Mayor wants more powers for MCs
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
Laying the blame on successive state governments for the dismal performance of the six Municipal Corporations (MCs) across the state, Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) Mayor Vinod Chamoli demanded that the corporations be given more powers so that they could take their own decisions.

Addressing a press conference here today on the 15th Foundation Day of the DMC, the Mayor said the interference of the successive state governments, including the BJP and the Congress, had never let any municipal corporation utilise its potential to perform tasks to its optimum capacity.

“The problem is that the ministers and principal secretaries want to gain control over the MCs. Despite being an autonomous body, corporations are not treated as one. This has actually led to the MCs failures on many fronts, including the basic sanitation services,” he added.

Demanding the framing of a new act for the corporations, Chamoli said: “Uttarakhand does not even have its own act for the corporations. Despite the division, we are still working according to the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1950. The government should realise that the policies being followed so many years ago are not viable in the current scenario, where the jurisdiction has increased and so has the population. We should draw our own MC Act.”

“A lot of departments have been taken away from us thus reducing our powers. The conflict between the state government and the MCs has come to such a point that if the Mayor passes an order, government officials object and surpass it. A multi-authority system has come up due to the government’s interference,” lamented the Mayor.

On the financial crunch being faced by the corporation, the Mayor said they were getting no financial help from the government. “The amount we get from the Rajya Vitt Aayog is spent on employees’ salaries. The MCs across the state have to fend for themselves for the day-to-day running. During the June disaster, which struck state, the government failed to give any grant to the DMC even when the city suffered so much,” he added. 

Valmiki samaj for action against Max Hospital
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
The Bharatiya Valmiki Dharm Samaj raised questions against Max Hospital over the death of three labourers during cleaning of a sewer tank on the hospital premises a few days back and demanded compensation for the families of the victims.

Tejpal Parcha, a member of the national executive committee of the samaj, said the hospital management was responsible for the death of three labourers and the government must step in and take action against it.

“The government should ensure that the families of the deceased get due compensation from the hospital management,” he added.

The samaj also announced that a regional Valmiki convention would be held at Roorkee on December 22.

“The convention will be held at the Nehru Stadium in Roorkee and issues related to the Valmiki Samaj will be discussed,” said Ravindra Babbar, state secretary of the samaj. He said Khanpur MLA Kuwar Pranav Singh ‘Champion’ would be the chief guest on the occasion.

Scrap dealers meet Chamoli
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
Scrap dealers and people living in Brahmanwala have appealed to Dehradun Mayor Vinod Chamoli not to evict them during the winter.

A deputation of scrap dealers led by local municipal councillor Satish Kashyap met the Mayor. It said 50 families residing in the Brahmanwala area of Dehradun alongside the Bindal river were being evicted for the construction of an embankment.

The scrap dealers said it was wrong to evict them when the winter had already set in and they had no other place to go. Chamoli assured the delegation of looking into 
the matter.

28 participate in beauty contest
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
Prior to the main pageant of Miss Uttarakhand 2013, a sub-contest, "Miss Bollywood", was organised here today.

Twenty-eight contestants showcased their acting and dancing talent during the contest, the results of which will be announced during the grand finale.

The judges for the sub-contest included SPS Negi (president, Uttarakhand Film Association), Madanmohan Duklan (actor, producer and director), Balraj Negi (actor) and Kritika Negi (Miss Bollywood and Miss Uttarakhand first runner-up).

Students enjoy GCs’ rehearsal for passing-out parade
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
It was a treat for students from various city-based schools as they watched 617 Gentlemen Cadets rehearse for the coming passing-out parade here today.

The Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor Parade is held a few days before the main passing-out parade. Brig US Bawa, officiating Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor of the IMA, reviewed the parade.

The schools that witnessed the ceremony included Carmel Residential and Day School, Doon Blossoms, Doon Cambridge School, Doon International School and The Aryan School.

