Colourful Christmas trees add to festive spirit 
Parwinder Sandhu
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 24
Though it may not have a religious sanctity attached to it, Christmas remains incomplete without a well-decorated Christmas tree. This year too families in Dehradun are making all efforts to ensure a colourful and bright Christmas.

With the original Christmas tree being almost impossible to get in the city, a majority of the families are opting for plastic trees readily available in the market, in some cases pre-decorated too. Starting from Rs 200, these Christmas trees can go up to Rs 5,000-Rs 6,000, depending on the height and decorations used to make it attractive.

Emanuel, a resident of the city, says, “For our family it has always been a plastic tree. We have never bought a natural Christmas tree, as it is not available in the city. The best part about having a plastic tree is that it requires no maintenance and can be re-used every year. Besides, they are easy on pocket too.”

However, for the traditional families, which simply cannot go with the ‘fake’ Christmas spirit, it is Araucaria, more commonly as the Norfolk Island pine that completes their celebrations. Available in almost every nursery across the town, the plant costs anything between Rs 300 and Rs 1,000 depending upon its growth and health. “Though the plant is sold throughout the year, during the Christmas season its sale is almost doubles,” said Sudesh, a worker at Kamal Nursery in the city.

Traditionally, pine, spruce, and fir trees are taken as Christmas trees and decked up days before the festival. For the city-based Kesari family, nothing can beat a fresh and healthy Araucaria plant for decorations. “No matter where we are during the Christmas season, we always take a fresh tree for decorations. Somehow by decorating a fake plastic tree, the feeling and spirit of Christmas is not achieved. For our family the tree symbolises so much more than just being a piece of decoration. 

 ‘Angel dance’ by toddlers mesmerises audience
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 24
St Joseph’s Academy organised a cultural programme on Christmas Eve today. The event began with junior school’s toddlers mesmerising the audience with their “angel dance”. Garima Lal, a class IX student, led the prayer. The school auditorium reverberated with the enticing tunes of “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World” sung by the senior school choir.

A Nativity play by class IX students was much appreciated by the gathering. A wonderful light and sound show added charm to the programme.

Bro George complimented the participants for putting up such a marvellous show. He said, “Jesus was born in this world to spread the message of unconditional love and forgiveness.” The function ended with everyone swaying to the tune of “Feliz Navidad”.

Xmas celebrated with patients

On Christmas Eve, the GVK EMRI 108 emergency ambulance service distributed presents among patients at Doon hospital. An employee dressed as Santa Claus spent time with the children at the hospital. The children readily accepted gifts, fruits and sweets. “We brought cards and gifts for the patients and they were overjoyed,”said Manish Tinku, an employee at GVK EMRI.

He said similar functions were being organised in other parts of the town. 

 Shias take out ‘Chehllum’ procession in Doon
Tribune News Service

Young members of the Shia community participate in a procession to mark the Chehllum observation in Dehradun on Tuesday. A Tribune photograph

Dehradun , December 24
The members of the Shia community took out a procession on the occasion of Chehllum here today. Chehllum commemorates the martyrdom of Hussein bin Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad which falls on the 20th day of the Muslim calendar month of Safar. Imam Hussein and 72 companions were martyred in the Battle of Karbala in the year 61 AH (680 CE), by Yazid's army

A large number of Shia community members including women and children gathered at Shia Imambara at East Canal road in the afternoon. The ‘Chehllum’ procession started from Imambara and after passing through several parts of the city culminated at Inamullah building.

The members of the Shia community remembered the great sacrifice of Imam Hussain against the tyranny and injustice. A blood donation camp was also organised by the Blood Bank and 65 members of the Shia community donated blood on the occasion. 

 Only 75 apply for pre-fabricated houses 
Most of the mid-June disaster victims prefer to rebuild houses themselves
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 24
Only 75 disaster-affected persons from Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi districts have so far shown interest in pre-fabricated houses being offered by the government under the World Bank assistance plan.

The government had offered to provide pre-fabricated houses to all disaster-affected people in the districts of Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Uttarkashi and Bageshwar. However, only 29 persons from Rudraprayag and 46 from Uttarkashi have shown interest in the scheme so far.

“A tender for installing pre-fabricated houses has been awarded to Swarn Company. Since the houses are demand-driven, these will be given to only those who show interest in it," said Sowjanya, Additional Secretary and in charge (housing) for the disaster-affected people.

Sources say the disaster victims are more interested in rebuilding houses themselves for which Rs 7 lakh is being provided to them. A total of 2,345 disaster-hit people in Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Bageshwar have opted for rebuilding houses on their own. Of these, 99 persons are from Bageshwar, 662 Pithoragarh, 832 Rudraprayag, 536 Chamoli and 216 Uttarkashi.

