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Power Projects Row
A tree being transplanted in Dehradun on Sunday.
A Tribune photograph |
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Holi celebrations on in Kumaon region
Holi being celebrated with flowers at a temple
in Dehradun on Saturday. Tribune photo: Anil P Rawat
Scholars Home School observes founder’s day
A raslila scene being enacted by students of
Scholars Home School during founder’s day celebrations in Dehradun on Sunday.
A Tribune photograph
Basant Utsav gets flowery farewell
Garden lovers turn up with queries
Abhimanyu Cricket Academy team receive the trophy after winning the league in Dehradun on Sunday.
A Tribune photograph
Sunderwala Boys qualify for next round
Shri Guru Nanak Inter College organises prayer meeting
Harbans Kapoor, Speaker of the Uttarakhand
Vidhan Sabha, presents an award to an NCC cadet at Shri Guru Nanak Public
School, Dehradun, on Saturday. A Tribune photograph
New Star lift Suresh Memorial trophy
Kids at the annual function of the Doon Kids
school in Dehradun on Sunday. A Tribune photograph
Students throng ‘Antarnaad’ at ICFAI varisty
Session on education in NZ
Club donates gifts, desks to poor students
Members of the Lioness Club donate gifts among
poor students at Mussoorie on Sunday. Photo by writer
Narrow victory for Avon Technology
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Agitators take RTI recourse
Neena Sharma Tribune News Service
Dehradun, February 21 The activists, through an RTI application filed with Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam, are seeking information about the name of companies that have been awarded the projects, capacity of the power projects and rivers on which these are to be built. “We are keen to ascertain the veracity of the reports and will soon know about the status of these power projects and that if the government is serious about awarding power projects to cooperatives as stated earlier. In the absence of water, power cannot be generated and most our rivers have gone dry. But, the government has 598 power projects in the pipeline. The dream of making Uttarakhand a power state can only come true at a great human cost,” said Suresh Bhai, an activist of the Raksha Sutar/Nadi Bachao Andolan, while interacting with mediapersons here today. Highlighting the problems faced by villagers due to the Srinagar power project built on the Alaknanda river, Suresh said a study undertaken jointly by the Raksha Sutar/Nadi Bachao Andolan, Parvatiya Vikas Shodh Kendra and Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna (HNB) Garhwal University has found that close to 8,000 families have been affected in one way or the other with the construction of the dam. “Close to 23 families have lost 100 per cent land, 60 have lost 60 per cent land and 50 per cent land of 68 families has either been acquired by government or has been submerged,” said Suresh. The report, the third in a series, has also brought alive the cultural and sociological impact of displacement, often ignored by companies and governments that think their duty is over once compensation is handed out. “The psychological and cultural impact of displacement and resettlement stays with an entire generation uprooted and then transferred to newer surroundings,” said Prof JP Pachauri, Head, Department of Sociology, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar, Garhwal. Calling upon the government to hold companies accountable so that the financial allocations made by them towards social responsibility is actualised. “Prior to sanctioning of projects, the companies allocate a lump sum amount that has to be undertaken for development activities and community initiatives, but companies hardly take these up. If at all these activities are carried out it is with a piecemeal approach,” stressed Professor Pachauri. Dr Arvind Darmora, Director, Parvatiya Vikas Shodh Kendra, HNB Garhwal University, said time and again activists, scientists and intellectuals have demanded a complete ban on big dams but the government had not been able to come up with a definitive stand. “Small hydro power projects are an option. There are countless examples in Uttarakhand of this nature, but nobody is interested,” he said. Pitthoragarh: The Uttarakhand Nadi Bachao Aandolan, a movement started by local social organisations to save river water for people’s use, has announced that it will launch a dharna and demonstration in front of the assembly to protest the government’s policy to allocated 56 hydro projects to private parties. “This government policy will further distance the local communities from using nearby rivers which they have been doing from the time immemorial,” said Suresh Bhai, organiser of the movement. The organisers of the campaign alleged that the government has allotted these hydro projects without understanding the ecology of the state and has furnished only 15-year-old data of water on these rivers, whereas this data would have been hundred years old. “This will result in less than expected generation of electricity out of over exploitation of the river water as happened in the Tehri and Maneri Bhali projects where only 25 per cent of expected electricity generation has been achieved,” added Suresh. Radha Behn, another stalwart of the movement and known as a Gandhian worker, has also expressed dissatisfaction over the government policy to allow 56 new projects to private parties and said the Uttarakhand government planned to earn money by selling public property to industrialists. “This policy will affect ecology and also neglect the interests of people dependent on these rivers and rivulets for thousands of years,” said Radha. The andolan workers last year took out marches to 30 main rivers of the state.
