Plan to bring tiger from Jim Corbett
Rajaji park authorities await Forest Ministry’s approval
Jotirmay Thapliyal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 17
Koyalpura in the Motichoor range of the Rajaji National Park could be a witness to the first ever tiger relocation exercise in Uttarakhand even as the Rajaji park authorities wait for a formal nod from the Union Environment and Forest Ministry to go ahead with its ambitious tiger relocation plan that entails bringing a tiger to Rajaji from the Corbett reserve.

After much of pondering, the Rajaji authorities, in consultations with various wildlife experts, have already zeroed in on Koyalpura in the Motichoor range considering it the safest and most suitable place for any tiger relocation exercise in the Rajaji park.

Koyalpura that falls in the western sector of the park has a habitat that suits striped cats. Significantly, sambhar, one of key preys of tiger, is ample in the region.

Spread across 2,000 hectares, Koyalpura is also devoid of any human interference and has no Gujjar population. Human interference and Gujjar population inside the park have been the two formidable challenges for the Rajaji park, one of the most vulnerable protected areas of the country. The region also has good availability of water.

According to Dr K Sankar, senior tiger scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India, who is also credited for Sariska tiger relocation project, asserted that tiger translocation was very much viable in Rajaji and could certainly lead to recovery of tigers in the western sector of the park.

A WII’s study ‘Population viability of tiger in the north western range limit, Terai arc landscape’ has strongly suggested tiger translocation as means to revive the population of striped cats in the western sector of the park and even assesses park western sector carrying capacity to the tune of 40 tigers. As per the estimate, the Rajaji park has nine tigers.

While Rajaji park authorities in assistance with the WII are ready with the tiger relocation plan, it may still take some time before Koyalpura in the Motichoor range of Rajaji park gets a relocated tiger. As the process involves relocation of tiger, a schedule 1 species, it requires prior permission from the Union Environment and Forest Ministry even if it involves translocation from one protected area to another in the same state and thus may take some time.

But Deputy Director of the Rajaji park HK Singh is hopeful for an early nod from the Union Environment Ministry. “We have sought consent from the Union Environment Ministry and are waiting for the formal nod from the ministry,” said HK Singh.

Tiger relocation began in India in 2008 when the WII conducted the first successful tiger relocation exercise at Sariska in Rajasthan. A tiger from Rathambore was shifted in a chopper to Sariska that had was left with no tigress due to rampant poaching and other anthropogenic pressures.

E-tracking of government files soon, says CM
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 17
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has announced that a system of e-tracking of government files would be soon in place. He was speaking at a felicitation function held by the Uttaranchal Federation of Ministerial Services Association here today.

He called upon the employees to discharge their duties with devotion and honesty.

He further said the state government had been sympathetic towards their demands but the employees should also work honestly for the people of the state.

The Chief Minister said employees formed an important pillar of the government and their efficient working would help in the overall development of the state.

Bahuguna said despite limited resources, the state government had been trying hard to meet all genuine demands of the employees.

He called upon the employees to rise to the occasion so that the common people of the state could benefit. He also asked the employees for regular dialogue with the government to resolve their pending issues.

He said a model system should be in place so that there was fast disposal of files and an e-tracking system of government files would be introduced.

The Chief Minister announced to visit the government offices to personally monitor their working.

President of the federation TS Pundir and general secretary Sunil Kothari welcomed the Chief Minister and felicitated him. They also assured full support to the state government. Congress legislator Subodh Uniyal and several employees’ leaders were present on the occasion.

Kashmiri student beaten up in college
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 17
In a series of attack against Kashmiri students in the aftermath of protest by 16 Kashmiri students at Clock Tower in Dehradun over Afzal Guru's hanging, a Kashmiri student was severely thrashed by a group of students inside DAV (PG) College.

The incident took place in the afternoon hours when the victim, identified as Gulam Nabi, was assaulted by around 20 students. The students cornered Gulam Nabi and thrashed him resenting his participation in the Clock Tower protest held a few days back.

The victim was admitted to Doon Hospital for treatment. The victim said the Clock Tower protest was meant to oppose the curfew in Kashmir as it was proving to be a hindrance for them here in Dehradun towards getting finances through money orders.

Meanwhile, the police has started searching for the students, who thrashed the victim, and was further investigating the matter.

Large number of Kashmiri students are studying at various institutions of Dehradun.