“World Bank will provide an assistance of $27 million for the construction of pre-fabricated houses," said Sowjanya.

 Cong workers told to publicise Centre's development works
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 24
In charge of Congress affairs in Uttarakhand Sanjay Kapoor has called upon party workers to publicise development works carried out by the Central Government.

Kapoor while presiding over a meeting at Congress Bhavan here yesterday directed the party workers to gear up for the Lok Sabha elections.

He thanked UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi for ensuring the passage of the Lokpal Bill, which, he said, had reaffirmed the party's commitment to checking corruption.

Kapoor told the party workers that they should convince people that it was only the Congress-led government at the Centre that could give stability to the nation.

 Special prayers at churches 
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, December 24
Churches around Mussoorie resonated with prayers and carol singing as the Christians spruced themselves for Christmas in Mussoorie today.

Special prayers were held at St. Paul’s Church, Christ Church at Library Bazaar, Methodist Church at Kulri and Catholic Church at St. Clare’s to usher in the birth of lord Christ tomorrow.

The members of the Christian community, especially children, were seen decorating the Christmas trees to welcome Santa Claus carrying gifts in their homes. The bishop of Methodist Church blessed the devotees by sprinkling holy water. He outlined the reasons for celebrating Christmas and said the festival was celebrated to uphold the ideals of universal love and brotherhood. He appealed to the devotees to pray for peace and prosperity for all.

The smell of pancakes and special sweets emanated from the households of the community members, who were seen eager to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ tomorrow.

Community members dressed at Santa Claus shook hands with tourists and children and distributed sweets on Mall Road today. Several shops were decorated beautifully to match the Christmas spirit.

Guv, CM extend Xmas greetings

Dehradun, December 24
Governor Aziz Qureshi and Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna have greeted the people of the state and the country on the auspicious occasion of Christmas. In his message on the eve of the festival, Qureshi said Jesus Christ brought the message of peace, sacrifice, love and compassion to the suffering humanity. Bahuguna said the message of love and goodness given by Christ should be imbibed. — TNS

 Govt to lower age limit for locals in competitive exams 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 24
The Uttarakhand Government on Tuesday said it would abide by the Nainital High Court’s directives on lowering the maximum age limit for candidates appearing in competitive examinations from 40 years to 35 years.

“We will abide by the HC orders and carry out recruitment process accordingly. According to the High Court directives, the maximum age limit for state subjects and outsiders will be 35, ” said Subash Kumar, Chief Secretary.

The HC has ruled against the government’s policy that fixed the maximum age limit for the state subjects at 40 years and for those hailing from other states at 35 years.

At the same time the state government would also be seeking legal remedy in the matter.as the court ruling had antagonised the locals.

Meanwhile, at the conclusion of the two-day Annual Plan review meeting, Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar said the departments showing laxity in spending funds had been asked to pull up the socks, “The Department of Urban Development, the Department of Power and the Department of Water Resources have been asked to increase their spending,” he said. The Chief Secretary said out of the Rs 4,500 crore, the state departments had spent only Rs 2,800 crore till November this year. Under the Annual Plan, the outlay of the state is Rs 8,500 crore.

“By the end of this financial year, the government would be able to spend Rs 6,000 crore. While out of the special package, Rs 7,000 crore have been sanctioned by the Centre, the state government is planning to spend Rs 1,500 crore this year,” said Subash Kumar. 

 Churches in Kumaon decked up for Xmas
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, December 24
Christmas celebrations are on and almost every church in the Kumaon region is decked up for the occasion. Churches in Nainital, Haldwani, Rudrapur and Pithoragarh have been festooned with attractive lights and flowers. Besides the local Christian community, a large number of tourists are also likely to participate in the Christmas festivities.

A man puts up lights to illuminate the Central Methodist Church on the eve of Christmas in Nainital on Tuesday. Photo: kamal jagati

According to Ajay Kumar Charan, priest at one of the oldest churches in Nainital, said, “This church was established in 1858. Members of all communities, besides hundreds of tourists have been participating in prayers over the years. The Christmas prayers will be held tomorrow.”

“Tonight, carol singing and prayers will be held for the well-being of the country and peace among all communities,” Ajay said.

Meanwhile, the community organised a Christmas fair at the local Gandhi Maidan at Rudrapur on Tuesday. A large number of Christians, besides other community members took part in the fair.

“We have a tradition of celebrating Christmas with all communities,” Rajendra Lal, a member of the Christian community said.

