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| Monday, February
12, 2001, Chandigarh, India   
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YC leader flays
Dhumal NSUI seeks probe into
recruitment Virbhadra loyalists ignored No financial crisis in HP:
Dhumal Shimla fire exposes govt apathy |
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Lift ban on export of khair wood: farmers Kidnapping charge concocted: ministers Plantation drive on in
Himachal Lack of rain worries Forest Dept
officials ‘Probe’ Wakf Board
functioning Milk coop society changes their
life 36 houses, temple
gutted District diary Regular bus service sought
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YC leader flays
Dhumal PALAMPUR, Feb 11 — Mr Sudhir Sharma, General Secretary of the Youth Congress and a senior Congress leader, here today criticised the chief Minister, Mr P.K. Dhumal, and said that during his one-day visit to Baijnath constituency, the Chief Minister had laid the foundation stones for half a dozen projects and had announced that these projects would be ready within one year. Mr Sharma expressed concern over this statement of and said there was “very nominal” budget provisions for these projects during the current financial year. He wondered how these buildings and bridges could be operational in one year. Addressing mediapersons here this morning Mr Sharma said for primary health center at Chobin the state government had sanctioned only Rs 4 lakh in the current budget whereas it needed Rs 60 lakh for completion. Also for a bridge at the Punn Khud the state government had allocated only Rs 10 lakh, but the total estimated cost of bridge had been Rs 1 crore. For both projects the Chief Minister had laid the foundation stone only yesterday. Criticising the state government, the Youth Congress leader said during his visit the Chief Minister had promised development works worth Rs 5 crore alone in the Baijnath area, which could never be fulfilled in the present circumstances. When the government had been facing financial crises and it had no funds even to pay the old age and widows’ pensions. Mr Sharma said all development activities in the Baijnath area had come to stand still for the for past two years as Public Works and Public Health Departments had no funds to execute the works. He said there were no funds even for the completion of ongoing projects which had been initiated during the Congress regime. He quoted number of examples where the state government had ordered to stop the construction works. He disclosed that number of water supply schemes had gone dry in past one year as there were no funds to augment these scheme in accordance with the latest water requirements of the people. He said the Chief Minister was aware of the situation but he was hiding facts to get political mileage. He said since the Chief Minister had started his 10-day tour of the Kangra valley, no officers of the state government were available at their headquarters causing inconvenience to the public. Over 100 official vehicles had been accompanying the Chief Minister during his tour to the different places in the district, which was a wastage of money. NSUI seeks probe into
recruitment SOLAN, Feb 11 — The Himachal units of the Youth Congress and the NSUI have demanded an inquiry by a sitting judge into alleged recruitment of 143 persons to various positions in the three universities of the state recently “purely on political merit”. Mr Sunjay Awasthi, and Mr Naresh Chauhan, general secretary and spokesman of the H.P. Youth Congress respectively and Mr Kewal Singh Pathania, president of the State unit of the NSUI held a joint press conference here today. They alleged that all 143 appointments had been made from among BJP activists and supporters. They took strong exception to the attempted “politicisation of educational institutions”. They also criticised the government’s educational policy of increasing privatisation of education coupled with hefty hike in fees. They said these measures would result in deprivation of education to the poor. The three leaders pointed out that the government had gone out of its way in getting eight private colleges of education recognised by the National Council of Teaching Education last year. The recognition was granted subject to those institutions raising the requisite infrastructure “within a year”. While most of these institutions failed to do the
needful within the stipulated time, the government again intervened and got these recognised for another year. Such bending of the rules would only result in lowering the education standards in the state, they said. They said a survey made by them had revealed that hardly any Himachali had been employed to middle and upper level posts in the industrial units of the state. The industrialists in