Later, addressing the gathering, the reviewing officer laid emphasis on the current security challenges like proxy war, insurgency, terrorism and also the role of the Army in nation building.

Jobless teachers hold protest
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
Unemployed B PEd and M PEd trained teachers staged a demonstration in Dehradun yesterday in support of their demand for government jobs. The protesters also threatened to intensify their agitation if the government did not fulfil their long-standing demand of jobs in government schools at the earliest.

Sundar Dhoni, Rajeev Semwal, Lokesh Nautiyal, Devendra Singh Kholia, Nandan Bora, Pratap Bhandari and Sunil Manral participated in the protest.

Assembly poll wins may tempt BJP to regain power in state 
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
Its one-seat defeat at the hands of the Congress in the last Assembly elections, notwithstanding, the Uttarakhand BJP leadership has till now resisted the temptation to destabilise the state government by luring a few MLAs to its fold. Even the shaky nature of the Vijay Bahuguna government has not tempted it to try to regain power.

But the recent Assembly election results may force the BJP to change its strategy and try to regain power in the state by forging alliance with Independents or engineering defection. It is likely that the Uttarakhand BJP would not be able to resist an opportunity to stake claim to power in the state in the future, especially when the momentum has already developed for it after its victory in four states yesterday. The election results have given enough indications for a possible return to power of the BJP at the Centre in 2014 and also winning the Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Soon after the Assembly election results in the four states, the central leader in charge of the BJP affairs in Uttarakhand had explored the possibility of forging an alliance with the Independents, who are supporting the Congress-led state government. In fact, a former Chief Minister was already in talks with some leaders even in the Congress, who were ready to shift loyalty. But the central BJP leadership developed cold feet and directed its leaders to instead wait for an opportune time or till the 2014 general elections, which they believe they would win.

Further, the performance of the Uttarakhand BJP in the Tehri byelection and the urban local body elections has helped it to inject vigour in the wilting morale of the party cadres.

“We lost the chance to form the government in the state in 2012 and the Congress leadership led by Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had managed to bait one of our MLAs. In the interest of the state and for clean politics to prevail in the state, we have resisted such moves. In fact, we preferred to work at the grass-roots level and were rewarded in the elections that followed. The 2014 parliamentary election results may bring in a host of possibilities,” said Dhan Singh Rawat, a senior BJP leader and key strategist. 

Joshi case: No clue about the girl's accomplice
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
The police have still no clue about the whereabouts of absconding Amit Garg, who is wanted for allegedly helping the 26-year-girl in making the alleged video clip and then blackmailing Additional Secretary JP Joshi.

Earlier, the police arrested the girl and her accomplice Dinesh Chauhan on Friday for blackmailing JP Joshi, whereas the girl was released on the personal bond of Rs 25,000. Dinesh Chauhan was sent to 14-day judicial custody by the local court.

According to senior police officials, there were more persons involved in the whole blackmailing case and the girl has told the names of all the persons who made the plan of making the video clip and then later blackmailing JP Joshi on the basis of it. Though police are still not ready to reveal the names of those persons, sources have told The Tribune that the names include persons from the media and administration as well.

On other hand, the bail plea of JP Joshi, who is in judicial custody on charges of sexual assault, will be heard on Tuesday in the sessions court. 

Twist

n According to senior police officials, there were more persons involved in the whole blackmailing case and the girl has told the names of all the persons who made the plan of making the video clip and then later blackmailing JP Joshi on the basis of it. 

BJP workers celebrate win in polls
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, December 9
Local BJP workers celebrated the party's victory in four states by bursting crackers and distributing sweets here yesterday.

After the declaration of the results, the BJP workers gathered at Picture Palace and raised slogans in favour of the party.

Former MC president OP Uniyal said under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the party would form a government at the Centre too.

Top officials made in charge of districts
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
To monitor the ongoing development works across the state, top-level officials, including Principal Secretaries and Secretaries, have been appointed in charge of the districts.

Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar said during review meetings, they would have to be present there.