Over 1,000 Christians in Pithoragarh are preparing to sing carols tonight at the Methodist Church that was established by Lady Burden in 1879.

“This church has a tradition of giving alms to the poor, besides providing health services to the local community. It is because of this tradition that the church shares a strong inter-community bond,” said DC Luise, a veteran of the Christran community in Pithoragarh district.Christmas will also be celebrated with enthusiasm at Almora, Champawat, Bageshwar, Tanakpur and other small towns of the region. "Churches at Aboot Mount, Champawat and Pauri were established when the British came here to settle permanently. “We have a small number of Christians comprising only 22 families, but other communities also help us in celebrating Christmas every year,” said Surendra Singh, Father at a church in Champawat.

 Rs 9,000 cr action plan to tackle climate change
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 24
The State Council for Climate Change has come up with a Rs 9,000 crore action plan to minimise the impact of climate change in the state. This was revealed at the first meeting of the council here yesterday.

The final shape to the plan will be given within 10 days of obtaining inputs from all departments concerned. The plan will be sent to the Union Government for approval.

Under the plan, Rs 80 crore has been earmarked for the agriculture sector. Various initiatives that will be taken in the agriculture sector include the improvement of soil health in the plains and conservation of soil and water in the hills.

Apart from integrated farming, village knowledge centers will be established. Pre and post harvest management, crop insurance, marketing of crops and technical support will also be provided.

Rs 832 crore will be spent on the conservation of biodiversity and forestation.

A special emphasis will be laid on increasing the number of trees, improving the condition of degraded forests and the management of human-wildlife conflict.

Besides increasing the availability of fodder, 19 nurseries to improve plantation material will also be established. The quality of veterinary hospitals will also be improved.

As a part of the disaster management plan , Rs 369 crore will be spent on the study of climate parameters, community-level planning, threat perception, management of water reservoirs and the study of socio-economic conditions in remote areas.

A sum of Rs 104 crore will be spent on human resource related issues such as green buildings, mobile emergency vehicles and skill development.

An emphasis will be laid on solid waste management, sewage treatment, pollution control projects, planned development and rainwater harvesting. An amount of Rs 108 crore has been kept for the conservation of water resources and a state water policy will also be formulated. Moreover, various studies will be conducted on the bearing capacity of tourist destinations, responsible and balanced tourism.

Similarly, many initiatives will also be taken in the areas of energy, roads and transport. 

 2013 Review | politics
Disaster, defeat in civic body poll add to Congress’ agony
SMA Kazmi
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 24
Unlike 2012 when the Congress had seized power from the BJP by a slender majority in the state Assembly elections in January and formed a coalition government headed by Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, year 2013 has not been fruitful for the party. A humiliating defeat in the civic bodies’ elections in April and the mid-June natural disaster are the painful reminders of 2013 for the Congress.

Vijay Bahuguna

Saket Bahuguna

Though the Chief Minister suffered a setback last year also when his son Saket Bahuguna lost to BJP candidate Mata Raj Laxmi Shah in the Tehri Lok Sabha byelections, he did try to start on a fresh note by laying the foundation stone of a new state Assembly building at Gairsain in Chamoli district at the start of 2013. Probably, he did try to encash on the sentiments of the people of the hill areas by giving a political message that by having a state Assembly building at Gairsain he would be shifting focus to development in hill areas. He held a meeting of his Cabinet at Gairsain in November, 2012, and announced that a session of the state Assembly would also be held there once a year after a Vidhan Sabha building comes up there. In fact, Bahuguna stopped short of announcing Gairsain as the permanent capital of the state which was the main demand of the statehood agitators. But still he tried to give Gairsain political prominence.

However, the political move failed to give dividends to the Congress, as it lost badly in the civic elections held in the state in April this year. It lost all six municipal corporations to the BJP and Independents. Interestingly, except Dehradun, which already had a municipal corporation, the Congress-led state government had upgraded civic bodies of five big cities as corporations. It was becoming clear that the people in the urban areas were getting alienated with the policies of the state as well as the Central governments. The Congress leaders blamed the rising inflation, hike in petroleum products, particularly increase in LPG cylinders as the reason for the party’s defeat in the civic polls.