response to their queries had said the syllabi of vocational courses being run in Himachali institution were outdated. They demanded that this shortcoming should be immediately looked into and remedial measures adopted to enable Himachali youth to get good jobs within the state. Both Congress bodies held a joint meeting here earlier in the morning and decided to send five volunteers, one from each block from the district, for relief work in Gujarat. |
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Virbhadra loyalists
ignored SHIMLA, Feb 11 — By ommiting staunch Virbhadra Singh loyalists like Mrs Asha Kumari, Mr Kaul Singh and Mr Ram Lal Thakur, from the list of office-bearers and state executive, the new Pradesh Congrerss Committee chief, Mr Vidya Stokes has tried to send across the message that vociferous critics of leadership and party policies will not be allowed to occupy the centre-stage. Mrs Stokes has shown rare political acumen by giving ample representation to the supporters of the Congress Legislative Party Leader, Mr Virbhadra Singh, and at the same time ensuring that none of those who could prove inconvenient to her later found a place in the new body. For instance she has made Mr Gangu Ram Musafir and Mr G.S. Bali from the Virbhadra Singh camp as general secretaries and Mr Chander Kumar, Mr B. Butail and Mrs Anita Verma as vice-president. However, Mrs Asha Kumari and Mr Kaul Singh, the two powerful general secretaries in the outgoing body, have been shown the door. Similarly, Mr Ram Lal Thakur, another Virbhadra loyalist, who was vice-president in the earlier body, has also been dropped altogether. Some other harmless Virbhadra loyalists like Mr Yoginder Chand, Mr Kashmir Singh, Mr Thakur Singh Bharmouri have been accommodated as secretaries. Mrs Stokes has, however, ensured that her group retains hold over the all important 16-member state Election Committee, though she has included prominent Virbhadra loyalists like Mr Kuldeep Kumar, Mr Ram Lal Thakur and Mr Kaul Singh to give it a balanced appearance. As expected a large number of youth leaders have found a place in the new body with Mr Kuldeep Rathore and Mr Jagroop Singh finding their name among the secretaries. Mrs Stokes has admitted that Mr Virbhadra Singh had also submitted his list to the party high command and she had finalised the new executive and a team of office-bearers after taking into consideration suggestions of all senior leaders, including the CLP leader. She has said as many as 43 per cent of the names in the list submitted by him have been accommodated. Due representation has been given to women, other Backward Classes. She has said no sections of the society have been ignored. The following is the complete list: President: Mr Vidya Stokes; vice-presidents: Mr Raj Kishan Gaur, Mr Chander Kumar, Mr Brij Bihari Lal Butail, Mr Lajja Ram and Mrs Anita Verma; general secretaries:- Maj Vijay Singh Mankotia, Mr Gangu Ram Musafir, Mrs Viplove Thakur, Mr Harsh Mahajan, Mr G.S. Bali and Mr Rajendra Zar; secretaries:- Mr Yogendra Chandra, Mr Kashmir Singh, Mr Harshwardhan, Mr Kuldeep Rathore, Mr Thakur Singh Bharmori, Mr Jagroop Singh, Mrs Kunjana Singh and Mr Dinesh Sharma; and treasurer:- Mr Naresh Gupta. List of members of the state executive: Mrs Vidya Stokes, Mr Virbhadra Singh, Mr J.B.L. Khachi, Mr Raj Krishan Gaur, Mr Vijayendra Singh, Mr Brij Behari Lal Butail, Mr Chander Kumar, Mrs Anita Verma, Mrs Viplove Thakur, Maj Vijay Mankotia, Mr Harsh Mahajan, Mr Gangu Ram Mushafir, Mr G.S. Bali, Mr Rajendra Zar, Mr Motiram Thakur, Mr Lajja Ram, Mr Kush Parmar, Dr Milkhi Ram Goma, Mr Virender Gautam, Mr Harbhajan Singh Bhajji, Mr D.D. Thakur, Mr Kuldeep Pathania, Mr Pritam Chand, Mr Gangbir Chaudhary, Mr Shiv Kumar, Mr Kasmir Singh, Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Mr Harsh Wardhan, Mrs Dinesh Sharma, Mr Jagroop Singh and Mr Naresh Gupta. Co-opted members:- Mr Yogendra Chandra, Dr Biru Ram, Mr Sujan Singh Pathania, Mr Kuldeep Rathore, Mrs Chander Abha, Mrs Swaran Lata Parasher, Mrs Kunjana Singh, Mrs Sulakshna Arya, Dr Lalita Parashar, Mrs Urmila Kumari and Mr Ajay Mahajan. Special invitees former Chief Minister and former PCC Presidents: Thakur Ram Lal, Mrs Satyawati Parmar, Mr Sat Mahajan, Mrs Sarla Sharma, Mr Gian Cahnd Tutu, Mr K.D. Sultanpuri and Mr N.C. Parasher. State election committee:- Mrs Vidya Stokes, Mr Virbhadra Singh, Mr Sat Mahajan, Thakur Ram Lal, Mrs Chandresh Kumari, Mr K.D. Sultanpuri, Mr Anand Sharma, Mr J.B.L. Khachi, Mr Kaul Singh, Mr R.R. Rao, Mr Kush Parmar, Maj Vijay Mankotia, Mr Harbhajan Singh Bhajji, Mr Harsh Mahajan, Mr Kuldip Kumar and Mr Ram Lal Thakur. |
