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SERC frames new norm for power projects Water supply partially restored in Palampur
Couple may enter Guinness Book
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‘Saloni’ oil off the PDS list
BJP seeks suspension of employees’ leader
Ram Lal Thakur on ‘song’
Law to protect trees in the offing
44 deodar sleepers seized
Centre plans to promote
Chamba chappal
Regionalism card ‘benefited’ BJP
Drive to check iron deficiency launched
Steps to boost milk yield
Minjar fair from July 29
Ruckus in hospital after patient’s death
PNB told to pay Rs 15,000 as compensation
Martyr’s father rues govt apathy
Villagers rue damage to houses
Inquiry sought into Antyodaya survey
Saach Pass reopens
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SERC frames new norm for power projects
Shimla, July 1 The government had assigned 206 small hydro projects with an aggregate capacity of 550 MW over the past ten-years and work has already started in 90 projects having a capacity of 300 MW some of which were nearing completion. However, the board has so far not taken the necessary steps for the evacuation of power from all these projects. It was not signing PPA’s (power purchase agreements) in respect of 9 projects for which the implementation agreements had already been signed by the government. It has been demanding the cost of upgradation of transmission system from the IPP’s as per the provisions of the state hydro-power policy. In some cases the cost of upgradation of transmission system ranges from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore per MW which will make the projects unviable. The board has also withheld techno-economic clearance of 14 projects with an aggregate capacity of 49 MW capacity on the grounds that matching evacuation system was not available even though MoU’s (memorandums of understanding) had been signed by the government long back. The state SERC intervened in the matter and after hearing the, IPP’s, the board and the government framed regulations to settle the issue in accordance with the provision of the Electricity Act, 2003. As per the new regulation, the IPP’s will bear the cost of the transmission system only up to the interconnection point. Beyond the interconnection point the transmission utility will prepare a plan for evacuation system and implement it at its own cost. In case of the IPP’s augment, the transmission system beyond the interconnection point, the expenditure will be reimbursed by the transmission utility along with the interests in five equal instalment spread over a period of five years. According to R.L. Justa, hydropower expert, and a member of the Shimla District Grievances Committee, the root cause of the problem being faced by IPP’s is mismanagement and lack of proper planning on the part of the board which has failed to put in place a matching transmission system well in time for evacuation of power. As a result evacuation of power has become a critical issue for which he sought the intervention of the Chief Minister. Unless the board comes out with a crash programme for augmenting the transmission system, the Himachali entrepreneurs for whom projects up to 2 MW have been reserved exclusively, will not benefit as techno- economically most attractive projects have already been allotted to outsiders, he observes. |
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Water supply partially restored in Palampur
Palampur, July 1 Official sources said here today that the Irrigation and Public Health Department had repaired all damaged water supply lines getting water from the Neugal river. These lines were damaged because of heavy rain and debris thrown by a power company which executing a project near the town. Most of the residents complained of receiving muddy and polluted water carrying insects and other waste material. In many parts of the town water coming in the taps had been declared unfit for human consumption. A medical officer posted in the local civil hospital told The Tribune that most of his patients had been suffering from gastroenteritis due to the consumption of contaminated water for the past three days. He advised the residents of the town to use boiled water. N.K. Sharma, executive engineer, IPH Department, said that mud and clay thrown by the power company had entered the water sources of drinking water supply schemes. He said though the department had cleaned all water reservoirs, the inflow of water from the source was muddy. He said water being supplied from the reservoirs had been chlorinated as per scientific norms. All efforts were being made to check the contamination of water. |