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Tree gets new lease of life, courtesy NGO
Dehradun, February 21 The operation started at 9 am in the compound of the new office building of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), just across the street from the old Delhi Bus Stand on the Gandhi Road, and successfully ended at 3 pm. Scores of passersby, who had stopped to watch this unique operation, and activists of the Citizens for Green Doon loudly cheered as the dumper started filling the big foundation where the tree had been replanted. The activists had hired a crane and a dumper from Khan Crane Service for Rs 4,000, which they had collected among themselves. Florence Pandhi and her husband Dr Bhim Pandhi were particularly excited as they watched the difficult process of felling, removing and replanting the tree. The crane’s lifting capacity, it appeared, was inadequate for a heavy tree of that weight. Anchal Sondhi, who has the experience of replanting about 100 trees in Pune in a similar fashion, supervised the replanting operation. She heaved a big sigh of relief when the tree was finally lowered into its new abode. Nitin Pandey and wife Sonia were thrilled as they shouted repeatedly, “We have done it, we have done it”. It may be recalled that the authorities concerned had decided to fell some trees on the periphery of the compound of this new office building with a view to widening the road and broadening the crossing outside Drona Hotel. The Citizens for Green Doon, however, was able to convince the SSP that it be allowed to fell and transplant the trees, to which he willingly agreed. Sweety Agarwal, who is heading the Traffic Police in Dehradun, personally interacted with activists of the Citizens for Green Doon. Though this practice of transplanting trees is very common elsewhere in India as also in other parts of the world, it was for the first time that such an operation was conducted in Dehra Dun. Florence Pandhi and Nitin Pandey said now they had successfully demonstrated the process of replanting trees and the same practice must be followed
elsewhere.. The most excited was Beli Ram, who was shedding tears of happiness. He told the activists that they had saved the tree that he had personally planted in 1982.
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Holi celebrations on in Kumaon region
Nainital, February 21 The uniqueness of Kumaoni Holi lies in the singing of songs that are rendered in a classical format of thumri. The Holi singing is better known as Baithaki Holi in which both the singer as well as the audience enjoy the renditions while gathering at a particular place. These sessions continue for about a week before the event marking the burning of Holika and the celebrations of Dhulendi amidst a riot of colour. The celebrations began in Nainital on Saturday night under the name of Fagotsava, named after the month of Fagun. On the opening day artistes regaled the audience with a spell-binding performance. The performance at the Ram Sevak Sabha stage, Mallital, started with a rendition by Vandana Pandey. This was followed by an excellent rendition of thumri by local artiste Shramishtha Bisht. She started with the rendition of the composition “Rang darungi...” and followed it up with another one “Main toh kheloongi hori...”, leaving the audience spellbound in the chilly evening. The stage was then handed over to Nidhi Joshi who maintained the tempo. He started with the number “Nand nandan jyu, aaj damr dam baje...” and followed it up with “Hamre karejwa bansuri ki dhar laage...”, which was enjoyed by the audience to the hilt. His performance set the stage for Girija Kandpal who came up with excellent renditions of two thumris that left the listeners mesmerised. She began with the number “Mope rang na daro Shyam...” and followed it up with another one of her very popular renditions “Barjori kar rang daro, jora jori kar rang daro...”. The last performer for the evening was Nandan Joshi from Ramnagar, who despite ill health, took the stage by storm. His rendition of “Aise panghat par naina lagi shyam se, ke ladi ki ladi reh gayi; hosh gum ho gaye akl bhi rah gayi, main jahan thi wahin pe khadi reh gayi...” drew a tremendous applause. He ended the evening’s performance with the number “Suhagin apne piya ko manaye...”. “lota”accompanies harmonium and tabla in the Baithaki Holi and it is struck with a coin to give a beat to the song. Interestingly, the genesis of Baithaki Holi goes back to the mid-19th century when renowned musician and singer Ustad Amanullah Khan brought it to Almora from Rampur, somewhere in the decade of 1850-60. A woman named Rampyari had played a very important role in taking forward the legacy of Ustad Amanullah Khan. The songs that are rendered in the Baithaki Holi include the verses composed not only by Surdas, Meera, Kabir and Tulsidas, but also Charu Chandra Pandey and Maheshanand Gaur. Artistes like Shivcharan Pande, Gangithok, Chandra Singh Nyal, Bhagwan Singh Nyal, Mohan Singh, Ghulam Ustad, Lali Ustad, Mohan Rais, Puran Chandra Pandey, Moti Ram Ustad, Uday Lal Sah and Jawahar Lal Sah have contributed a lot to keep the rich tradition alive.
