlife. “We are increasing our patrolling during these days,” he observed.

Dehradun, December 13
Chief Minister BC Khanduri inaugurated a commercial complex and a parking lot near the Clock Tower on Rajpur Road and also opened the first phase of residential buildings at the ISBT here yesterday.

These facilities, which form part of the Chakrata road widening project, were dedicated to the people at a function held on the occasion.

Addressing a gathering of the displaced traders and residents of the narrow part of the Chakrata road starting from the Clock Tower, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to them.

He said the development of the country and the state was possible with the assistance and cooperation of all sections of society.

He said the Chakrata road traders and businessmen had come forward to lend a helping hand and had paved the way for a new beginning in the shape of the ambitious project to widen the road, he added.

He further said the state government was committed to develop Dehradun as a city of international standards.

The Chief Minister said while it was quite natural for the inhabitants of this section of the Chakrata road to have developed emotional attachment to their respective places of living, the government on its part had taken note of the fact and had kept their interests in mind while doing the needful. On the occasion, he also expressed hope that the business ventures of the displaced traders would flourish and touch new heights in the new complex.

Among those who were present on the occasion were Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harbans Kapoor, Agriculture Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, Sports Minister Khajan Das, Mayor, Dehradun, Vinod Chamoli, Zilla Panchayat Chairperson Madhu Chauhan, Rajpur MLA Ganesh Joshi, Srinagar MLA Brij Mohan Kotwal and a large number of public representatives, officials and eminent persons.

According to information, the commercial complex and the parking lot have been constructed at a total cost of Rs 3,412.36 lakh and the cost of residential flats is Rs 519.33 lakh. There are a total of 226 shops besides a parking facility for 444 vehicles. Besides, there are 79 two-room flats for the displaced persons.

Dehradun, December 13
Hundreds of striking class IV employees of the state government, under the banner of the Uttarakhand Fourth Class State Employees Confederation, held a dharna in support of their demands at the Parade Ground here today.

These employees from 36 state government departments are on strike to press for their demands.

They are agitated over not getting their revised pay scales from January 1, 2006. They have been given the revised pay scales from March, 2011. The employees argued that since other employees and officials had been given new pay scales from January 1, 2006, then why class IV employees had been discriminated against.

Addressing the striking employees, working president of the confederation Govind Singh Negi alleged that the state government had shown no interest in listening to the genuine demands of the employees.

He said after the “maha rally” organised by the employees on December 8, they were given an assurance by the state government that their demands would be resolved. However, no one from the state administration had called them for further talks, he added.

He warned the state government that the agitation by 52,000 class IV employees should not be taken lightly as these employees would show their worth in the coming Assembly elections.

Negi further said if the state government was unable to pay them fresh grades from January 1, 2006, it should also withdraw the same from other employees and officials and deduct the amount already paid to them from their salaries.

“If the state government is willing to take such a step, we will discontinue our strike immediately,” he said.

Mussoorie, December 13
The state government under the guidance of Chief Minister BC Khanduri has woken up, although late in the day, at the fag-end of its tenure, towards streamlining and identifying the development works required to increase tourism in the tourist town of Mussoorie.

The Tourism Department headed by Additional Secretary Nitish Kumar Jha held a meeting at the Municipal Council premises today with a view to discussing several proposals for improving the dilapidated infrastructure that has hindered the growth in tourist inflow to the town.

The members of the Mussoorie Hotel Association presented a detailed proposal, demanding beautification of the hill side of the Mall Road by installing mural paintings and upgradation and maintenance of “Hawa ghars” (the vantage points from where the tourists watch the Doon valley).

They also laid stressed the need to relocate the temporary market near the ropeway point to Gun Hill to some other place. The members also proposed beautification of the shaheed sthal near Jhoola ghar to educate the tourists on the efforts of the people of the town in the struggle for a separate state movement. The Additional Secretary, responding to the proposals, informed that a Memorandum of Understanding from the Municipal Council was essential before carrying out such projects, and only after that they could go a step further in this direction.

The other important development proposal raised at the meeting was of improving the parking facilities in the town as it was proving a bane for the tourists and residents alike. The expansion of the parking project by increasing one more floor at Kingcraig was also discussed.

The issue of construction a parking at the five acres land owned by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam near Library Bazaar was also raised but many invited members from various associations raised their doubts as the land was found unfit for any construction by the soil testing committee, IIT, Roorkee. The land bought by GMVN was under controversy a few years back on the purchase deal and also figures in the 56 scams committed by the previous Congress-led regime.