The Principal Secretaries who have been made in charge of various districts include S. Raju (US Nagar), S Ramaswamy (Nainital), Ranveer Singh (Pithoragarh and Champavat), Om Prakash (Chamoli and Rudraprayag), Radha Raturi (Haridwar), MH Khan (Bageshwar), Vinod Phonia (Pauri Garhwal), Manisha Panwar (Dehradun), Umakant Pawar (Uttarkashi and Tehri) and Amit Negi (Almora).

The Chief Secretary instructed the officials to visit their respective districts next week and prepare a report for the same.

The officials have also be directed to conduct a ground check of the work, so that the difficulties being faced in the progress of the work could be found.

Youth Cong suspends general secretary
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
The State Youth Congress has suspended its general secretary, Ritu Kandiyal, after her name figured in the sensational JP Joshi sexual assault case.

State president of the Youth Congress Bhuwan Kapdi said the organisation had decided to suspend Ritu after her name cropped up in the police investigation for allegedly blackmailing Joshi in the name of a obscene video clip featuring him.

He added that the case had affected the reputation of the party and hence they had suspended Ritu.

Kapdi also announced the suspension of Youth Congress member from Nainital Sanjay Bisht after the charges against him of manhandling the members of the election unit were found to be true.

Results show door to Congress, says MP
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, December 9
Rajya Sabha member from Uttarakhand and BJP leader Tarun Vijay has said the Assembly election results in four states is a mandate for making the final preparations for getting India free from the Congress rule and establishing nationalist values.

Tarun was addressing the 14th state conference of the ABVP at Rudrapur in Udham Singh Nagar today.

He hailed the victory of the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi saying it symbolised people’s willingness to get India rid of the Congress rule at every level. “This victory of the Aam Adami Party and the BJP will help in rooting out the Congress from the Centre in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections,” he said.

Tarun appealed to the ABVP members to come forward to ensure the defeat of the Congress in the next parliamentary elections. “It is the youth power that brought about the change of guard in the four states, including national capital Delhi,” said the BJP leader.

He praised the old rishikul tradition of imparting education in the Ganga and Yamuna valleys of the state and said “Uttarakhand has a rich tradition of educating the world”.

Tarun criticised the privatisation of education and said while the owners of private educational institutions were taking large amounts of money in the name of donations, poor students were not getting education in a proper way. “There are 26 private universities in the state today which have fee structures that deprive poor students of higher education,” he said.

Tarun appealed to the youths that they should come forward to make the nation strong in the field of education so that foreign students also come to the country for higher education. “We have the tradition of giving education free but its increasing commercialisation is a blot on the face of the country. The ABVP will fight against the commercialisation of education to restore the old tradition of free education to able students,” he said. 

CLP meeting on Lokayukta Bill again postponed
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
The proposed meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) and allied parties scheduled to be held on December 15 on the issue of Lokayukta Bill passed by the previous BJP state government has been again postponed.

Vijay Pal Singh Sajwan, legislator and Chief Whip of the Congress, today announced that the meeting has been put off . He said that all the legislators have been asked to give their opinion in writing on the issue. Earlier, a meeting was held of the CLP and allied party legislators but more than a dozen legislators remained absent.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) group comprising Independents, BSP and the lone Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) had been exerting pressure on the state Congress government to implement the Act which has received presidential accent also. On the other hand, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna wants that the Lok Pal Bill to be brought in Parliament should be implemented instead of the one passed by the previous BJP state government. He had argued that the Lokayukta Act passed by the previous Khanduri government needs many amendments.

Officials discuss security arrangements for Modi's rally
 Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
Police and administrative officials today discussed security arrangements for BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's rally at Parade Ground in Dehradun on December 15.

During a meeting held at the DIG (Garhwal) office and attended by District Magistrate BVRC Purushottam, SSP Kewal Khuranna and other senior officials, DIG (Garhwal) Amit Sinha directed that all preparations with regard to security should be done well in advance.

