BJP, Cong activists meet SSP over land encroachment 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 2
Members and supporters of the BJP and the Congress thronged the office of the SSP today over land encroachment at Nai Basti in Lahorwala in the city today.

Santram, a gardener, has accused BJP activists Nandini and her associate Sanjay Mehta for throwing his luggage out of his hut and beating him and his wife on June 27. He has filed an FIR against them with the police and the State Minority Commission.

Earlier too, he said his hut was burnt down by the same people and a case was lodged against him on their behest on November 3. He said they demanded money from him in lieu of occupying land and building hut in the colony. When he could not do so, his hut was burnt down.

City vice-president of City Congress Committee Deep Vohra said Santram, who had been a gardener at state Minister Harak Singh Rawat's residence, complained about the matter to the councillor of the area, Mohan Joshi, and him. He said they helped him lodge an FIR against the accused. He said the BJP activists who were involved in this case were fully backed by BJP when it was in power to encroach upon land and make money by charging poor people to build their huts here.

City president, BJP, Punit Mittal, blamed Congress for playing dirty politics. He said the Congress was involving BJP activists in false cases 'out of revenge.' He also claimed that the land belonged to BJP MLA Ganesh Joshi, who wanted to build a community centre but Congress was now encroaching upon the land.

SSP Neeru Garg said the police would not interfere in the civil matter pertaining to encroachment of land as it came under the domain of the district administration. 

SITARGANJ BYELECTION
BJP’s drive under way to ‘expose’ Cong on land rights
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 2
With a few days to go for the Sitarganj Assembly byelection, the Uttarakhand BJP is hoping on the last minute canvassing undertaken by its star campaigners to turn the tide in favour of it's candidate Prakash Pant, who is pitted against Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna of the Congress Party.

The party has undertaken an aggressive campaign exposing the loopholes in the government orders issued by the Bahuguna government, paving the way for the land ownership rights to the Bengali community, which belonged to the erstwhile East Bengal.

"There are several loopholes in the orders and it would be difficult to pass on the land to the East Bengal settlers as the land has already been sold to the various parties. Then most of the land was under the Forest Department for which the state government woud have had to take permission from the Ministry of Forest and Environment,' said Ajay Bhatt, leader of the Opposition.

Tomorrow, former Chief Minister B C Khanduri would hit the campaign trail and is expected the to expose the Congress on the issue of 'sale/purchase' of former BJP MLA Kiran Mandal, who has now joined the Congress. Besides, the BJP is expected to rope in more leaders to up the ante against the Congress as the campaigning draws to a close.

The aggressive campaigning undertaken BJP senior leader BS Koshiyari, Leader of the Opposition Ajay Bhatt and Rajya Sabha member Chandan Mitra in the last two three days was primarily aimed at exposing the Congress Party's alleged corrupt practices.

"Our campaign struck a chord with the 28,000 settlers who continue to be our vote bank and there is no denying the fact that the successive government orders issued by the Bahuguna government have confused the Bengali settlers, who may not be positively disposed towards the Congress," said Mukesh Mahindra, BJP state spokesperson.

The BJP has also carried a pamphlet and CD war against the Congress to expose the 'sale/purchase' deal allegedly conducted by the Congress when it went out to woo the then BJP legislator Kiran Mandal. 

Security beefed up in town
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, July 2
Elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure incident-free polls for Sitarganj byelection on July 8. The security arrangements include intense checking of vehicles coming from the UP border with an aim to checking communal elements, which could sneak in from there to disturb the election, said Udham Singh Nagar district SSP NA Bharane.

According to the SSP, the Assembly area has been divided into 11 zones. A total of 22 barriers have been put up, out of which 11 barriers are on the UP border adjoining Sitarganj area. " We are checking every vehicle coming from UP side and taking their video recordings. We have also installed close circuit cameras on the UP border of the Sitarganj area. We are ensuring that Rudrapur type of communal incidents do not take place in this election, in which state the chief minister is seeking election," said the SSP.

The SSP, who is camping on the Sitarganj-UP border, said that 6 police inspectors, 2 circle officers and one additional SP have been deputed to keep vigil on every movement in all the villages and towns. "We are also ensuring that no anti-social and communal elements and vested interests could spread baseless rumours to disturb the on-going peaceful electioneering," said the SSP. "The police and administration have warned candidates on violation of the model code of conduct of the election, but no FIR against any candidate has been registered so far," said the SSP.

Despite scanty rain, water level in Ganga canal high
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, July 2
Despite delay in the arrival of the monsoon, water level in the Ganga canal is abundant. This has come as a major relief for farmers in the plain regions of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana.

Haridwar is reeling under heatwave with the humidity touching 65 to 70 per cent. It was feared that due to the stretched summer season, the water level in the Ganga canal will get affected. However, it is abundant.

