Allahabad Kumbh Mela: 250 cusecs of water from Tehri Dam reaches Haridwar
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 22
In view of the Allahabad Kumbh Mela beginning on January 24 next year, the 250 cusecs (cubic metre per second) of water released from the Tehri Dam has reached Haridwar.

The Tehri Hydro Development Corporation, which operates the Tehri Dam, released the water yesterday and it took 14 hours to reach lower reaches of the Garhwal division — Rishikesh and Haridwar.

Though at Devprayag in Pauri Garhwal district, where the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi confluence paves the way for the Ganga, 60 cumecs of extra water of the Alaknanda makes the water level in the Ganga go up to 310 cusecs.

In the latest development, the Uttar Pradesh Head Works Ganga Canal is from today onwards releasing 2,500 cusecs (cubic foot per second) of water daily to ensure a sufficient supply of water at the Sangam in Allahabad.

Veer Virendra Yadav, SDO, Head Works Ganga Canal, told The Tribune that a communiqué in this regard was received from the higher authorities this morning.

He said till the Allahabad Kumbh gets over, additional water from the Ganga canal would be supplied on a regular basis, even if the water level in the canal falls alarmingly.

In view of additional water being supplied from the canal, besides the Tehri Dam, teerth purohits, pundits and activists have demanded that the UP Irrigation Department, which regulates the Ganga canal operations in Haridwar, should ensure the availability of sufficient water at Har-Ki-Pauri and adjacent ghats for holy bath and religious rituals.

Naveen Bhatt, a purohit, said the UP Irrigation Department should ensure that both Allahabad Kumbh and Haridwar get sufficient water, lest it hurt the religious sentiments of the people.

The Teerth Maryada Raksha Samiti has also expressed concern over the working of the UP Irrigation Department, and demanded that the Ganga canal operations falling in Haridwar be handed over to Uttarakhand.

The dates of important holy baths during Allahabad Kumbh are January 14 (Makra Sankranti), February 15 (Basant Panchami), February 25 (Maghi Poornima) and March 10 (Shiv Ratri).

Notably, the water that is being released from the Ganga canal in Haridwar today onwards will not reach Allahabad before January 11, owing to a distance of 1,000 km between the two Kumbh cities.

CM meets SA Prez
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 22
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna during his week-long visit to South Africa held meetings with the South African President and other prominent leaders. He invited Indian entrepreneurs to make investments in Uttarakhand.

Bahuguna also attended the 106th Conference of the African National Congress (ANC) and had a meeting with South African President Jacob Zuma at Bloemfontien, where he apprised the South African President of investment opportunities presented by the hill state and also presented him with a memento of Uttarakhand.

Both leaders shared their experiences of democratic societies and struggle faced by their people for liberation and independence. President Zuma expressed his gratitude to the Indian people and the government for always supporting South African solidarity and playing an important role in an anti-apartheid movement.

Bahuguna also conveyed Christmas and New Year greetings to Zuma on behalf of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. 

Poll for BJP chief again postponed
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 22
The election for the post of the president of the Uttarakhand unit of the BJP slated for December 26 and 27 has once again been postponed due to lack of unanimity among leaders of different factions in the party on the choice of the candidate.

While senior leaders are busy pressing for the names of candidates of their choice, candidates without any strong support are also keen on contesting the election for the post of BJP chief. This has made things exceedingly difficult for the party leadership that has been postponing the date for the election.

“Now, the election for the post of BJP chief will not be held on December 26 and 27 as most of our central leaders will be busy with the swearing-in ceremony of Narender Modi slated for December 26. We are waiting for the central leadership to give us the new dates and the announcement will be made in a day or two later,” said BS Chuphal, president of the state BJP, whose term ends in December.

Significantly, an informal meeting was held at former Chief Minister BC Khanduri’s residence in Dehradun yesterday in which BJP MLA from Chaubatakhal (Garhwal) Tirath Singh Rawat and senior BJP leader Naresh Bansal were present. The candidature of these two leaders, who have Khanduri’s support, was also discussed.

At the same time, party sources claim that former Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, who has fallen out with Khanduri, has indicated that he may extend support to candidates having Khanduri’s backing.

“Nishank may be willingly to support the candidates having Khanduri’s backing, but many may not be amenable to the candidates backed by another former Chief Minister, BS Koshiyari,” said a senior BJP leader.