Fitness test for school buses a must in Haridwar
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, February 17
The recent accident of a school bus in the Sultanpur village of the district, which killed two schoolchildren, seems to have finally woken the Transport Department and police administration. Now the department is not only looking into the reasons behind this accident, but is also making sure that all school buses are tested on fitness within a week.

A medical kit has been made compulsory in every school vehicles. Vehicles ferrying more than stipulated number of students in a single turn will be seized.

Initial investigations reveal that the school bus of St JP Convent was being plied illegally, as the registration number of the bus has been found to be that of an auto rickshaw. The driver has been arrested and a case has been registered against him for rash driving and not having license. Also, the bus was in poor condition and not fit to ply on regular basis.

In view of this, Assistant Regional Transport Officer Sunil Kumar Sharma has also asked school managements to submit certificates pertaining to fitness, registration, driving license of drivers and other related documents within a week.

Talking to The Tribune, Sharma said two months ago he had written to all private schools in the districts providing the facility of school buses to have fitness and registration number evaluation by the school authorities.

“We had informed the school authorities about this aspect as we had been receiving complaints of outdated buses being procured on low rates and then being painted as school buses which could prove fatal. Now we have made it mandatory for all schools to verify their documents and vehicles within a week time or stringent action will be taken against the violators,” said Sharma.

Meanwhile, Haridwar SP Kiran Lal Shah has directed all SHOs to conduct impromptu checking of the school buses in cooperation with Transport Department officials to ensure safety measures are adhered to by the bus operators.

Many school authorities have assured cooperation to the Transport Department in this regard.

Founder of Shiv Dale Public School Swami Sharad Puri said his school had more than six buses that were in good condition, but still they had send these to the transport office for verification, checking and fitness test.

Play schools have also been asked to follow the directives even if they have cab or small-size vehicles to ferry students.

ARTO’s Direction

A medical toolkit has been made compulsory in every school bus. Vehicles ferrying more than a stipulated number of students in a single turn will be seized. School managements have been asked to submit certificates pertaining to vehicles’ fitness, registration, licence of drivers and other related documents within a week.

Demand to resume work on power projects
Lohaghat residents seek upgrade of polytechnic into engg college
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, February 17
People in the districts of Pithoragarh and Champawat have started demanding resumption of work on the delayed projects and upgradation of the existing technical education infrastructure in their respective regions as, according to them, employment opportunities in these regions are minimum.

While Munsiyari residents in Pithoragarh district have started demanding 261 mm capacity Rupasiabagar-Khasiabara hydroelectric project, the people in Lohaghat town of Champawat district have started demanding upgradation of polytechnic college into an engineering college.

"We have met several government officials in connection with resumption of work on this abandoned hydro-electric project which will change the economic status of Munsiyari subdivision," said Rudra Singh Panda, a senior BJP leader in the town.

According to the Munsiyari residents, the project was abandoned by the NTPC after some pseudo conservationists agitated for its closure on the pretext of damaging the ecology of the region. "After several surveys on this subject, the people have reached to the conclusion that this project will have no effect on the ecology of the region," said Panda, a former KMVN chairman.

According to Panda, he has met to the Chief Minister of the state besides the Union Water Resources Minister and local MP in this connection, which, according him is only source to get employment for Munsiyari youths.

"Whereas two more projects on the Gori and Dhauli rivers have been approved for Dharchula town, the people of Munsiyari are bereft of prosperity and employment opportunities, these hydro electric project would provide," said Panda.

In Lohaghat town of Champawat district, the leaders belonging to the ruling party have started demanding the upgradation of the polytechnic college of the town into an engineering college.

"While Pithoragarh, Almora and Nainital districts are having higher educational institutions in the form of engineering and medical colleges, Champawat district has only one polytechnic college in the name of technical education," said DD Pandey, a senior Congress leader and former member of the Mandi Samiti.

According to sources, the polytechnic college in Lohaghat town, which is 38-year-old, already has nearly 10 hectare of land available within the college campus for the upgradation work. "I have raised this demand several times in the state Assembly, if the government will not fulfil it, people will take to streets for the purpose," said Puran Singh Fartiyal, local BJP MLA from the town.

Badrinath shrine to be reopened on May 16

Dehradun, February 15
The famous Himalayan shrine of Badrinath in Uttarakhand will be reopened on May 16.

After its annual closure during winter due to snow-bound conditions, the portals of the shrine have been scheduled to be reopened for devotees at 4 am on May 16, said Ganesh Godiyal, chairman of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee.

