CM hints at contesting poll from Sitarganj
Announces several projects for area's development
Tribune News Service

Vijay Bahuguna lays the foundation stone of a development project at Sitarganj on Sunday. A Tribune photograph

Dehradun , June 3
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, who probably went to Sitarganj, where the sitting BJP legislator resigned his seat, to test the waters to fight Assembly elections, gave broad hints that he could fight the poll from Sitarganj to enter the Assembly. He opened the coffers to launch a number of developmental works in Sitarganj but added that a final decision would be taken by the party high command.

But it was a heartening sight for him as Kiran Mandal, the local legislator who resigned his seat to get one of the major demands of the constituents met of getting ownership rights for Bengali immigrants from East Bengal of their leased land holdings, had organised a massive public reception for the Chief Minister on his first visit to Sitarganj.

Addressing the public rally, Vijay Bahuguna praised Kiran Mandal and said that he had set an example of sacrifice by resigning from his seat. Describing it as one of its kind in Indian history, he said that it was perhaps the first time that any MLA had sacrificed his Assembly seat for the sake of the development of his constituency and it's people.

Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna recalled that Bengalis had made great sacrifices during freedom struggle and were committed towards the development of Uttarakhand also. Stating that the state government was fully committed towards the development of Sitarganj as per the sentiments and vision of Kiran Mandal, he said that Sitarganj could be described as a “Mini India” where Bengali community resided along with other communities.

He also laid foundation stones and inaugurated development projects worth Rs 4 crore, Rs 12 lakh Rs 36 crore for Sitarganj constituency that included construction of classrooms, art and craft room and toilet of Government Higher Secondary School, Ramnagat, Jaspur, strengthening of poultry farm in Rudrapur and construction of two godowns at Sitarganj with the capacity of 2000 MT. He inaugurated the building of the new excise office building at the collectorate premises. He announced Rs 2 crore for the development works in Sitarganj, Shaktifarm and other projects.

Chief Minister Bahuguna announced Rs 10 crore for flood-prevention projects in the area. Observing that Sitarganj was an industrial area and flood prone, he said that all possible preventive measures would be taken to save the area from floods. He announced Rs 58 crore for construction of 23-km-long road under Asian Development Bank (ADB) scheme. He also indicated establishing a polytechnic on the demand of minorities of the area and a degree college at Sitarganj. The other sops announced by the Chief Minister included upgradation of 30-bed hospital, modernisation of Primary Health Centre, filling up of vacant posts of doctor, extension of medical facilities, bus terminus at Sitargunj, establishment of high-tech and modern library.

On the demand made by Nainital Lok Sabha MP KC Singh Baba, he also announced construction of two bridges over a dry river and sports stadium at Sitarganj. Responding to the demand of Revenue Minister Yashpal Arya, he announced Rs 10 lakh for the beautification of Durga Mandir premises at Ravindranagar, Shaktifarm.

To please the farming community, he announced due payment of Rs 40 crore for sugarcane farmers. He said that even if the government had to amend the rules for the development works, it would do so as they were not above the public interest.

Chief Minister Bahuguna announced Rs 1 lakh each for the persons who died in Pantnagar gas incident and Rs 25, 000 each for injured. He said that a magisterial probe had been ordered into the incident. Stating that the state was reeling under the shortage of power supply, he assured the people to purchase power from Himachal Pradesh and give them relief from power cuts in the coming 15 days.

Chief Minister also made an appeal to the saint community not to oppose hydropower projects and contribute towards the development of the state.

Earlier, Bahuguna was accorded a warm welcome by the people of Sitarganj and presented silver statues of goddess Durga and Subhas Chandra Bose by members of the Bengali community, while the Muslim community presented him a cap and chaddar. Kiran Mandal presented a charter of demands relating to the development of the area, which he immediately accepted.