Besides the candidates supported by Nishank, Pokhriyal and Koshiyari, other leaders like Surat Ram Nautiyal and Mohan Singh Rawat too have begun lobbying for the post independently. “With several names doing the round, the BJP leadership at this point of time seems to be spoilt for choice. I do not foresee the election taking place in December,” said a senior BJP leader. 

‘State to get rid of open defecation before 2017’
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 22
Water Resources Minister Mantri Prasad Naithani said today that the Uttarakhand Government would set its target to make the state free from open defecation practise before 2017.

He was participating in a two-day national discussion seminar organised under the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan by the Union Drinking Water and Sanitation Ministry at CGO Complex, New Delhi, today. The seminar was chaired by Union Minister for Water and Sanitation Bharat Singh Solanki.

Naithani said people in rural areas were being made aware through the media, bus panels, training workshops and review meetings. He said the state government, with the help of 105 NGOs and various communication activities, were running awareness programmes.

Pointing out at difficult geographical conditions of Uttarakhand, Naithani said the Centre ought to relax its set norms for Uttarakhand. He laid emphasis on organising such seminars in Uttarakhand and other states so that the officials concerned get feel of the local geographical and conditions.

Stating that many families from Chamoli, Bageshwar, Dehradun, Uttarkashi and Pithoragarh go through seasonal migration every year, Naithani urged the Centre to make a special provision for the construction of separate toilets for these families to develop the state to Nirmal Rajya.

The Centre has set the target to provide toilets to all by 2022 under the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA). The Centre also awards Nirmal Gram Awards to those villages with toilets. It has given priority of this scheme to girls' schools under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

The seminar was attended by Water Resources Ministers, Secretaries and senior officers of various states. From Uttarakhand, Principal Secretary, Peyjal, S Raju, Director, Swajal Department, Kapil Lal and Swajal Coordinator Pradeep Tiwari attended the seminar.

Christmas carnival held in Mussoorie
Our Correspondent

Mussoorie, December 22
Skits, gospel singing, competitions and dances marked the Christmas carnival organised by the Mussoorie Church fellowship at Garhwal Terrace premises as a prelude to Christmas festivities today.

Cultural programmes like Christmas carols and music performances by students of various schools stole the show on the occasion. Mussoorie Municipal Council president OP Uniyal, inaugurating the carnival, extended Christmas greetings to all.

A mini-marathon was also organised on the occasion in which the students participated with enthusiasm.

The other invited guest, former MLA Jot Singh Gunsola, said Christmas was celebrated to spread the message of love and peace given by Jesus. He appealed to all to live with each other in peace and harmony. The devotees, belonging to different churches in Mussoorie, participated in the event with fervour and gaiety.

Global dance performances at DPS
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 22
Various global dance forms, Italian, Polish, Arabian and Mexican, among others were presented at the inter group dance competition held here today at Delhi Public School, Ranipur. The awe-inspiring performances by the students got a standing ovation from the audience, be it dance, style, expression, costumes or rhythm.

Chief guest, Director, Defence Audit, Seema Kurwe, appreciated the efforts of students and said with IT advancement the whole world had become a small hub and today’s dance performances brought the seven continents on a stage.

Noted English writer Mona Verma, recalling her school years at DPS, said that now students had become much aware and knowledgeable of the surroundings, which was well depicted by the global dance presentation.

School Principal KC Pandey shed light on the school’s co-curricular calendar year performance.

Kaushal, Rhea honoured on school founder’s day
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 22
Doon International School celebrated its 20th founder's day yesterday. Senior police officer BS Sidhu, who was the chief guest, lauded the quality of education being imparted by Doon International School. He asked the students to excel in their studies. He also gave away prizes to the students. Kaushal Shaji was awarded the best sportsman of the year award, while Rhea Yadav was presented with the student of the year award.

Earlier, Director HS Mann read out the annual school report. He highlighted the achievements of the students and the school.

The students showcased a variety of entertainment programmes reminding the spectators of their values and culture.

Preparations for Cong rally

Dehradun:The state unit of the Congress has appointed in charge for various districts for the December 30 party rally in the state. Convener for the rally Vijay Saraswat said the rally would be organised either in Haridwar or Dehradun.

He said Congressmen were working round the clock to make the rally a success.— TNS