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Receding glaciers inspire more studies
Standing tall in memory of freedom fighters |
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Gay, but waiting for social acceptability
Soon, govt houses for physically challenged
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Receding glaciers inspire more studies
The statement identifies the challenges the nation faces as it works on climate change mitigation efforts and to counter the accusing finger of the developed world on developing countries.The minister was in Dehradun where he inaugurated the Centre for Himalayan Glaciology at Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology.At the initiative of the Department of Science and Technology under the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change, the centre will carry out studies on factors influencing the dynamics of Himalayan glaciers. “The developed world has always played havoc with the environment and are now shifting the entire blame for climate change on developing countries,” Prithiviraj Chavan urged the scientists to come up with evidence-based studies to help the country counter developed world-friendly treaties. He said the Himalayan glaciers had a directly link with climate change. The Himalayas, with their high concentration of glaciers, are the storehouse of many Indian rivers that control the lifeline of a large part of the Indian landmass. This makes the scientific study of Himalayan glaciers all the more important as it is a key link to the management of water resources, hydro-power generation, weather prediction and foremost sustaining the ecological system. While there has been an increased concern over global warming and its ill effects on glaciers world over, the receding that has been recorded in glaciers, particularly in the Himalayas, has been a cause of worry. There is a perception that glaciers in the Himalayas may vanish in 50 years. But scientists at Wadia desist from drawing such a conclusion. “We don’t have any such data through which we can come any such conclusion,” Prof BR Arora, Director, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. But it is a fact that glaciers have receded due to global warming. But then, the studies on glaciers have been limited. “So far, only 40 Himalayan glaciers have been studied while their number is as high as 5,000,” Prof Arora said. However, T Ramasami, Secretary, Science and Technology, Uttarakhand, put the number of Himalayan glaciers at 9,000. “The glaciology centre at Wadia will act as nodal centre for carrying out studies on glaciers in Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim,” Ramasami observed. The centre, which will eventually lay emphasis on carrying out broad spectrum research in the filed of glaciology in the country, has come as an asset for the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. The institute has been engaged in glacier research for the more than two decades. The institute already has the advantage of being equipped with some ultra-modern laboratory facilities and has also developed some basic infrastructure and expertise which is extremely useful in glacier research. “The centre will bring more focus to the study on glaciers while expanding its scope of study from Himalayan glaciers to glaciers in other countries,” said B Tiwari, a scientist at Wadia Institute of Himalayan Glaciology. Very few know of the dwindling number of geologists in the country. Dr Arora admitted that one could count geologists on one’s fingers. But he is hopeful that the centre will help train manpower. “One of the main tasks of the centre is to develop trained manpower and upgrade the facilities,” he observed. Recalling the contribution of Wadia Institute of Himalyan Geology in glacier study, this scientist at Wadia maintained that climate change was certainly detrimental to Himalayan glaciers while stating that the recession in these glaciers started around the mid-18th century. The Himalayas have some of finest glaciers in the world that includes the Shigari glacier in Rohtang valley, Chorabari of Kedar valley and Dokrani glacier in the Bhagirathi valley. These have been a matter of elaborate study for Wadia scientists. The rising temperatures leading to speedy receding of glaciers have been the cause of much concern among geologists making them a fit case of study. The establishment of the centre of glaciology could not have come at a more appropriate time.
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Standing tall in memory of freedom fighters
Roorkee, July 4 Over 250-years-old banyan tree, which was a part of freedom struggle is standing tall in Sunehra village, which has now become a part of the town due to haphazard extension. According to the villagers, the British government used to hang freedom fighters on its branches. “Many revolutionaries who dared to defy the orders of the then rulers and fight for our freedom were hanged on the tree. The number of the martyrs hanged is nearly 200,” said Shyam Behari, head of the village while adding that the people from other villages like Kunj Bahadurpur or nearby area were also brought here to hang. The tree was planted by Baksha Singh in early 19th century and later Baksha Singh was also hanged here by the British government. Villagers claimed that, till past few years, chains and hooks could be seen on the branches of the tree, which were used to hang the people. Seeing the historical significance of the tree, the Tourism Department has erected a boundary wall around it and a small memorial to commemorate the martyrs was also built with the cost of 18.50 lakh. A total of three sign boards have been put at the site to give the information about the expenditure and inauguration of the memorial but no one paid heed to put any board, depicting the significance of this huge historical tree. Every year in July, a rural mela has been organised at the site to pay tributes to the martyrs hanged here.
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Gay, but waiting for social acceptability Dehradun, July 4 Leading double lives, most of them venture out only at night. No wonder then, the legal ramifications of the High court ruling have come as a blessing. The fear of the police is always lurking in Sanjay’s (name changed) mind when he makes his way towards Gandhi Park, the popular pick-up point, at night. Working for BSNL, his colleagues may be shell shocked to find him in an altogether different attire but not his partner. Both, belonging to well-to do families, have mastered the art of secrecy. Their sexual choices are not discussed, there is a silent acceptance. “The repealing of Section 377 has finally given legal acceptance to homosexuals. We no longer have to fear the police and can meet at the park and other places more openly,” said Sanjay. Emphatic that their personal preferences have been accepted, he, however, was tight lipped about the reaction of his family members. “I have not discussed the issue with my parents but my wife knows it. Had my parents and society been more accepting, I would have not married at all,” added Sanjay who accepted his homosexuality eight years back. For several years now, the only ‘cruising points’ for the 300-strong gay community members are Gandhi Park and an area adjacent to the Digvijay Cinema Hall. The profile of homosexuals cuts across the class, caste and religious divide. They are engineers, doctors, academicians and even labourers who frequent these places. One thing that brings them together is their preference. Ostracism forces them to lead double lives. “I too come here all the way from Rishikesh. I am quite open about my sexuality and the law too recognises us now,” said Sandeep (name changed). “The gay parades taken out in metropolitan towns are an affirmation of our solidarity and kinship. I think the law was absurd and too archaic. “It took so many years to do away with. The law is on our side now and the society too should respond positively,” said Sandeep. Psychologists said while most of the sexual orientation begins to take place in the early teens, most of the behaviour can be attributed to hormones and physical attributes as in trans-genders. Among gays and lesbians, it is more about one’s preference. “Going against accepted beliefs is not easy. Most gays and lesbians suffer from guilt complex and often come for counselling. In most cases, it is best to accept them,” said Dr B Pratibha Sharma, psychologist, Doon Hospital. Aware that their sexual behaviour opens them to acquiring HIV virus and other sexual diseases, there is heightened awareness among social workers and the government to generate awareness and a programme for them is under way in the city.
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Soon, govt houses for physically challenged Dehradun, July 4 Sources said the proposal was under consideration of the Chief Secretary. This benefit is at present available to the employees of SC/ST and OBC categories. According to Central government policy, there is four, nine and 13 per cent reservation for employees of the said categories. But there is no quota for the physically challenged employees so far. Now, the social welfare department has taken up the cause and proposed three per cent reservation for them in the government housing allotment policy. It is estimated that this will benefit a large number of employees, especially those posted away from their native places. Mostly, they have stay in rented accommodations. The proposal is expected to take care of all the aspects required for their comfortable stay.
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Dehradun, July 4
Many worship the old banyan tree in village considering it sacred while many bowed in reverence in front of it to pay obeisance to the martyrs, who were hanged on its branches by the British government in the 19th century.
Dehradun, July 4