|
|
|
|
Trouble brewing at tea gardens
Dehradun, January 12 Albeit tea estates such as Arcadia Grant, East Hopetown, Gudiyabagh and Herbutpur are still operational, many of Dehradun’s tea pockets like Sirmour, Banjarawala and Kargi are fast getting converted into residential colonies. The few surviving estates today manufacture green tea, which is all supplied to Amritsar, the sole and biggest centre of green tea in the country. From there it is exported to Pakistan and Afghanistan, in addition to markets in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and other areas. Notably, Dehradun green tea, apart from being 100 per cent original Chinese breed, is purely organic and in perfect match with health considerations. While estates in West Bengal and Assam now prefer cloned tea to increase production levels, Doon has never compromised on its indigenous quality. During times of yore, almost one-fourth of Dehradun outskirts were tea gardens and the produce from here vied for top market share with its counterparts from Assam and Darjeeling. The biggest tea estate, Arcadia, was spread over 600 acres and comprised Harbanswala and east Hopetown tea gardens. But that was the glorious past of these green open spaces. After independence, rampant encroachments, dwindling number of skilled labourers, day to day challenges in the form of cattle grazing and fast spreading invasive weeds like Lantana have sounded the death knell of these tea estates. Rising human activity in areas in close vicinity of these estates is another major problem. Rising land prices that followed Dehradun’s upgradation as Uttarakhand’s interim capital has also proved detrimental for these estates. Falling production levels and growing operational costs literally forced owners of these estates to sell them off. It is not surprising, then, that some of the city’s top posh localities today were well-known tea estates earlier. There are many other challenges. Plucking of tea leaves is a delicate art and there is a distinct lack of skilled labour for the same. Most of these labourers, for whom working in tea gardens is a family tradition, have been associated with the work for the past many generations. But today, they are few and far between and many have switched over to other professions. The upcoming Selaqui industrial area that falls next to Arcadia estate has attracted many of these workers. Despite the best of facilities, tea garden owners are finding it hard to retain them. Cattle too have contributed their bit. Fencing is of little help, even as tea estate officials find themselves helpless in against mounting pressure of surrounding villages. Change in rainfall pattern has also affected the tea industry. Dehradun Tea Company Limited, Arcadia, today manufactures 70,000 kg of green tea every season, which is very less as compared to 3.5 lakh kg manufactured two decades back. However, after having spent over three decades in the tea gardens, Naresh Kumar Mishra, manager of Arcadia tea estate, is still hopeful of a revival. “Definitely, the quality of Dehradun tea is par excellence and any increase in production levels can further boost its standing in the market,” said Mishra, who after spending many years in Assam had joined Arcadia a couple of years back. Another senior tea estate official working in Dehradun since 1984, Jaikrishan Uniyal, expressed regret that despite being one of the most eco-friendly industry tea plantations were yet to get due recognisition in Uttarakhand and Dehradun in particular. Few years after the formation of the state, the then Chief Secretary Dr RS Toliya had initiated steps to revive the tea estates, but he found little support from other quarters. Interestingly, while tea estates are fast fading into oblivion, a central research and development institution linked to petroleum sector has been working relentlessly in safeguarding the same. Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) has been successfully maintaining tea gardens at its Mokhumpur campus in Dehradun. One of the premier research institutions of the country in the petroleum sector, the IIP has been engaged in research and development in the petroleum sector, but this has not discouraged it from focusing on the betterment of tea gardens. The institute was shifted to its present campus in 1962. But notwithstanding other issues, the IIP has managed to safeguard tea gardens. Nearly half of its sprawling 200-acre campus still has tea gardens despite increasing construction pressures. Officials here have been working hard to keep them fully operational. By deploying a separate contractor who looks after this tea plantation, the IIP has taken up the cause seriously. Tea produced here is also being sent to other parts of the country
for sale. “From day one, the IIP has ensured that the tea gardens inside the campus are maintained at any costs,” said VS Saini, a former senior scientist at the institute. Atul Joshi, an ex-planter from Siliguri in West Bengal, advocates development of tea estates in Dehradun on the lines of those in West Bengal and Assam, where they have been developed as places having tourism potential. “If properly maintained, these tea estates have huge potential. Sadly, there have been half-hearted efforts in this regard since the formation of the state,” he said.