He directed the officials to prepare a list of VVIPs who would be attending the rally. He directed them to earmark a parking lot for their vehicles. The DIG directed the police to ensure that all shops near the rally venue and the Sunday market should remain closed on December 15. Vikrams would also not be allowed to ply near the venue and their routes would be diverted.

The Dehradun SSP has been directed to ensure the deployment of adequate police force near the Parade Ground from now onwards to keep tabs on suspicious elements.

The DIG said a route plan be prepared in advance for the convenience of the public. 

Encroachments removed from railway property
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 9
Finally, the Railway Department has started taking action against the violators who had encroached upon its land and property in Haridwar.

Besides clearing the encroachments adjacent to platforms and the washing yard, the drive was initiated at the stretch along the railway line from Brahampuri, Mansa Devi temple road till Tibdi.

Earlier, the Railways had served notices to many a violators who had even constructed permanent concrete structures.

But now Railways have started an anti-encroachment drive, clearing the whole stretch till Brahampuri colony.

Elaborate police personnel deployment was done in view of stiff opposition from the encroachers, which eventually took place but in a mild way.

Seeing the heavy deployment of police force and stern attitude of Railway officials, encroachers later began to evacuate the encroached spaces.

Dozens of slum huts were razed by JCB machines, with many women trying to stop the drive by coming in front of these machines.

But instantly security personnel took them away, ensuring the drive was completed fully.

Slum dwellers Somwati, Bhagwati and Keshav alleged that that only the poor were being evacuated but ''those who were influential, rich and had connections with local bigwig politicians were being left scot-free.”

“Where can we go in this winter season? We have not received any notices earlier. At least they could have given us two days time so that we could find alternate places to reside and also take our belongings and household items safely,” said Keshav.

Station superintendent Gopal Krishan said that any other illegal encroachment on railway property or adjacent to the railway line will be removed.

BJP workers set up ‘NaMo’ tea stall in Mussoorie
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, December 9
Following in the footsteps of the BJP workers elsewhere in the country, a “NaMo tea stall” was set up by the local BJP unit near Green Restaurant Chowk in Mussoorie today.

The BJP workers gathered at the chowk and sold tea under the banner bearing the Hindi initials “NaMo” of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi to show their solidarity and their commitment to the unique campaign being run to see Modi as the next prime minster of the country.

Tea was served at the price of Rs 2 per cup, much to the delight of the local residents and tourists alike, who would have to dole out Rs 10 for a cup of hot tea in the month of winters otherwise here. The BJP workers while selling the tea also tried to gauge the mood of the people and sought their views on naming of Narendar Modi as prime ministerial candidate by the party.

Several tea stall owners also lent their helping hand to the campaign and said that they were happy that there was something common with the country's prime ministerial candidate. “I was told Narendra Modiji also sold tea in his childhood and it is a privilege to help party workers in the tea stall named after Narendar Modi,” said Sanju, a tea stall owner.

In a biography by Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, “The Anatomy of Narendra Modi: The man and his politics,” it was revealed how six-year-old Modi helped his father sell tea to passengers at the small Vadnagar station in Gujarat. Party workers have been told to highlight Modi’s humble origins. “Tea stalls in the country have cropped up with the name NaMo. The campaign is being funded by party workers on voluntary basis,” said Kushal Rana, general secretary of the local unit of the BJP here.

Health facilities at Haridwar to be monitored 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
A team of 13 health officials will keep an eye on 22 health facilities in Haridwar district, which are the main delivery centres, on four parameters of manpower, infrastructure, sanitation and availability of drugs, for improving mother and child indicators.

A total of 22 health facilities, comprising Community Health Centres (CHCs) and sub-centres, selected in the district, will be rigorously scrutinised by the officials on these parameters.

“The only way to increase institutional deliveries at the health facilities in Haridwar is to ensure that these are well equipped. During my visit to one of the centre, I found there was no door. In these cold conditions, the deficiency could prove fatal for both mother and child,” said D Senthil Pandiyan, Additional Secretary, Health.

