Govt to promote homestay tourism in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 14
The Uttarakhand Government will be promoting homestay tourism in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in order to boost livelihood opportunities for the inhabitants.

Presiding over the meeting of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve yesterday, Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar directed for promoting homestay tourism in as many as 34 villages falling in the reserve. The Chief Secretary held that homestay tourism will boost the income of villagers apart from promoting state’s tourism.

“Tourists are always keen to stay in the natural environment and local culture. They could be attracted by offering a home-like environment,” the Chief Secretary said. He also directed to develop 5 houses each in the villages of Neeti, Lata and Gamsali under a pilot project. Their numbers will be gradually increased in the coming years. There is a plan to provide two rooms, clean toilets and beddings. Tourists will stay as paying guests. They will be provided with home food.

Further cultivation of black cumin will be done in the cluster of villages Neeti, Lata and Gamsali falling in the area of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. He said there is a high demand for cumin in the market and this too will add on to the income of the villagers.

During the meeting, approval was given to providing Rs 3.36 crore for the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve 2013-14 action plan. Under this, Rs 97.85 lakh will be allotted for natural resource management, Rs 24.76 lakh for infrastructure development, Rs 28 lakh for socio-economic activities, Rs 26.50 lakh for social welfare activities, Rs 21.50 lakh for eco tourism support, Rs 8.25 lakh for capacity building and awareness and Rs 9 lakh for institutional support.

Principal Secretary, Forest, S. Ramaswamy, Uttarakhand Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, RBS Rawat, and Director, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, BK Gangtey, were prominent among those present at the meeting.

Charles, Camilla actively support elephant conservation efforts
Jotirmay Thapliyal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 14
The second week of November has proved to be a happening week for the cause of elephants in India. While Prince Charles is visiting Kerala these days to oversee the Asian elephant conservation efforts put up in the country with support of UK-based NGO Elephant Family, yesterday’s gruesome incident involving the brutal death of six elephants in a train-hit incident at Jalpaiguri in north Bengal has come as a shock for conservationists.

As part of his 10-day visit to India, Prince Charles is on a visit to God’s own place Kerala these days where he started his trip by visiting an elephant corridor and trying to get first-hand knowledge about the challenges in managing human-elephant conflict in the region. He also viewed a short video of an elephant-collaring operation and got a demonstration of elephant movement tracking via satellite telemetry being undertaken in Kerala. A strong votary of environment and wildlife conservation, Prince Charles visited Vazhachal forest range elephant corridor in Kerala that keeps a reputation of being one of the largest strongholds of Asian elephants in the world and took deep interest in conservation efforts.

On the other hand, only yesterday six elephants were killed on the very tracks when a herd of around 40 pachyderms crossing the railway tracks in the Chapramari wildlife sanctuary in Jalpaiguri region of north Bengal were hit by a Guwahati-bound passenger train.

Significantly, UK-based NGO Elephant Family, which is the biggest funder for the endangered Asian elephant, had early this year launched “Blood on the Tracks” campaign to save elephants from train-hit incidents in India. The campaign encouraged people to express their concern directly to the Indian Ministry of Railways over the recent incidents of elephant deaths on railway tracks across the country.

Responding to the campaign, a total of 1500 people even wrote to Union Railways Minister for efforts towards curbing elephant train-hit incidents by taking key steps like enforcing speed limits to trains. The campaign achieved success with the issue also being raised in Parliament and a subsequent specialist panel created to look into the measures needed to curb elephant deaths in train hits.

Prince of Wales Charles and Duchess of Cornwall Camilla Parker have been actively involved Elephant Family's conservation initiatives and in July even threw a party in support of charity of Elephant Family.

Historians demand restoration of Surveyor’s Stone in Mussoorie
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, November 14
Historians here are appalled at the dilapidated condition of the 200-year-old Surveyor’s Stone at the Bhudraj Hill and have asked for its preservation at the earliest.