But the natural disaster in mid June this year dealt the worst blow to the political dispensation. More than 5,000 tourists and pilgrims perished in the unprecedented floods at the Kedarnath shrine. Five of the hill districts, namely Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, and Chamoli in the Garhwal region and Bageshwar and Pithoragarh in the Kumaon region were devastated by the floods. More than 4,000 roads, 300 bridges, thousands of homes, schools and government buildings were washed away, paralysing normal life. The entire state government machinery just failed to respond to the natural disaster and Army, Indian Air Force, ITBP and NDRF jawans worked tirelessly for nearly a month to evacuate stranded tourists, pilgrims and locals and provide food, relief, tents and essential items to the affected population. The state government was squarely blamed for failing to respond to the emergency. The BJP demanded the Chief Minister’s resignation on moral grounds but the Congress high command stood by him and provided him all means to deal with the situation. While the Opposition kept the pressure on the Chief Minister for doing little for the relief and rehabilitation of the affected population, the latter tried to salvage his position by re-starting the Char Dham yatra in October when it usually ends. On the other hand, dissension increased in the already faction-ridden Uttarakhand Congress. The group led by Union Water Resources Minister Harish Rawat, particularly Uttarakhand Assembly Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal, kept the pressure on the Chief Minister by questioning the state government moves. He embarrassed the state administration terming it as one of the most corrupt bureaucracies. He also questioned the wisdom of the state government in having two state Assembly buildings; one at Gairsain and another one at Raipur, near Dehradun. He also demanded that Gairsain should be declared as the permanent capital to accelerate development works in the hill areas. As the year comes to an end, Uttarakhand Congress president Yashpal Arya, Revenue Minister in the Bahuguna government, resigned from the party post on the principle of “one man, one post”.

After the defeat of the Congress in the Assembly elections in four states on December 8, there were again rumours that the Chief Minister would be changed with an aim to invigorate the party for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls scheduled in May, 2014. The party high command has for the time being refuted these rumours and continued to repose faith in Vjay Bahuguna.

 Tourists, fans jostle to have Shakti Kapoor’s glimpse
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, December 24
Tourists and fans of eminent Bollywood actor Shakti Kapoor alike were in for a pleasant surprise to find him wandering on Mall Road in Mussoorie today.

The news of Shakti Kapoor having lunch at a restaurant at Library Bazaar spread like wildfire and tourists and his fans gathered in front of the eating joint to catch a glimpse of the versatile actor who had played roles of villain and comedian in Bollywood films.

Later speaking to mediapersons Shakti Kapoor said the hill town of Mussoorie had been his favourite tourist destination and he had been visiting it since his childhood. He added he along with his parents used to visit Mussoorie even when he was just four years’ old.

Asked about his daughter Shradha’s success in the film “Ashiqi 2”, he said, “She has proved her worth in the field of cinema and it is evident from her role in “Ashiqi 2”, which is a big success.”

About the changes in Bollywood, Shakti said the Hindi cinema had changed for good and the success of the films like “Dhoom 3” that amassed several hundred of crores of rupees in three to four days of opening was a testimony to the fact. He added with success of the films like “Dhoom 3”, the only way for the cinema, which had completed its 100 years, was upward. He informed the mediapersons that his son would also be featuring in some films soon.

Asked about his upcoming films, the actor said he would be figuring in a film titled “Mr Jo Bhi kara Lo”, besides another film titled “Main Tera Hero” directed by David Dhawan. He wished Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to his fans on the occasion.

Shakti Kapoor did not disappoint his fans and posed for photographs with them and waved his hand at them much to delight of everybody.

Shakti is a known leading villain in \ movies for more than three decades. He has also been appreciated for playing comic roles in several movies. As a struggler in Bollywood, he initially did many inconsequential roles in movies. He came into prominence as a talented actor in 1981 when two of his movies “Qurbani” and “Rocky” became blockbusters. According to sources, Shakti has bought land near Mussoorie Lake and is planning to make the town his second home in near future. 

 Post-Delhi Assembly poll, 1,000 join AAP in Haridwar 
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 24
As the Aam Aadmi Party is going to form the government in New Delhi, a large number of people from the district want to join the party. After the Delhi Assembly poll results, more than 1,000 people have enrolled themselve with the AAP in Haridwar.

JP Baduni, who has recently been inducted into the Uttarakhand committee of the party, said people were quite happy with the party's performance in the Assembly elections. He said before the Lok Sabha elections in 2014, the party would be able to make a solid base in the state.

Ajay Singh said Rs 10 membership fee was being charged from the new members and the party's book "Swaraj", written by Arvind Kejriwal, was a big draw. "Main Aam Admi Hoon' cap is big hit with the public as we easily identify party activists due to it," said Singh. Elated over the news of the AAP forming government in New Delhi, the party workers distributed fruits among people.

Sewak Ram, an employee at a sweetmeat shop at the Chandracharya chowk, said he did not know much about politics but he knew that the Aam Aadmi Party was doing a good job so he wanted it to be the main party in the state too.