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No financial crisis
in HP: Dhumal JAWALAMUKHI, Feb 11 — The state Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, denied rumours that Himachal Pradesh was reeling under a financial crisis. Talking to mediapersons at the local PWD Rest House here today, Mr Dhumal said the state’s financial problems started in 1989 when the then Virbhadra Singh government misrepresented the case of the state before the Ninth Finance Commission by providing wrong facts and figures. Earlier the state enjoyed the special category status and the gap in plan expenditure used to be filled up by the central subsidies. The Chief Minister said the state government had presented a white paper in the Vidhan Sabha to acquaint people with the financial condition of the state from 1998-2000. He made it clear that there would be no sising down of the Rs 1720- crore annual plan for the current year, even though the Planning Commission has approved a Rs 1382- crore core plan. In reply to a question, Mr Dhumal said there was no dissidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party in Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister said that his government was trying to solve various disputes with its neighbouring states. A breakthrough had already been achieved in this regard, with the Punjab Government agreeing to provide jobs to one member of each of the 500 families of the oustees of the Thein Dam Project. Punjab had also agreed to pay a compensation of Rs 66.61 crore for private and government land acquired for the dam. Similarly, a good beginning had been made in respect of the Rs 143-crore Shah Nehar Irrigation Project. The Punjab Government had also agreed to release 25 cusec of water to Himachal from Anandpur Hydel Channel for which an agreement was signed in 1983 and which would irrigate 2,516 hectares of land. |
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Shimla fire exposes govt apathy SHIMLA, Feb 11 — Yesterday’s fire which partially destroyed the Railway Board building, here, has not only highlighted the abject lack of concern for fire safety measures in government buildings but also exposed the limitations of the fire-fighting machinery. Over the years devastating fires have virtually become an annual feature in the erstwhile summer capital of India some of the most elegant buildings of the British era have already been swallowed since Independence. There have been about 80 major fire incidents during this period. The
multi-storeyed Himachal Dham, which housed Himachal Secretariat, was the first important building to be destroyed in 1957. Since then at least 40 historic structures have been destroyed in fires. These include The
Peterhof, which housed Raj Bhavan, Kennedy Cottage, the first house built by the
Britishers, Kumar House, Pari Mahal, Snowdon Hospital, Walkar Hospital, Western Command building, Butler School, Ripon Hospital, Jankidass Building, Himachal Pradesh University’s old building, Wild Flower Hall, Club Lodge of the US Club, Deputy Commissioner’s office, Himani restaurant, Nagina Building, Anaj
Mandi, DCM Building, Regal Cinema, Horticulture Directorate’s old building and state government press. The fact that the Western Command building, which now houses Army Training Command, and the Jankidass Building have been devastated by fires twice over the past few years speaks volumes of the concern the administration and residents have for taking fire-safety measures. That the fire stations are ill-equipped became evident again when fire men struggled to reach the top of the blazing structure last night. Had latest equipment like snorkels and turn lable ladders been available, their job would have been made much easier. The existing fire tenders have a capacity of 3000 to 4500 gallons which lasts only for three to five minutes. Worse, there is no proper arrangement for the refilling of the tenders. The Fire Brigade Department has been pleading with the government to build convenient overhead tanks at strategic places for refilling but to no avail. The lack of residential accommodation at fire stations and perennial shortage of staff adds to the problem. In the absence of accommodation only 15 to 20 firemen are readily available at all three fire stations in the city. Moreover, a large number of posts in the department are vacant. In all 114 posts of fireman out of the total 550 posts are vacant and the department does not have even regular drivers for fire tenders. Mr K.K.