“It is awfully painful to see the prevailing condition of the stone, which is a standing record of not only the region but also of the Survey of India right from its inception,” Gopal Bhardwaj, a historian, said.

The stone is inscribed with the names of the surveyors and visitors and stands as a historical testimony to the work done by them in India.

“A part of the stone has already been destroyed and if not preserved without any further delay the entire relic will be lost in oblivion,” Bhardwaj said.

“A low cemented boundary wall with a strong wire fencing that would prevent visitors from vandalising the stone should be installed immediately,” he insisted.

Explaining the significance of the stone, Bhardwaj said the description of the Himalayan region was patchy and incorrect at the onset of the 19th century and whatever was known of the area was through some crude latitude approximations of the mountains or through the account of the Jesuits, who passed through the area in order to proselytise the Christianity.

Later, through the efforts of Captain James Rennell, the first Surveyor General of Bengal, appointed by Lord Clive — First Governor General of British India — some more work was done to map the region.

However, as the work was carried by Rennell while being stationed in Bengal, there remained some errors. The incorrectness of the facts forced the surveyors, such as John Anthony Hodgson to travel to Mussoorie and map the region much more accurately around 1813, Bhardwaj said.

The evidence of such early surveyors and visitors to this region still exists, 18 km west of Mussoorie on the Bhudraj Hill in the form of Surveyor’s Stone, he said.

The stone is placed near an old temple of the lord Bhudraj, brother of Lord Krishna, Bhardwaj added.

Some of the initials carved out on the stone include that of JSB John Boldero, Joint magistrate of Sahranpoor 1813-15, WLG Wiliam Linnaeus Gardner (1770-1835) and John Anthony Hodgson (1777-1848).

Bhardwaj, meanwhile, added that in the lower right hand corner, cut into the rock, is the inscription of Lady Hood 1814.

“Her original name was Maria and she was wife of Admiral Sir Samuel Hood, a British Naval officer Commanding 1st British East Indies Naval fleet,” he said.

Another inscription is that of Miss Fanny Parks, a writer who accompanied Lord Auckland to Mussoorie in 1838 and wrote about the inscriptions, especially the name of Lady Hood in her book ‘Wanderings of Pilgrim’.

“The authorities concerned should understand the antiquity and historical significance of such a plaque or stone and try to preserve it as it would not only serve as historical evidence, but also attract the curious tourists arriving Mussoorie,” Bhardwaj said.

Focus on basic amenities in border villages
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, November 14
The Champawat district administration has stepped up efforts to increase basic facilities in border villages of the district. Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar had sought information about the basic facilities from the district administration and had directed it to give priority to development works in border villages.

“We are working to create essential facilities in the villages along the Nepal border in the district which have remained backward due to tough terrain and lack of transportation and communication facilities there,” said administration sources. They added the Chief Secretary had sought a meeting with Champawat district officials in Dehradun on November 18.

Besides delay in grant of forest clearance to proposed roads on the border with Nepal in the district, stepping up security and increasing the communication network were among the issues to be discussed at the meeting with the Chief Secretary, the sources added.

“We are giving priority to development works sanctioned under the district plan in the villages in this border area,” said Deependra Chaudhary, District Magistrate, Champawat.

The District Magistrate at a meeting of district officials today was informed about the progress of the work on six roads being constructed on the Nepal border.

The Shashtra Seema Bal (SSB) Commandant told the District Magistrate that his force at 20 outposts was keeping a strict vigil on poachers and smugglers on the Nepal border. 

Website for mountain cycling, racing competition launched 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 14
District Magistrate BVRC Purushottam launched a website related to mountain cycling/racing competition to be held in the state for the first time. The competition will be organised by Indian Cycling Foundation.

Purushottam said: “Mountain cycling will boost adventure sports in the state. Many more such competitions in other adventure sports could be held in the future. This trend will certainly encourage youngsters to take up adventure activities. They will also be acquainted with the significance and benefits of cycling. In today’s times when pollution and the cost of petrol/ diesel is on the rise, cycling can emerge as an excellent alternative to conveyance.”