Also present on the occasion were Cabinet Ministers Yashpal Arya, Indira Hridayesh, Harsih Chandra Durgapal, Mantri Prasad Naithani, Chairman, Mandi Parishad, Shailendra Mohan Singhal, former Minister Tilak Raj Behad and CM’s wife Sudha Bahuguna.

Women's role in statehood agitation recalled
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, June 3
Recalling the days of the statehood agitation in 90’s, Congress women state chief Sarojini Kaintura termed the role played by women during separate Uttarakhand movement as ‘decisive’ that compelled respective Union government and Uttar Pradesh government to set up the separate hilly state.

Sarojni was speaking at a function organised by the City Women Congress wing, Haridwar, today.

The former Zila Panchayat chairperson from Pauri Garhwal said when suppressive tactics adopted by then Mulayam Singh Yadav led Samajwadi Party were having impact on the statehood movement, it was women from hilly and rural districts that took the movement in their hands, eventually leading it to success in 2000.

“It were women who managed their home task as well as took to streets protesting for separate Uttarakhand. It were they only who were targeted on the fateful night of October 2, 1994, at Rampur Tiraha, Muzaffarnagar, when we were going to New Delhi for a major rally."

"I saw women being targeted, molested and later killed. So it’s up to us to make sure the state goes in the right direction, path of development and employment as we realize the dreams of those who gave up their lives for creation of this state” said an emotional Kaintura.

Terming it a blessing that now state had an able Chief Minister in Vijay Bahuguan, Madhu Semwal, Congress chief of Dehradun district, said due to the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s vision of providing 50 pc reservation to women, fairer side had shown their prowess in politics and social field.

Semwal added that women panchayat representatives in Uttarakhand have a good track record that was corruption-free which in today’s time is lacking among the male representatives.

Urging women activists to get ready for the upcoming 2013 panchayat elections in the state first and then 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Pradesh Congress Committee treasurer Braham Swaroop Brahamchari said women activists performed their duties as party activists resulting in the victory of all five parliamentary seats in 2009.

“Due to women activists, the Congress again rose to power in this Assembly elections. Now we have to work for these two major elections again by forming women committees for every booth, village and block to better convey and manage the electoral campaign,” said Brahamchari.

Initially veteran Cabinet Minister Indira Hriyadesh was to preside as chief guest in this function but cancelled her programme in last minute as she headed for Sitarganj where Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna was to hold a public rally.

Party activists were quite disappointed at Hriyadsh absence but Sarojini Kaintura and other women leaders made up with their fiery speeches.

Guv's Golf Cup Tournament concludes
Advait declared champion, Tripathi runner-up
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 3
The three-day Governor’s Golf Cup tournament-2012 organised at Raj Bhavan, Nainital, concluded today with Governor Aziz Qureshi and president of the Raj Bhavan Golf Club giving away the prizes to the winners in various categories.

Advait Luthra was declared the champion of the tournament and bagged the trophy, whereas SC Tripathi was the runner-up.

The Governor congratulated the participants and said all of them were brand ambassadors of Raj Bhavan Golf Club and would promote it as an ideal destination for the sport.

He said Uttarakhand tourism would receive a boost due to this event. “Adventure tourism, winter games, water sports, pilgrim tourism and health tourism have great potential in the state. However, there was need to improve basic amenities," he said.

The Governor said talented sportspersons must be given due opportunities in the state. He said it was a matter of pride that 120 participants registered for the tournament. State Sports Minister Dinesh Aggarwal, who was a special guest on the occasion, congratulated the winners and said the event was of great significance for boosting tourism in the state.

He said world-class stadiums were being built in Dehradun and Haldwani.

Diya Chaudhary won the putting competition in the women’s category, Rohan Rajwade was the best gross, Dhruv Bhalla the best net, Neetu Bansal the best gross in the women’s category and Simran Bajaj was the best net.

In the veteran category, Lt-Col HK Jagota got the best gross award and Col HC Shah the best net.

Amit Luthra was awarded for the maximum bundies, Ashish Jain for the “nearest to pin”, Ashok Shah for “long straight drive” and GS Gambhir for “hole in one”.