|
|
Capital smile
Dehradun, January 12 Under the expert guidance of prominent implantologist and prosthodentist, Dr Puneet Kathuria from New Delhi, the surgical module of the Noble Biocare implants was carried out successfully. Advances made in medical science over the past few years has revolutionised dentalcare. “Sportsmen and boxers get knocked down during the course of their career, some lose teeth. They can now take the help of a dentist for restoring the missing tooth, so can models who can go for an implant before embarking on a modeling career,” informed Dr Dhobal. Dental implant is a super-specialised branch of dentistry that deals with replacement of missing teeth. It is the latest in getting teeth fixed other than the more commonly used dental bridge and removable dentures. “The procedure takes 40 minutes under local anesthesia. When the area has sufficiently healed after three to six months, a porcelain crown is then used to cover the implant. Sometimes teeth are fixed after implant placement and functions just like a natural tooth,” said Dr Dhobal, adding the entire procedure cost a minimum of Rs 40, 000. Dr Brenmark, an American orthopaedic surgeon, discovered the use of titanium for bone implants. Soon it began to be increasingly used for tooth implants. “The implant carries an international warranty as recapping can be done worldwide. The implant cannot be carried out in case of a missing or fractured bone. This is one procedure that can be used for replacement of teeth other than dental bridges for both young and old,”informed Dr Pradeep Kathuria, Noble Fellow Mentor from North India. The Noble Biocare dental implants from Sweden are among market leaders with base in more than 50 countries. The implant is believed to possess excellent bone capacity and design to suit patient needs. “Of late, dentalcare is gaining prominence in our country. Middle-class families now undergo regular dental checks and this is a good sign,” said Dr Dhobal.
|
|
Lohri brings warmth to people ties
Dehradun, January 12 Inaugurating the cultural festival at Gurdwara Race Course grounds, Punjab education and linguistics minister Dr Upinderjit Kaur called for better coordination between Punjab and Uttarakhand while stressing on frequent staging of such cultural programmes. She said these would pave way for development initiatives between the two states. The special guest on the occasion, Punjab transport minister Mohan Lal said both the states need to forge stronger ties and go for constructive works. Uttarakhand tourism minister Prakash Pant said both the states have led the nation in terms of martyrdoms whenever any external aggression has taken place in the country. He hoped for better relationship between the two states in the days to come. Uttarakhand Speaker Harbans Kapoor, Tehri MP Vijay Bahuguna and BJP legislator Harbhajan Singh Cheema also greeted people on the occasion of Lohri and ‘Makar Sakranti’. Meanwhile, Punjabi dance and songs left the audience spellbound. Sayeeda Begum’s Punjabi numbers along with ‘gidda’ and ‘bhangara’ performances were other highlights of the evening. PS Kochar, Harpal Sethi, Amarjeet Singh Sethi, Rajendra Singh Rajan, Jag Virmani and Sewa Singh Matharu were among others present on the occasion.
|
|
Crime Fall
Dehradun, January 12 “We studied the modus operandi of previous dacoities and prepared a strategy accordingly. The arrest of the Bangladeshi gang went a long way in preventing dacoities,” he claimed, adding that the high percentage of arrests acted as a deterrent. In the 13 districts of Uttarakhand for the period starting January 1 to December 31 for the years 2008, 2007 and 2006, there has been a 10 per cent fall in murder cases. In 2007, as many as 197 murders were reported; the figure came down to 181 in 2008. Likewise, there has been a decrease in the number of rape cases.
