The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Delhi and neighbourhood

Play Holi naturally: Sheila Dikshit
New Delhi, March 19
Play Holi with eco-friendly colours made from beetroot, berries, spinach, mint, onion and peels of pomegranate, says Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. “Remember Holi is holy not hooliganism. Play Holi naturally,” she advises people.

Save eyes from toxic colours

New Delhi, March 19
On Holi it is against the festival spirit to say no to colours. Health experts suggest extra precautions to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of the toxic chemicals used in the colours.

Schoolchildrenunaware of toxic effect of chemical colours celebrate Holi in the Capital on Wednesday.
— Tribune photo by Mukesh Aggarwal

DU set to deal with hooliganism
New Delhi, March 19
Delhi University has made elaborate plans to deal with the hooliganism that afflicts the campus every year during Holi.

Honey better than saccharin
New Delhi, March 19
Holi without Gujia is like spring sans flowers. What about the copious amount of calories consumed with each bite? Avoidable, yes it is. As the craving for sweets becomes difficult to ignore, more and more people are opting for sugar-free saccharin to a guilt-free, sweet servings.

DMRC to deploy 14 boring machines
New Delhi, March 19
As many as 14 tunnel boring machines (TBMs) will be deployed simultaneously for laying out the Delhi Metro network in time for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said that no country in Asia had so far put to work so many TBMs simultaneously.

Tibetian monks protest against Chinese genocide in Tibet at Jantar Mantar in the Capital on Wednesday. — Tribune photo by Manas Ranjan Bhui

Ayurvedic industry to gain most during Games-2010: ASSOCHAM
New Delhi, March 19
Ayurvedic and medical tourism industries would be the largest beneficiary during the 2010 Commonwealth Games as they might earn over Rs 800 crore. The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India report on ‘Prospects for Ayurvedic and medical tourism industries during CWG 2010 in Delhi’ states this.

Surprises in gift business
New Delhi, March 19
She can get a singing clown to deliver flowers at the doorstep of your dear ones anytime in any part of the Capital. Ruchi Chopra, 23, is an entrepreneur, who runs probably the most creative business in Delhi.

AIIMS asked to maintain status quo on resident doctors
New Delhi, March 19
The Delhi High Court yesterday asked the All India Institute of Medical Sciences’ (AIIMS) administration to maintain status quo of resident doctors, who moved the court fearing their appointments, might be held up.

Ashok Malhotra gets bail
New Delhi, March 19
The Delhi High Court today granted bail to Ashok Malhotra, the alleged mastermind of multi-million-rupee land scams here. Justice Rekha Sharma granted bail to Malhotra and asked him to provide two sureties of Rs 100,000 each.

GGSIU admission starts
New Delhi, March 19
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University has opened admissions and applications are invited for its following programmes in media and communication studies: Bachelor of Journalism (Mass Communication) [BJMC], Master of Mass Media [MMM], MA (English and Communication Studies) [M.A. (ECS)].

SOL exams from April 4
New Delhi, March 19
School of Open Learning, Delhi University has announced the final examination dates. The exams will begin from April 4. “The first exam will be for BA and B Com courses. The dates for B Sc (new course) will be notified later,” informed a university official.

Residents protest
New Delhi, March 19
Residents of several localities in North Delhi on Monday protested against the increasing theft cases in areas under the Mukherji Nagar police station. They blocked traffic on Parmanand Marg and Dhaka More. “Fourteen to 15 theft cases have been reported recently.

Good Friday Holiday
New Delhi, March 19
Delhi Minorities Commission member Arnold James has sought holiday for Christians on Good Friday on March 21. “This is an important festival of Christians but banks and insurance companies do not sanction leave to employees,” he said.

Autolifter arrested
New Delhi, March 19
The West District police yesterday arrested Durgadas alias Vicky, 22, for allegedly stealing a Maruti car. He was arrested in the Punjabi Bagh area. One Maruti 800 and two stereos have been recovered. The car was stolen from Punjabi Bagh.