Sanjay Madan was the best net in the men’s category while GS Gambhir was the runner-up. Best gross was Advait Luthra and SC Tripathi was the runner-up.

The Governor thanked all organisers and officials and staff of Raj Bhavan. Col SC Gupta, captain of the club, presented a detailed report of the event.

5 died, property worth Rs 20 lakh hit by June 1 storm: Survey
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, June 3
Five persons, including a woman, have been reported dead and losses worth more than Rs 20 lakh to property have been assessed by the Disaster Management Department in the district, by a storm that lasted for just the 10 minute in the district on June 1.

“Two deaths occurred at Pithoragarh while one youth seeking shelter to escape the storm in Kanari village died of suffocation and in Satgarh village where a woman, who had gone to collect fodder for her cattle, died after she fell into deep gorge due to unclear vision caused by the sudden storm,” said a district administration source.

“A total of 17 houses and four government buildings came into the grip of the storm and witnessed losses, according to the assessment we have made so far, but the process of assessment is on and reports of some more losses are expected,” said the district disaster management officer RS Rana.

According to the information, more than 24 trees have been uprooted by the storm that fell on electric lines causing disruption in electricity supply to several parts of the district headquarters and nearby villages. “The Chief Minister, during his visit to Munsiyari, has announced ex gratia for only two youths who died at Gandhi Chowk on the day but other three persons, who have died of the storm, have not been covered by the CM’s announcement,” said Ganesh Singh Bhandari, district general secretary of the BJP.

PFA expresses concern over shortage of forest guards
67 posts in Corbett are vacant
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 3
In the aftermath of recent tiger deaths in Corbett, the Uttarakhand Chapter of the People For Animals has expressed concern over the shortage of forest guards in the park.

In a letter written to National Tiger Conservation Authority member-secretary Rajesh Gopal, the PFA asserted that out of 139 sanctioned posts of forest guards in Corbett, 67 posts are lying vacant.

Even out of occupied 72 posts, 32 of these forest guards are deployed in the field staff. "It is not easy to man 520 square kilometre area of Corbett with just 32 forest guards", Gauri Maulekhi Member Secretary, PFA Uttarakhand, said in the letter.

Further, the forest guards are not well-equipped with arms and even basic essential items like shoes and uniform. He said a forest guard Anand Pant who was deployed with the Tiger Protection Force was found dead in the Bijrani zone.

She said many forest guards are working at the official residences of senior officers of Corbett rather than serving in the field. She said the high alert was only sounded on officials papers and there was a complete complacency on ground as far as tiger protection was concerned in Corbett.

Lead poisoning behind low IQ among kids: Doc
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 3
Lead poisoning is the major reason behind reduction of intelligent quotient in children as its toxicity causes neurotoxic effects impairing their social behaviour, visual and reasoning skills.

Addressing a press conference on Uttarakhand State Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning at Dr Ahujas Pathology Centre in Dehradun, Dr Thuppil Venkatash, Director, National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning India, said lead toxicity had a long-term impact on health on all age group, especially on young children, whose IQ get reduced due to the presence of lead in their blood.

He said lead toxicity was also common among workers in the factories where lead was being used during production process. “Even consumers are vulnerable for cumulative lead toxicity as they use the products where lead is being used as one of the ingredient”, he said.

Venkatash said by making Dr Ahuja pathology centre as State Referral Centre for Leading Poisoning, people of Uttarakhand would no more have to go to Bangalore to get tests done for lead toxicity.

Dr Alok Ahuja, who has been made the Director for the centre, said his pathology centre which was certified by the National Accreditation Board for Testing Calibration Laboratories, was using latest equipment for blood testing.