The Hotels’ Association members raised the issue of upgrading the facilities at Bhatta Fall and widening the road leading to an important tourist destination of Mussoorie - Dehradun highway.

Former Rajya Andolankari Sammna Parishad vice-president Ravinder Jugran provided inputs in the proposals of developing Mussoorie as a unique tourist town where tourists could stay without any problem. He also laid stress on developing a tourism circuit considering the aspirations of the local population.

Nitish Kumar Jha, later speaking to the media, said that the department was focussing on developing Mussoorie as a hassle-free tourist town with many avenues for the tourists to enjoy their stay here.

Dehradun, December 13
A four-day United Nations convention on biological diversity (CBD) started at the Indian Council of Forest Research and Education here yesterday.

Chief guest, Uttarakhand Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, RBS Rawat, emphasised that biodiversity and poverty eradication were linked and sought integrated efforts in development processes. He said poverty-ridden society could do little towards the conservation of biodiversity.

Union Ministry of Environment and Forests Joint Secretary Hem Pande briefed media persons about the commitment of the Government of India to include biodiversity as an integral part of the growth process since, he said, this was the only path whereby “our country can sustain high economic growth.”

Ravi Sharma, representative of the CBD secretariat, stated that the CBD was committed to developing more active strategies for biodiversity conservation, integrating the aspects of poverty eradication and different developmental activities with emphasis on livelihood needs.

Earlier, while welcoming the participants, Director General, ICFRE, V.K. Bahuguna, stated that effective conservation of biodiversity was essential for human survival and the maintenance of ecosystem processes. He called upon the participants to encourage development outlooks.

The coordinator of the meeting, Dr Renu Singh, Head, Biodiversity and Climate Change Division, ICFRE, disclosed that the expert group had been mandated to undertake an analysis of the existing mechanisms, processes or initiatives for mainstreaming biodiversity and ecosystem services into poverty eradication and development. “The expert group is expected to explore biodiversity contribution to poverty alleviation and vice versa in the context of development processes,” she said.

The meeting is being attended by an expert group of 17 CBD countries, two representatives from United Nations, seven inter governmental organisations, nine NGOs and three representatives from indigenous and community organisations and universities and observers.

Dehradun, December 13
The Young Women Christian Association organised a Christmas programme for the elderly members of its day care centre here today.

Students of vocational training courses, Ferger School, friends and well-wishers of the association were present on the occasion. The programme began with a devotion led by Rev. S Massey, who shared the message of Christmas. In his message, he said the festival of Christmas was centred around the redemptive love of the God for the entire world.

Victoria Gyan, chairperson of the association, welcomed all guests. Susan Mann, Principal of Carman School, was the chief guest on the occasion.

A nativity pageant with carol songs and skit were presented by the students of Ferger Junior School and was appreciated by all. A Christmas song was also presented by computer course students.

The chief guest said for her hope in the midst of hopelessness was the central message of Christmas.

The programme ended with a word of prayer by Rev. Suresh B. Singh, Principal of Doon Bible College.

Monica D’souza, Ruth Isaic, Nalini Sarcar, N Ahluwalia, MM Kapoor, P Luther, Ramesh Bhardwaj, Dr Amar Deep, Dr S Gyan, and the staff members of the association were present on the occasion. Christmas cake and some gifts and snacks were also distributed to the elderly.

After the function, the guests and visitors were encouraged to buy edible items prepared by the elderly people of the centre so that the income generated could be used for the welfare of the elderly.

Dehradun, December 13
The 5th Central India Senior Women’s Boxing Championship concluded at the Parade Ground here today. Former Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand RS Toliya gave away the prizes to the winners.

The following are the results.

In the 48-kg category, Hemanti (Uttarakhand) was the winner while in the 64-kg category. Manjari Negi of Uttarakhand stood first by defeating Rukshar Bano of Uttar Pradesh. Nirmala of Madhya Pradesh was third and Neha of Chhattisgarh stood fourth.

In the 51-kg category, Shabana (Delhi) defeated Kavita Gaur (Uttar Pradesh) to lift the title. Rakhi of Chhattisgarh stood third while Vinita Mahar of Uttarakhand was fourth.

In the 69-kg category, Ankita Gayrta (MP) beat Namrata (Uttarakhand) to win the title. In the 54-kg category, Geeta Solanki of Delhi defeated Aalia Khan of Madhya Pradesh.