Function held at DPS

	Delhi annual plan size to swell Planning Commission recommends Rs 10,000 crore Ravi Bhatia Tribune News Service New Delhi, March 19 The Planning Commission today recommended the annual plan size of the National Capital Territory of Delhi at Rs 10,000 crore, a whopping Rs. 1000 crore more than the existing plan, and asked the Sheila Dikshit government to give an increased impetus to the Yamuna clean-up action plan. “We have recommended a plan size for 2008-09 at Rs 10,000 crore, which is Rs 1,000 crore more than its existing plan, and Delhi should be able to utilise it”, Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said after a meeting with Dikshit and her senior cabinet colleagues here. He said the state government would have to stress more on sewerage improvement and enter into long-term power purchase agreements, accelerate the pace of infrastructure development and increase thrust on social sectors. The commission while lauding the state government for facilitating metro rail projects asked it to plug water leakages, ease traffic congestion and encourage paid parking lots besides exploring the possibility of having public-private partnerships in drinking water supply schemes. The plan panel also asked the government of NCT of Delhi to contain the transmission and distribution losses in the power sector and utilise the coming Commonwealth Games as an opportunity to develop the National Capital Territory. It said the national capital should become the only city with 100 per cent sewerage facility. It was apparent that a lot of stress was being laid on strengthening the basic infrastructure before the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The NCT government has conveyed to the Commission that it would be self-sufficient in power by 2010. In the transport sector, the state would induct 5,000 additional low-floor CNG buses. It also informed the Planning Commission during the meeting that the Electricity Consumer Committee had been constituted to protect the interests of the consumers, while plans were being finalized to set up a Delhi Hawkers and Vendors Commission. The state government was planning not to issue ration cards for those households having an income of more than Rs 1,00,000 annually from April 1, this year and was contemplating issuing Social Welfare Entitlement cards for those availing foodgrains through the public distribution system. It also informed the Planning Commission that it was planning to start Eastern Peripheral Expressway by 2010 and the western one by 2013. The state was also initiating steps to ensure rain water harvesting facilities in all schools before the advent of the monsoon season. Besides, the state government was also finalising plans to give pensions to eminent writers.
	Play Holi naturally: Sheila Dikshit New Delhi, March 19 Play Holi with eco-friendly colours made from beetroot, berries, spinach, mint, onion and peels of pomegranate, says Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. “Remember Holi is holy not hooliganism. Play Holi naturally,” she advises people. “Most of the artificial colours are made of synthetic chemicals containing harmful elements like lead and cadmium. They are responsible for many skin diseases, asthma and even cancer,” Dikshit says in an advertisement published today. Officials in the Chief Minister’s office said that a series of advertisements would be released in newspapers and television channels to spread awareness about the ill effects of chemicals-based colours. In her colour prescription, Dikshit has said that citizens should obtain red colours from “peels of pomegranate and rose petals”. Berries of the Indigo plant or crushed dry jacaranda flowers can make blue colour. For green, she suggests that “pastes of mint and spinach leaves” be used. Similarly, she advises, “Crushed dry marigold flower petals or turmeric and gram flour (besan)” be used for making yellow colour. Dikshit writes that magenta colour can be made from beetroot and onions. Officials at the Chief Minister’s Office said herbal colours were now available at the offices of many residents’ welfare associations and at some CNG stations. — IANS
	Save eyes from toxic colours Tribune News Service New Delhi, March 19 On Holi it is against the festival spirit to say no to colours. Health experts suggest extra precautions to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of the toxic chemicals used in the colours. Doctors maintain that the commonly used synthetic colours are actually chemicals. They contain heavy metals like lead, which is harmful to the eyes and skin. Dr Ajay Sharma, Eye Expert Eye Q Hospitals,says; “Post Holi there is rush of patients in hospitals because of skin, eye or general problems. The eyes are the most sensitive part of the body, and any chemical if goes in the eye will cause mild allergy or even severe chemical burns in the eye.” Dr.Sharma has suggested a number of precautions like avoiding synthetic colours, discontinuing the use of balloons and ensuring that the eyes are protected all the time you are playing Holi. He further said, “The colours used during Holi usually cause mild redness and irritation in the eyes. If this persists the problem will need treatment from an ophthalmologist. One should always check if the clarity of vision is affected. If yes, then rush the patient to an eye specialist. The common eye problems during the Holi include allergic conjunctivitis, chemical burn, corneal abrasion and blunt eye injury.” The particles in colour powders (shining mica particles in gulal) can cause damage to the cornea. The corneal abrasion is an emergency and one should consult the doctor. The patient will have pain and watering from the eye and if not treated in time it can cause ulcer or infection in the eye. The balloons used by children during Holi are most dangerous and can cause blunt eye injury. There can be bleeding within the eye, lens subluxation, macular edema or retinal detachment. These can lead to the loss of vision or loss of the eye.
