Dehradun, November 23
Billed as the biggest congregation on the earth, the Maha Kumbh mela slated for early next year, is expected to test the administrative skills of the government of Uttarakhand that would be playing host for the mela for the first time since state’s formation in 2000.

Amid noises of inadequate budget released by the Central government for the Maha Kumbh, the Health Department has started preparations in right earnest. With a budget of Rs 45.76 crore, it seeks to set up medical infrastructure, ensure complete sanitation and maintain non-stop water supply in the mela area, which will almost function as a mini-township looking after the needs of at least 5 crore people coming from all over the country and abroad.

“A sum of Rs 5.25 lakh is being spent on medical, health, material, equipment and medicines from the budget of Rs 4.576 crore, that has been released. The Central government has contributed a major chunk of the money that has been released to the state government, which then forwarded it to the Urban Development Department. Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva is likely to evaluate the progress made before the start of the mela,” said Dr Anil Sharma, Officer on Special Duty, Kumbh Mela.

The Health Department will set up 14,000 toilet seats in the Kumbh Mela area, 4,000 of these will be permanently managed by the Sulabh Foundation, while the remaining 10,000 will be dismantled once the Kumbh gets over. Safai karamcharis will be deployed to maintain cleanliness in the area.

In all, there is an expected demand of 264 doctors (general), 50 specialists, 20 sisters and 65 staff nurses and 165 pharmacists as envisaged by the Mela Adhikari (Health). These doctors and staff members will be providing round-the-clock medical facilities during the Kumbh for which six base hospitals are being equipped with additional facilities. “These include the district hospital and women hospital at Haridwar, mela hospital set up during 2004, SPS Combined Hospital at Rishikesh, community health centre at Jawalapur and Rishikul Ayurvedic College at Rishikul.

Also combined hospital at Roorkee will function as a backup hospital, in case the resources at the six hospitals are overstretched, said Dr Sharma.

All these hospitals possess bed capacity in the range of 150 to 700. Besides, 21 sectors will have temporary hospital arrangement comprising OPDs and indoor patient departments (IPDs) with 200 beds in all.

In all, there is a provision for 1,040 beds with extra arrangement being made at BHEL (150 beds), Ram Krishan Hospital (150 beds) at Haridwar and another 100 beds at selected private hospitals. Besides, arrangements for 100 beds will also be made in areas adjoining Haridwar (outside the mela area) at Luxar, Mangalaur, Bhagwanpur and Narsan.

In addition, 19 medical relief posts will be created comprising a doctor and a pharmacist each ready to provide first-aid. These would be set up at five entry points to the mela, namely Chandi Ghat, Bhadrabad, Nepali Farm and Kankhal and also Har ki Pauri, railway station, bus stand and temples in the the mela area.

The Director-General, Health and Family Welfare, will also deploy 50 ambulances from 13 districts. In addition, 108 Emergency will press into service 
25 ambulances.

To check and contain the outbreak of water-borne diseases, the Health Department will also conduct ortho toluene tests. “The bacterial and chemical analysis of the water samples will be conducted weekly at a laboratory in Haridwar. Any variation in water quality will be immediately checked,” said Prem Lal, Kumbh Mela Officer (Health).

Special plan on H1N1

To contain and deal with any outbreak of H1N1 (influenza) during the Maha Kumbh Mela, the Health Department will set up an isolation ward at Rishikesh, far away from the mela area. The threat posed by the H1N1 virus is being given top priority for which a special plan is being worked out.

On the advise of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), New Delhi, and the Centre, a 50-bedded facility has been set up at a Rishikesh complete with an ICU. The hospital is located in a secluded area and has separate entry and exit points.

However, the state government is demanding a budget of Rs 4 crore for buying tami flu capsules that have to be adequately stocked keeping in view the large turnout in the mela area.

At a review meeting held today at the secretariat, the matter came up for discussion as the Central government is yet to supply medicines and syrups exclusively for the mela. The medicines and syrups are being rationed to prevent their misuse. The Health Department has requested the central government to enhance the quota in view of the mela and give it early supply of the medicine.

Similarly, a request is also being made for the procurement of eight ventilators to be used at the ICU of isolation wards.

To check the outbreak of vector-borne diseases, the mela administration will also get the services of entomologists from Uttar Pradesh. He will be able to study vector density and maintain a vigil against any outbreak of Japanese encephalitis and dengue in the mela area.