The schedule for reopening the temple's portals was formally announced by the Rajpurohit of the erstwhile Tehri royal family at their palace in Narendra Nagar, Godiyal said.

The portals of the Badrinath Dham, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and located at a height of more than 10,000 ft in the Himalayas, are closed every year for six months due to snow-bound conditions during winter and reopened for visitors in April-May.

During the long winter recess, Lord Vishnu's idol is worshipped at Narsingh temple located at nearby Joshimath. —PTI 

Convention a show of strength for BSP in Roorkee
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, February 17
Eyeing its maiden Lok Sabha win since the creation of separate Uttarakhand, the Bahujan Samaj Party today demonstrated in Roorkee by holding a mega ‘Saini' convention.

Apart from party workers, the convention saw mass participation of people from the Saini community, which has a substantial percentage of voters in the constituency.

The Bahujan Samaj Party leaders also made it a point to induct as many political leaders from other parties such as the Congress, BJP, Samajwadi Party, UKD to get inducted in their party at the convention.

Dr Antriksh Saini, who has been declared as party’s official candidate for 2014 Lok Sabha elections from the Haridwar constituency, made it a point to show his strength and influence.

Thousands of Saini community people and party supporters thronged the venue prior to start of the convention.

Dr Antriksh Saini, who left the BJP a few months back, claimed that the Bahujan Samaj Party would emerge the third largest party in the country and party supreme Mayawati would be holding the key to the Prime Minister post.

Saini said people were perturbed by the corrupt politics of the Congress and BJP.

Senior party leader Zaravare said the party hopeds to clinch at least two parliamentary seats from Uttarakhand.

Former Congress leader Ram Singh Saini, who was a ranked minister along with former BJP leader Prithvi Singh, also joined BSP along with dozens of their supporters.

Notably, in the last parliamentary elections of 2009, Bahujan Samaj Party candidate Mohammed Shahzad came third losing to eventual winner Harish Rawat of the Congress by a huge margin of 1.50 lakh votes.

Interest in Sanskrit among students rising: Gopal Shastri
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, February 17
A surge in number of students seeking various courses in Sanskrit language is being witnessed in recent times. This was stated by Chancellor of Gurukul Mahavidyalaya Dr Hari Gopal Shastri here today during a media brief at Shri Bhagwan Das Adarsh Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya.

Dr Gopal Shastri said thousands of students had enrolled alone in twin cities of Haridwar-Rishikesh while more than a dozen odd educational institutes were imparting Sanskrit language-based education.

Students from other states were coming to Uttarakhand and were opting for higher educational degrees like Shastri, Acharya, MPhil and PhD in Sanskrit, he added. Even girl students were seen in substantial number learning Sanskrit language with many getting Acharya (postgraduate degrees) this year only, he said.

Principal of Shri Bhagwan Das Adarsh Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya Dr Bhola Jha said the college was imparting education since 1978 in Haridwar and was the only college in the whole state which was directly funded by the Government of India.

"Due to quality education being provided by the college we get hundred of applications from students across the country," Dr Bhola said.

Demand of providing special financial assistance to Sanskrit-based education schools and colleges was also rising as most of these institutions do not have full-fledged infrastructure or hostel facility which poses problems for outside students.

Sanskrit scholar Rajneesh Joshi and Pankaj Bhatt, who are into the final year of three-year Shastri degree course, lamented that despite Sanskrit being announced as the second official language of the state, not much had been done from the government side.

They said contrary to normal perception, Sanskrit students also excel in other co-curricular and sporting activities but due to less financial assistance to their colleges they don't get much exposure.

A memorandum indicating these demands was also forwarded to state Education Minister Mantri Prasad Naithani by Sanskrit scholars.

Bahuguna opens free health camp at Bahadrabad
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, February 17
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna today reiterated commitment of his government to provide better health facilities in rural and hill regions of the state.

He was presiding over an inaugural function of a free health camp at the Bahadrabad block in Haridwar district here today.

Union Minister for Water Resources Harish Rawat, who is organising similar free health check up camps in the rural areas of the district, also accompanied him.

Bahuguna said the government was giving specific emphasis on health services, as owing to tough geographical topography of the state, a wide network of health services needed to be established across the 13 districts of the state.

He assured local residents of Shivalik Nagari and Subash Nagar that they would be included in the ambit of the Haridwar Municipal Corporation so that they could also benefit from the corporation status and not suffer because of being on the city outskirts.

