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| Sunday, December 10, 2000, Chandigarh, India   
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HP signs pact for 39 power
projects Mandi oil well digging
today Larji project saves Rs 50
cr Quarrying cuts into green cover Chief Justice stresses
on punctuality |
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80 candidates in fray for Chamba 3 panchayats elected
unopposed NSUI
decries Cong
statements Dr Bali
elected dental body
chief
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HP signs pact for 39 power
projects SHIMLA, Dec 9 — The Himachal Pradesh Government today signed MoU with 30 private companies for constructing 39 small hydro-electric projects to generate 57 MW of electricity. These MoUs were signed at ceremony in the presence of the Chief Minister, Mr P.K. Dhumal. Chairman of HPSEB, Harsh Gupta and Joint Secretary in the ministry of non-conventional energy sources A.K. Mangotra, were among those present. Of these 13 projects will be constructed in the Chamba district, nine each in Shimla and Kulu, three in Mandi and two in Sirmour. In his address, Mr Dhumal said the entire process of granting sanctions for power projects was being made time-bound and officers responsible for the delay would be held personally responsible. The Himurja will make available a comprehensive checklist for submission of documents to avoid harassment to the entrepreneurs. The Chief Minister said strict instructions for speedy clearances of project have been given to the Chairman of HPSEB. Powers to grant clearance under the Air and Water Pollution Act is being delegated to the field officers up to an investment limit of Rs 25 crore. Small hydro potential of 750 mw has been identified in Himachal Pradesh. At least 100 mw of small hydro capacity was expected to be created in the next five years. Small hydel projects do not involve setting up of large dams and the related problems of deforestation, submergence and rehabilitation of population are avoided or minimised. Mr Dhumal said till date power purchase agreement has been signed for 22 projects. MoUs have also been signed for 88 projects with 42 private power developers. The state government has developed an attractive package of incentives for providing a boost to develop small hydro programme. Mr Mangotra announced that due to the efficient performance of the state in the field of small hydro projects, it has been clubbed with the North-East states for the highest level of incentives and subsidies. The Centre was planning to revive the traditional “gharats” for generating electricity. Eight small projects of the UNDP have been allotted to Himachal. |
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Mandi oil well digging
today MANDI, Dec 9 — Dhaban, a sleepy village in the Balh valley of this district shot into prominence last year when a massive oil exploration work was started by a team of engineers and scientists of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation. The tiny village is humming with activity with the landing of a large number of ONGC engineers, experts specialists and top officials who have come here to celebrate the spudding of the first oil well on Sunday (December 10). The year-long underground exploration, positive results of geological and geophysical surveys and seismic assessment had indicated oil deposits about 5050 metres down in the earth. It is, however, an uphill task to predict definite presence of oil deposits. Despite advanced techniques it is a sort of hit and trial that ONGC had to adopt after assessing positive results of the rocks under the earth. “Of the 10 wells drilled, there were oil strikes in two or three”, an ONGC engineer remarked when questioned about the prospects of oil at Dhaban. But there is lot of optimism and enthusiasm among the ONGC family which has gathered here. The upgraded electric Rigs-2000 VIII has been shifted here from Bangladesh to carry out the drilling on a war-footing. The ONGC recently netted an oil exploration block in Iraq of the size of its prime property Bombay High which produces nearly 40 per cent of the
country's crude oil. When India attained freedom in 1947 the crude oil production stood at a mere 0.23 million tonnes as against the oil consumption of 2.7 million tonnes at that time. It may be recalled that those were the days when seven giants held the monopoly of 85 per cent of the world’s crude oil production and 75 per cent of refining capacity. In sharp contrast today the domestic production has gone up to 34 million tonnes with a network of refineries capable of processing 60 million tonnes of crude oil. A vast and dependable distribution system covers the entire country. Despite the fact that India has become the master of its refinery and distribution network the fact remains that so far the gap between production and demand has been filled up to the extent of 40 per cent only and the frantic search for the new oil reserves was continuing. The search for hydrocarbons in the Himalayan foothills was launched with the inception of the ONGC in 1956. The gas seepage at the famous Jawalamukhi temple since centuries indicated presence of hydrocarbon potential. The first well was drilled there in 1957-60. Gas was found, but it was not commercially viable to harness it. Over the past four decades the ONGC has come to be known as one of the world’s largest exploration and production company and is rated among the top 25 companies of the world. With a successful record of international ventures in Iran, Tanzania, Iraq, Bangladesh, Oman and Vietnam the ONGC has about a dozen projects at hand abroad. |
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Larji project saves Rs 50
