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| Friday, August 4, 2000, Chandigarh, India   
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Copters carry supplies SHIMLA, Aug 3 — Even three days after disaster the mystery of flashfloods in the Sutlej, which wreaked havoc along its 200-km length in the state, remains unresolved. Chamba border
not safe: Sat Mahajan Soldier cremated Making the downtrodden aware of rights Maladministration dogs primary schools |
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Ex-servicemen meet
CM Lawyers resent amendment in
Land Revenue Act 1 killed in mishap I-Day function
at Gohar Bail granted
to DIG’s son
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Copters carry supplies SHIMLA, Aug 3 — The relief and rehabilitation measures got the much-needed boost with the pressing of helicopters into service for airlifting of material to the flood-ravaged areas which had been cut off not only from the rest of the state but also from each other. Besides the state-leased helicopter, which made four sorties to carry 50 quintals of relief material, the government has also requisitioned three helicopters form the Indian Air Force. The supplies dropped today included essential commodities like wheat, rice, oil, salt, blankets and tarpauline. In addition,
some foreign tourists who were stranded at various places, where also evacuated. The supply of essential commodities to Yangthang in Kinnaur was restored after repair of the Kaza Yangthan road and four trucks of essential commodities have reached there. Mr A.K. Goswami presided over the meeting of crisis management committee here today. He said
control rooms had been set up in the office of Deputy Commissioner at Rekong-Peo, SDM office at Pooh and tehsildar offices at Sangla, Morang and Bhaba Nagar and three more would be set up at Tapri Akpa and Bhaba. He said regular helicopter flights would continue to affected areas to lift necessary material to carry out restoration and repair works in addition to essential commodities. The bridle-path from Kalpa towards Tapri had already been restored and work for remaining part was in progress. He said the PWD had constructed a span across the Sutlej at Purbani village and 25 trollies (Jhullas) were being fabricated in mechanical workshops at Dhalli and Rampur which would be installed immediately at places where bridges had been washed away. The Western Command has deputed Brig. J.K. Mohanty Commander 95 Infantry Brigade to supervise relief operation in the flood-affected Army units located in Kinnaur district. Army engineers have already proceeded to Kinnaur to assist the Border Roads Organisation to restore roads and bridges. The local persons of Kinnaur could also avail of the helicopter flights at minimal charges of Rs 700 per seat. Mr P.K. Dhumal the Chief Minister, while thanking the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, for releasing Rs 100 crore for as immediate assistance, requested that a Central team be sent to the state to assess the damage. He also urged the Centre to provide four helicopters to the state government for airlifting essential supplies, machinery and equipment free of cost. He also requested that blankets, tents, milk powder, medicines and canned food be also supplied to the affected people.
He said the main concern of the government was how to supply, petrol, diesel and kerosene which could not be airlifted. The possibility of setting up a bailey bridge at Khab was being explored so that the road could be opened from the Spiti side. Since the much of affected area would be bound by snow by the end of October, the entire supplies up to march 2001 would have to be made over the next two months, which would be quite a
task. He said frequent flashfloods had made it evident that proximity of roads to rivers was not good from the safety point of view. In future the government would ensure that roads were constructed at a safe distance and height from the rivers. Meanwhile, the state road transport corporation was arranging the supply of diesel so that its 29 stranded buses could be plied within Kinnaur and Rampur. The state unit of the BJP has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and property and urged the Centre to grant a special assistance of Rs 500 crore to the State of relief and rehabilitation measures. The Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal the Industries Minister, Mr Kishori Lal, and the Excise and Taxation Minister, Mr Parveen Sharma, have contributed Rs 11,000 each towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for providing relief to the flood affected people. The H.P. Administrative Services Officers Association contributed Rs 51,000 while the truck and tempo operator Union Rampur donated Rs 11,000 for the fund and the Monal Times Rs 11,000. The state
IAS. Officers Association has decided to donate a day’s salary while the H.P. State Pensioners Welfare Association has contributed Rs 5,000 to the fund.