	DU set to deal with hooliganism Tribune News Service New Delhi, March 19 Delhi University has made elaborate plans to deal with the hooliganism that afflicts the campus every year during Holi. In order to control anti-social behaviour during the festival, particularly targeted at girl students, the varsity has made security arrangements on campus and its affiliated colleges. The varsity has roped in law enforcing agencies to maintain a constant vigil. DU authorities caution that anyone who indulges in “acts of gross indiscipline and causes harassment of any kind would be subject to disciplinary action under University Ordinances XV-B and XV-C.” The DTC crew has also been instructed to take buses to the nearest police station in case of any misbehaviour. They have been asked to drive buses with lights on so that the nearest PCR Van can intercept such a bus. A control-room jointly manned by the Delhi police, the DTC and DU has been set up at 16 Chhatra Marg to deal with any untoward incident. The control-room helpline number is 27667221. The office of deputy dean, students’ welfare at the South Delhi campus would function as the joint control-room. Its telephone number is 24119832. Guidelines Playing Holi during working hours will not be permitted. Entry to colleges would be through identity cards. Guards should be posted near the gates to check identity cards. Principals, heads of the departments (HoDs) and provosts of halls/hostels should be present in their respective institutions. Principals, HoDs and provosts of halls/hostels should form committees of teachers, students and karamcharis to prevent the entry of outsiders in colleges and departments. The Delhi police has assured full co-operation to the University. Police force is being deployed around the colleges. The mobile patrol squad is also on duty. The varsity has requested transport authorities to check harassment of girl students in buses. Student volunteers will also assist the authorities in maintaining order and discipline in the buses.
	Honey better than saccharin Tribune News Service New Delhi, March 19 Holi without Gujia is like spring sans flowers. What about the copious amount of calories consumed with each bite? Avoidable, yes it is. As the craving for sweets becomes difficult to ignore, more and more people are opting for sugar-free saccharin to a guilt-free, sweet servings. While the users of sugar-free pellets are growing, its affect on one’s health becomes a matter of concern. “Seventy five per cent of non-diabetic people in the late thirties and forties reveal that they use sugar-free eats as a precautionary measure to control their weight and prevent chances of diabetes” says Dr. Pinky Kumari, dietician at the Umkal Hospital. However, the dietician stays firm on the fact that sugar-free tablets contain aspartame, which has its own side-effects. “Occasional use of sugar-free sweeteners are not considered injurious to health; however its regular use can adversely affect kidney or liver”, says Dr.Kumari She further adds that both diabetic and non-diabetic should not get habituated to artificial sweeteners, as beyond a certain limit, aspartame effects negatively on health. On the other hand, Dr. Bimal Kapoor, feels that sugar-free sweetener can be consumed by anybody and everybody, up to a certain limit. “Taking two to three sugar-free tablets a day, is considered to be normal, however more than four tablets, implies inviting risks, both for diabetic as well as non-diabetic”. So, what is the solace for health conscious people? Dr. Kumari says, “There is nothing better than diet modification and natural substitutes for sugar such as jaggery and honey. Cutting down on sweets is the only viable option”.
	DMRC to deploy 14 boring machines New Delhi, March 19 As many as 14 tunnel boring machines (TBMs) will be deployed simultaneously for laying out the Delhi Metro network in time for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said that no country in Asia had so far put to work so many TBMs simultaneously. “For the first time in any Asian city, 14 TBMs will be used simultaneously for making metro tunnels,” DMRC spokesperson Anuj Dayal told IANS. “Of the 120 km of Phase-II metro construction, we are building 30 km underground and TBMs will be used for 16 km. The rest of the underground work will be done with the cut-and-cover method,” Dayal said. “Weighing over 65 tonnes each, these machines have been imported from Germany and Japan. Two machines are already operational in Malaviya Nagar and two more have been lowered near the INA market,” Dayal added. The remaining 10 units, including four to be used especially for the airport line, will be put to use soon. They will also be used near the AIIMS, Green Park and Hauz Khas. Over 300 experts, mainly from Singapore, the USA, Britain and China, are supervising the deployment of the machines. He said that all buildings below which the TBMs were being deployed would be safe. They would be monitored during the construction by using techniques like — crack meters and settlement meters. These special boring machines are also known as Earth Pressure Balancing Machine. “This tunneling technique is the safest method internationally and has also been used in construction of the (English) Channel tunnel connecting Britain and France below the sea bed,” the spokesman informed. All TBMs will finish work by December 2009 after which electrical, signaling and other works will be taken up. The airport tunneling will take some more time. The Delhi Metro, the Capital’s modern and sleek mass transport system, ferries over 600,000 passengers every day over its 65-km network. — IANS