|
|
This winter, pamper your hair & skin
Dehradun, January 12 With lot of hair and skin troubles large number of people are heading towards beauty clinics to get over with for their problems. “In winters skin and hair undergoes lot of problems and lack of moisture and care causes scalp and skin dryness, said Puja, center head, Vandana Luthra Curls and Curves (VLCC). “Large number of my clients are getting deep conditioning for hair and skin as most of them are suffering from dandruff and very dry skin,” said Javed of JBCC lounge, a professional hair and beauty studio. Meanwhile, the cosmetic industry and modern salons are providing variety of products, services and winter treatments. “Hair Spy is the latest among all and the most effective treatment for hair problems like dandruff, dryness and split-ends. “A hair spa treatment is the best treatment for people suffering from dandruff and dry scalp. Not only does it cleanse the scalp, it also helps in hair growth, makes them soft and shiny. L’Oreal professional instant clear shampoo can be used for dandruff and to get ride of sticky hair,” said Javed, a hair care expert. Traveling, sun basking and consuming less amount of water also strips away the natural moisture from skin and hair. Using very hot water for bath invites more troubles. “Luke warm water is always better for skin and hair and helps in controlling further damage,” said Lata Thapli, a beauty expert. Moreover, one should devote some time to your skin and hair to avoid such problems. “To avoid dandruff, hair should be washed at least thrice a week with anti dandruff shampoo. To keep body hydrated, lots of water, juices, dry fruits and proteins, milk, eggs and pulses should be included in daily diet with less intake of junk food,” said Puja, center head of VLCC. Flaky skin, freckles and tanning are the other beauty related issues arise due to lack of moisture. “Everybody loves to bask in the winter sun, forgetting that sunrays does a lot of damage to the skin. It is must to use a sunscreen before stepping out in sun,” said Dr Tarun Mittal, dermatologist. “To maintain the PH balance of hair, a good conditioner should be used and oiling should be avoided as it settles on the hair and aggravate the problem of dandruff,” added Dr Mittal. Home made products can be used to maintain the quality of hair and skin in a long run. These products come cheap, easily available and can also be frequently used to avoid any side effects of the other products. “Mixture of eggs and curd can be used for shiny and bouncy hair. Dry skin should be well moisturised but people with oily skin should prefer an oil-free moisturizers however, for a very dry skin, a home made mixture of glycerin, rose water with lemon as well as curd with honey can also be applied to keep skin soft, shiny and supple,” said Lata Thapli. Famous cosmetic brands, including Oriflamme, Blossom Kochhar, Shenaz, Lakme, Vaseline and Body Shop has a variety of lotions and body oils for skin to get the apt amount of moisture and nourishment during winters.
|
|
‘Maroj’, a legacy celebrated
The festivities of Christmas and New Year are not over yet! At least, not for people in Jaunpur-Jaunsaar, where the gala mood spills over to the month of January (Maagh) when the ‘Maagh Mela’ or ‘Maroj’ is celebrated with élan each year. People here have been celebrating ‘Maroj’ since ages to kill the ennui of winter caused by lack of work in the fields.
Most of Jaunpur falls in Tehri Garhwal and Uttarkashi district, whereas Jaunsaar falls in Dehradun district. Yamuna separates the two blocks and both are named after the river - Jaunpur through distortion of the word ‘Jamuna paar’ and Jaunsaar of ‘Jamuna aar’. The region is inhabited by a distinctive group of people who are followers of the Pandavas, who once lived in the area. Mahasu Devta and Naag Devta are the prime deities of the region. ‘Maroj’ is all about wining, dining, social visits and evening dances in praise of these deities. People travel long distances to visit their loved ones and relatives. The main delicacy during the time is mutton and cooked in various styles, it is served with wine made with foodgrains and herbs. By the evening, the enthusiasm reaches a spiritual high and legend has it that the Pandavas and Devi Kaali descend from the heavens to the bodies of their devotees who dance around a massive bonfire to elaborate drum beats. It is a rich cultural heritage that has long remained isolated and unexplored, but with changing times is coming forth for people to witness. Meanwhile, on January 9 this year, ‘Maroj’ was celebrated for the first time ever in Mussoorie as the town practically lies amidst Jaunpur. The newly-formed Aglaar and Yamuna valley development committees had organised an elaborate festival at the Shagun wedding point complex. Both locals and the visiting performers made it a night to remember. Around an enormous bonfire, delicious mutton was served. Men and women performed traditional group dances in their intricate attires. —
The writer is a freelance journalist from Mussoorie
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