He added that with the rising institutional deliveries the child and mother indicators would automatically improve. Further, for greater accountability, the reports presented by the officials would be examined and the officers would be held responsible if the situation failed to improve.

After Haridwar, the focus would shift to Udham Singh Nagar and other regions with low mother and child indicators.

The Department of Health and Family Welfare is of the opinion that once the health indicators improve in Haridwar, it would lead to over all improvement in the mother and child indicators of the state in terms of all-India ranking.

A must have grievance redressal cell at every health facility would also be activated for soliciting feedback from the relatives of patients. 

Focus laid on linkage of forests to human survival 
Tribune news service

Dehradun, December 9
A week-long Department of Science and Technology (DST) training programme on “Forest Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Climate Change: Vulnerabilities and Adaptation Strategies” is being organised by Biodiversity Conservation Division under the Directorate of Extension, ICFRE, Dehradun started at Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) here today. Sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, Government of India, the programme focused on forest ecosystems and their linkages to human survival.

Vivek Khandekar, Director, Biodiversity Conservation at ICFRE, is the course director of this one week DST training programme training. Twentyfive participants representing 14 states of India and belonging to various scientific organisations of the country participated in the one week DST training programme.

At the inauguration of the training programme, chief guest GS Goraya, Deputy Director General (Research), ICFRE, said that all the participants should join hands to ensure biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation throughout the country. He also emphasised on the need of collaborative projects to be carried out in the related field.

Acknowledging the important role of forests and their inextricable linkage to human survival in the face of significant impacts of climate change on the capacity of forests to provide ecosystem services, vulnerabilities of forests, biodiversity and their adaptation to changing climate are increasingly getting attention worldwide. “In this context of linkages between forest ecosystems, biodiversity and climate change, our scientists/technologists need to be adequately equipped to cope up with these emerging challenges and imbibe new skills and competencies,” he added.

SP Singh, DDG (Administration), ICFRE, while welcoming the participants informed that ICFRE is pro-active in forest and biodiversity-related issues at the national and international levels and is engaged in the capacity building programmes for the officers, scientists and technologists working in the government sector. He said that rich forests are very good source for livelihood and biodiversity conservation programmes must be linked with the climate change.

Saibal Dasgupta, Deputy Director General (Extension), ICFRE, though away on a tour, conveyed his welcome and wishes to all the participants.

Anita Srivastava, Addl. Director, biodiversity conservation at ICFRE, presented the vote of thanks to the august gathering. Dr Shilpa Gautam, Assistant Director, biodiversity conservation, coordinated the inaugural session.

Education must teach moral values: Saint
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 9
Education needs to include moral values and principles of spirituality for the personality development of students. The sole aim of education should not be making career or becoming rich but to become an ideal human being and contribute to society.

Jagad Guru Shankaracharya Swami Raj Rajeshwaranand Maharaj said this while presiding over a function at the Swami Ramanand Institute of Technology here today.

The Shankaracharya said the commercialization of education had not been able to produce quality students. “The best education is that teaches a student to live life with dignity and not merely provide employment to him to feed his family and meet other needs,” he added.

Deepak Rao, Director of the Swami Ramanand Institute of Technology, said the institute would try to follow the path shown by the Shankaracharya.

He said the institute was started six years ago with just about 30 students but it now had more than 1,700 students learning various disciples. Rao added the institute founded by Swami Ramanand stressed on the overall development of students and ensured their participation in both cultural and sports activities on a regular basis.

“Such activities enhance team spirit, bonding, mutual collaboration and provide a platform to bring out their hidden talent,” said Rao.

Union Minister for Water Resources Harish Rawat, Mayor, Haridwar, Manoj Garg, revered saints Swami Sharadpuri Maharaj, Mahant Lalita Giri, Mahant Darshan Singh, Mahant Parshu Ram and representative of SIDCUL, Haridwar, Harendra Garg were honorary guests at various activities of the institute.