	Ayurvedic industry to gain most during Games-2010: ASSOCHAM Tribune News Service New Delhi, March 19 Ayurvedic and medical tourism industries would be the largest beneficiary during the 2010 Commonwealth Games as they might earn over Rs 800 crore. The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) report on ‘Prospects for Ayurvedic and medical tourism industries during CWG 2010 in Delhi’ states this. It states that Ayurvedic industry would alone earn over Rs 500 crore. While, medical tourism industry would earn a revenue of over Rs 300 crore. The two sectors would provide employment opportunities to over 40,000 people, said ASSOCHAM president Venugopal N. Dhoot Ayurvedic industry would generate revenue through SPA centres in various hotels. Over 1,800 athletes are expected to participate in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. According to the ASSOCHAM, over four lakh domestic and five to six lakh overseas visitors would come to watch the Games. Visitors would mostly come from the UK, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, South Africa, Singapore, Sri Lanka. The foreign visitors would benefit from the Ayurveda and the inexpensive medical tourism facilities. According to the report, each foreigner would spend between Rs 10,000 to Rs 35,000 in availing the Ayurvedic expertise in various SPA and herbal centers. They are likely to spend somewhere between Rs 40,000 to Rs 1,20,000 in cardiac surgery, bone marrow transplant, said Dhoot. The ASSOCHAM report further states that various hotels in Delhi, NCR, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are proposing to set up over 200 Ayurveda, SPA and herbal centres.
	Surprises in gift business Akhila Singh Tribune News Service New Delhi, March 19 She can get a singing clown to deliver flowers at the doorstep of your dear ones anytime in any part of the Capital. Ruchi Chopra, 23, is an entrepreneur, who runs probably the most creative business in Delhi. Ruchi a NIFT prodigy launched her firm Any Surprise Any Place (ASAP) in April 2007 and has planned surprises for approximately 450 people since then. “I was working with a firm where I had no time to plan surprises for my friends. I thought something like ASAP would really be helpful,” said Ruchi. “I realised that there might be many like me who are either short of time or idea,” she added. Some of her surprise gifts include, personalised stuff like liquor bottles, travel bags, towels with names, T-shirts, candles and wine glasses for couples. You can also send an elegant glass to your upset girlfriend who says, “Who needs a man anyway.” Gifts start from Rs 1,000 and there is no limit as to how expensive it could get. “Our most expensive surprise so far was for over Rs 2 lakh,” she informs. Entrepreneurs also have their favourites. “Once I had planned a travel surprise for a couple on the husband’s request,” she said. “We had arranged everything including a pick-up since the time the couple arrived on the airport. The wife was surprised with almost 20 gifts in a day, which were spread from washroom to bedroom.” Something that took off from a personal limitation has taken shape of a big enterprise today. Ruchi Chopra has also won the NDTV Profit Award for one of the five most creative business ideas in 2007. “People from across the world log on to our website and request us to come up with something special,” she said.
	AIIMS asked to maintain status quo on resident doctors New Delhi, March 19 The Delhi High Court yesterday asked the All India Institute of Medical Sciences’ (AIIMS) administration to maintain status quo of resident doctors, who moved the court fearing their appointments, might be held up. Chief Justice MK Sharma and Justice Reva Khetrapal had issued the notice to AIIMS in January after 16 doctors approached the court apprehending that their appointments would not be extended on time. The court had asked AIIMS administration to maintain status quo till the disposal of the case. The case will be taken up on May 5. Counsel Maninder Singh, appearing for the doctors, said that the applicants were being victimised for the last six and a half months by the AIIMS administration. He said that the appointment of 107 senior doctors was being kept in abeyance without any valid reasons. — IANS
	Ashok Malhotra gets bail New Delhi, March 19 The Delhi High Court today granted bail to Ashok Malhotra, the alleged mastermind of multi-million-rupee land scams here. Justice Rekha Sharma granted bail to Malhotra and asked him to provide two sureties of Rs 100,000 each. “We have moved the bail plea stating that the police had already filed the charge-sheet in both cases and that there is no need to keep my client in custody,” Ashok Sodhi, counsel for Ashok Malhotra, told IANS. The CBI had arrested Malhotra last year in August from a studio of a private news channel. The CBI has alleged that Malhotra, in connivance with five Delhi Development Authority officials, fraudulently got plots allotted at the Dhirpur resettlement colony area during 2000-02 and last year in Molarband, which included more than 700 plots. — IANS
	GGSIU admission starts Tribune News Service New Delhi, March 19 Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University has opened admissions and applications are invited for its following programmes in media and communication studies: Bachelor of Journalism (Mass Communication) [BJMC], Master of Mass Media [MMM], MA (English and Communication Studies) [M.A. (ECS)]. The Common Entrance Test (CET) for the BJMC programme will be held on May 30, for MMM on May 26 and for M.A. (ECS) May 30. Eligibility requirements for BJMC include a pass in 12th Class of the CBSE or equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and must also have passed English (core or elective or functional) as a subject. For MMM and M.A. (ECS) it entails a graduation in any discipline from a recognized university with an aggregate of 50% marks.