UPCA win gold cup cricket tourney
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 3
The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Kanpur, today won the 30th All-India Uttarakhand Gold Cup Cricket Tournament. In the final match played at the Rangers’ College ground, the UPCA won by 40 runs against the Services team. Electing to bat after winning the toss, the UPCA scored a total of 279 runs losing 9 wickets in the process. Chetan Singh scored the highest runs (71) followed by Rizwan Ahmed, who contributed valuable 39 runs to the team’s score.

Mohammed Khalid took 4 wickets whereas Shadab Nazar took 2 wickets for the Services team.

Chasing the target, the Services team was all out at 239 runs. Yashpal Singh scored 57 runs, which was the highest individual score for the Services team. As of the UPCA bowlers, Gaurav Talwar took 4 wickets.

State Assembly speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal gave the cup to the winning team.

He also gave away the prizes to the individual team players. Amit Mishra was awarded the man of the tournament. Mohd Khalid was given the award for the best bowler while Gaurav Tomar won the award for the best batsman.

Chetan Singh was given the man of the match for today’s final match.

Efforts will be made to promote sports: CM
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 3
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said today that serious efforts would be made for the promotion of sports in the state and all possible facilities would be made available for sportspersons.

He was speaking during the inauguration of the final match of the 30th All-India Uttarakhand Gold Cup Cricket Tournament at Rangers' Ground here today.

Bahuguna said there was no shortage of talented sportspersons in the state and given proper guidance and training, they could bring laurels to the state at the national and international levels.

He called on the youth to take up sports, as only a healthy mind reside in a healthy body and sports play an important role in one's life.

Bahuguna also announced Rs 5 lakh for the Uttarakhand Gold Cup and said the government would consider bearing all expenses of the gold cup tournament from the next year.

He said a sports stadium of international standard would be constructed at Suddhowala which would help the Uttarakhand Cricket Association to get affiliation from the BCCI.

Bahuguna was also introduced to the players of the final match. Also present on the occasion were president, Cricket Association of Uttarakhand, Hira Singh Bisht, MLA Vijaypal Singh Sajwan, former MLA Jot Singh Gunsola and Secretary, Cricket Association of Uttarakhand, PC Verma.

Mussoorie, Nainital to have CCTV cameras
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, June 3
State Director-General of Police Vijay Raghav Pant said today that CCTV cameras would soon be installed in the tourist towns of Mussoorie and Nainital to check crime and make tourists feel safe.

The DGP, who today visited the district headquarters for the first time after taking charge, said to make the state police high-tech, the government had sent a proposal of Rs 21 crore to the Central Government. “As soon as the government receives the money, the installation of CCTV cameras in these towns will be their top priority,” said the DGP.

He also emphasised the need for community policing in the hilly areas of the state. “We also need cooperation of the Forest and Revenue Departments and the SSB to check cross-border smuggling,” he said.

Withdraw cases against CPM workers, CM asked
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 3
A delegation of the Uttarakhand unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) yesterday met Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna and submitted a seven-point memorandum.

The memorandum sought immediate restoration of land to allottees, who came to the Terai region of Uttarakhand as refugees from east Bengal during the partition. It also sought withdrawal of all cases registered against CPM workers while agitating against black marketing of sugar and kerosene in 2005.

The delegation demanded a system for giving minimum support price for the hill produce. They favoured implementation of universal Public Distribution System that would benefit both Above Poverty Line and Below Poverty Line families. Bachi Singh Konswal, Surendra Sajwan, Amit Joshi and Anant Akash were part of the CPM delegation.

CITU dharna today

Dehradun, June 3
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) will hold a dharna in front of the state Assembly on June 4 to highlight various issues concerned with workers. Lekhraj, district working president of the CITU, said they would start their march towards the Assembly from the LIC building near Dharmapur.

He said the successive state government had ignored various issues concerning workers. “We will highlight the plight of ASHA workers and bhojan matas, the exploitation of workers of Honeywell factory, the implementation of the recommendations of the Wages Advisory Committee, similar facilities and pay to those employed by the state government on a contract basis and the abolition of the contractual system,” said Lekhraj. — TNS