Modi factor not behind Cong defeat: Tamta
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, December 9
Ruling out the Modi factor behind the defeat of the Congress in four states, Almora MP Pradeep Tamta said the Congress had suffered debacle due unchecked inflation and corruption.

The Almora MP said increasing prices of vegetable and rampant corruption forced the common man to vote out the party from power.

The Congress MP from Almora, however, said the effect of the results would not be seen in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections as these were fought on national and international issues.

“Unlike the Assembly elections, voters would prefer to vote keeping in mind national and international achievements of a party," he said.

The Congress leader said the defeat called for deep introspection to understand why people were dejected with the Congress. “We will soon stage a comeback on the basis of strong policies and performance,” said the Almora MP.

Telbhawan Green enter football quarterfinals 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun,December 9
Technical Combined football team and Telbhawan Green have entered the quarterfinals of the ongoing ONGC Inter-Departmental Football Tournament played at Ambedkar Football Stadium.

In the first match today, Technical Combined defeated KDMIPE football team in a one-sided match by 3-0 score. Atul Rajput scored 2 goals for Technical Combined and Shivant contributed a goal and helped his team to enter quarterfinals of the tournament.

Telbhawan Green displayed brilliant football and trounced Energy -XI (Administration) by 7-1 score. For Telbhawan, Rajesh, Pawan Negi and Anil scored 2 goals each, whereas Raj scored one goal. For Energy-XI, Jyoti Prasad scored the lone goal.

It is to be noted that the quarterfinal matches would begin from Tuesday. Semifinal matches are going to be played on December 16, whereas the final will be played on December 19. 

Sonakshi Sports win Youth Cricket Cup
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
The Sonakshi Sports team won the 2nd Youth Cricket Cup-2013 after defeating Doon Combined Cricket Academy by 54 runs in the final match played at the Rangers’ College ground here today.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sonakshi Sports scored 209 runs in its innings. In the upper order, Kunal Chandola and Abhinav Bist scored 37 and 28 runs, respectively for Sonakshi Sports, whereas Anjar Ali played a cameo of 33 runs in the end and helped his team to reach to a comfortable score.

Chasing the target, the Doon Combined team was bowled out at 155 runs with Kamal Dobhriyal scoring the highest (57) runs for the team.

Meanwhile, for Sonakshi Sports, Amardeep took 3 wickets and Ravi Negi took 2 wickets. Amardeep Sonkar of Sonakshi Sports was adjudged the man of the match.

The winning team was given a cash reward of Rs 31,000 by Sports Minister Dinesh Agarwal whereas the runner-up team was given Rs 21,000.

Wild animals devouring apples left to rot on roadside
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, December 9
Wild animals are devouring the apples that were left to rot by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam contractors following the mid-June disaster and thrown on the roadside in Gangotri region.

The farmers from Harsil and Sukki village said that stacks of rotten apples strewn on the side of the road near godowns in the area are attracting several species of wild animals such as wild bears and are posing a threat to the school going children here but no action has been initiated by the administration so far.

The villagers rued the fact that due to the natural disaster in the month of mid-June which damaged the roads on the Gangotri highway beyond repair, the famous Harsil apple produce could not reach the markets this year. The state government after much hue and cry auctioned the apples bought through the GMVN contractors worth Rs 65 lakh in the first phase.

In the second phase the remaining 11,000 quintals were auctioned, of which most of the produce was in rotten condition, at the rate of Rs 5 per kg. The contractors, finding no use for the rotten apple produce, threw it along side the Gangotri highway just near the godowns near Sukki and Harsil villages.

Presently, the rotten apple strewn besides the road near Sarswati Shishu Mandir School in Sukki village is attracting wild animals such as bears, who visit the site even during the day time, posing threat to the life of the school children on their way to school here.