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Scholars Home School observes founder’s day
Dehradun, February 21 The colourful function began with the solemn ceremony of floral tribute to founder Sushila Khanna amid chanting of “shlokas” and soulful rendition of “bhajans”. Tributes were paid by chief guest Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Principal Chhaya Khanna and a galaxy of eminent dignitaries, educationists and distinguished guests, including executive director of the school KL Khanna and director of the finance administration Arun Khanna. Promises were made to carry forward her creative vision and abide by her dreams of creating an enlightened society by means of education. The campus wore a festive look and creative fervour gripped the young scholars as they expressed themselves in their unique individual styles through the medium of different on-the-spot activities comprising flower arrangements, traditional tables, vegetable sculpture, fun jewellery making, mask making, doll dressing, tray gardens and on-the-spot painting. In a short span of two hours, amazing creations came alive, captivating the judges with their sheer styles and iridescent hues. The highlight of the day was a splendid tableau presentation “kautheeg” depicting Shivaratri mela at Tapkeshwar, Kumbh mela and Jhanda mela. The grandeur of “Uttarakhand Unlimited”, an exhibition depicting the landmarks of Uttarakhand, stole the show and left
the spectators spellbound by its magnificence and splendour. If Uttarakhand has been pilgrims’ abode for years, who come here in search of peace and purification, they could find a few such moments of salvation in the Vivek Hall of Scholars Home, where Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Hemkund Sahib, Panch Prayag, the four sidhs and Buddha temple came alive. The day-long festivity was brought to its glorious end with “Krishna kreeda”, a dance fiesta displaying “Mehsana ki Holi”, “Phoolon ki Holi”, Mukunda, Baje Re Muraliya etc. Nishank congratulated the winners and appreciated the efforts of the school for organising such a mega affair. The Principal also thanked the management for their support and guidance as well parents for their presence and enthusiastic applause.
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Basant Utsav gets flowery farewell
Dehradun, February 21 The awards were presented by Governor Margaret Alva and Chief Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on the Raj Bhawan lawns here. In the cut-flower category (commercial) Balbir Singh (gerbera), Sanjay Kshetri (carnation), Lt-Gen RS Sujalana (rose), Manoj Kumar (gladioli), Lt Gen RS Sujalana (marigold), Devinder Singh Rautela (lily), Rahul (chrysanthemum) and Rajesh Chaudhary (zentisia) bagged the first prizes. In the potted plant arrangement category Rajeshwari Nursery and Cantonment Board bagged the first prize. In the children’s painting category Dilip Kumar, Samson and Amrita Kantura were given the first prizes. While in the fresh petal rangoli category Praveen Rana, hanging pot category Jairaj, fresh flower arrangement category Manjari Chaudhary, dry flower arrangement category Kriti Wadhwa and bouquets category Sadhna were given the first prize. In the bonsai category Suyesh Rawat and in orchid group category Prof SC Saxena bagged the first prize. In the on-the-spot photography category, Rajesh Bhandari won the prize and in nature photography Dr Dushayant Singh. There was a special prize for Senior Horticulture Inspector BP Mishra deputed at the Raj Bhawan. In the two-day event a total of 2,700 people participated, along with their families. All participants were given commendation certificates made from recycled paper.