He said those were interested to enrol themselves for the competition could register themselves at the website cyclingfederationofindia.org and mtbtouriindian.com.

President of the Indian Cycling Foundation Rahul Jain said: “Uttarakhand has a great future for mountain cycling and biking. The state has been gifted with varied range of slopes which can give any adventure seeker enough adrenalin rush. The state can certainly use this advantage to woo young tourists who are fond of adventure activities. Such competitions can be held at international level as well with the collaboration of global cycling/ biking agencies or organisations.”

Sedentary lifestyle cause of rise in diabetes cases: Expert 
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, November 14
With the number of diabetes patients nearing 29 crore mark world over, Dr Sanjay Shah here today said the rise was due to unhealthy lifestyle, bad food habits, lack of physical regimen and unawareness about the condition.

Talking about India, in particular, Dr Shah, physician and general secretary, Indian Medical Association, Uttarakhand, said diabetes was fast spreading its tentacles, both in rural and urban areas of the country.

“Ignoring the symptoms related to the disease may have long term repercussions,” he said during a free diabetes check up camp here today.

Dr Shah said symptoms like feeling thirsty, continuous craving for food, weight loss at an alarming level, feeling weakness, frequent urination, wounds taking time to heal, vision getting blurred, dry skin, etc… should not be neglected and one should get his/herself checked for diabetes.

He, however, pointed out that regular exercise can help in controlling diabetes.

Dr Shah also advised people to avoid oily food and maintain a low level of salt and sugar in their diet.

Pointing out that the diabetes was also making inroads into the hilly regions of Uttarkhand, he said with the people shifting away from agriculture and treading less and less distances on foot the disease was having a marked effect on the population.

Rumali kushti on Nov 17

Dehradun, November 14
Under the aegis of Akhara Sheran Samiti, rumali kushti will be held at the parade ground on November 17.

President Mahavir Sharma of Sheran Samiti, the organiser of freestyle wrestling, said that the rumali kushti will be held in three categories and cash prizes will be given to the winners. In the first category, wrestlers weighing 70 kg and above will compete and the winner will walk away with a cash prize of Rs 11,000. In the second category, for wrestlers weighing between 51 kg and 70kg, the cash prize will comprise Rs 5,100, and in the third category for wrestlers weighing below 50 kg, the award will be Rs 1100. — TNS

137 death certificate cases cleared 

Dehradun, November 14
The government has cleared cases of death certificate of 137 persons hailing from 11 states, who had gone missing in the mid-June natural disaster, thus paving the way for the payment of ex-gratia to the next of their kin.

The death certificates of 137 missing persons hailing from Odisha, Chattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Puducherry, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka are being sent to the Chief Secretaries of the respective states with a letter from the Uttarakhand Chief Secretary urging them to complete the formalities at their end. “The officer designate has completed all formalities at our end. According to the Registration of Births and Death Act, the registration has to take place at the place of birth and death only,” said Piyush Singh, Additional Secretary, Health. — TNS

Need to raise agriculture yield: CS
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 14
Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar said yesterday that the agriculture yield in the state should be increased by adopting latest scientific techniques. He added Uttarakhand should produce hybrid seeds and area under agriculture should be increased.

He stated this while presiding over a meeting of the Executive Committee of the State Food Security Mission at the Secretariat here.

The Chief Secretary said the Pantnagar University's hybrid seed production should be encouraged and the technique should be transferred to the Terai Seed Development Corporation. He was told that the targets of increased yield had been decided under the mission.

The target of rice production has to be increased from 12.84 quintals to 13 quintals per hectare and wheat from 13.85 quintals to 16.75 qunitals per hectare. Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Almora and Pithoragarh have been identified for this task.

Under the mission 2013-14, the Centre has allocated Rs 14.13 crore and Rs 9.38 crore for rice and wheat, respectively. 