Diddi, Deputy Commandant General, Fire Services, feels that the government should at least grant sanction for filling 28 posts of driver and also provide snorkels and other equipment which could throw water with pressure up to 500 yards. The lackadaisical approach of the government can be guaged from the fact that the Fire Fighting Services Act, which was passed way back in 1984 has not been enforced so far. In fact the department is yet in the process of framing the rules without which it can not be implemented. The Act empowers fire officers to inspect fire fighting equipment in any premises and take punitive action for lapses. Even the routine preventive measures are not taken. Under rules each office is required to designate a senior officer as fire officer during winter to ensure the effective implementation of preventive measures but this practice seems to have been given a go-by. Moreover, the staff of the prevention wing of the department has also stopped visiting offices after 5 p.m. to ascertain that chowkidars were on duty and that all heaters, stoves and ‘angithis’ had been extinguished after the office hours. Instead, things have been made worse by the government by making unnecessary alterations in old buildings. Almost all old buildings, which were originally fire-proof, have been made vulnerable to fire by panelling the interiors with timber and using highly inflammable paints and varnish. Ensuring round the clock-water supply to fire hydrants, creating awareness among people about fire-safety measures, raising of fire fighting squads in every locality and conducting joint exercises involving the police, firemen and municipal staff regularly to ensure proper coordination are some of other steps required to effectively combat the menace of winter fires. Lift ban on export of khair wood: farmers NURPUR, Feb 11 — A large number of farmers from Kangra district yesterday united under the banner of the Himachal Kisan Vikas Sabha (HKVS) and protested against the alleged irrational and anti-farmer policy of the state government with regard to the sale of valuable khair wood. The farmers held a demonstration and gave a memorandum to the government through the local SDM, demanding lifting of the ban on the export of khair wood imposed a few years ago. Khair wood is a valuable farm produce in the lower areas of the state. Following the ban on its export the farmers used to sell the wood at throwaway prices within the state, resulting in financial loss to them. In view of the persistent demand of farmers, the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, at the state-level, kisan sammelan held in September last year at Rohan in this subdivision had announced he would review the existing khair wood selling policy of the government. So far, no changes had been brought about in the policy. Mr Ajaib Singh, president of the HKVS, who has decided to spearhead the farmers’ agitation, has given 48 hours’ ultimatum to the government to lift the export ban and announce a new khair wood policy. The kisan sabha will stage a dharna on February 14 in front of the office of the SDM if the Chief Minister fails to fulfil his promise. The sangh has also demanded grant of compensation for farmers for the rabi crop following the unabated dry spell.
Kidnapping charge
concocted: ministers KANGRA,
Feb 11 — The State Minister for Technical Education, Mr Ravinder Ravi and Irrigation and Public Health Minister, Mr Ramesh Dhuwala today denied the allegation that they had kidnapped two women zila parishad members Swarna Devi and Punia Devi. Mr Ravinder Ravi and Mr Dhuwala, talking to mediapersons at Forest Rest House at Majaid, said Congress leaders who had been allegedly indulging in such activities had concocted the story to cover up their party’s defeat in the zila parishad election. Mr Dhuwala said the BJP had proved its worth in the zila parishad elections. Mr Ravi said the Congress leaders who were allegedly responsible for kidnapping Mr Dhuwala to grab power in the state after the elections were now concocting such stories against them. Mr Ravi denied any involvement of the ministers and the MLA in the kidnap case and said they did not even know the two women zila parishad members who had lodged the report with the police. |
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Plantation drive on in
Himachal SHIMLA, Feb 11 — The state government has decided to complete on priority forest settlement work which has been hanging fire for the past two decades so that effective protective measures can be taken. Settlement officers have been appointed in five districts to ensure speedy progress of work. Besides, forest working plans were also being prepared on priority over the past two years. Working plans for 21 forest divisions have been completed. To increase the density of existing forests and to bring more area under green cover, a massive plantation drive has been initiated in the state. During the past three years, an area of 81,300 hectares has been brought under plantation. In addition, 50 lakh saplings have been distributed among villagers for plantation in their own land at subsidised rates. The government has succeeded in generating additional resources through successful negotiation of externally aided forestry projects. The Rs 169-crore second phase of integrated watershed development kandi project has successfully negotiated. In this phase, multi-sectoral development works would be carried out in 32 watersheds of Sirmour, Una, Solan, Kangra and Chamba districts covering an area of 73,000 hectares. A people-oriented forestry scheme —“sanjhi van yojna”, aimed at establishing viable and cost-effective approach towards the sustainable forest management, has started showing results, with the settling up of 360 village forest development societies. Another ambitious forestry scheme — “parisharam hamara, van — hamara” has also been lauched in the state. Under its first phase, 720 village panchayats and high schools within their jurisdiction are being involved in afforestation activities during the current financial year. A special scheme of Rs 44 crore has been prepared to combat menace of forest fires in the state. In addition, legal provisions to check smuggling of forest produce are being strictly enforced. An annual grant of about Rs 3.5 crore is being given to Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry to carry out research in forestry.