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Garden lovers turn up with queries
Dehradun, February 21 There were eager inquires from people wanting to know the nitty-gritties behind setting up a garden that could enliven one’s environment at home in a healthy way. A replica of Muni Ki Reti Herbal Garden was set up at the Raj Bhawan. There were more than 50 varieties of herbs ranging from matricaria, chamomilla, amla and different varieties of tulsi (lemon and wild) among others. “We have put on display herbs that signify each planet and have astrological significance, for example khair or acacia dedicated to the moon and aak or calotropis dedicated to the sun if grown at home in pots can usher in greater health and contentment,” said Ashish Dimri, In charge, Muni Ki Reti Herbal Garden. Set up by the Forest Department at Muni-Ki- Reti on 4.32 hectare of land in 2003-2004 and dedicated to the memory of Dr Sushila Tiwari, the bigger version of the garden has 180 varieties. In the winter season the number comes down to 100-120 varieties. Similarly, a vegetable garden of sorts set in pots and containers had eager customers asking for some tips for creating a similar vegetable garden that did not require much space and could give them succulent red tomatoes and salad for daily use. The man at the vegetable garden, Manohar Singh of Ashirwad Floritech has a way with flowers and vegetables. “The seeds are of hybrid variety and can be easily grown in small pots. Even the produce is quite good. I have been growing lettuce, cabbage and tomato, along with gerbera and carnation flowers for commercial purpose at my farm at Sahaspur village in Laxmipur,” said Singh. Along with flowers, another show stealer were the bonsai of varied trees. The Japanese art form has a permanent home at the Raj Bhawan. However, several hobbyists and amateurs participated in the competition in the bonsai category.
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Abhimanyu Cricket Academy win league
Dehradun, February
21 The opener gave a steady start to the team. Opener Rohit played a balanced knock of 23 runs, whereas another opener Rohit scored 21 runs. First down batsman Abhimanyu could not contribute much and got out for 14 runs. Middle order batsman Vipin came up with a useful knock of 35 runs. Vaibhav supported him well to make 15 runs. Ravi made 16 runs. Chand made 11 runs, Priyanshu made 14 runs and Manoj scored 12 runs. The whole team was out for 165 runs. For Uttarkahand Police team, Navneesh claimed four wickets. Other bowlers who took wickets were
Dhanraj, Rajan and Ravinder, all claiming a wicket each. Chasing the victory target of 166 runs, Uttarakhand Police team lost it in the last over of the match to ACA team, failing shot by six runs of the target. It was a fine start to the team with Harsh and Naresh building a partnership but they failed to continue for a long. Harsh was dismissed for 12 runs and Naresh scored 8 runs. First down batsman Neeraj played a blistering knock of 45 runs to keep the momentum going for his team. Middle order batsman Bhuwan and Dheeru made 24 and 21 runs respectively. For Uttarakhand Police team Vipin was the lead wicket taker with four wickets, whereas Ravi and Sunny took two wickets each. The chief guest on the occasion Hira Singh Bisht gave away the prize to the winner of the league. “He said Uttaranchal Cricket Association
(UCA) has been working hard for the promotion of the cricket in the state and will soon be organising a inter-district cricket tournament.”
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Sunderwala Boys qualify for next round
Dehradun, February 21 In the first half, the Doon United team was in full control and took an early lead. It was Anurag for the Doon United who scored barely nine minutes after the match, on a cross-received from the right flank. But after scoring the first goal of the match Doon United team never looked that comfortable thereafter and failed to convert the opportunities into goals. At half time they were leading the match by 1-0. In the second half, there was a drastic turn around with Sunderwala Boys came up with an equaliser in the 45th minute through Virendra. Thereafter in the tiebreaker Sunderwala team emerged victorious winning the match by 5-4 in the end. While the second match between Doon Star and Garhwal Sporting was disrupted just few minutes before the match was about to come to a conclusion. Doon Star team has objected to second goal scored by Garhwal Sporting team and refused to play unless the goal was declared invalid. As a result referees declared the match in favour of Garhwal Sporting team in the end. Garhwal Sporting was leading the match by 2-0. For Garhwal Sporting team Deepak and Shashank scored in the 28th and 62nd minute of the game.