Both the east Ganga and the north Ganga canals have abundant water, which is being utilised by the farmers of the plain regions for irrigation purpose.

As the land dispute between the Uttarakhand and UP authorities is yet to be resolved, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department operates the affairs of the Ganga canal in Haridwar district.

SDO, UP Irrigation Department, Virendra Singh said 10,000 cusecs was being released in the upper Ganga canal and the northern Ganga canal.

However, he said if the monsoon was delayed, it would have repercussions on the water level in the Ganga canal. He said in June last, 50,000 cusecs had been recorded at Chaudhari Charan Singh Bhimgoda barrage, but these days it was 25,000-30,000 cusecs.

25 halting points identified for Nanda Rajjat Yatra
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 2
The Uttarakhand Tourism Department has identified 25 Padavs (Halts), including 19 traditional Padavs, for the Nanda Rajjat Yatra scheduled to be organised from August 29 to September 16, 2013.

Chamoli District Magistrate S A Murugeshan, during a review meeting held at Chamoli, today appointed Padav Officers and Nodal Officers. These officials are posted from the places nearby to the Padavs.

Murugeshan has directed these Padav Officers and Nodal Officers to reach their halts in a week time, constitute Local Yatra Management Committees and take requisite feedbacks for the preparation of the Rajjat Yatra.

He asked them to collect information about all facilities, including shelters, toilets, roads, electricity, water and communication system of their places and they could put forward proposal for any new facilities found necessary in the Padav to the government for the final decision.

Murugeshan maintained that the representation to all sections of society related to the yatra would be given in the Local Management Committee. He said in the places of high altitudes with less population, a District Forest Officer would be made Nodal Officer.

Stating that the Rajjat Yatra would be the first one after inception of Uttarakhand, he said more people, including foreign tourists and media men, were expected to take part. He instructed to hold regular meetings of SDMs, Padav Officers and other departments. He said a special attention had to be given to the places like Nauty, Vann and Nandkeshari padavs where more pilgrims were expected to congregate.

He stressed that homework by Padav Officers and Nodal Officers would be important in the success of the yatra as they would also be the face of the administration.

He said the preparation would be complete only with the availability of tents, mobile medical vans, pharmacists, medicines and oxygen cylinders in the padavs.

Fifth batch of pilgrims set to leave for Kailash Mansarovar
Our correspondent

Pithoragarh, July 2
The fifth batch of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims is all set to proceed on the yatra as all 53 pilgrims were declared medically fit by ITBP doctors at the Gunji camp today, Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) officials told this correspondent.

According to the base camp officials, the second batch of 51 pilgrims today reached the Almora camp via Pithoragarh, after completing the pilgrimage. It would return to New Delhi tomorrow, while the third and fourth batches were in Tibet. “The sixth batch of pilgrims, which reached the Kathgodam camp of the KMVN yesterday, is staying at the Chaukori camp in Pithoragarh district. It will leave for the Dharchula base camp on Tuesday,” said BR Arya, in-charge of the base camp at Dharchula. 

Adventure sports another attraction for tourists in Mussoorie 
Ajay Ramola

Mussoorie, July 2
Mussoorie is fast becoming an important hub for adventure sports as a large number of tourists are making a beeline for paragliding, flying fox and river rafting centres around Mussoorie.

The paragliding centre situated near Mussoorie lake has seen an upsurge in the number of participants who are ready to risk for the thrill of gliding in the sky like an eagle.

Ramesh Ahuja, a tourist from Delhi, said that this was his second visit to Mussoorie this year, and as his family has seen most of the tourist spots, he thought of experiencing the joy of gliding along with his family.

Renu, a teenager, after a experiencing the ride, said that it was an out-of-the world experience and her dream of soaring like a bird has been fulfilled today.

The tourists were delighted after enjoying a breathtaking view while flying down a series of ultra-strong steel zip lines, securely attached by a harness and pulley and propelled simply by gravity in the presence of trained instructors. The course at the flying fox adventure sport centre is situated near Hathipaon, Kempty Falls.

Meenakshi Silwal and Sumit, aged 14, said that for her flying fox was a completely new experience for her and she would return next year with her family for more.

The rafting courses at Yamuna Bridge are also attracting a large number of tourist youth who are ready to take additional risk for fun.

However, the adventure sports operators were of the view that due to the stringent norms, they were unable to take up the activities under adventure sports as full-time career option. Rakesh Rawat, owner of the paragliding club, demanded from the government to ease the norms so that more unemployed youth can benefit from such activities in the state.

Talk on job opportunities for doctors, engineers
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 2
Selaqui Academy of Higher Education (SAHE), Dehradun, organised a talk on job opportunities for graduates, engineers, doctors and others in Government of India and state government. Dr. S.P. Gaur, IAS (Retd.), former Joint Secretary, Higher Education, spoke on the subject.