Lack of rain worries Forest Dept
officials HAMIRPUR,
Feb 11 — Officials of the Forest Department here are worried about the drought-like conditions prevailing in the district. The district has virtually had no rain for the past five months and the total rainfall during year was around 359 mm as against 1200 mm as per official records. If the situation continues, the district may face one of the worst droughts of the new millennium. The scanty rainfall during monsoon and thereafter even during winter has made the department realise the gravity of the situation that it may experience in summer. The total geographical area of Hamirpur district is 1,118.00 sq km, and that of Hamirpur forest division is 958.44 sq km. The forests in the district are neither continuous nor form a compact belt but are scattered throughout the district and cover about 18.09 per cent of the total geographical area of the district. The district had preponderance of chirpine trees that are one of best forests in Asia. The total area under the demarcated protected forests and undemarcated protected forests in the district come to 16543.14 hectares and the chirpine forests covers about 80 per cent of the total forest followed by the khair forests. The department has now switched over to other broad leaf species for providing fodder, fuel and timber to the people to maintain ecological balance of the district. There are five forest ranges in the district located at Hamirpur, Aghar, Nadaun, Barsar and Bijheri. The Nadaun range tops the list with the maximum area under the DPF and UPF forests. The jeehan area of the Nadaun forest range is known for its various variety of forests and even some medicinal herbs area also found in this forest. However, chirpine trees dominate the forests and are highly vulnerable to forest fires. Dr Pavnesh Kumar Sharma, Divisional Forest Officer, Hamirpur, says this year’s prolonged drought is a major cause of concern to the department as well as the people of the district as situation may add to the menace of forest fires. According to him, the department has already started taking preventive measures to deal with the situation by resorting to control burning of forests, seeking help and cooperation of the locals by educating them about the ill effects of the forest fires. However, more efforts were needed to control the fires. He says that there are 70 forest beats in the district and each beat covers an area of 200 to 250 hectares. One forest guard looks after each beat. The department needs at least four fire watchers/fire fighters per beat for all beats, including 60 hyper sensitive beats. The department also needs the services of five trolla vehicles, one for each five forest ranges of the district to reach the burning forests in the coming summer season. According to him, the department has sent a proposal to the state government and he had also taken up this matter with the Chief Minister, Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, during a recent district officers meeting at Hamirpur for providing a grant of about Rs 15 lakh for the fire-fighting operations. He was optimistic that the government would concede to his demand and the fire-fighting work in the district would become a reality. Meanwhile, a recent order of the state government to stop the granting of TD (timber distribution) rights to those who will not cooperate with the Forest Department in the fire-fighting operations is also likely to help the department in its mission of controlling fires. Earlier, people were not bothered about fires in their respective surroundings. Sources in the department say that though summer is fast approaching, the state government has not yet sanctioned more funds under the control burning of forests. The department has so far done this work in an area of hectares only. |
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‘Probe’ Wakf Board
functioning SHIMLA, Feb 11 — The Muslim Sudhar Samiti has urged the state government to inquire into irregularities committed by the Punjab Wakf Board (PWB) in managing the mosques and graveyards of Muslims in Himachal Pradesh. In a letter to the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, Mr Liyaqat Ali, adviser of the samiti, said the condition of mosques and graveyards in the state would not improve even if the government set up a separate Himachal Wakf Board as announced by him sometime back. He said the PWB functionaries had been holding out threats to him to prevent him from revealing their misdeeds. The land of graveyards had been sold out. This required a probe. He said for proper maintenance of Wakf properties a meeting of the administrator and secretary of the PWB, the Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, the Mayor, Shimla Municipal Corporation, and other officers concerned should be convened every six months.