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Couple may enter Guinness Book
Dharamsala, July 1 Bishambhar Rana, son of 103-year-old Thakur Pyara Singh and 101-year-old Hansa Devi, said he had sent relevant details about his parents to the record keepers’ office for entering their name as the longest surviving married couple. Accepting the application they had sent a form in that regard, he said. After verifying the facts, the Guinness Book of World Records would hopefully add the name of the couple in the record list, he said. As part of formalities, the Guinness authorities would send a team of medical experts to their house to verify the age of the couple and formally sign a declaration to get the names of the couple entered in the book. Born on January 5, 1904, Pyara Singh, an Army pensioner for the past over 65 years, married Hansa on May 23, 1924, at Kot Patiala village in Una district of Himachal Pradesh. They have three sons and two daughters and their present family strength is 81 members. The grand old man joined the army in 1930 and fought the Second World War as part of the British Indian Army. While fighting the German army as part of the British army in 1942 in Sudan during the Second World War, Pyara Singh received seven bullet injuries but he survived. He also inspired his wife to live a disciplined life and eat a controlled diet that is the key to their longevity. Invite from Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political head of the Tibetans, has invited Pyara Singh and Hansa Devi to attend his birthday party at his residence at McLeodganj on July 6. A formal invitation in this regard was given by deputy speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Dolma Gyari by visiting their house yesterday. |
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‘Saloni’ oil off the PDS list
Dharamsala, July 1 The Weights and Measure Department during a surprise checking of the fair shops at various locations in Kangra district found these anomalies. When the department authorities properly measured, it was found that the company packing contained 20 gm to 40 gm less mustard oil. The Weights and Measure Department had challaned the company having the brand name of “Saloni” and sent the information in this regard to the Food and Civil Supply Corporation and the Food and Civil Supplies Department for necessary action. Earlier also, similar irregularities were detected by the weights and measure department against Ganesh Oil Company. A fine of Rs 5,000 was imposed on the company and its supply was withdrawn from the ration depots. Confirming this, a senior official of the Food and Civil Supplies Corporation said that it had immediately stopped the supply of this brand of edible oil to the consumer fair price shops across the state and marked an inquiry against the manufacturing company. The Food and Civil Supply Department had also asked the depot holders not to supply this edible mustard oil to the consumers. The Food and Civil Supply Corporation has now supplied the mustard oil of two other companies to the ration depots after completing the necessary formalities. |
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BJP seeks suspension of employees’ leader
Shimla, July 1 In a statement here today the party alleged that the employees’ leader, who was close to Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, was being shielded by the government. It was not for the first time that he had been involved in such an unsavoury incident. He had been holding out threats to employees and was instrumental in the transfer of many of them. It demanded an impartial inquiry not only into the instant incident but also other complaints against him. He had been misusing his proximity to the Chief Minister and he openly worked for the Congress in blatant violation of the model code of conduct during the recent Hamirpur byelection. |
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Ram Lal Thakur on ‘song’
Shimla, July 1 Recording two out of the 12 songs of the musical album “Van Jeevan”, which is based on the theme of birds and forest, the minister told PTI that the album was complete and he wanted to showcase the rich folk tradition of the state through these songs. The album is a joint venture of the state's wildlife wing and Ghati Gunjan Kala
Manch, he said.