The event was inaugurated by the guest of honour Om Pathak, Chairman, Gurukul Trust, and former District Magistrate of Lucknow. Ravinath Raman, District Magistrate, Dehradun, was the chief guest on the occasion.

Dr. Gaur addressed the students, parents and the media, and introduced the aspirants to the opportunities and careers in Central government as well as state government services in various sectors. A brief was given to probationary officers/clerks appearing for exams, where a large number of vacancies are coming up. The students learnt the prospective dates, reservation policy of the government and essential eligibility criteria. Dr. Gaur emphasised that today’s students were fortunate to have multiple options to select their careers and serve the nation. "On the other hand, the competition has become tough with 15 lakh applications per annum at UPSC itself; the aspirants ought to have wide information in terms of general knowledge, communication and attitude towards life," he added. Dr. Gaur guided the aspirants to be prepared to face challenges required to qualify for these examinations. He also highlighted that services in the government sector were equally beneficial to employees as in private sector and MNCs.

Om Pathak, renowned educationist and the Chairman, Gurukul Trust, motivated the aspirants and asked them to be clear about their objectives in life. He also appreciated Dr. Gaur’s talk and shared his experiences as an educationist and IAS officer in UP cadre.

Students, their parents, heads and faculty from renowned institutes were part of the event. The students were greatly enlightened by the counselling done by the speakers.

Ravinath Raman, District Magistrate, Dehradun, appreciated the noble cause to guide aspirants from all sections of society.

He also motivated the aspirants with his words of guidance and blessings and inspired them to come forward and leave no stone unturned in their path of success.

Registrar, Selaqui Academy, briefed the participants that Selaqui Academy of Higher Education, a unit of Gurukul Trust, is all set to build new quality paradigms in higher education.

Eminent personalities such as Maj Gen Basant Singh (Retd.) from the armed forces, and Rakesh Singh Tomar, Headmaster, Selaqui International, were also present at the event. 

Shiv Sena activists gherao SSP office
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 2
The district wing of the Shiv Sena today gheraoed the SSP’s office in protest against the illegal sale of liquor in the district.

Spokesperson for the wing Devender Singh Bisht alleged that the illegal liquor trade was going on in the entire district and police officials and liquor mafia were hand in glove with each other.

He alleged that instead of putting those involved in the illegal trade behind bars, the police was providing full protection to them. City president of the Yuva Sena Rahul Chauhan said if the police failed to take action in this regard, their organisation would take it at its own level.

Another leader, Manoj Kumar, alleged that even liquor shops approved by the state government remain open beyond the set time limit, which clearly showed that they had full support of excise and police officials.

The SSP has given them an assurance to personally look into the matter.

More top posts in health dept to fall vacant by month-end
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 2
With Director-General (Health and Family Welfare) JP Bhatt and Director (Doon Group of Hospitals) Dr Bharat Kishore retiring on July 31, the number of vacant top posts at the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare is expected to increase.

The posts of Director, Kumaon, Director, Garhwal, and Director, National Programmes, are already lying vacant for the past three years. Now with two more retirements of senior officials in July, the vacant posts are expected to increase to five.

Dr BC Ramola, president, Provincial Medical and Health Services (PMHS), said: “The government has deliberately not conducted the DPC despite knowing that the DG (Health) will be retiring soon. In the past, there were efforts to adjust IAS officers at the top post which was thwarted by the PMHS.”

Besides, as the season of the annual postings of doctors was round the corner with the last date being July 31, the doctors were nervous about their fate, especially due to political pressure that would come to play in their appointments, he said.

“As the Transfer Act stands cancelled, all transfers will be done on the basis of the transfer policy and specialists doctors who have been posted in Dehradun, Haridwar, Haldwani and Kotdwar will be shuffled,” said a senior bureaucrat. 

Every fifth child suffering from obesity in state: Expert
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 2
The Uttranchal Mahila Association (UMA) held a discussion and subsequently a competition on the subject "nutritious food".

Founder Sadhna Sharma said the food habits among family members, especially children, were rapidly changing. Instead of preferring nutritious and delectable hill cuisine, which was now confined to only fairs and festivals, the new generation was now opting for Chinese and fastfood.

She said this was resulting into obesity. In a survey conducted by their organization, she said, it was found that every fifth child in the state was suffering from abdominal obesity.

To check on this propensity, their organisation held discussion and competition to encourage the intake of nutritious foods in every household, she said.

Sushila Baluni, chairperson of the Uttarakhand Women Commission, gave away the prizes to the winners.

85 ITBP jawans take part in rock climbing competition
Ajay Ramola

ITBP jawans displaying their talent during the Second Inter-Frontier Rock Climbing Competition held in Mussoorie on Monday.