Dehradun, November 23
Wild animal attack cases involving the black bear have witnessed an unprecedented rise in the border district of Chamoli in Uttarakhand in recent times. So far this year, as many as 31 persons have suffered injuries, while a life was lost in one such attack that took place a few days back.

The leopard had been attacking villagers for quite some time, but increasingly bear attack cases have come as a big surprise. Most of these bear attack cases have taken place in the Joshimath area followed by Nanda Devi biosphere and Badrinath forest division. The victims largely have been women.

Badrinath Forest Division DFO Rahul disclosed that while the an ex-gratia to the tune of Rs 1 lakh was provided to the kin of the victim, an amount of Rs 50,000 was provided to those seriously injured. Another Rs 15,000 was provided in case of minor injury.

These cases are bound to antagonise people against wild animals. There have been cases of connivance of locals with poachers.

Haridwar, November 23
Like humans, animals too have emotions, affection and caring nature. The fact is evident in the care shown by female elephant Radha for a 15-day female calf which has lost touch with its mother and family for the past few days.

Though for past two days forest officials, wildlife experts feared about the survival of the calf, there is good news that despite being unknown to her, Radha is looking after the calf with utmost care and protection in the elephant shelter located near the Chilla range entry point of the Raja Ji National Park.

Despite the calf is being fed on synthetic milk powder lactogen, the way Radha is treating it is quite emotional and highlights the caring nature of mammals.

This has brought a ray of hope of survival of the baby elephant and if all goes well, this will be one of its kind survival attempts for an animal in the region. Last year too an elephant calf was brought from the Chidiapur range, near the Son river, but after month-long survival efforts, the calf died of diarrhoea.

Chila range officer MS Negi informed The Tribune that the calf was being monitored round the clock keeping in mind the winter season. Though fire could not be used to warm the area around the calf as it made elephants wary, the floor had been specially carpeted to keep the calf warm.

The calf has been handed over by the Haridwar Forest Division to the Chila range of Raja Ji National Park. Haridwar Forest Division officer KS Rawat was informed of a calf being seen at Papdi Padao in the Shyampur forest range. On reaching the spot, the forest team found the calf roaming around in distress.

The Haridwar Forest Division officer consulted park Director SS Rassailly and he agreed to keep the calf in the park’s Chilla range. The main reason was that in the park there is a female elephant called Radha and it’s felt that the young calf will be better taken care of by the female elephant. Though the calf is being fed on synthetic milk every 3-4 hours, it is not certain that in the coming days it can digest fully the packaged milk.

Wildlife experts are monitoring the whole situation and are trying their best efforts in helping the calf survive.

A unique transmission attempt was also made a few days ago to mingle the baby elephant with a group of elephants at the same place where the calf was found.

After keeping the calf at the same place a herd of eight elephants came near the same spot and the calf was brought near the herd.

“It was a rare and risky attempt as we had to make sure the herd accepts the calf naturally. Though initially the herd came closer to the calf, touched, smelled it, later they deserted the calf and went away. After a while they approached the calf again, but did the same thing,” said Dr Ritesh Joshi.

If the calf survives, another attempt will be made to make sure the calf joins its lost family.

Rasailly is also keeping an eye on the whole situation. He says all attempts are being made to make the baby calf survive.

An expert team from the Wild Life Institute of Dehradun, which had medically checked up the baby elephant, is also in touch with park officials. They had also given a prescription after treating the calf.

Meanwhile, this unusual incident is generating mass interest and animal lovers, local people and tourists are flocking the spot in large numbers. People are showing concern and are also praying for the wellbeing of the calf. They are amazed at the motherly love shown by Radha for the calf.

Haridwar November 23
The whole week saw protest, chaos and ruckus at Shravannath Math Jawaharlal Nehru (SMJN) College. Firstly, there was resignation of working college Principal AK Mishra and the appointment of AK Ghildiyal as his replacement for the time being till the college management appoints a full-fledged principal.

But, this was the start of a series of happenings. Students rallied behind both principals. Aided by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members, students protested the resignation of Dr Mishra and termed it as done under pressure. This faction closed the college while Dr Mishra remained silent though he had submitted his resignation to the college management.

