Dehradun, November 27
In its endeavour to make Uttarakhand a "power" state, the state government has decided to involve the locals in power generation.

But the response so far has been lukewarm. However, officials believe that it would take some time before the local populace comes forward to avail of the opportunity.

But experts feel that the this policy of the government is flawed. Under the new power policy, preference is to be given to the locals, gram panchayats and cooperative societies to build and operate micro and mini hydel projects on various rivers, rivulets and other water bodies dotting the Himalayan state.

The initiative taken by the Chief Minister is in tandem with the new industrial policy that emphasises on growth of eco-friendly industry in the hills. As for the industry, the locals have also been offered incentives to come forward to work in the power generation sector.

As per the policy, these hydro-electric projects have been grouped into three categories - micro, mini and small. Those with a capacity of up to 100 kw power generation will be categorised as micro and those in the range of 100 kw to 5 mw will be mini, while small projects will have a capacity of more than 5 mw up to a maximum of 25 mw. Those above 25 mw capacity will be considered as big projects.

The government has also made a provision for self-identified projects. In this category, developers may identify projects, prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) and ask for allotment.

In the other category, the state or state-sponsored agencies may identify the projects of any size and prepare DPRs and allot these.

However, small projects will be open to all and there will be no reservation. For this, premium will be decided once they are allotted, depending on the capacity of the project, officials said, adding there would be open bidding in this regard.

After facing environmental hazards, opposition from environmental groups and rehabilitation problems, the state government has also started to explore the mini and micro hydro-electric potential of the state. State government agencies plan to involve the watermills, also known as 'gharats' that dot the entire Himalayan region for upgradation.

However, the response from locals has remained lukewarm. Asked about the response of the new policy involving locals, the Chief Minister said: "It is too early and, perhaps, the message on the new policy has not percolated to the masses.

“I am hopeful that the policy will benefit the state as well as the people of the hills who have stakes in these projects."

Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam (UJVNL), the state nodal agency for creating hydro-electric projects, has been seeking bids for micro, mini and small hydro projects since September, but with little success.

The date has now been extended till December 5. The nigam has set a target of generating 100 mw through small hydel projects and the government expects the private sector to generate 400 mw during the next five years.

However, experts are skeptical about the approach of the state government. Dr Anil P. Joshi, founder of the Himalayan Environmental studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO), a voluntary group instrumental in lighting up hundreds of villages with the help of Army and para-military personnel in J&K and the North East by upgrading watermills, feels that without knowledge and skill upgradation, the poor villagers can do nothing.

"The entire policy is bureaucracy-centric without any home work done," he commented. He explained that since the poor villagers in the hills neither had the skills nor the money, they could not be expected to bid for micro or mini hydro projects.

"The first thing should be to involve local youths with qualifications from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) or polytechnics and provide them with basic technical skills. Moreover, the banks should be involved in promotional strategy for such projects in the hills," he added.

A.K. Tyagi, chief project officer, Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency, who has been working for renewable energy sources, believes that more and more people will come forward for these schemes.

Dehradun, November 27
Even though an alert was sounded in entire Uttarakhand after the terror attacks in Mumbai, there was no tight security arrangements in place at crowded places, including the railway station, bus stand and religious places in the state capital till afternoon. But by 3 pm, policemen could be spotted in almost all busy roads and crowded places.

Notwithstanding the fact that thousands of people daily commute by bus, security was not beefed up at the much-crowded Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) before that. Likewise, no security arrangements were to be seen outside temples, mosques and gurdwaras. A visit to Paltan Bazaar area, which houses Jama Masjid, revealed that not a single security personnel was deployed there.

It was the same story at cinema houses. A visit to Prabhat, Krishna Palace and a few more revealed that there were no proper security arrangements in any cinema hall. What was shocking was the fact that in contravention of rules, several persons were seen taking bags inside and that too without any checking.

At the railway station, there was a metal detector, but no policeman to ensure that people entered the station premises after passing through it. “Though there are some railway police personnel at the station, but in the wake of terror strikes in Mumbai, security should have been beefed up,” said a passenger, Rajiv Rawat.

Doon Hospital, Combined Medical Institute and several other medical institutes remained without security till noon. The threat perception to the state, known for its religious and tourist importance, cannot be ruled out.

“Major central and defence organisations, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL) and Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, are in the city. Hence, the police administration must ensure fool-proof security arrangements, particularly in the capital,” demanded senior citizen Jairam Bharthwal.

Uttarakhand chief minister Maj-Gen B.C.Khanduri (retd) has condemned the blasts in Mumbai. In a statement issued from New Delhi, Khanduri expressed grief over the death of police officials and security personnel. The CM also said there was a need for better coordination between central and state intelligence agencies.

Dehradun, November 27
A businessman, Pramod Chawla’s love for dogs has pushed him into rearing and breeding dogs. He has 22 variety of dogs, nurtured and groomed by his family.

In 2000, the sudden death of his three German Shepards made him so morose that he decided never to get a new dog. He has come out of that trauma now with even greater love for the canines.

"I was very sad as within 10 days, all three dogs died. So we decided to never get another dog in the house,” said Chawla. But he could not keep his resolve for long.

"I love dogs and enjoy dog shows. In 2004 at a dog show I purchased a female Labrador. Since then, I started taking interest in breeding dogs for dog shows as well as business purposes.

“When I kept my first dog, I faced some difficulty but over a period of time, I developed immense liking for dogs. Their endearing habits like chewing my shoe if I don’t acknowledge their presence made me fond of them,” said Chawla.

Chawla believes that a dog is like your family member and if you can’t take care, better not get one. From feeding all 22 dogs to delivering pups at home, he does it all. To groom a dog for dog shows requires money, time and patience.

Starting from a diet with adequate quantity of vitamins, calcium, a dog has to be brushed frequently and taken to the vet for regular checkups. “We give quality dog food and ire trainers for making them obedient and well-mannered,” said Chawla.

In the past two years, his dogs have participated in all dog shows in the country. Starting at Rs 6,000, he has a poodle, Irish Shutter, Rotweiller, Saint Bernard, American Cocker Spaniel and many other dogs for dog lovers.

“I don’t keep dogs for the sake of money. I enjoy their company. I have a passion for them,” said Chawla.