Notably, in the last MC Mayoral elections, the Aam Aadmi Party supported candidate Dr Vijay Verma had got 2,200 votes despite being a new face in politics.

 Class XII students given farewell
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 24
To bid adieu to the outgoing class XII, a farewell party was organised at the Doon Cambridge School, here today.

Based on the theme Hasta ‘la’ vista, the students of class XI presented a number of programmes for their seniors. Shrinkhla Pandey was adjudged Miss Doon Cambridge and Ajay Rawat was chosen as Mr Doon Cambridge.

Addressing the gathering, Principal HK Chhabra said the outgoing students should do well in life and never forget their alma mater. 

 National hockey tourney begins
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 24
The Al- India Swami Shraddhanad National Hockey Tounament commenced at Dayanand Stadium here today.Held annually, the tournament is organised in the memory of Gurukul Kangri University founder and renowned freedom fighter-cum-Saint Swami Shraddhanand Ji’s martyrdom.

Director General of Police, BS Siddhu,was the chief guest. Special guest Khalilur Rehman Ramde,retired chief justice Pakistan High Court, Gurukul Kangri University vice chancellor Dr Surendra Kumar and Upper House Parliament Member Dr Ram Prakash were also present on the occasion.Teams participating in the tournament include Punjab National Bank, Delhi, Core of Signal, Jalandhar, Provincial Armed Constabulary, Central Lucknow, BSES,New Delhi, Indian Air Force. Chandigarh, FCI, Noida, MDU, Rohtak, Central Secretariat, Delhi, Town Hall Club, Shahjhanpur, Rampur Hostel, Rampur,SAI Training Centre Bareily,Haryana Police, Itawa Eleven Shahbad Markanada, DTC ,Delhi and host Gurukul Kangri University team among others.

 Car rally zooms past Haridwar
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 24
The Himalayan Adventure Car Rally reached Haridwar city today after passing through Kotdwar, Lal Dhang and Gaindhi Khata in Pauri Garhwal.

People watched with enthusiasm the high speed cars running through the 1.5 km Indira Gandhi Setu, the NH-72 Chandighat Chowk, Bhooma Niketan Chowk, Har-ki-Pauri area, Doodhadhari Chowk, Bhoopatwala, and Sapt Rishi barrier towards Rishikesh.

Elaborate security arrangements were put in place with Circle Officer, City, Jodh Ram Joshi monitoring the security for the car rally in the city.

Heavy vehicles were not allowed to move on the rally route and the toll tax barrier at Gaindi Khata was also removed so that the speed of the cars was not affected. 

 JA Boys, Rising Star log wins in Vivekananda football tournament 
Tribune News Service

Players vie for the ball during the Swami Vivekananda Memorial Football Tournament at Pavillion Ground in Dehradun on Tuesday. A Tribune photograph

Dehradun, December 24
Two matches were played in the ongoing Swami Vivekananda Memorial District Level Football Tournament here at Pavilion Ground.

In the first match, JA Boys beat Chandrabadni 2-1. Vikas and Ishan scored goals for JA Boys, whereas Arpit scored the lone goal for Chandrabadni.

In the second match Rising Star beat Doon Challengers 2-0. Sanjay and Ashish scored goals for Rising Star. 

 NSS camp concludes at Kempty school
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, December 24
A seven-day NSS camp concluded at Government Inter-School, Kempty village, near here, yesterday.As part of the NSS programme, the participants carried out cleanliness drives at Bhatoli and Senji villages, where people were sensitised to the benefits of leading a hygienic life.They also presented skits highlighting social issues such as female foeticide and the menace of dowry.People were also informed about the importance of right to vote.

NSS programme officer Sunita Rana said the participants gained immense knowledge about the prevailing social conditions in the villages around Kempty.

Block Education Officer KK Raturi, Principal Narvir Singh Rauthan, Hari Singh Bisht, DB Singh, Roop Chand, Singhara Singh, Kunwar Singh, Poonam, Nisha, Mamta and Seema were present.

 Thieves steal customer's money at OBC branch
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 24
A theft took place in broad daylight in the Oriental Bank of Commerce branch on Rajpur Road on December16 despite a number of CCTV cameras installed there.

According to police sources, the incident occurred when Harjeet Singh and Harvendra Singh, both residents of New Market, went to the bank to deposit cash. While they were standing in a queue thieves cut their bag with a blade and took away Rs 32,600. Harjeet Singh realised the loss when his turn came to deposit the money. The police have registered a case against unidentified persons. They have also taken CCTV images to identify the culprits.