cr SHIMLA, Dec 9 — By seeking international competitive bids for supplying equipment for the power house of the Larji project (126 MW), the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) has been offered concessions worth about Rs 50 crore. Highly-placed sources said the equipment, including switch gears, which initially was offered by some domestic traders at a price of Rs 117.50 crore had now been quoted at Rs 87 crore in response to international bidding. Besides, a package of Rs 20 crore for other equipment had also been offered. The cut in the price of equipment will help spend the money elsewhere and bring down the cost. The cost of the project has escalated considerably over the years. Initially, it was estimated to cost Rs 168 crore in 1987 when the Central Electricity Authority and the Planning Commission cleared it. However, it is expected to cost over Rs 670 crore now. The HPSEB has assigned execution of the project a few years ago. |
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Quarrying cuts into green cover KASAULI: Hundreds of “khair” trees lying along the Kalu-Jinda riverbed, near the Baddi-Barotiwala industrial area, are on the verge of getting uprooted, thanks to the apathy of various government departments. The region, about 40 km from here, has been a site of quarrying for sand, gravel and clay for years together now. Not only has the riverbed been over-exploited on account of quarrying operations but various rules have been flouted with impunity. Rules prohibit quarrying beyond three feet along the riverbed and five feet away from the river banks so as to prevent loss to plantation at the sides. But these rules have been observed more in the breach. A visit to the Kalu-Jinda area by this correspondent revealed extensive quarrying extending up to the banks of the riverbed had led to exposure of the roots of khair trees planted there, thereby threatening their very existence. The purpose of undertaking these plantations as part of Integrated Wasteland Development programme now stands defeated with the area losing its green cover due to government apathy. All the departments concerned have very adroitly shrugged off the onus from their shoulders and are now passing the responsibility to other departments. The kandi project, which had once upon a time planted these trees, seem to have forgotten the reason behind this exercise. Enquires from the kandi project revealed that the Haryana kandi project had planted these khair plants a couple of years back. But having undertaken the exercise in Himachal area, they never bothered to protect these trees. They insisted that the Forest Department is responsible for its up keep. The Forest Department on the other hand, is also trying to save its skin. The range officer concerned stated that the department had written to the Revenue Department to ascertain the jurisdiction of the said area. No measure to protect the uprooted trees has been initiated even after written complaints have been made by locals to the Forest Department. At being apprised about the problem the staff showed near-total ignorance about the endangered trees. The Mining Department agrees that the area falls within the precincts of Solan district. The mining officer at Solan, Mr B.D. Sharma, when contacted, agreed that extensive quarrying had been going on in various parts of this industrial belt. It generated revenue for the government. Normally the areas were auctioned for three to six months and on expiry of the lease period, the contract was renewed by fresh auction to avoid loss of revenue to the government, he clarified. To check illicit quarrying, he added, that as many as five barriers were erected about three months back. But owing to shortage of staff and funds the barriers were reduced to two. They were manned by home guards, who were paid an allowance of Rs 70 per day. But this exercise incurred a heavy expenditure on the department, resulting in it being withdrawn. The two guards and one inspector deployed in the region feel handicapped in nabbing the culprits even if timely information is available about illicit quarrying due to lack of adequate facilities like vehicles and telephones. The government has been apprised of this inadequacy but nothing tangible has been done to provide better facilities, he complained. The Revenue Department officials, when contacted, denied receiving any letter from the Forest Department regarding demarcation of the said area. They, however, stated that owing to the adjoining Haryana boundary the area’s jurisdiction was always doubtful. The forest officials, on the other hand, stated that the said plantations fell on shamlat land and its upkeep rested with the Revenue Department. Ironically, a study of the development plant of the area prepared by the Town and Country Planning Department clearly shows that the disputed territory falls in their jurisdiction and is very much in Himachal. The denial by different departments seems just a lame excuse to shrug off the onus of callousness adopted by them. It is noteworthy to mention that seasonal rivulets have already created havoc in the area by eroding arable land. If the little that remains in terms of the green cover of these hundreds of khair trees is left to withstand the apathy of different government departments, then the wasteland development programme would be reduced to a farce. The Divisional Forest Officer, Dr U.K. Banerjee, when contacted a few months ago, had stated that soil conservation measures would be carried out after the monsoon to prevent soil erosion. But till now nothing has been initiated. Khair is a versatile tree, whose wood is used in producing “katha” and a variety of medicines. Since there is a ban on felling khair trees in H.P. those wanting could make an easy buck and that too without any legal hassle. The locals have been trying to apprise the different departments about this sorry state of affairs but to no avail. It is time the authorities wake up and take positive steps or khair trees would soon become a thing of the past. |
