 |
|
Weatherman predicts snow on New Year’s Eve
Encroachers will be dealt with sternly: Mahajan
CM announces Rs 25 lakh for PM Relief Fund
Police dilly-dallies court orders
Himalayan wolf oldest, says genetic analysis
Begger dead due to severe cold
Mankotia gives call to protect Kangra interests
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Uppradhan running from pillar to post to get justice
Vaccine output hit as states owe crores to CRI
Construction of coffer
dam begins
One drowned as truck falls into Beas
Worker killed as boulder hit him
|
|
Weatherman predicts snow on New Year’s Eve
Shimla, December 28 The night in the hills being warmer than the bone chilling cold of the plains is a typical condition before the arrival of the western disturbances, which bring snowfall around this time of the year. The Meteorological Centre here has predicted that the temperature will remain relatively higher for another two days before the eastward moving western disturbances bring snowfall. “The cloud picture and wind activity seem to be very favourable for a good snowfall as the western disturbances are likely to reach here by December 30 or 31 st giving snow,” says Mr Manmohan Singh, Director of the Meteorological Centre, here. He explained that the thick cloud cover in the night trapped radiation, which acted as a blanket, which in turn resulted in rise of surface temperature. The minimum temperature recorded today was 6.6 degree Celsius, which is almost 3.6 degrees higher than the normal at this time of the year. At the same time the maximum temperature touched a high of 17.9 degrees, relatively high for this time of the year. This maximum temperature is quite close to the highest ever recorded in Shimla, since 1951, during the winters that was 20.4 degrees on December 5, 1960. The town had recorded a maximum temperature of 14.5 degrees yesterday, while the minimum temperature was 3.1 degrees. As compared to the capital town which has so far recorded a minimum temperature of 1.6 degrees on December, 25 the towns of Bhuntar in Kullu district and Sundernagar in Mandi recorded 0.0 degrees on December, 26. However, old timers say that the frequency and quantity of snow in the town has considerably gone down. Based on the data available with the meteorological centre here since 1951, the lowest temperature recorded here has been minus 12.2 degrees, recorded on December 13, 1963. The town here is bustling with tourists who have come here in the hope of witnessing a good snowfall. Even though the frequency of snowfall here has decreased over the years but on several occasions people have woken up to a white New Year morning. There has been snow in the town on New Year’s in 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2002. Last year there was snowfall on December 27 and then again in the last week of January, this year. The tourists here are hoping that they are lucky enough to be able to see snowfall, which is the main attraction for coming here. |
|
Encroachers will be dealt with sternly: Mahajan
Nurpur, December 28 This was stated by the Revenue Minister, Mr Sat Mahajan, in a press conference here last evening. He said the menace of encroachment had assumed alarming proportions during Prem Kumar Dhumal government and the habitual encroachers under the disguise of the regularisation of encroachments were not only emboldened, but also indulged in grabbing prime government and forest land in the state. He disclosed that the government had constituted a three-member committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Mandi and DCs of Kulu and Bilaspur as its members in order to review and suggest means to curb the burgeoning menace of encroachments in the state. “This committee will submit its report within one month to the Cabinet sub committee headed by Revenue Minister and then the final report will be presented before the Cabinet for its approval for the new policy to check encroachments,” he revealed. Mr Mahajan, who is also Panchayti Raj and Rural Development Minister, said the government was contemplating to delegate real powers to the gram panchayats and gram sabhas and make them more effective. “At least four meetings of the gram sabhas will be held in a year and all government employees at panchayat level will attend these meetings, who will be accountable to the gram sabhas for their duties,” he added. He pointed out that the government was also directing all patwaris to remain in office for at least two days in a week and two hours from 10 am to 12 pm daily in their offices so that people did not suffer. He said government was also considering to ensure legal untility of the Kisan Passbooks prepared during the previous Dhumal government. Talking about the winter sojourn of the Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh begining on January 6, Mr Mahajan informed that he would visit Nurpur Assembly constituency on the first day of his journey. “He will inaugurate the newly built bridges at Suliali-Laroonh and
Rehan-Chhatar and lay foundation stones of drinking water schemes at Danni and Sukhar and will address public meetings at Suliali and
Sukhar,” he added. |
|
|
CM announces Rs 25 lakh for PM Relief Fund
Shimla, December 28 Mr Virbhadra Singh also made an appeal to the people of the state to contribute generously so that a helping hand could be extended to the affected families in their hour of grief and suffering. He also made an appeal to the state government and public sector undertaking employees to contribute at least one day’s salary for this noble cause. The contribution can be sent to the office of the Chief Minister, Ellerslie, Shimla. |