College teachers and non-teaching staff also held a protest, terming the student protest as totally uncalled for. The students, who were supporting Dr Mishra, ransacked the college library and broke chairs and tables. Assistant Superintendent of Police Arun Joshi intervened and instructed students to focus on studies as this was a matter relating to the college management and 
teachers only.

But, the next day the situation turned volatile when two girl students, favouring Dr Ghildiyal’s appointment, were allegedly abused and mishandled by ABVP activists. Priyanka Maini, one of the girls, lodged a complaint with the Ranipur police station.

Lending them support, an NSUI outfit demanded apology and action against the culprits. They also boycotted classes. Both student outfits nearly got on the verge of altercation, but timely intervention of the police saved the situation from 
getting aggravated.

Though college trustees and management have once again reinstated Dr Mishra as working principal, the issue has not subsided. Yesterday, the NSUI faction protested on Haridwar streets and blocked the busiest intersection, Ranipur Chowk.

The police dealt harshly with the activists and registered a case against three NSUI leaders. However, they were let off on furnishing personal bonds later.

Cadets donate blood

It’s not that all students in the college are engaged in politics and hullabaloo. They are also involved in social and humanity driven works too. The National Cadet Corps (NCC) wing in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS) of the college organised a blood donation camp wherein 105 NSS cadets donated blood.

In addition to blood donation more than 300 students got their blood groups tested.

The camp was inaugurated by the 31 UK NCC Battalion Command Officer, Col SS Pandey, on the college premises. Former state-ranked minister Ram Moorti Veer was the chief guest. He urged the youth to not only donate blood, but also generate awareness among the masses about the benefits of 
blood donation.

College NCC Department head Tej Veer Singh stressed on the importance of donating blood. Apart from SMJN students, the camp saw cadets from Gurukul Kangri Unviersity, Hari Ram Arya Inter-College, Arya Inter-College donating blood.

Himalayan Hospital’s doctors Nitin Batra, Subash Kumar, Amit Semwal, Anoop Singh and college staffers Dr Nalini Jain, Capt AK Sharma, Harish Nautiyal, MC Purohit, Dushyant Singh, Rubi, Parul, Neelam and others conducted the camp.

Girls remember Rani Laxmi Bai

On the birth anniversary of Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi, girl students of the college remembered the great woman warrior and vowed to fight against social evils and to make aware women of their rights.

Students showered flowers on a portrait of Rani Laxmi Bai and had a discussion meeting, shedding light on the life, struggle, bravery of Laxmi Bai and significance of her views in modern times. Anamika Sharma, a student leader, said the time had come that Indian women played a key role in family, society and in building of the nation.

“She was born in Varanasi and played a pivotal role in the nation’s first war of Independence in 1857 and didn’t surrender even when the British had captured the Gwalior fort. She is an inspiration for us,” said Mahima, a PG student.

Cultural programme

Under the NCC Day celebrations, a cultural function was organised at the college. A short skit on a soldier’s life was depicted by students based on poems and songs. A parade was also displayed by cadets with the college management chief Mahant Bilkeshwar Giri Maharaj taking the salute. The programme was presided over by former college Principal SK Jaiswal.

Dehradun, November 23
The first Vice-Chancellor of OP Jindal Global University (JGU) at Sonepat in Haryana, Prof C Raj Kumar, was here to promote the university. He aims to tap the vacuum left in the absence of institutions of world-class higher studies in the city after the high-school level.

He said the JGU had no plans of forging any alliance in Uttarakhand. The purpose of his visit was to make the maximum of the potential of education hub of Dehradun, the knowledge capital of the country. He said: “The city has broader and global vision as students from various countries come to study in premier education institutions here which are available only till the high-school level. But, there is a gaping void after that. We want to fill that gap by interacting with heads of these schools and education institutions in Dehradun, and informing them about the international education being provided by the JGU. “For the next entrance exams for the second batch, scheduled to be held in May next year, he confirmed that an examination centre will be opened in Dehradun”.

India’s first global law school, Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) of the JGU, has begun its first academic session from September for the three-year LLB and the five year BA LLB degree by enrolling 100 students from 20 states of the country.

By setting global benchmark, Raj Kumar feels that they would be able to withhold the brain drain from India. He said: “We have set up 10 world-class research centres, as research is crucial for development of knowledge. This will stop aspirants from move abroad to pursue higher studies. Then we have faculty, who are qualified from highly acclaimed universities world over. Not only this, we will also provide placement to these students, matching up to their education and capability level. For this, we have signed an MoU with law firms and corporate sector globally”.