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Floods started in Tibet? SHIMLA, Aug 3 — Even three days after disaster the mystery of flashfloods in the Sutlej, which wreaked havoc along its 200-km length in the state, remains unresolved. The local people, who were surprised by the unprecedented surge in the level of the river at midnight on Tuesday, as well as experts are at a loss to understand where the huge mass of water came from. There was no appreciable rain in the region over the preceding few days and all tributaries of the Sutlej, including the Spiti, had been flowing normally. Apparently, the floods originated somewhere in Tibet and the reason could be either a cloudburst or temporary blockade and its subsequent lifting, sending down several lakh cusecs of water in a gush. However, the information gathered by state officials through the Internet reveals that even catchment of the river falling in Tibet also did not receive much rain during this period which could trigger off devastating flashfloods of this kind. The water level even surpassed the highest flood level for which the underground powerhouse of the Nathpa Jhakri project was planned. while the project was designed for the highest flood level of 1024 m from the sea level, 40 m higher than the normal level of the river, during flashfloods the water level touched 1027 m. As a result of this the underground powerhouse was inundated. Even today the world’s second largest underground powerhouse is under 120 ft of water. The experts who examined the site said if eight pumps of 60 hp were pressed into service to flush out the water it would take more than 12 days. The total volume of water entrapped in the powerhouse has been estimated at four lakh cusecs. Mr Virbhadra Singh, a former Chief Minister and ruler of the erstwhile Rampur Bushahr state, said neither he nor his ancestors had seen or heard of such devastation by the Sutlej. Even the 100-year-old Victoria Bridge, which weathered many a flood, had been washed away. With no plausible reason to explain the fury of the river the local villagers are accepting it as an act of retribution by the gods. Some even said that the construction of big hydel projects in the area had annoyed the local deities and they were facing their wrath. The state government has also no clue to the cause of floods and was trying to ascertain the reason from the neighbouring country. The Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, has in a letter to the Ministry of External Affairs, requested that the matter should be taken up with the Chinese Government to know the exact cause of the disaster. It was essential to know what happened in the catchment of the river in Tibet for taking the necessary preventive measures. |
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Chamba border
not safe: Sat Mahajan DHARAMSALA, Aug 3 — The Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee HPCC chief Mr Sat Mahajan, today cautioned the state government to be alert in the Chamba area bordering Jammu and Kashmir, following the gunning down of Amarnath pilgrims by the militants. Addressing a press conference here today, Mr Mahajan, said since Chamba district of Himachal shared a vast border with the militancy-infested state of J and K, there was every possibility of a militant strike in the area. Accusing the Central Government of adopting a weak policy on Jammu and Kashmir, he said it had also misled the country about the security arrangements for the Amarnath pilgrims. “By accepting the offer of ceasefire by the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, the Vajpayee government is unofficially giving recognition to those who are dismembering the country,” he regretted. He added that the weak handling of the situation in J & K by the Central Government was sending wrong signals. “It is a pity that instead of bothering for the security of the nation, the Vajpayee government is more concerned about the safety of its government, to rule for the full tenure,” he said. He said after Kargil, it was for the second time that India had been betrayed despite agreeing to hold talks with the Hurriyat leaders. Talking about the cloudburst and havoc caused in Rampur, Kinnaur and other parts of the state, he said it should be treated as a state calamity, in which all should come together, irrespective of the party affiliations. He added that the Chief Minister should seek the cooperation of one and all to tackle the problem affecting the state. He demanded the setting up of a “distress cell” to monitor the relief operations on a day-to-day basis. He said the relief should be quick and effective. Mr Mahajan said as Mr Shanta Kumar, had dared to talk about the need for self introspection and zero resistance against corruption, he should come out openly by naming the persons who were involved in it “Before August 15, the charge sheet against the Dhumal government will be handed over to the President of India,” he disclosed. When asked about the entry of Mr Sukh Ram, into the Congress fold, he said as long as the HVC chief continued his support to the BJP government there was no question of any such move. He, however, added if Mr Sukh Ram, withdrew support for the BJP government, all options could be explored.
Soldier cremated SUNDERNAGAR, Aug 3 — The body of Jagdish Kumar (25), R/o Kandyah village in this subdivision, who laid down his life on July 30 at Bandipur in Jammu and Kashmir was cremated with full military honours at his native village here today. The body of the martyr was brought here and was taken to his native village. Thousands of people from adjoining villages of this subdivision attended the funeral of the brave soldier. Mr Rup Singh, Forest Minister, and Mr Tek Chand Dogra, MLA, Nachan, along with other officers attended the funeral. The solider was serving in 4th Dogra Regiment. |
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Making the downtrodden aware of rights BILASPUR (HP): A vigorous campaign has been launched here in Bilaspur district through legal literacy camps during May and June to educate people regarding the benefits of free legal aid which is being provided to the poor litigants under the Legal Service Authorities Act, 1987. As many as eight camps were held at different places, of which the largest gathering was at Ghumarwin, where over 550 persons participated. The participants of these camps were leaders of zila parishad and panchayat samitis and presidents and vice-presidents of gram panchayats, mahila mandals and yuvak mandals. These camps were held under the chairmanship of the District and Sessions Judge, Mr B.S. Chauhan, who is also chairman of district Legal Services Authority. While addressing these camps, Mr Chauhan pointed out that the fundamental right of equality under the Constitution and the law can be meaningful only if all the persons are given equal opportunity to get justice. He stressed the need to educate poor people regarding free legal aid benefits and urged the participants to make each and every person aware of this service in their area so that the purpose of the Act is achieved. Under this programme, free legal aid is given to weaker sections including the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, backward classes and others whose annual income is less than Rs 25,000. Such pensions have to apply to the District and Sessions Judge or the Deputy Commissioner. Some of these camps were also attended by Deputy Commissioner J.C. Sharma, Superintendent of Police Atul Verma, Chief Judicial Magistrate D.K. Sharma and the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate of Ghumarwin. These camps were also held at Suharghat, Nainadevi, Namhole, Jhanduta, Bharari villages and Bilaspur town and were largely attended by representatives from various villages including women leaders. This campaign has to a large extent brought awakening among the people regarding legal aid. |