|
|
Environment to be part of school curriculum: CM
Shimla, December 28 This was stated by the Chief Minister, Mr Virbhadra Singh, while reviewing the progress of the HP State Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board, here today. “People need to be made aware of the importance of air, water and scientific disposal of waste so that it does not lead to any health and environmental hazards,” he said. He informed that necessary directions had been issued to the education department for introducing the subject of environment in the near future. “With the introduction of environment as a subject, the students would come to know the importance of environmental safety for a healthy living,” he stressed. Mr Virbhdra Singh said the government was contemplating to bring a legislation to deal with pollution cases in the state so that any such violation could be made a punishable offence under the legal provisions. He said the concerned officials had been directed to regularly monitor the polluting industries and the water flow of the rivers. The Chief Minister said that waters of some of the rivers, especially Sarsa in Nalagarh, were being polluted due to chemical effluents. “Water samples should be collected every three to four hours daily so as to keep a check on any polluting effect on the water of the rivers,” he emphasised. Mr Virbhadra Singh, said Himachal was the first state in the country, which had banned the use of polythene bags. “This ban has gone a long way in making the environment of the state clean and eco-friendly, the results of which are before all of us,” he said. He added that seeing the vast tourism potential in the state it was essential to keep our surroundings clean and pollution free. Elaborating on the other steps taken by the government from environment point of view he said it had been made mandatory for every hydel power project executor to release atleast 10 per cent of the total river water discharge downstream the project. This, he said had been done to maintain the marine life and irrigation facilities in the area. “Development at the cost of environment was not desirable and the officials have been asked to ensure that the debris dumping sites are away from the river bed side so that no muck flows into the streams,” he said. The Power Minister, Ms Vidya Stokes, informed about the various steps being taken by the board to check pollution in the state. |
|
Police dilly-dallies court orders
Una, December 28 This correspondent reached Santoshgarh village and the place where the demolition was to be carried out around 10.15 am. The entire area where the structure stood was vacant and the structure was locked. Till 12 noon, there was no hustle and bustle and no Dalit was present there. At Santoshgarh the police was present in full strength with a large number of police women in the contingent. The court officials were also present to carryout the court orders. Police officials present there were telling the court officials that they were waiting for the arrival of the Superintendent of Police, Una. However, they later told people gathered there that more police force had been sought from elsewhere, which would arrive around 3 pm. Till 12 noon, there was nobody to prevent the court officials from implementing the orders but they were not provided police protection. However, after 12 noon a number of women and a few men sat in front of the structure and started kirtan there. After the kirtan they distributed parsad and most of them left the place. Only a few women remained there. After some time Dalits started gathering there and by 3 pm their number rose to around 500. According to Santoshgarh residents, a majority of people who gathered there were from neighbouring Punjab state. They all also started kirtan. Around 3.50 pm the SP, Una, reached there while the kirtan continued uninterrupted. The court officials along with about 24 policemen and policewomen tried to reach near the door of the structure but a large number of women and men prevented them from entering the superstructure. Meanwhile, the police stood there as a mute spectator and did not provide the court officials any help. According to available information, the local police today moved an application before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Una, to seek more time to implement the court orders. However, the CJM fixed the next date of hearing on the application on December 29 while the orders of the Sub Judge court No. 1 remained operative. Though the police was present in Santoshgarh village in a sizeable number still it kept waiting from 10 am to 3.50 pm for the arrival of the SP, Una. The SP later told the landlords that since a large number of women were sitting in front of the structure performing kirtan and there was not a sufficient number of policewomen the court orders would be implemented later on. |
|
Himalayan wolf oldest, says genetic analysis
SOLAN: With a new genetic analysis tracing the existence of the Himalayan wolf — inhabiting Spiti in Himachal with a narrow range passing through Nepal upto Sikkim — to 800,000 years ago, it has been established as the world’s oldest wolf lineage. The wolves whose existence was hitherto traced to North America about 15,000 years ago have now proved to have been evolved from this lineage.
