Tree felling sears lake
From Balkrishan Prashar
KHAJUND LAKE (Chamba): Khajund lake is a beautiful place at an altitude of 2015 m near Sahoo.
Sahoo is about 14 km from the district headquarters town of Chamba. The Department of Tourism seems to be unaware of this lake.
According to legend, Nag devta crossed over from here to Khajjiar. This place is a replica of Khajjiar but smaller in size. But indiscriminate felling of trees has reduced the thick forest cover around this plateau.
This place can be developed as a good adventure tourism destination. Zamar top is another 2 km uphill climb from this destination. The neglected lake is not yet on the HP tourism map.
The lake can also be developed as a fisheries centre and in the long run, it can attract anglers provided no restrictions are imposed on fishing. All these things can draw attention to this part of the world.
It is hoped that the government and the district administration would pay more attention to this place and take urgent measures to save it from the hands of plunderers, who get trees around the lake allotted under the timber distribution rights. No tree should be marked by the Forest Department for locals, at least around this lake and within the radius of the lake. The vast tourism potential of this lake should not be allowed to be marred.

Pragpur first heritage village
From Pratibha Chauhan
Tribune News Service
PRAGPUR. July 25 — With its distinctive architectural features and pristine beauty, this village in the Dehra subdivision of Kangra district has been declared country's first "heritage village".
The Governor, Mrs V.S. Rama Devi, today formally inaugurated the heritage village, having a medieval ambience and pastoral charm.
The narrow cobbled lanes, lined with fort like houses, havelis and villas is reminiscent of the old world charm, which evokes much fascination and interest, especially among the foreign tourists. To preserve and restore its aesthetic heritage value, the state Tourism Department has notified the area as heritage village. The little village of Pragpur, with its endearing beauty, offers angling opportunities in the Beas and a panoramic view of the snow-capped majestic Dhauladhars.
The initiative to preserve and restore the ancient glory of the village has been taken by Mr Vijai Lal, who is the grandson of Justice Sir Jai Lal, the second Indian to become the Judge of the Punjab High Court, during the British rule. A manor, called, "The Judges Court", being run by him, has already been attracting a large number of tourists, especially foreigners. Apart from the Judges Court, which was built in 1918, Mr Lal has restored his 300-year-old ancestral house, in the heart of the village and thrown it open for the tourists' stay. Efforts have been made to restore the house with the same wood and brick work, done originally, to retain the old style and structure.
The realisation that their village has a unique heritage value, has dawned upon the residents of Pragpur, who appear to be very enthusiastic, with the heritage status being accorded to their village. "Tourism promotion is an important aspect, but at the same time, we must ensure that it does not lose its charm and originality, which is its distinctive feature," said Mr Lal. To keep a check on this, a heritage committee has been constituted, which will implement a strict construction code. "No construction activity will be allowed without the permission of the committee, within the heritage zone, and the area contiguous to it will be declared planning area," Mr Lal said. A specific colour code will be followed and all buildings will be in conformity with the medieval ambience of the village.
Before getting the place declared a "heritage village", experts from the Chandigarh College of Architecture were consulted. They undertook mapping and documentation of the entire heritage zone and prepared six designs, of which one will be finally selected after consultation with the villagers." Nothing is being thrust upon the villagers as they are being involved in entire planning. To begin with, some pathways in the village have been relaid with cobblestones and street lights installed. Efforts are being made not to take any outside help and get all the work done by the local craftsmen, skilled labour and other artists. "Our aim is to involve the local weavers, block printers, blacksmiths, Kangra miniature artists, so that ours is a self-contained village of its own kind," says Mr Lal.
The rules and regulations for undertaking construction or restoration work, have yet to be framed by the government. Though a number of people seem to be interested in converting their houses into heritage hotels, they feel it will not be possible without the help of the government. Besides, being in touch with the INTACH and the Archaeological Survey of India, efforts are being made to get corporate sponsorship. "The major hurdle is of financing, but if the government provides us loans on low interest rates, there is no reason why the heritage village will not flourish," commented Mr Jai Lal Katoch. He added this was a golden opportunity for them to revive the old art and craft of the area and sell it to the world. Mrs Krishna Devi, who is a panchayat member, says a beginning in this direction has been made and now it is the responsibility of all villagers to restore and preserve what our forefathers have done.
Some villagers were, however, apprehensive that with the area being declared a heritage village, they may face great difficulty even in constructing a small structure. While others, who thought that it would turn out to be a fiasco, now believe that results have starting showing as the village is cleaner. Though there was great activity and enthusiasm among villagers, none of the district officials, including those of the Tourism and Art and Culture Departments were aware about what was happening.
This village was set up over 300 years ago in memory of Princess Parag, who raised her voice against the brutalities of the Muslim rulers. Later, the people of the Sood community, who were doing well in various fields constructed huge havelis in the village. The owners of most of these houses have all moved out and some of the buildings are in ruins.

Amnesty exonerates 'Tibetan Government'
Tribune News Service
DHARAMSALA, July 25 — The Amnesty International has said it has found no evidence of human rights violation of Shugden followers, and maintained that it did not wish to become involved in a debate on the spiritual issue of the Tibetans.
The worshippers of the Tibetan Buddhist deity, Shugden Dorjee, had submitted a lot of material to the Amnesty International, alleging human rights abuse against them, in various Tibetan settlements, in India. The Shugden devotees had approached the AI for action against the Tibetan government-in-exile for grave violation of fundamental human rights, including torture, death penalty, extra-judicial executions, arbitrary detention and unfair trials.
Regarding the human rights position in Tibet and China, the AI said there was a widespread crackdown on Tibetan nationalists and religious groups. About 100 Tibetans, mostly monks and nuns, were reported to have been detained last year. It said a continuing "patriotic re-education campaign", in monasteries which had led to expulsions and arrests. The prison conditions remained harsh in Tibet and prisoners were often ill- treated for a minor infringement of prison regulations.