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Maladministration dogs primary schools KASAULI, Aug 3 — Maladministration is the special feature of the Primary Education Department in the state. About 1206 primary schools are managed by a single teacher being situated at less than a distance of 5 km in the state. Political considerations have worked overtime to open a plethora of primary schools, a majority of which lack the basic infrastructure. The Primary Education Department has instituted Block Education Officers other than the district-level Education Officers. Their plight is clear from the fact that the clerks dominate them for these BEOs are promoted from among the primary teachers. The situation has been made worse by male teachers who visit the office daily for no work and hamper its smooth functioning. A number of them can be seen roaming in the market during school hours. Women teachers are often seen buying articles from peddlers who, seeing the overwhelming response of these teachers, have made it a routine to visit these schools every now and then. Books, music system and other items, given to the primary schools by the state government to inculcate a sense of reading among children and to facilitate teaching, remain locked up in the cupboards or are taken away by teachers. While there are no takers for schools located in the far-flung areas, the easily accessible motorable schools are overstaffed. Many additional duties are
assigned to the primary teachers, including the preparation of voters’ lists, conducting of surveys and at times checking the literacy level or making monthly lists of students who get rice under the Prime Minister’s mid-day meal scheme. They are seen engrossed in these duties rather than paying attention towards imparting education. Interestingly, there are certain teachers who are always enlisted for one survey or the other. There is an alleged nexus between official assigning these duties and certain teachers. Seminars are conducted, from time to time, for these teachers by the DIET where secondary of high school level teachers impart lessons to these teacher. The response to these seminars is poor. These teachers complain that what is discussed at the seminars pertains to high or secondary level teaching and hence holds no relevance for them. |
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Ex-servicemen meet
CM SHIMLA, Aug 3 — Brig L.S. Jaswal and Major P.C. Thakur, president and secretary of the BJP Ex-servicemen Cell, met the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, here today and urged him not to take any decision on the pattern of other states regarding service benefits to ex-servicemen employees as it would harm their interests. The Chief Minister assured them the government would take a decision after consulting all concerned and ensure that the interests of ex-servicemen employees were not sacrificed. Brigadier Jaswal criticised Congress leader Vijay Singh Mankotia for making a hue and cry over the decision of the government to keep the surplus Kargil Fund in fixed deposit. He said it was in the interests of the families of the martyrs as interest on the amount would also be utilised for their welfare.
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Lawyers resent amendment in
Land Revenue Act DHARAMSALA, Aug 3 — Members of the Kangra District Bar Association, today expressed resentment against the amendment in the HP Land Revenue Act, 1954, by holding a rally and staging a dharna outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office. The lawyers, who abstained from work termed the amendment, particularly in Sections 37, 46 and 129 of the Act as unwarranted. They demanded that in the interest of the litigant public the amendment must be withdrawn and a permanent Bench of the H.P. Tribunal should be set up here. The lawyers decided to abstain from work till August 5, and hold dharna outside the office of the Deputy Commissioner, in support of their
demand.
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1 killed in mishap JAWALAMUKHI, Aug 3 — One person was killed in a road accident on the Dharamsala-Shimla highway today. According to police sources, Karnail Singh (30) of Nandlu village died on the spot near Banedihatti when he was hit by a tractor coming from the opposite direction. A case has been registered. In another incident, 18-year-old Surjit Kumar of Rakkar village, near here, allegedly committed suicide by taking poison. |
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I-Day function
at Gohar SHIMLA, Aug 3 — The state-level Independence Day function on August 15 will be celebrated at Gohar in Mandi district. The Chief Minister, Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, will preside over the function at which Mr Mansa Ram, Food and Supply Minister, Mr Roop Singh Thakur, Forest Minister, and Mr Parkash Chaudhary, Minister of State for Rural Development, will also be present. Mr Gulab Singh Thakur, Speaker, will unfurl the national flag at Dharamsala. Mr Kishori Lal Vaidya, Industries Minister, will preside at Solan and Mr Mohinder Singh, Public Works Minister, at Kulu. Mr J.P. Nadda, Health Minister, will preside at Hamirpur and Mr Krishan Kapoor, Transport Minister, at Chamba. Mr Ramesh Chand, Irrigation and Public Health Minister, will preside at Nahan and Mr Vidya Sagar, Agriculture Minister, at Shimla. Mr I.D. Dhiman, Education Minister will provide at Bilaspur, Mr Narinder Bragta, Horticulture Minister, at Rekong peo, Mr Roop Dass Kashyap at Keylong and Mr Ram Dass Malangar, Deputy Speaker at Una at various district-level functions. |
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Bail granted
to DIG’s son SHIMLA, Aug 3 — The District and Sessions Judge, Mr Surjeet Singh, today granted bail to Mr Suraj Gupta, a son of a DIG who was arrested in a case of theft of a Honda City car from Delhi. Counsel for the accused T.R. Chandel argued the accused was a student of BA II and his studies were suffering due to illness and mental tension due to false implication in the case. While arguing the case, counsel for the state D.N. Gautam said he had no objection to grant bail subject to the condition that the accused would not tamper with the prosecution witness and would make himself available to the police during the investigation. |
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