Sandhya Thapa (Chhattisgarh) was third and Arti Sharma (UP) was fourth.

In the 57-kg category, Sarika Kumari (MP) beat Savita Rawat (Delhi) to win the title.

Bhawna (UP) was third while Deepa Bisht (Chhattisgarh) stood fourth in the category.

In the 75-kg category, Megha (UP) beat Poonam Mahant (MP) to win the title while in the

81-kg category Maya Pundir (MP) beat Leela Thapa (Uttarakhand).

In the 60-kg category, Sangeeta Chand (Uttarakhand) beat Renu Kumari (Delhi) to win the title.

Hemanti Negi (Uttarakhand) was adjudged the best boxer of the tournament while Aalia Khan of Madhya Pradesh was adjudged the best loser. The award of best promising boxer went to Savita Rawat of Delhi.

Dehradun, December 13
Boxing their way to break the gender and community bar, three Muslim women boxers put up a power- packed performance at the Fifth Central Zone Senior Women’s Boxing Championship, giving enough indication that gold and glory would be theirs in the coming years, if they persisted with this kind of performance.

While Shabana from Delhi won the gold, Aaliya was declared the best boxer and Ruksar Bano went down fighting in the final of her 48 kg light fly event at the end of the championship.

A student of Maiteryi Devi College in New Delhi, Shabana’s role model is Mary Kom and she has set her sights on winning the Olympic Gold for India. Agile and quick footed, “I was inspired by Mary Kom to take up boxing, and after the Indian men boxers brought laurels to the country, the same is expected out of us. I hope to do that one day,” she said, while speaking with The Tribune today.

A national bronze medal winner, Shabana has been taking coaching at the Munirka Academy in New Delhi. “The coaching is extensive and one has to be regular and abide by the rules of the academy. In the long run the sport itself helps you become a more tolerant and energetic person,” she said.

A diminutive warrior, Ruksar took to boxing despite stiff opposition from her extended family. Though her father, a daily wage earner, has been firmly on her side, once he was convinced by her coach to allow his daughter to take up boxing. Despite her wins at the junior level, she continues to face ostracism from her relatives. “Since the last five years, I have not attended a single marriage in the family; my relatives are not happy with my profession. The support of my parents and the confidence of my coaches keeps me going,” she said.

A never-say-die attitude kept her going at the ring today, despite being overpowered by a superior player. “I will sit back and analyse my weaknesses. Success and failures are a part of life. Today was not my day,” said Ruksar, after tasting defeated at the hands of an Uttarakhand boxer.

Boxing aficionados were in for a surprise, when they saw a smiling Aaliya from Madhya Pradesh take to the boxing ring. In fact the smile did not desert her even when her opponent rained her with powerful punches in the 54 kg event. No wonder, she was named the best boxer of the tournament.

Surprisingly, she never faced any opposition from her family, which even agreed to her shift from her home state Haryana to Madhya Pradesh. “In terms of sports infrastructure, Madhya Pradesh state is better equipped; that is why I decided to shift to MP. My parents supported my decision and they like to keep themselves abreast with my exploits on the ring,” she said happily.

Dehradun, December 13
Doon Star and Wills Youth emerged victorious in today’s matches in the Abhishek Dabral Memorial Football Tournament being held on the Hathibarakala grounds here.

In the first match, Doon Star defeated Balaji 2-0. Varun scored the first goal for the winning team in the 55th minute followed by Rajesh in the 60th minute.

In the other match, Wills Youth beat Dehra XI 2-1. Robin scored the first goal in the 2nd minute and Mohit in the 41st minute. The Dehradun Municipal Corporation team will play against Vijay Cantt and Cantt Blues will clash with Sundarwala Boys tomorrow.

Dehradun, December 13
The Young Men’s Cricket Association (YMCA) beat the Mussoorie Cricket Club in a match in the Twenty20 Beehive Challengers Cricket Tournament being played on the Matawala Bagh Grounds here today.

After winning the toss, the Mussoorie Cricket Club chose to bat first and scored 117 runs at a loss of 6 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Pratap scored 40 runs for the team. Vijay contributed 17 runs whereas Narendra contributed 13 runs.

Gurpreet of the YMCA scored the highest 30 runs. Anshul scored 20 runs whereas Ravinder contributed 19 runs to the team’s score.