— PTI |
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Law to protect trees in the offing
Shimla, July 1 Over the past few years a large number trees on private land have either being illegally felled or dried up mysteriously. The authorities could not take any deterrent action against the offenders as provisions of the Forest Act are not applicable to private land. The government had last year transferred the control of the municipal forests from the corporation to the Forest Department to effectively check encroachments on forest land and felling of trees. However, it did not make much difference as far as the felling of trees on private land was concerned as the Municipal Act lacked teeth. Modelled on the pattern of the Delhi Tree Act the proposed municipal tree Act proposes a heavy fine and imprisonment for unauthorised lopping and felling of trees on private land. The offender could be fined up to Rs 50,000 and handed down imprisonment up to one year for violation of the law. It also proposes setting up of a six-member tree committee to be headed by the local conservator of forests which will recommend cases for felling and damage to trees and look into violation of the Act. The final decision will be taken by a nine-member tree authority headed by the principal secretary, forests, as chairman which will also be the apex body to oversee the implementation the Act. The authority will have the representatives from the town and country planning department, local urban bodies, municipal corporation, two ward councillors and the Forest Department. No construction could take place from a tree up to a minimum distance of 5 metres and it would be mandatory for the landlord to maintain at least five trees on the plot. Principal chief conservator of forests Pankaj Khullar said the new law was being framed for the state capital. If it proved effective in protecting the tree cover, it would be extended to other important hill towns like Dalhousie, Manali, Palampur and Dharamsala where the green cover is under threat. |
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44 deodar sleepers seized
Chamba, July 1 On a tip-off, a team of officials of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau raided the house of Surjeet and seized 44 sleepers kept in the store for further smuggling. Surjeet has been arrested and a case registered against him. |
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Centre plans to promote
Chamba chappal
Chamba, July 1 |
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Regionalism card ‘benefited’ BJP
Solan, July 1 Addressing mediapersons here today, she said though corruption was the main poll plank of the Congress in the Hamirpur byelections, the masses were led astray by the regionalism factor propagated by the BJP. She said the Congress was a disciplined party and could not indulge in such dirty tactics as the entire Himachal was seen as one entity. She, however, observed that the BJP workers worked wholehearted to ensure that Prem Kumar Dhumal emerged successful so that he could be ousted from the state politics. This was a matter of concern for the BJP, she remarked. She said the UPA’s presidential candidate Pratibha Patil was visiting Himachal on July 8 to muster support from the legislators. The party was also enthusiastic to receive R.K. Dhawan, newly appointed in charge of Himachal on July 7 and 8, she said. She refuted allegations that Mankotia’s anti-party outbursts in the form of releasing CDs had adversely affected the organisation. On the other hand, his suspension from the party proved that the party would not tolerate any indiscipline, she added. Mankotia had a history of indulging in such anti-party gimmicks and there was nothing new in his behaviour now. She said the party would convene a crucial meeting at Palampur tomorrow to chalk out strategy for the 2008 Vidhan Sabha elections. Taking a cue from the Hamirpur byelection defeat, Thakur emphasised that the grievances of the active members would be heard and headed to as no campaign could succeed without the cooperation of party workers. Since little time was left for the Vidhan Sabha elections, the party was now gearing up to disseminate information about the policies and achievements of the government to the masses. Later, she inaugurated the newly constructed building of Government Middle School, Rahed, in Hinner panchayat of Kandaghat block. She also addressed a public meeting there. Those present on the occasion included DCC general secretary Sanjay Awasthi, secretary Vinod Dutta, president Shanti Pundir and others. |
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Drive to check iron deficiency launched
Dalhousie, July 1 Under the campaign, as many as 520 girls, including 480 school-going girls were medically examined and their haemoglobin was also checked under the campaign which was launched recently. This week the blood of about 120 girls had been examined in various villages of Mehla block of the district. The camps were being organised in rural areas and in the first phase, the blood of girls in the age group of 11 to 18 years was being checked, while in the second phase the blood of girls not going to school was being The girls whose blood was found below 9 gms had been given medicines to recoup the iron deficiency. |
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Steps to boost milk yield
Shimla, July 1 Special integrated development projects have been launched to improve the breed of milch cattle and ensure better health management and marketing infrastructure to help increase returns to the farmers. A Rs 5-crore integrated wool development programme is being implemented in Chamba, Kangra and Kulu districts which will be extended to Shimla and Kinnaur districts in the second phase. Sheep-breeding farms at Jeori, Sarol, Nagwain, Tal and Karcham are supplying improved high-yielding animals to breeders across the state. These farms together have a breeding stock of 1,374 animals. As many as 10 sheep and wool-extension centres are also functioning. The state also has two angora rabbit farms at Nagwain and Kandwari which supply breeding stock to rabbit farmers. However, dairy farming being the main contributor the government has launched a number of schemes to increase milk production. The local breeds of milch cattle are being replaced with high-yielding cross-bred varieties. Artificial insemination facilities have been made available through 1700 centres. Last year, 4.55 lakh cows and 85,000 buffaloes were inseminated. The state has 50.46 lakh cattle, including 9.06 lakh sheep, 11.15 lakh goats, 7.73 lakh buffaloes and 17,000 horses. A livestock insurance scheme was introduced in Mandi and Kangra districts to safeguard the economic interests of livestock owners. |
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Minjar fair from July 29
Chamba, July 1 Various sub-committees had been formed to conduct activities at the fair, said the deputy commissioner, who is also chairman of the Minjar fair celebration committee. The Minjar fair is celebrated in the month of Sawan, which heralds the beginning of ‘kunjadi-malhaar’ local folk songs, praying to God Varuna for a heavy rainfall to get bumper kharif crops. More than one lakh visitors are expected to attend in the fair.
