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City choking
Dehradun, October 23 Ever since Uttarakhand came into existence on November 9, 2000, and Dehradun became the capital, all sorts of activities in city have increased manifold and they have aggravated the pollution situation.
The increase in number of vehicles by over 130 per cent ever since the state came into existence is an indicator of vehicular pollution in the atmosphere. Although, there are no major industries in and around the city but the increasing number of vehicles has taken the air and noise pollution to an alarming situation leading to an adverse affect on human health and safety. “The situation has gone from bad to worse after Dehradun became the capital. Drastic actions and strict adherence to pollution norms can be of some help,” commented Dr.Anil P. Joshi, founder of Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO) and a noted social scientist of the region. What is more staggering is the fact that out of the total vehicular pollution, it is auto-rickshaws that contribute 90 per cent of pollution. The data tabulated after monitoring air quality and noise levels in different city areas by the regional office of Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board has made startling revelations. The data shows that concentration of sulphur di-oxide and oxides of nitrogen are well within the limit of national standard of 30 microgram per cubic metre but the concentration of suspended particulate matter was found to be at an alarming level, up to four times above the national standard of 100 microgram per cubic metre. A perusal of data revealed that concentration of SPM in April was 267.25 µg/m³, whereas in of March, the suspended particulate matter (SPM) figures touched 356.65 µg/m³, which is much higher than permissible limits. "Definitely the situation is not improving as far as pollution is concerned in the Doon valley," said P.K. Joshi, regional officer of the Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board. Likewise, the high density of traffic has resulted in increased noise level as well. Noise level recorded at Clock Tower for March was found to be 82.4 dB (A), which is almost 18 dB (A) higher than ambient air quality standards. Dr Alok Jain, ENT expert of Doon Hospital, said that there are a large number of young patients coming with hearing difficulties. "It is definitely due to high decibel noises due to music systems, mobiles and even general decibel levels caused by so many vehicles," he added. The situation has further deteriorated, following heavy concentration of vehicular population and absence of any regulatory authority to check vehicular pollution. Auto-rickshaws which are used as the most common mode of transport here emit dangerous fumes. The traffic police and RTO officials have so far miserably failed to take any strict action against them. "We are short of men and officers to control the burgeoning traffic. We are unable to check pollution levels," Shahjahan Ansari, circle officer (traffic) told The Tribune.
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Wiz kid meets Rahul
Dehradun, October 23 Aman had a tough time meeting Rahul as a strong posse of policemen prevented the After much of commotion, the boy only managed to get entry on Rahul’s intervention, when the latter came to know of him. Taking time off his schedule, Rahul viewed the entire presentation devoted to the Gandhi family made by Aman. He also went through other science-related presentations made by the boy. Aman is well versed in the workings of as many as 18 softwares. A Class V student at the local St Thomas College, he is even consulted by Bachelor of Science students. On January 9, Chief Minister B.C. Khanduri had presented a laptop to Aman. He has also been felicitated by President Pratibha Patil.
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Making both ends meet
Dehradun, October 23 Since 1965, The Tibetan Women Centre at Rajpur near here is home to hundreds of Tibetan refugees after they fled Tibet in 1959 following the Chinese invasion. Weaving carpets had been a tradition in Tibetan culture and the centre decided to start the activity for the women and the aged. “From few to begin with, the number became thousands and provided employment and shelter to the needy,” said Tenzing, the present manager of the centre. The centre works for the socio-cultural and economic uplift and rehabilitation of the Tibetans. Over the years, a large number of Tibetan families have joined the centre. The centre not only attracts customers for handmade carpets but also for items such as hand bags, pouches, file covers, apron and Tibetan traditional dresses. From foreigners to the native people, everyone loves to buy these products. However, the primary aim of the centre is not commercial. "We provide accommodation, assist in children's education, give pension to retired workers, coordinate free medicare and bear funeral expenses,” said Tenzing. A crèche and Tibetan herbal clinic by the department of health care is also provided for to the infants and the residents. Presently, the centre is proud of having 84 families engaged in various activities. About 40 per cent of the total population is in residential schools and in the Army. Their main livelihood is weaving carpets, tailoring and weaving aprons. At the same time, they indulge in small businesses like selling woollens and warm clothes during the winters. Interestingly unlike other business centres, this centre focuses on preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture and avoids any kind of advertising on a large scale. Despite shortage of funds and emergence of new competitors in the market, the age-old art of Tibetan carpet weaving has remained the same and is getting customers. In today's world of cut-throat competition, the work done by The Tibetan Women Centre speaks volumes about the resilience of Tibetan culture and the strong will of the migrant Tibetan community away from home.