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Chief Justice stresses
on punctuality SHIMLA, Dec 9 — Mr Justice C.K. Thakkar, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, has stressed the need to observe punctuality in the courts to avoid inconvenience to the people besides ensuring speedy justice to them. He was inaugurating a one-day conference of district/additional district and sessions judges in the high court complex here today. Mr Justice Thakkar exhorted to dispose of pending cases in the courts on a priority as justice delayed meant justice denied. The directives of the Supreme Court and the high court of the respective state in this respect should be followed strictly. He also stressed the need to organise lok adalats frequently and regularly to reduce pressure on courts, besides settling cases through compromises. The Chief Justice emphasised the need to organise seminars and refresher courses for judges to afford an opportunity for detailed discussions on burning issues. The judges should also utilise library facilities to update them and added that this facility was available in even lower courts now. The process of learning should continue. Ms Justice Kamlesh Sharma of the same high court said that judges should be judicious and ensure that the poor people got speedy justice. Various functional and management problems being faced by the courts were also discussed. Mr S.S. Thakur, Registrar, Vigilance, earlier welcomed the Chief Justice and others. Mr Justice L.S. Panta, Mr Justice R.L. Khurana, Mr Justice K.C. Sood and the Secretary of Law, Mr Rameshwar Sharma, were among those present. |
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80 candidates in fray for Chamba CHAMBA, Dec 9 — Eighty candidates have entered the fray for 11 wards of the Municipal Council, Chamba, nine wards of Municipal Council,
Dalhousie, and seven wards of Nagar Panchayat, Chowari, in Chamba district. These civic bodies are going to the polls on December 20. About 19,035 voters would exercise their franchise. In the municipal council here, there are 11 wards having 12,549 voters. The election issues revolve around development of the town and timber distribution rights. In the Municipal Council of Dalhousie there are nine wards having 4,579 electors. In the election here the matter at stake pertains to benami land deals and unwarranted and unruly constructions. Twenty candidates are in the fray. In the Chowari Nagar Panchayat of Chamba district 20 candidates are in the fray having only 1,907 voters. |
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3 panchayats elected
unopposed HAMIRPUR, Dec 9 — Three gram panchayats have been elected unopposed in this district in view of the ensuing Panchayati Raj elections stated for December 13, 15 and 17. Four-gram panchayat pradhans, three “up pradhans” and 514 ward panches have also been elected unopposed, according to official sources. The sources said the state government had announced that cash awards would be given to panchayats which would elect its office-bearers without a contest. According to sources, there were 77 candidates for 18 zila parishad seats of this district. Eleven wards have been reserved for women, Scheduled Castes and those belonging to other backward classes. As many as 512 persons are in the fray for 125 panchayat samiti wards. Only 52 seats are for the general category while the rest of the 73 seats have been reserved for women, Scheduled Castes and other backward classes. Similarly, there are 986 persons in the fray for 207 posts of gram panchayat pradhan in this district. Four have already been declared unanimously elected, raising the total gram panchayats to go to the polls to 211. The election to four others will be held next month as their boundaries could not be demarcated due to their late formation. Meanwhile, hectic electioneering is on in all parts of this district. The ruling BJP has fielded its candidates for all 18 wards. |
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NSUI
decries Cong
statements KULU, Dec 9 — The District Youth Congress and the NSUI have revolted against the local Congress committee for its “unfounded” claims of sponsoring candidates of both wings for the municipal council
elections. Mr Deep Ratna, Senior Vice-President, District Youth Congress and Mr Mohar Singh Thakur, campus president, NSUI, in separate press notes said the President of the Congress committee should have taken them into confidence before issuing statements to the
Press. Mr Ratna denied that the Congress-sponsored candidate in ward No. 1 was ever considered from the Youth Congress. He said, “We have fielded Mr Sanjeev Dhar in ward No. 8 in protest against the official candidate of the Congress, Mr Thakur Dass Rana. The NSUI has also disowned Ms Priti, who was termed as its sponsored nominee, for ward No. 11. |
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Dr Bali
elected dental body
chief SHIMLA, Dec 9 — Padma Shree Dr R.K. Bali has been unanimously elected president of the Indian Association of Public Health
Dentistry. Dr Bali is the Chairman of the Dental Council of
India. Dr N.C. Rao, Shimla Dental College has been elected
vice-president. The other office-bearers are Dr M.R. Shankar Aradhya (secretary-cum-treasurer) and Dr M.B. Aswath Narayanan
(editor). The elections to the Himachal branch of the Indian Dental Association were also held in which Dr Rao was elected president. |
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