— OC |
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Ruckus in hospital after patient’s death
Nahan, July 1 Sirmaur ASP Bindu Rani Sachdeva said a case had been registered on the complaint of staff nurse Saroj Bala. In her complaint, she had alleged that after the death of Indera Devi her relatives got agitated and they tried to assault her and also broke the windowpanes of the hospital. The ASP said the accused could not be arrested so far as he also got injured and was under treatment in the hospital. |
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PNB told to pay Rs 15,000 as compensation
Sundernagar, July 1 As per the facts of the complaint, the complainant had applied for a loan of Rs 3 lakh for the construction of his house and for the purpose he had executed registered mortgage deed and had spent Rs 4,100 on non-judicial stamp papers and Rs 5,000 for processing the case. But his case was rejected by the bank. As a result, the complainant filed a complaint before the consumer forum. On the other hand, the bank replied that the case of the complainant was rejected on the spot inspection report carried out by the branch manager and the bank claimed that the complainant was already having a house. It further said the complainant was having 1/4th share in the land and wanted to misuse the loan amount, so the case was rejected. The forum after hearing the parties held that the rejection of loan case was wrong as the complainant had produced spot map issued by the patwari and had also placed on record the no-objection certificate of other shareholders for obtaining the loan and held that the act of the bank amounted to deficiency in service as provided under the Consumer Protection Act. |
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Martyr’s father rues govt apathy
Hamirpur, July 1 The state government had made several announcements to honour the local army officer Mridaul Sharma (26), who had died while fighting the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir on January 1, 2004. Talking to The Tribune Lt Col J.K Sharma (retired) said “Despite the announcement by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, little progress has been made in naming the Government Senior Secondary School after Captain Mridul Sharma.” He told, after Chief Minister’s announcement, he had written to the SDM, deputy director, Education, and had met the DC, too. Similarly, proposal to raise a memorial and park where a statue of the martyr was to be installed is also hanging fire despite Rs 14.50 lakh given to the Public Works Department two years back. The Language and Culture Department which has been entrusted the task of getting the statue made has not taken steps in this direction, Sharma said. The decision to rename Tikkar- Didhwin to Behad road despite four resolutions sent by the local panchayat to the Chief Minister in April 2006 has also not been taken.
Lt Colonel Sharma said “We have already constructed a community hall in our ancestral village Sail in memory of captain Mridul and we are now setting up a museum at Hamirpur at our own expense”, he said. He said that he was pained at the slow initiative of the government in this regard.” Hamirpur DC R. Selwam said “These facts have just come to my knowledge as I have joined recently, but I will take steps to fulfill the announcements made by the government to honour martyr captain Mridul Sharma.” |
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Villagers rue damage to houses
Kullu, July 1 The additional SP said the villagers had submitted a memorandum in this connection but no FIR has been lodged as yet. |
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Inquiry sought into Antyodaya survey
Nurpur, July 1 |
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Saach Pass reopens
Chamba, July 1 Pathania said the pass overlooking the snowy Pir Panjal ranges of Jammu and Kashmir was closed for traffic due to snowfall in November last year.
— OC |
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