To gain global expertise, the JGU has forged international collaboration with many reputed universities such as Harvard Law School, Yale Law School, etc. It has prepared the syllabi, suiting to international standards.

“We worked out a global curriculum with the help of our international board of advisers. It is recognised by the Bar Council of India and is also in tandem with global outlook,” he added. He is right when he says that it is necessary to don a global outlook because if a Satyam scandal hit the Indian market, it also rattles its global partners. Similarly, issues like terrorism, too, have 
universal implications.

The JGU has plans to start Jindal Global Business School by 2010, followed by School of Government and Public Policy and School of International Affairs.

Dehradun, November 23
Graphic Era Institute-A team lifted the Santosh Agarwal Memorial Institutional Cricket Tournament trophy organised by Uttarakhand T-20 Youth Cricket Association here today.

In the final, they defeated Dolphin Institute by 71 runs.

Dolphin Institutes decision to field first after winning the toss proved suicidal as their bowlers failed to stop batsmen from piling a big total of 140 runs in allotted 20 overs.’

Batting first, Graphic Era Institute did not begin on a strong note and lost the wicket of Varun when he was batting on five runs. Another opener also did not occupied the crease for a long and got out for 9 runs.

Dolphin bowlers gave Graphic Era Institute its third blow in the fifth over with Amit going down to fine bowling display by Dolphin Institute after making just four runs.

It was middle order batsmen Zesam and Gurmeet who stabilised the innings. Zesam made 26 runs of 30 balls, hitting two fours meanwhile, Gurmeet made 25 runs of 32 balls.

For Dophin Institute Rajesh picked up three wickets in his four overs spell.

Dolphin Institute batsmen found it difficult to settle down before tight line and length bowling of Graphic Era Institute bowlers. They lost their first wicket at five runs and the second when the team score was 16 runs.

Aditya and Kapil were only batsmen who showed some resistance and reached the double figure mark.

Aditya made 11 runs while Kapil made 12 runs. For Graphic Era Institute Sumit and Anchal took three wickets each. 

Nainital, November 23
Nainital is all set to host the Federation Cup Women’s Boxing Championship from November 26 to 29. Around 100 top women boxers from the country will be participating in the event. The list include names like Mary Con and Meena Kumari who have made a mark at the world level in the game that is still considered to be primarily a male domain. About 100 boxers will be contesting in all 11 boxing categories.

“The teams that figured in the top eight in the recent National Championships in Jamshedpur will be fighting it out here. These teams include Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Indian Railways, All-India Police, Delhi, Assam and Uttarakhand,” said General Secretary of the Uttarakand Boxing Association Nirwan Mukherjee.

The event will be inaugurated by Principal Secretary and Director, Sports, Nitish Jha.

A good performance is being expected from the Uttarakhand team on its home turf. Despite not having a single permanent ring or a single boxing academy, Uttarakhand has been producing excellent boxers over the past 25 years. The state presently stands at number five in the country.

Dehradun, November 23
Abhiymanyu Cricket Academy to clash with the National School of Cricket in the final of the u-13 Cricket Championship organised by District 
Sports Office.

In the first semifinal match Abhiymanyu Cricket Academy registered a 26-run victory over The Aryan School. Batting first, Abhiymanu Cricket Academy team scored 112 runs. Shivansh was the top scorer for the team with 31 runs. Shushank came up with 28 runs and Tushar scored 12 runs. For The Aryan School Raj and Ayush scored one wicket each.

Chasing the victory target of 113 runs The Aryan School could only managed to scored 86 runs in their allotted 18.4 overs. Abdul was the top scorer for the The Aryan school team with 14 runs.

Other batsmen failed to reach the double figure. For Abhiymanu team Dhanur took three wickets, whereas Siddhant took two wickets.

Meanwhile, in the second semifinal match National School of Cricket registered a massive 87-run victory over Garhwal Sporting team. Batting first, the National School of Cricket scored 197 runs in allotted 20 overs. Kartic was the highest scorer for the team with 
67 runs.

Fatai scored 52 runs and Tejasvi scored 32 runs. For the Garhwal Sporting team Priyanjal took two wickets and Sudhir took one wicket.

Chasing the victory target of 198 runs, the Garhwal Sporting team could only managed to score 110 in allotted 20 overs. Priyanjal scored 52 runs and Akshya scored 15 runs. V Malik took two wickets. 