Asha workers stage demonstration
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 14
In support of their 18-point charter of demands, Accredited Social Health Activist (Asha) workers staged a demonstration near the Secretariat here today.

Earlier, Asha workers, owing allegiance to the Uttarakhand Asha Swasthya Karyakarti Union, gathered at Gandhi Park and then marched towards the Secretariat. However, they were stopped by the police near the Secretariat.

Later, Shiva Dubey, president of the union, submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister.

The main demands of Asha workers include the payment of arrears as promised by the previous Khanduri government, annual bonus of Rs 5,000 recently announced by the Chief Minister and smart cards for Asha workers who fall in the BPL category.

Jauljibi fair inaugurated at Gori, Kali confluence 
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, November 14
The traditional fair of Jauljibi, which saw participation from three countries, India, Nepal and China (Tibet), was inaugurated by state Health Minister Surendra Singh Negi at the confluence of Gori and Kali rivers at Jauljibi today.

The fair, which is being organised at Jauljibi town on the Nepal border, some 56 km from the district headquarters, is known for its woollen outfits, such as traditional woollen clothes sold by tribal traders from the Darma, Byans and Johar valleys in the fair.

“We have worked hard to level the place was ruined the strong river currents in June this year. More than 100 shops have been set up on the levelled ground and more are being erected,” said Pramod Kumar, SDM, Dharchula, who is the mela officer.

The minister along with Almora MP Pradeep Tamta praised the work done by the local administration in preparing the ground in time and erecting a makeshift bridge to Nepal on the Kali. He said these fairs protected local culture, which is on the brink of extinction. “Besides preserving the local culture, we need to protect the local means of livelihoods. Tribal economic activities are also facing a grim period these days,” said the minister.

Kumaon Mandal Vikash Nigam has organiaed a 5 km long river rafting on the river Kali for the girls of Munsiyari subdivision from Jauljibi to Hamnseswar temple on the occasion. “Our five day-river rafting camp was flagged off by SDM, Dharchula, today on the occasion of the inauguration of the fair,” said Dinesh Gururani, manager of adventure tourism with KMVN.

According to administrative sources, the newly erected wooden bridge on the Kali to link with Nepal has started functioning from today as a limited number of people are being allowed by the security forces to cross the bridge. “The bridge, which has been erected to facilitate people from Nepal to the fair, is being strongly watched by the SSB and security forces of Nepal at both the ends,” said the SDM.

Sources from the erstwhile kingdom of Askot say that the Jauljibi fair was started by their ancestors in 1871 with the intention of providing facilities to the tribal traders in selling their woollen outfits and having a get-together of locals and the kings. The management of the fair was transferred to the government from 1975, after the kingdom was unable in organise it. 

Wakf Board member attacked
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 14
Razia Beg, member of the Uttarakhand Wakf Board, has said she and Zareef Ahmed, secretary of the EC Road mosque committee, were attacked by a shopkeeper when they were surveying the rented properties of the Wakf Board at the mosque here on Tuesday.

“Sujauddin, a scrap dealer who has a shop in the mosque property on the EC Road, attacked me and Zareef Ahmed when I was taking stock of the status of the properties given on rent by the mosque committee,” said Razia. Sujauddin even slapped Zareef and threatened me of dire consequences in front of everybody,” she added.

Sajauddin reportedly entered the mosque and threatened the team and others present there. He said he did not know anything about the Wakf Board and its ownership of the property.

Later, the Karanpur police arrested Sajauddin on a complaint by the eyewitnesses. He was yesterday presented before a court which granted him bail.

“I request the Uttarakhand Wakf Board to issue an eviction notice to Sajauddin and make a stern policy regarding the survey of the board properties so that such incidents do not repeat in future,” Razia told The Tribune.

She requested the police and the administration to take action against the persons who were occupying the Wakf Board properties and threatening them whenever they go there to do their official duty. Sajauddin pays Rs 2,000 per month as rent for the shop he occupies.