Haridwar, April 25
Earlier before the delimitation Gorkha community had no option other than to support different political parties. But now after new delimitation coming into effect, with addition of new assembly segments of Dharampur, Doiwala and Rishikesh, the community has got in sizeable proportion and is roughly touching two lakh mark in the Haridwar constituency, which has changed the voting statistics.

Taking this further Gorkha Samaj has fielded its own candidate Samsher Bahadur from Haridwar constituency to represent their community. But the community has set its eye on the 2012 state assembly elections in which they want considerable representatives from this area.

Criticising Congress and BJP state governments for utilising Gorkhas as a vote bank and then keeping silent on their problems Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha Mahasabha Kalyankari Samiti (ABGMKS) leaders urged the community to vote in favour of their candidate. “We want development of not only Gorkha community but for everybody residing in Uttarakhand. After testing various political parties, it is understood that only new and reliable candidates can bring change,” voiced candidate Shamsher Bahadur.

The ABGMKS members pointed they are facing problem in getting domicile certificates and caste certificates. They said neither the government is issuing the certificates to them nor it clarifies its policy. “Our children are getting problems in getting jobs due to the absence of domicile and caste certificates.

Even through RTI application we got half-baked answer from the administration and we will take this issue in election too,” said Buddhi Singh Rana, election in charge.

Increase of minimum wage in private companies in Haridwar to Rs 5,000, speedy construction of All-India Institute of Medical Sciences branch in Rishikesh, state-of-the-art hospital in Haridwar, construction of over bridges are some of the issues in the agenda of the Gorkha Samaj. 

Dehradun, April 25
With almost 85 per cent of the candidates contesting for the five parliamentary seats, losing their security deposit, during the 2004 general election in Uttarakhand, Independents had very little standing in the hill state of Uttarakhand.

The main election battle in the state is witnessed between the traditional rivals Congress and BJP, whereas other parties like BSP and SP had presence in some selected areas of the state.

As per the figures available, during the 2004 general election, there were total of 54 candidates in fray for the five parliamentary constituencies of the state.

What is interesting is that out of the 54 candidates, the security deposit of the 43 candidates was forfeited.

The failure of the candidates to save their security deposit by managing one sixth of the total votes polled for respective constituencies clearly indicate that Independents and regional parties had very little reckoning in the state.

The election statistics revealed that during last general election, from total of 12 candidates in Tehri constituency, 10 lost their security deposit. Apart from the winner, the Congress candidate, who was runners up was the only candidate, whose security deposit was not forfeited. Likewise, in Pauri parliamentary constituency, out of nine candidates in fray, seven lost their security deposit.

The electorate in the Almora constituency also rejected the independents, as from total of nine candidates, seven failed to save their deposit.

Electorate in the Nainital constituency that witnessed maximum number of candidates (15) didn’t oblige any independents or smaller parties.

The security of as many as 13 candidates from Nainital was forfeited. Similarly, in Haridwar, out of nine candidates, the deposit of six was forfeited.

During the previous elections, majority of the candidates in fray were unable to save their security deposit, this time the number of the candidates has increased considerably.

Currently, as many as 103 candidates of different political parties have filed nominations for five Lok Sabha seats in the state, which means an increase of 49 candidates as compared to the 2004 general election.

Now, it will only be clear on May 16 that whether this time, Independents manage to change the trends or not. 

Dehradun, April 25
Making a fervent appeal to the district administration not to “harass” them, a group of Hindu-Pakistani nationals today requested the authorities to adopt a ‘human’ approach towards the matter pertaining to purchase of immovable property in Dehradun without mandatory permission of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The Hindu Pakistani nationals also said that they had already written a letter to the RBI accepting their mistake and are ready to pay the “fine” for rectification of the technical error made by them while purchasing the property. Recently, an enquiry conducted by the District Registrar Amit Singh Negi had confirmed the purchase of immovable property by four Pakistani nationals in the state capital.

The report submitted to the state government mentioned that these were among the seven foreign nationals of non-Indian origin who had purchased property in Uttarakhand without mandatory permission of the RBI. The report stated that four Pakistani nationals purchased houses and shops in Dehradun, while another one in Rishikesh.

However, narrating their side at a press conference organised by the Akhil Bhartiya Kshtriya Mahasabha, here today, one among the group, Arjun Dass Malhotra, said forced by communal backlash post Babri Mosque demolition, he came to Dehradun on a valid visa in 1994.