Dehardun, November 23
Football seems to be catching up with Dehradun city girls, as Raksha Pawar and Anita Rawat got selected for the two-day u-16 national camp that will begin from December 1 in Aurangabad.

This is not the first time that Raksha has been selected for a national camp. She has already led the u-14 girls team that represented country at the Asia Football Festival held in Sri Lanka this year in April.

The team emerged champion at the series.

She was also selected as the vice-captain in the national u-13 team, which participated in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) u-13 girls Football Festival 2007.

The Indian team stood at the second position in the tournament outclassing Japan, Myanmar, Singapore and host Vietnam.

Another girl Anita Rawat had played in the u-13 national team in 2007. Anita was the highest goal scorer for the state team with six goals that included a hat-trick against Punjab.

Anita has constantly practising hard with the Vijay Cantt team for the past many years.

She recently scored four goals at the national football tournament held in Haldwani. Anita was elated over her selection in the camp.

“I am happy that I finally got selected for the camp. But I have to perform well to get into the national team.

'The Vijay Cantt Club has given me great support for the past many years and has helped me improve my football skill at the camp, where more then 200 children come every year to participate at the camp”. 

Dehradun, November 23
The state u-19 team left for Football National Championship that will be organised in Cuttack, Orissa, from November 24 to 30. The team had reached the quarterfinal stage last year.

Eleven girls of Dehradun have been selected for the u-19 state football team. Four girls from Hope Town School and rest of the five belong to the local club here.

The team includes Mannat, Neelum, Shaloni, Suman, Kavita, Anjali Maliya (Captain), Geeta Negi, Sangeeta, Jyoti, Ratna Rawat, Davika, Shalakha, Monia, Nisha Negi, Heena and Sangeeta.

Govind Thapa, a former football player, expressed delight over inclusion of 11 girl footballers from the city is a good sign for the future of the game in the city. He said presently there are a number of clubs here working hard to develop craze among girls regarding football and schools are giving equal support as well.

Football workshops are being organised by city schools for improving the skill and help girls learn to play good football.

The present team consist of six girls from Pithoragarh, the second highest from any district after Dehradun, two each from Almora and Haldwani. From Pauri there is one girl. Considering the fact the state has 13 districts, but the contribution to girls’ football is being made by three district, with Dehradun and Pithoragarh being the main players, whereas Haldwani is also making efforts to catch up with. 

Dehradun, November 23
Dehradun did well with 15 gold at the State Tae-kwon-do Championship organised by Dehradun, the Sports Tae-kwon-do Association here today.

Results:

Gold winners are Himanshu, Abhay Negi, Anil Kumar, Mayank, Imran, Rohan, Nitish, Abhay Singh, Shashank, Lakshman, Vibhor, Mukul Pawar, S.Tomar, Saksham Tomar, Tamana Gulati, Sharukh, Rahul Saini, Shahabaz Khan, Achit Arora, Abhay Negi, Arham Masud, 
Devraj Sharm.

Silver medals are won by Rahul, Mod. Mukhatiyar, Om Prakash, Piyush, Bharat Garg, Yash Kumar, Niriwal Dev, Mod. Abed, Rocht Bisht, Vishal Verma, Gaurav, Himanshu, Shalender, Rohit Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Sandeep, Sandeep Pawar, Nileshwar, Manoj, Rahul Rawat, Hemant Chauhan, Amarpal, Parmanshu, Tanmay Harilala. However, bronze winners are Ayush, Viplov, Himanshu, Aditya, Ayag, Animesh, Azad Negi, Aapan Arora, Prashant, Manish Tiwari, Zohar, Rahul Saini, Shaksham Semwal, Achit Arora. 

Dehradun, November 23
Rajesh Kumar did the state proud by winning silver in the 3000-m race at the National Competition organised in Chennai. On the other hand, Haridwar’s Menu won a bronze at the competition.

Uttarakhand Chief Ramesh Pokhriyal has congratulated both athletes for their 
achievements.

He said the athletes had done well to win medals at the championship and earned fame for the state. He expressed hope that the athletes would keep up the performance and win more medals in the near future.

Panchayat Yuva Kridra and Games Abhiyan is organising the games in Chennai where hundreds of athletes of other states, along with Uttarakhand athletes, are competing against one another.