Dr Dinesh Sharma, who carried out this genetic analysis under the aegis of the Wildlife Institute of India in 2003, said the results could redefine the boundaries of historical existence of wolves worldwide. Wolves have been categorised into 32 sub-species based on the geographical and morphological characters. Though wolves are genetically variable worldwide, they may not always match geography. This is due to the fact that they travel long distances even as far as 1,000 km. This allows for considerable mixing of genes from different wolf populations. The study, the first of its kind, takes various factors into account. Indian wolves have been included in the sub-species canis lupus pallipes, a name assigned to small desert and semi-desert adapted wolves that range from the Indian to Arabian peninsula. Himalayan wolves have been included in canis lupus chanco, a sub-species name given to wolves that range from Kashmir in the west to China and Mongolia in the east. The new genetic analysis by Dr Sharma suggests that with the new results obtained now, the taxonomy of this group of wolves may need to be revised. The mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis of wolves, called C.L.pallipes, from the Middle East and all other areas west of India and Pakistan places these animals within the wild-wolf-dog clade. The sequence of C.L. Chanco wolves from Mongolia and China and most of Kashmir falls squarely in the worldwide wolf-dog clade. The Indian subcontinent wolf sequences, however, are clearly different. Further, Himalayan wolves from Nepal, Tibet, eastern Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in northern India are still more different from the wolf clade and easily distinguishable from Indian wolves as well. The study also confirmed that there had been no mixing between the North American and European grey wolves and the Indian ones for more than 400,000 years. This confirms the fact that while the Himalayan wolf is a more ancient lineage, having been separated both from the grey and Indian wolves for more than 800,000 years, they can indeed be called a separate species rather than a sub-species. Behaviour differences are believed to be a cause for lack of inbreeding between the Indian and Himalayan wolves. The Zoological Survey of India’s (ZSI) field station at Solan would soon undertake a project to identify the wolf population in the trans-Himalayan region, especially the Spiti valley. Dr Sharma said it was great achievement as the Royal Society of the USA covered the study on this Ancient Wolf Lineage in India. Since this newly discovered Himalayan wolf is a highly endangered species, it is of prime importance for the ZSI to conduct a study to find its current distribution hitherto unknown. It is of vital concern to take up an ecological study to design a species-specific conservation and management plan for this world’s oldest species of wolves. |
|
Begger dead due to severe cold
Shimla, December 28 However, normal life was thrown out of gear in the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti and the Pangi valley of Bharmaur, following a heavy snowfall during the past 24 hours. The Pangi valley of Chamba district was cut off by road from rest of the country, a heavy snowfall was also reported from Rohtang Pass. High peaks of Lahaul and Spiti, Keylong, Saptrishi and Kugti Pass, Chainy Pass and Saach Pass of Chamba district and high peak of Peer Panjal hills in Jammu and Kashmir, adjoining Himachal Pradesh, experiencing a fresh snowfall this afternoon, bringing down the temperature considerably in the region, a report from Chamba said. Keylong, the headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti, recorded one inch of snowfall this afternoon. The road was still blocked between Keylong to Koksar and Keylong to Udaipur for the sixth day today. Meanwhile, light vehicles were today playing at Keylong, a report said here. However, high, mid and lower hills in the state were experiencing severe cold wave condition. The sky was partially overcast throughout the day. Shimla and its adjoining areas had hide and seek throughout the day. Though the weather in the hill town gave some relief to the residents as the minimum temperature rose to 6.6°C from 4°C yesterday, while Sundernagar in Mandi district recorded 1.8°C and Bhuntar in Kulu district recorded 2°C, according to Met office here. — UNI |
|
Mankotia gives call to protect Kangra interests
Nurpur, December 28 He said, “One who does not speak for the interests of Kangra will not be considered as Kangra born.” He reiterated his determination to fight till last for safeguarding the interests of Kangra. He said the people of Kangra would not remain silent for the step-motherly treatment being meted out to the biggest and significant district of the state. Mr Mankotia’s outbursts against the alleged anti-Kangra treatment is being considered embarrassing for the state government. The Rajput Maha Sammelan was attended by Congress as well as BJP leaders. Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, former Chief Minister, who was also one of the main speaker on this occasion, supported Mr Mankotia, Mr Dhumal assured Mr Mankotia of his support for his mission of protecting Kangra interests. He reiterated that all efforts against the interests of Kangra would be thwarted unitedly. The maha sammelan was presided over by president of All-India Kashetriya Mahasabha and former union minister Dr Sanjay Singh. |
|
Uppradhan running from pillar to post to get justice
Solan, December 28 The case pertains to Mr Bhup Ram Sharma, who had contested election for the post of an Up-Pradhan from the Bharti panchayat on January 2, 1992. Despite securing 254 votes against his rival’s 172, he was declared looser by the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO). Mr Bhup Ram filed an election petition before the SDM on January 12. The SDM after inquiring into the matter upheld the claim of Mr Bhup Ram and declared him winner. Observations were also made to initiate appropriate departmental proceedings against the guilty ARO by issuing a charge sheet. This order was, however, contested by the ARO, who filed an appeal before the then Deputy Commissioner, Solan. The DC, while giving the benefit of doubt to the ARO, held that it was not clear from the inquiry whether the mistake of non-sealing of ballot was committed him as no objections were noted from the election branch. The order further instructed that no departmental action should be proceeded against the ARO. The aggrieved, Mr Bhup Ram then filed a civil writ petition before the state High Court challenging the order of the Deputy Commissioner. The High Court while upholding the order set aside the order dated October 20, 1992 of the DC on June 28, 2001. It further directed to initiate departmental proceedings against the ARO. Despite these clear orders, no action was taken against the ARO who, is a serving in the state Education Department posted at Solan. The aggrieved then approached the district grievances cell here for justice. Despite repeated reminders from the cell, no action has been initiated against the erring official. The Director, Secondary Education, Mr O.P Sharma, when contacted expressed ignorance, but said he would inquire into the matter and ensure that the court orders were complied with. |
|
Vaccine output hit as states owe crores to CRI
KASAULI: The manufacture of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine at the Central Research Institute here has been adversely affected with outstanding dues worth crores remaining unpaid by several states. Being the only institute in the country manufacturing JE vaccine, the institute has been grappling with the problem of not being able to produce enough despite an overwhelming demand for the vaccine nationwide. As against a capacity of 10 lakh doses annually, it was able to produce only 2 lakh doses.