The villagers from Bagori, Kachora and Jangla are also facing similar threat and are living under the grip of fear due to the presence of wild bears. The villagers due to the fear of the bears have stopped sending their children and have demanded the removal of rotten apples thrown by the contractors or bury the produce underground so that wild animals do not visit the area.

The BJP leaders of the apple growers have been struck with a double blow due to the apathy of the administration.

Firstly, their produce was not bought on time, leading to rot setting in in the apples, and secondly, the apples auctioned through GMVN were thrown on the roadside, attracting wild animals and posing threat to the lives of people, added BJP Leaders. When contacted KK Singh, the SDM of Batwadi in Uttarkashi district, said that he was not aware of any such problem and would try to rectify it after conducting an investigation.

Popularise mirco irrigation to boost horticulture: Rawat
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
Minister for Horticulture Amrita Rawat today said in view of the water scarcity in the state, the Department of Horticulture should lay stress on popularising techniques that fulfil farmers’ requirement for water without further depletion of water resources.

“There needs to be a greater awareness about providing techniques to farmers that are water friendly. Micro irrigation is one such technique that can boost the horticulture activities in the state,” said Rawat, while inaugurating a national-level workshop on micro-irrigation, which is a technique of providing water directly to the root zone.

Horticulture Principal Secretary Om Prakash also laid stress on making the micro-irrigation technique accessible to small farmers. He said farmers engaged in horticulture activities could benefit from the micro-irrigation techniques. He said, “The technique, which is a scientific method of irrigation, carrying desired amount of water and nutrients direct to the root zone of the plant, drop by drop, can boost the prospects of the farmers engaged in horticulture activities.” With a considerable help from the Department of Horticulture, farmers could be educated about these techniques, he added.

Earlier, mission director, Dr BS Negi, also Director, Horticulture Mission and nodal officer of the National Micro Irrigation Mission, said the two days workshop would raise awareness level among the farmers. He said, “We have displayed the equipments at the exhibition, which will help farmers increase their knowledge about these tools.” 

District Magistrate reviews arrangements for carnival
Our Correspondent

Mussoorie, December 9
In a meeting held at the Dehradun Camp Office yesterday, District Magistrate (DM) BVR Purshotam discussed the plans of organising the Winterline Carnival slated to be held from December 27 to 30 in the city.

The DM reviewed the progress made by various committees formed to oversee the successful organisation of the carnival. He said the objective of festival was to restore the confidence among tourists, who had been staying away from the state, particularly Mussoorie, since the mid-June disaster.

He said the administration was planning to boost the economy of the town by inviting tourist from various metros to the festival. It would also instil confidence among the local business community, which has suffered financially, he added.

He said it was expected that the Winterline Carnival would be able to project Mussoorie as a safe destination for the tourists.

The administration was also promoting the winterline phenomenon, which is visible from city during the winter months, as an added attraction for the tourists, he added.

The DM said the carnival would begin from December 27 with a cultural parade on the inaugural day. Activities such as mountain biking, cycling, mountaineering and fashion show would also be a part of the carnival, he added.

He said Bollywood artistes Tom Alter, A Shivmani, Bikram Gosh, Ravi Cheri, Stpehen Devasi and regional singer Narendar Singh Negi would also enthrall the visitors at the carnival.

The District Magistrate directed officials to publicise the event through brochures across major cities of the country so that a large number of tourists could enjoy the festive season this year.

He also instructed the Municipal Council officials to make arrangements for wood for lighting bonfire at various places along the Mall road to ward off cold.

Officials from Garhwal Mandal, Kumaon Mandal, district administration, regional tourism office, Municipal Council and other departments were also present on the occasion.

Home-stay tourism launch around Tehri Lake soon
Our Correspondent

Mussoorie, December 9
The district Tehri administration has begun the exercise to introduce home-stay village tourism project under the tourism-conservation-livelihood initiative for the benefit of villages surrounding the Tehri Lake.

A committee formed by the Tehri district administration has already conducted an inspection of villages surrounding the lake on December 12-13. It would submit its report to the Tehri District Magistrate (DM ) on December 20.