Mussoorie, July 2
The three-day Second Inter-Frontier Rock Climbing Competition began in the ITBP Rock Climbing Wing area here today. More than 80 jawans form the five frontiers of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are participating in the competition.

Additional Director General of the ITBP Academy Dr Mehboob Alam inaugurated the event and declared the games open. The ITBP jawans, popularly known as Himveers, from the five frontiers — north, west, northwest, northeast and AL special frontier — will be showcasing their talent in the event.

The event began with balance climbing on natural rock, followed by jumar climbing, prusic knot climbing, seat rappelling, piton climbing and cat crawl. Other events scheduled are stomach rappelling, crevasse rescue left and right method (bilgri), piggyback etc.

Alam, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said the jawans after adorning the uniform worked towards one goal of serving the country without fear. Keeping this in mind, the ITBP Academy had endeavoured to impart rock climbing training to instill confidence among the trainees through such events.

Director, ITBP Academy, Padamshree Harbhajan Singh said the ITBP was deployed in difficult terrain, including mountainous regions of the country. Therefore, such adventure sports were essential during training. He added the objective of the competition was to harness the skills of the participants so that they could successfully manoeuver the hurdles faced in the line of duty.

Harbajan said the ITBP had carved out a name for itself by excelling in mountaineering both at national and international levels.

Traders given one week to remove encroachment
Tribune News Service

Dehradun July 2
Senior Superintendent of Police Neeru Garg held a marathon meeting with traders at Kotwali police station to discuss the issues of traffic, parking, encroachment in the busiest market Paltan Bazar and the connecting markets to it.

She also advised the traders to keep the fire-fighting equipment in their shops.

Garg has given a deadline of one week to the traders to remove encroachment in front of their shops on their own, after which the police with the collaboration of the Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) and the District Administration would remove them.

The traders as well as members of the Doon Traders Association led by Vipin Nagliya and the State Doon Traders Association led by its president Umesh Aggarwal participated at the meeting . City Magistrate Harak Singh Rawat was also present on the occasion.

The traders welcomed the suggestion of removal of pavements from the bazaars which had become a source of encroachment. The move would not only open the market, but also provide space for parking. Rawat said the proposal regarding the removal of pavements would be sent to the PWD to undertake this task.

Garg suggested the traders to opt for a one-side parking on the road, instead of both sides which clogged the traffic.

With this measure, she said at least six feet of land would be available to walk on the road in the middle of bazaars. She said the DMC must identify those carts which got the licence from it and number them. Only those carts would be allowed to sell articles in the markets.

The traders, too, showed willingness in removal of encroachment. One trader said, "If my neighbour shopkeeper encroaches upon land, then I also have to do the same. Encroachment is like an infection. The police should continue its anti-encroachment campaign until it becomes a habit with the traders.”

Vipin Nagliya said cart pullers must either be removed from the markets or should be allocated a place, as was suggested earlier. He said cart pullers stood in the middle of the road and also made the buyers stood around their carts which blocked the movement on the road. He said the four wheelers must be prevented from entering the busy road of the bazaars.

Councillor Ajay Singhal also demanded proper parking space for traders and consumers. He suggested the places such as a vacant building of Veterinary Hospital or an FCI godown situated in the vicinity could be used for parking purpose. A two-floor parking area could be developed at Tehsil Complex, he said.

Man dies of diarrhoea
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, July 2
The outbreak of diarrhoea claimed one more life in Kunjanpur village of Gangolihat subdivision today. Earlier, Har Singh Dhanik (72) of the same village died of diarrhoea on Wednesday.

Vijay Ram (30) died while being taken to the District Hospital today, said Dr Kundan Kumar, medical officer at Primary Health Centre, Gangolihat.

Dr Kundan said when the condition of Vijay Ram, one of the 78 patients under treatment for diarrhoea at the health centre, started deteriorating, he was referred to the District Hospital. However, he died on way to the hospital.

Meanwhile, Pithoragarh District Magistrate Raghav Langhar visited the diarrhoea-hit areas of the subdivision today. He asked officials to ensure that water should not stagnate in the village. “Besides this, vacations in the local schools have also been extended till July 9. Jal Sansthan officials have been asked to ensure the supply of clean water to all affected villages,” said Langhar.

A correction

Haridwar, July 2
In the news report under headline “Minister raids Food Corporation godown” published on July 2 from Haridwar, it was mentioned that Uttarakhand Food Supplies Minister Preetam Singh had conducted an inspection of a godown of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), but it was factually incorrect.

The minister inspected the godown of the state Food and Civil Supplies Department and not of the FCI. Sudeep Singh, General Manager, FCI, Dehradun, said the FCI had no godown at Haridwar. The error is regretted. — TNS