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Aqua’s here
Aqua, which has opened shop here, is the first exclusive outlet in the region to showcase an array of classy wines, malts, scotches, juices, coffees and exotic food pairings—olive oils, olives, cheese and other snack food items that are served with different beverages. The range available for wines, spirits, bar accessories and food pairings is one of the most comprehensive in the city and some of the products are completely exotic and not available anywhere else in the city.
The store houses some of the biggest international bar accessory brands– Reidel wine glasses, Eisch wine decanters, karafs and glassware and Swissmar bar accessories. Other than the comprehensive wine list, malts and scotches, the store has a range of imported ready to drink beverages such as Coke Zero, Starbucks Coffee, Schweppes Ginger Ale, Tonic water and peach and lemon Teas. Food items consist of top-of-the range olives and olive oils from Fragatta, Olicoop, Torrent and Figaro, snacks from Doritos, Planters and Pringles, teas, coffees and smoothies from Zuma and Sweetbird. —TNS
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Holistic goodness
Dabur India Ltd has introduced a range of healthy and innovative Diwali gift packs that offer the holistic goodness of nature in an attractive package for the festive season.
While there are plenty of gifting options available in the market today, Dabur India pioneered ‘Gift Packs’ in the juices category, which has always received overwhelming response in the past. Dabur gift packs are introduced with the sole motive of promoting exchanging of healthy gifts among each other — in essence gifting good life to the near and dear ones. In view of this growing demand, Dabur India introduced different options. “We have traditionally seen a sharp rise in sugar intake during the Diwali season, thanks to the higher consumption of mithais etc. With our various gift packs, we are offering consumers a chance to gift their loved ones good health,” says Mr. Chutani. The range includes multiple gifting options with fruit juices and fruit drinks that cover the Rs 70 to Rs 250 price band.
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Divali dressing for home
One of the most joyful and beautiful festivals to be celebrated in the Indian culture is Diwali. Maspar home fashion, contemporary home furnishings brand also known as designs for living is all set to double the festival fever by bringing the traditional art prevailing in Indian villages as Folkarte Collection.
The collection in a price ranging from Rs. 110 and Rs. 7,495 at all the exclusive Maspar stores across different cities in India.
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Letters
My family migrated to Dehradun after my father retired from the services. We originally belong to Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. I did my postgraduation from Panjab University, Chandigarh. So I am immensely pleased at the launch of your paper’s Dehradun edition. My friends and me would look forward to a copy of The Tribune. This was in the seventies. Hence, I have a deep association with your paper.
It is hoped that you will espouse the cause of the people of Uttarakhand and help it to grow as a modern, progressive state. Ravi Chandel,
Rishikesh Readers are invited to write to us. Send your mail, in not more than 200 words at dehradunplus@tribunemail.com or write in at: Letters, Dehradun Plus, Sector 29, Chandigarh – 160 030
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The gift packs are eloquently designed and decorated and signify the importance of gifting as a phenomenon that is so important to all Indians. “Consumers today are becoming extremely health conscious and are looking for healthy and non-traditional gifting options. In this scenario, Dabur’s healthy gifts are a welcome change from the calorie-laden traditional gift packs like sweets, chocolates etc. Our gift packs offer the best combination of taste and nutrition, and is yet another illustration of Dabur’s commitment towards the health and well being of every household,” says Mr. K K Chutani, general Manager (Foods), Dabur India Ltd. 
Folkarte Collection reflects the myths, stories and folklore of Indian culture. It represents the rich cultural milieu of this great land and the subtle nuances of culture in a modern age marketplace. Colors of the collection are very bright and loud complimenting the festive season. Experiments in term of design, color combinations, blending of fabrics and other materials make the products unique in many aspects. One can find a harmonious co-existence of modern, contemporary and ethnic in its collection. Maspar has always been offering something that has to be seen in unbelievable range for bedroom, dining room, kitchen and bathroom to its valuable customers.