When contacted, Tehri DM Nitesh Jha said with the introduction of the home-stay project, tourists would be able to enjoy the village life amid the serene surroundings of the Tehri Lake. The project would not only be a source of added attraction for tourists, but also provide employment to the villagers’, especially unemployed youth of the region.

He said with the introduction of home-stay activities around the lake, tourists visiting the dam area would have an option to become a part of the process of growing food with inputs available locally. They would also savour the delicious local cuisine.

The DM said villages under the project would also host an annual summer programme. He said students and other people from various parts of the country could learn about the ecology of the mountains, particularly about the lake and little-known fish found in abundance in the water body in the programme.

“The local unemployed youth will be given license to run boats and carry on fishery activities in the lake,” added the Tehri DM. Senior Congress leader Jot Singh Bisht said the project would go a long way in promoting tourism and providing employment to the youth of the region. He said the preparations were on for the festival slated to be held in February.

600 attend Congress health camp
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, December 9
A one-day free health camp was organised by Congress workers in association with the Himalyan Hospital from Jolly Grant to mark the birth anniversary of Sonia Gandhi in Mussoorie today.

A 12-member team from Himalayan Hospital that included doctors from different fields such as eye specialists and physicians conducted investigations on over 600 patients and distributed medicines free of cost here.

School children were given multi-vitamins on the occasion.

The chief guest on the occasion, Advocate General, UK Uniyal, inaugurated the camp.

The president of the local Congress unit, Satish Dhaundiyal, assisted in the smooth functioning of the camp.

Cabinet to discuss sale of liquor at stores, malls
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
The rules and regulations for allowing departmental stores and malls to sell premium liquor are expected to come up for discussion at the upcoming Cabinet meeting slated to be held on December 12.

The state government has already prepared the policy for allowing malls and departmental store owners to sell premium liquor (Scotch upwards), but the rules and regulations were still in the nascent stage.

The Department of Excise is now framing rules and regulations that would allow departmental stores and malls to sell premium liquor throughout the state. “Under new provisions, owners of departmental stores will be able to sell premium liquor after depositing a security up to Rs 2 lakh,” said a senior official.

The government plans to earn revenue through this move, but the opposition party BJP, has been against the step to make liquor accessible due to anti-liquor sentiments in the state. 

Farmers exhorted to take up aromatic plant cultivation

Dehradun, December 9
An industry-farmers meet was held at the office of the Centre for Aromatic Plants here yesterday. Horticulture Minister Amrita Rawat, who was the chief guest, said the state had immense potential in cultivation of aromatic plants. She said the state could check the migration from the hills by encouraging unemployed youth to take up the cultivation of aromatic plants in barren lands. Apart from releasing documentary CD on the lemon grass success story in the state, Amrita also released information booklets regarding various aromatic plants.

Former state Chief Secretary, Dr RS Tolia, said hill areas were most suitable for cultivation of aromatic plants. He said hill farmers should be given adequate support for taking up aromatic plants cultivation. Tolia said Centre for Aromatic Plant should be given an autonomous status.

Former HNB Garhwal University VC, Prof AN Purohit, and CAP Director Nripendra Chauhan also spoke on the occasion. Around 75 farmers and 50 representatives of industry dealing with aromatic oils attended the day long workshop. — TNS

3 held in BSNL cable theft case; kingpin still at large
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9
The police have arrested three persons in the BSNL cable theft case, which was reported in the Shivaji dharamshala area over three months ago. It also claim to have recovered the stolen cable from their possession.

The police said it had rounded up a few persons in the case a few days ago. During their interrogation, they named Fakrhudeen, Baajudeen and Maserudeen for their involvement in the case.

The trio has confessed to their role in the theft case. They further named one Manjoor, who, they said, had hired them to commit the theft. Manjoor is absconding and the police have launched a manhunt for him.

The trio said the stolen cable was taken to Loni by Manjoor.