It was reliably learnt that dues worth crores, which had accumulated over a period of more than a decade on account of vaccine supply to several states, had remained unpaid despite repeated reminders. Sources revealed that Assam topped the list and an amount of Rs 90 lakh had not been paid since the early nineties. Other states, including Tamil Nadu, Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, which, who too, had an outstanding amount running into several lakhs, have now been strictly directed by the institute to first clear their outstanding dues and then pay at least 90 per cent amount in advance to secure future delivery of the vaccine. Officials revealed that with the institute adopting a strict posture, the Andhra Pradesh Government paid its outstanding amount of Rs 1 crore in October end this year. While some state governments were now streamlining the process, the JE vaccines were now being brought under the state co-operatives which had the onus of filling the indents for the vaccine and ensuring its supply. The institute which once manufactured as many as 10 lakh doses annually was barely able to manufacture two lakh doses now. The institute, however, endeavoures to achieve a target of 4 lakh this year. Officials, while lamenting the peculiar circumstances, said whenever the institute produced more doses there were few buyers and when its production declined the demand suddenly rose. Affecting the small children in the age group of 0-5 years, the disease has been striking the states of Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka most often. Lack of mice availability due to certain breeding problems here was also seen as a cause of low manufacture, observed officials. Non-repair of the four imported machines used for vaccine manufacture while adversely affecting the quality of the vaccine made buyers to explore other options. The presence of the vaccine in the freeze dried form is another factor affecting the quality, added officials. This has forced states like Andhra Pradesh to import the vaccine from Korea to meet its requirement of about 10 lakh doses annually. This was despite the fact that the institute had the capacity to manufacture more than its present capacity, added officials. |
|
Construction of coffer
dam begins
Sundernagar, December 28 Mr B.R. Pathak, Additional General Manager of the project, inaugurated the work on the dam site, about 35 km from here, on the Mandi-Bilaspur border. On October 30, 2004, the water of the Sutlej was diverted through two tunnels. The river was diverted by constructing a series of blockade in the shape of dyke. At present the area between the dykes is being dewatered through 20 pumps and the work of 43-metre high diversion dyke, which is being constructed with clay, is on. Two coffer dams are to be constructed — one upstream and the other downstream of the main dam. The cost of these closure dykes, a diversion dyke, the main dam and coffer dams will be touching Rs 700 crore. According to official spokesman, the work on the Kol Dam project is running ahead of schedule. |
|
One drowned as truck falls into Beas
Mandi, December 28 A rescue team has asked for a recovery van to retrieve the body from the water, says police source. The conductor is reported to be out of danger. Both the victims belong to Bilaspur district. The truck was on its way from Chandigarh to Kullu before it lost balance and fell into the river. |
|
Worker killed as boulder hit him
Chamba, December 28 Giving this information here today, the Superintendent of Police, Chamba, Mr G.P. Singh, said that the boulder fell from a hillside where the labourers of another contractor, Mr Vijay Kumar, were at work. He said the accident took place due to the negligence of Mr Vijay Kumar. The police had registered a criminal case under Section 304-A, IPC, against Mr Vijay Kumar on the complaint of Mr Kailash Chand, a works manager of a private business enterprise, whose employee had died.
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