The Chief Minister also announced compensation to the parents of the children who died in the school bus accident that occurred early this week at the Sultanpur village, Lakshar.

Harish Rawat cited land being earmarked for a new medical college hospital in the district and the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences at Rishikesh which is a major health initiative being taken by the Centre.

He also advocated for health facilities on the public private partnership mode (PPP) in rural and hill regions.

In the health camp, 53 medical specialists are providing free services to people. Besides government doctors, those from private institutes like Fortis, CMI, Max and Guru Ram Rai Hospital ate also providing voluntary services at the camp.

dehradun Diary
Snub by Rahul over PM issue to discourage sycophancy

The snub by newly elected Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi to Uttarakhand Chief Minister on the issue of making him Prime Minister of the country is seen as a positive sign by the lower level Congress workers.

During a meeting of the Congress Chief Ministers and state Congress chiefs in New Delhi on February 16, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had asked for making Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Minister before 2014 general elections which was not taken kindly by Rahul Gandhi.

Rebuking the Chief Minister and others who joined the chorus, he categorically said that the issue was not prime ministership but strengthening of the party organisation in the country since Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had been doing a good job.

State Congress leaders, who are genuinely interested in building up the party, believe that the snub by Rahul Gandhi was a heartening step as it would discourage sycophancy.

They are of the opinion that senior party leaders have been involved in sycophancy of the Gandhi family and most of them even owe their positions to this trait.

The common party worker and lower level party leaders are extremely worried at the party affairs in the state. They allege that nothing is being done to build up the party organisation as the party remains divided in various groups and factions. Most of the party leaders are only interested in their own welfare or looking after the interests of their own persons in the party organization.

They are elated that by discouraging sycophancy, Rahul Gandhi will also look into the various ills plaguing the oldest political party to rejuvenate it. However, many of them still believe that it will be extremely difficult for Rahul Gandhi to revive the confidence of the genuine party workers and common man in the party.

The Uttarakhand Congress has remained divided between various groups and factions but there are two dominant groups, one headed by Union Minister Harish Rawat and another headed by Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna. Union Minister Harish Rawat commands the support of a large number of party legislators and also has formidable presence in each district.

Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna owes his position primarily to the party high command which entrusted him the post of Chief Minister after the Januray 2012 Assembly elections, much to the annoyance of the Harish Rawat faction. There has been an ongoing tussle between the two groups to control the party organisation as there had been a demand to remove the state party chief Yashpal Arya on the principle of one-man, one-post.

Yashpal Arya besides being the state party chief is also a minister in the Bahuguna Cabinet. Yashpal Arya, a Dalit leader, is considered close to Chief Minister Bahuguna. During the interaction with Rahul Gandhi, Yashpal Arya also pleaded for strengthening the Congress vote bank of the Dalit and backwards. Rahul Gandhi now at the helm of party affairs has to take a call on the issue sooner or later.

— SMA Kazmi

Army central command to celebrate golden jubilee
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh February 17
The central command of the Indian Army will celebrate its golden jubilee by holding a relay torch rally called ‘Surya Kiran’ for 60 days beginning March 2. The rally, which will begin from Bareilly on March 2, will cover 27 cities of seven states, including six capitals, a central command communiqué said here yesterday.

“The relay torch rally, which aims at spreading the message of the valour of the veterans to kindle passion among the youth, will cove 5,000 km in the assigned seven states. Beginning from Bareilly, the rally will pass from Pithoragarh, Ranikhet, Joshimath, Lansdown, Raiwala, Dehradun, Roorkee, Agra, Mainpuri, Fetehgarh, Banda, Satana, Jabalpur, Raipur, Sambalpur, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Danapur, Gajipur, Varanasi, Allahabad, Faizabad Kanpur and conclude in Lucknow on May 1,” said the communiqué.

It added the rally was aimed at motivating the youth to join the armed forces and the masses to come forward to strengthen the process of nation building and rekindling the sprit of patriotism. “This will be done by showcasing the stories of valour and sacrifice by the personnel of the central command,” it said.

The communiqué said the rally would cover the area that is home to 29 per cent of the serving soldiers of the Army and 30 per cent of the area of the veterans of the armed forces. “To address the grievances of the veterans, the rally will have a number of redress booths under its ‘Desh Sewa Programmes’, including pension assistance cells, ECHS clinics, directorate of resettlement camps and camps of the Army Welfare Housing Organisation and the Army placement agency,” it adds.