Milk coop society
changes their life MANDI, Feb 11 — The Jagdamba Milk Production Cooperative Society and its ancillary Sianj Milk Production Society have revolutionised the economic life of the sleepy Sianj village in Gohar subdivision of this district. Villagers make a beeline before the milk collection centre every morning carrying their milk containers. This village contributes 1,800 litres of milk daily which is further taken to a modern dairy plant at Chakkar set up under the Indo-German agriculture project in September, 1972. When Master Hira Lal started this society in 1985, selling milk was considered bad traditionally. Only seven persons of the village came forward to become the members of the society at that time, says Tajender Sharma, President of the society. This society today has emerged as a pioneer in the state. The collection which began from only eight litres a day has now crossed 1,800 litres as a result of vigorous efforts over the past 15 years. The strength of the society has gone up to 256 and its annual collection of milk is over 30,000 litres. The villagers are being paid a handsome amount of Rs 30 lakh
annually which has virtually transformed their life and ushered in prosperity among them. Secretary of the society Maya Ram has said it has built its building with its own resources. Milkfed provides 750 quintals of feed to the milk producers annually. Officials of Chakkar Dairy Plant also extend a lot of cooperation to the milk producers. Milk testing equipment have been provided free to the farmers. The villagers, however, lament that there is no veterinary institution near the village. |
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36 houses, temple
gutted KULU Feb 11 — Thirtysix houses and the temple of Jagtamb Rishi were gutted in a fire that broke out in Barsheni village near Manikaran, about 65 km from here, yesterday. Two fire engines, which were rushed from here, could save 20 houses of the village. No loss of human life was reported. The estimated loss was put at about Rs 1 crore. The Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mr S.R. Thakur Subdivisional Magistrate M.L. Dhamalu and other district official reached the village and started distributing ration, blankets, and cash relief among the 49 families rendered homeless. Karan Singh, Minister of State for Primary Education, too rushed to the affected village today. He asked the district administration to make temporary arrangements for the shelter of the victims. Maheshwar Singh MP and Satya Prakash Thakur, a former minister, too expressed grief over the incidents. |
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District diary CHAMBA: Residents of the border areas of Churah subdivision in Chamba district, adjoining Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir, have criticised the state government for the delay in setting up a new Irrigation-cum-Public Health (IPH) Division at Tissa which would step up the pace of development in those areas. The present IPH Division at Salooni mostly comprises the Rajnagar assembly constituency, the Salooni development block of the Banikhet assembly constituency and two distant panchayats of Chamba block. The jurisdiction of this division starts from the Chamba- Baloo bridge joining the municipal limits of Chamba town to the Satrundi area adjoining Doda district. At present it is difficult to look after various water supply and irrigation schemes in the remote areas falling under the existing Tissa subdivision from the headquarters at Tissa. The proposed IPH Division at Tissa will serve the Rajnagar constituency and the IPH Division at Salooni will cover the Banikhet constituency. Official sources say that the proposal for the creation of a new IPH Division at Tissa has already been submitted to the state government for approval. * * * To ensure protection of the
environment, the Chamba chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has suggested to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests that the alpine district of Chamba should be included in its draft proposal as notified in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) dated October 6, 2000. The convener of the Chamba chapter of INTACH, Mr H.C.Sharma, in a letter sent to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, has expressed concern over the fast-depleting green cover and forest wealth due to overexploitation. The degradation of hills, unscientific mining, slate and stone quarrying, haphazard construction of roads, floods, etc, have played havoc with the ecology in the Chamba region , Mr Sharma says. * * * Gp Capt B.S.Chauhan (retd), chairman of the Ex-Services League, Bhattiyat, has urged the state government to take measures to prevent landslides during rain in Bhattiyat subdivision. According to him, villages like Maghiana, Riyan, Chandrolbad, Saned and Bhalbed, falling under the Garnota panchayat, have been facing a constant threat of landslides. He has urged the government to implement a plan to stabilise the hill slopes so that life and property remain safe. * * * The Chamba Welfare Association has demanded the construction of a shopping complex in the main bazar of Chamba town at the site where an old double-storeyed government building was gutted fire in 1998. In a memorandum to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr P.K. Dhumal, the president of the association, Mr Lajpat Singh Jandrotia, has suggested that the site is ideally located opposite Chowgan number 4 and a three-storeyed building with more than 106 shops can be constructed there. He says these shops can be allotted to stall holders in Chowgan Bazar. He emphasises that the Chowgan area must be free from encroachments. |
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Regular bus
service sought BILASPUR, Feb 11 — The Bilaspur Nagar Vikas Sabha here has demanded regular bus service in the town, particularly during morning and evening hours and has also stressed the need to control alleged irregularities and overcharging by three-wheelers here. Addressing media persons after a meeting of the sabha here today, the convener Mr A.P. Sharma, said the sabha had demanded that all neglected roads, link roads, drains and walls in the town should be repaired at the earliest and all vehicular-traffic, including two-wheelers, should be banned from congested and narrow lanes of the main market and Gandhi Market. |
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