“In Pakistan, we had to pay a heavy price for being a Hindu. And now, even in India we are being subjected to immense harassment,” he rued, while adding that he was completely unaware about the legal system of obtaining RBI permission before the purchase of property. Arjun said he had already sent an apology to RBI and is also willing to pay the “penalty” to the administration for his mistake.

Another of them, Sewa Ram Reikhy, said he shifted from the North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) in Pakistan to Dehradun in 1992. “There are 13 members in our family and we four brothers are running a small hardware shop in Dehradun. If the administration initiates action against us, it will be difficult for us and our kids,” he said.

He alleged that there are a total of 200 families that migrated from Pakistan to Uttarakhand, but the administration is harassing just five families.

He said in case the government doesn’t look into their case sympathetically, he would be left with no other option than to commit suicide or go back to Pakistan after adopting Islam. The Pakistani nationals also said that ever since reports appeared in the media, they are being looked upon with suspicion and the Intelligence authorities are always keeping a close watch on them. 

Mussoorie, April 25
Forest fires near Kempty falls have frightened villagers, living in nearby villages, while causing nightmares for the forest department officials involved in fire control. The forest areas in the Kempty forest range of Mussoorie forest division have been affected by various incidents of forest fires over the past one-week.

The villagers fear that the fires might spread and affect their agricultural fields and damage their property as well.

The forest department is trying its best to combat the fires and to restore normalcy. According to DFO of Mussoorie forest division, AK Banerjee, “The teams had been rushed to the area after receiving the information of the fires and the fires have been extinguished.”

Notably, forest fires are still raging near at least half a dozen villages in the area, which include Sainji, Kandikhal, Sartali and Ghandiyala. According to reports, forest areas opposite the famous Kempty falls and as well as parts of Benog Wildlife Sanctuary have also been affected by the fire.

Meanwhile, these incidents have given rise to a war of words between the forest officials and the local villagers.

The villagers have accused the forest officials of negligence and of having a lethargic approach in dealing with forest fires. “Early morning on Friday the fire was quite close to our village and the forest officials took too long to come and take hold of the situation. We are very disappointed with their response,” said an irate villager.

On the other hand, Banerjee came down sharply on the locals and blamed them for willfully causing fires. “All these fires have been caused due to the deliberate or due to the negligence of these villagers,” Banerjee said.

“Prior to sowing maize, the villagers set fires in their fields and it is these fires which are spreading to nearby forests and causing so much loss to the forests,” Banerjee added.

He said that on several occasion the forest department had requested the villagers to set these fires early in the morning so that they are extinguished by evening.

“However, deliberately these villagers set these fires (locally called aada) in the evening and after sunset such fires spread to nearby forests,” Banerjee complained.

Banerjee said the government should take strict steps against those people who willfully set fires in the forests. “I believe that the government should stop all development aid to villages near whom forest fires take place - this would prevent mischief as all villagers would be involved in protecting the forests from fires,” he suggested.

However, countering Banerjee’s accusations the villagers argue that,“ if the fires are deliberate then why has the forest department not been able to catch the culprits or even register a case.”

Meanwhile, the ranger of Kempty Range has complained about the lack of adequate staff. “I have only 13 regular and 4 temporary staff with me and these have quite insufficient to tackle the situation,” he said. 

Dehradun, April 25
For Uttarakhand, there cannot be a greater event than commencement of the Char Dham Yatra. This is the only event that is of equal importance to the people of hills and plains, and that provides sustenance to the economy of both the regions of the state. However, today the rush of pilgrims to the Dhams has increased manifold and much needs to be done to manage the same.

With the increasing rush of vehicles, accidents are also on the rise and precious human lives are lost. During the last Yatra season, more than one crore pilgrims visited the Char Dhams and this time more are expected. For handling such a huge influx, services of well-trained and committed team members are required, with clear-cut role and responsibilities.

In order of priority, I am putting forth some suggestions that might prove helpful to policy implementers

n First priority should be to improve the conditions of the stretches that are still not motorable between Gaurikund and Kedarnath, and Janaki Chatti and Yamunotri. In these two stretches, the roads become very crowded during the peak season and the 'dandi kandiwalas' and 'ponywalas' virtually capture the entire stretch.

n Management of traffic should be proper and bottlenecks should be identified. These mainly include the stretch between Gupt Kashi and Gaurikund, and between Hanuman Chatti and Janaki Chatti. In both the places the road is narrow with hardly any space for the big lorries to turn around. In fact, big lorries should not be allowed here during the Yatra season.

In case of Kedarnath, these can be stopped at Augustmuni, where there is ample space for parking. Beyond that, pilgrims can travel by taxies. This step will generate some employment to local youths as well.

n There should be complete ban on smoking and drinking in these areas on the pattern of Trimula Devashthanam. This will improve sanctity of these places.

n Proper sanitation should be maintained, as banks of all rivers and rivulets on the route have turned into open toilets. Plastic garbage is also visible everywhere. There is an urgent need to educate the pilgrims regarding the fragile ecological balance of this region and instructions in the form of leaflets can be distributed at the originating point.

Besides, there is urgent need of providing them public convenience, restrooms and dustbins at specific distances

n There is also a need of engaging the services of young volunteers with some basic knowledge of first- aid to help the aged and infirm. A visit by such volunteers to the halting places of pilgrims will bring a lot of goodwill for us.

n At the time of 'darshan', long and serpentine queues are formed in the open. There is a need for providing some shelter for the pilgrims.

n A number of 'sadhus' also visit these religious places. Earlier, they used to stay at designated 'chatties'. But now with the construction of motorable roads, these 'chattis' have become unavailable; therefore shelters must be built for them as well

n Before commencement of the yatra there is need for having a dialogue with the natives who reside on the yatra route with a view to enrich their knowledge of handling the tourists. This will make us more hospitable.

n In Goa, which is a hot spot for tourists, in almost every household there is provision of guest houses for tourists. On the same pattern, if we can develop some villages on the yatra route it will add to their prosperity.

n Rishikesh is the gateway to Garhwal and this is the starting point of the Yatra, but the condition of the road in the first 20-km is pitiable. The condition of this stretch needs to be improved.

n Last but not the least, there is need of educating the pilgrims about the beauty and grandeur of the Kumaon Hills so that after Chardham Yatra they feel tempted to visit places like Kausani, Ranikhet, Almora, Nainital et all. This will help boost tourism in the state.

(The writer is a senior official in Uttarakhand government)

Dehradun, April 25
With a view to spread awareness among the students and general masses regarding the environment, saving tigers and combating climate change, “Kids for Tigers” programme was organised at Welham’s Boys School, here today.

The programme, which aims to bring out the vital connection between the survival of tigers and the ecological security of the Indian subcontinent, is being organised out in 20 cities across the country covering almost 550 schools.

Rajaji National Park director SS Raisly was the chief guest for the programme. He said climate change and deforestation have been an umbilical connection. He said due to deforestation, wild animals’ habitats have being destroyed that is in-turn affecting the ecological balance. He exhorted the children to plant more trees and love animals.

Welham’s Girls School class XI student Gaurka Mehta, who has been selected as the Tiger ambassador from the state to participate in national tiger camp, scheduled to be held in May said, “Need of the hour is to generate awareness and sensitise the people about how our eco-system works. And that the each every animal from ant to tiger has a important role to play in this ecosystem.”

Speaking in context of tigers, Gaurka said illegal poaching has resulted in wiping out tigers from most forest reserves in country, which should be checked.

She said that tigers are an endangered species. “They played an important role of balancing our eco-system. If it gets extinct in the coming time, this would have a bad affect on our eco-system. Therefore, efforts should be made for its protection by the society as whole”, she added.

More than 500 students from various schools of Dehradun attended the programme. The activities planned at the Tiger Fest were intended to tap the creative potential, knowledge and enthusiasm of the children.

At the camp, informative stalls like the comic strip creation, posters making, newspaper craft, photography, fashion show, rangoli and puppets show stall were put up. 

Dehradun, April 25
At Children’s Academy school it was a day of fun and creativity as the Principal Progressive Schools Association (PPSA) of Uttarakhand organised Inter-School Face Painting competition here today. As many as 10 schools participated in the competition and where the got a platform to showcase their skills amidst healthy interaction and enjoyment.

The competition was divided in three categories of according to which students of junior, middle and senior schools paint the faces.

Category A covered animals, flowers and butterflies, whereas category B covered mother earth and category C covered culture and heritage.

“This is for the first time we organised a face painting competition under PPSA. We are glad that large number of students participated and showed lot of enthusiasm to do something innovative and sat for hours to paint the faces,” said Sumeet Kapoor, a teacher.

The team of an artist and a model made beautiful creations with water colours. “I made a Chinese mask as its different and I took two hours to complete the whole look. I am happy that I got an opportunity to showcase my skills,” said Ashu, a student of Children’s Academy.

“I have made a Chinese lady and as our theme was culture and heritage we thought of painting something which is difficult in nature,” said Shrishti, a student.

A face decorated with a mother holding earth as well a face depicting the beautiful Taj Mahal was also a piece of art. “We have made a mother who is holding earth and we are definitely expecting good results,” said Riya from Kasiga School.

The chief guest for the occasion was SC Virmani, an eminent lawyer in the town with other many dignitaries.

Meanwhile, at Heritage School it was celebration time as the tiny tots there celebrated the spring season students with great fervour, here today. Parents of the little ones were enthused and endlessly cheered their kids to enjoy and have fun on the stage.

Children were dressed in colours of spring. Where some wore flowers, butterflies others wore plants and trees and made the stage appear so bright and full of life.

The programme concluded with a speech by principal B Gill, who thanked the efforts of the parents and even said that such programmes not only encourages students to participate, but also brings discipline and inculcates feeling of love and togetherness. 

Dehradun, April 25
On the inaugural day of Open Inter-School Taekwondo competition, Saharanpur players dominated the proceedings winning three gold medals, five silver and three bronze medals. Dehradun players however, could win only two gold, three silver and five bronze.

Dehradun Sports Taekwondo Association organised the competition here at Apollo International School,

As many as 150 players from 15 schools participated in the competition, including schools from Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Haridwar and Shimla.

From Dehradun, teams from Kasiga School, Delhi Public School, Guru Ram Rai Public School and Cambrian Hall, Spring Valley School, Delhi Public School, Heritage School, Asha Model International, National Public School and are prominent participant in the tourney. 

Dehradun, April 25
Seven Oaks School, Raja Rammohan Rai Acadmey, Carman School and The Aryan School won their respective matches at the ongoing 14th Gardner Inter-School Indoor Cricket Tournament at St Thomas College, here today.

In the first match Aryan School beat St Jude’s by 8 runs. The Aryan made 72 runs, Sandeep was the top scorer for the team with 72 runs. While chasing the target, St Jude’s was all out for 64 runs. Shivan was the top scorer for the team with 27 runs.

In the second match girls team of Raja Rammohan Roy Academy and Unison World School. Raja Rammohan Roy Academy won against Unison World by 27 runs.

The Academy set a target of 87 runs for Unison World. Sonali was the top scorer for the team with 19 runs. Unison World was all out for 60 runs, Pragati was the top scorer for the team with 7 runs.

The third match between Carman School and SelaQui World School, Carman won the match by 29 runs. Carman School made 64 runs. SelaQui was all out for 35 runs.

In the fourth match Sunrise Academy beat Seven Oaks School by three wickets. Batting first Sunrise Academy made 49 runs. Chasing the victory target of 50 runs Seven Oaks reached the target with three wickets in hand. 

Dehradun, April 25
Chandragupta team lifted the Inter-Section Hockey Championship trophy at RIMC, here yesterday. In a closely contested final, RIMC defeated Shivaji 2-1. Cadet S Shyam was adjudged as the best player and cadet Aditya Anand Tyagi as the best goalkeeper.

The highest scorer award in the senior category was shared by cadet Utsav Singhal of Pratap, cadet Vaishak and cadet Mrugank of Shivaji section.

In the final, Chandragupta team took two goals lead, cadet Ashish Tiwari and cadet S Shyam were the scorers for the team.

In reply Shivaji team could only score a solitary goal through cadet Mrugank Gargate. The referees for the match were sepoy Rakesh Singh and Nadeem.

In the junior category, cadet K Arjun was judged the best player of the tournament, cadet Tabish Hassan was given the best goalkeeper award and Cadet Shiv Shakti was given the highest scorer of the tournament.

In middle category, cadet Ayush Salaria was adjudged the best player, cadet Asteek Chauhan was given the best goalkeeper award and cadet Krishnapal Singh was the highest scorer.

Former Olympian, Hardayal Singh was the chief guest on the occasion, who gave away the prizes to the winners. Other dignitaries present were KS Ahlawat, Sqn Ldr YS Panghal, Maj Rexson Robertson, SK Tyagi, CS Vishwakarma and Brijesh Chauhan.

The event was well coordinated by UP Dalvi.