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Shri Guru Nanak Inter College organises prayer meeting
Dehradun, February 21 Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harbans Kapoor was the chief guest at the ceremony, who also inaugurated the guest house of the college. He also awarded NCC cadets, under officer Amit Nautiyal, who represented the college at the Repuplic Day’s parade in New Delhi and under officer Vikas Chandra, who bagged the second prize in a quiz competition in Maharashtra. Other students of the college were also awarded for their outstanding performances in different fields. The prize holders were also given draft worth Rs 1,000, along with the souvenir. Kapoor encouraged the students as well as their mentors, who guided and trained them to give the best performance with prowess. He also encouraged the spirit of the non-participants, while boosting the morale of the winners, who presented their mettle in different fields. He also announced to give Rs 2 lakh to the college as an ex-gratia grant.
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New Star lift Suresh Memorial trophy
Dehradun, February 21 In the final they defeated RPCA team by one run. Batting first, the New Star team piled 143 runs in 20 overs. It was a shaky start for the New Star team as it lost both its openers when the team score was 5 runs only. Jogender gave some stability to the team and scored 24 runs. Middle order batsman Lara was the lead run scorer for the team with 66 runs off 43 balls. Aslam made 19 runs while Junaid scored 13 runs. For PRCA team Amit took two wickets, whereas Deepak, Ankush and Norinath took one wicket each. In reply, RPCA team was all out for 142 runs. It was a similar start for RPCA team, which lost both its openers early in the match. It was the middle order batsman Nitin who lead the fight for RPCA team and went on to score a half century. He made 50 runs off 43 balls another batsman Mayank scored 24 runs off 24 balls. For New Star team, Abhijeet claimed three wickets, whereas Azad took two wickets.
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Kids take part in annual function
Dehradun, February 21 Following it, tiny tots in their beautiful and colourful attire enthusiastically participated in the fancy dress competition. The chief guest on the occasion was MLA Ganesh Joshi. Judges of the events were president of the Mahila Association of Uttarakhand Sadhna Sharma and senior teacher at St Joseph Academy Vinneta Gera. Entertaining programmes like group songs, skits, acts and dances were the part of the annual function, which was appreciated by the audience. A skit titled, “Following the traffic rules”, was applauded by one and all. Addressing the gathering, Principal Ritu Mehta said every child was special. The top 45 position holders, who participated in different competitions, were given prizes by the chief guest. At the end of the programme MLA Joshi congratulated the teachers and children for organising such a grand show.
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Students throng ‘Antarnaad’ at ICFAI varisty
Dehradun, February 21 The day saw students competing in various formal as well as informal events like: tattoo-making, scrabble, war of RJs and treasure hunt. Dramatics as well as singing and dancing, with solo, couple and group dance competitions, were held. The fashion show had students walking the ramp competing for the title of Mr Antarnaad and
Ms Antarnaad. The fest concluded with the band performances, where students fought to win the champions title. The band performances had music from various genres like: soft rock, alternative rock, heavy metal, techno, pop as well as
classic, etc.
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Session on education in NZ
Dehradun, February 21 Sonya Singh, Managing Director, SIEC, informed that during the event university representatives from Massey University, Lincoln University and Canterbury University from New Zealand would be holding interview sessions to offer first-hand information and admission to these reputed institutions. Abhishek Randhar, SIEC’s Dehradun Manager, said: “Local students who are interested to study can gather all information from experts as well as save on money and time by not travelling to attend such seminars in cities like Chandigarh or New Delhi”.
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Club donates gifts, desks to poor students
Mussoorie, February 21 President of the Lioness Club Hills, Mussoorie, Mamta Bhatia and Usha Chaudhry commended the efforts of the organisation and said the club was always ready to support such cause. They further said the club would be donating gifts on the wedding ceremony of Kamla, a girl from a poor family residing at Mervylle Estate, Barlowganj, on March 9. Her father was paralysed a few years ago. Nima Kant, Samer Shukla were also present on the occasion.
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Narrow victory for Avon Technology
Dehradun, February 21 Batting first, Avon technology made 121 runs in 20 overs. Brijesh made 27 runs while Jitu scored 13 runs. For the Doon Giant team Aman took four wickets. In reply, the Doon Giant team was all out for 119 runs. For Harendra made 38 runs and Anu made 47 runs. For Avon Technology Bijendra took four wickets.
GRD down DCMTE
GRD registered a 38-run victory over DCMTE at the Ist Inter-College Cricket Tournament here today. Batting first, the DCMTE team scored 135 runs in 19.3 overs. Vivek gave his team a strong start by scoring 58 runs off 38 balls. Middle order batsman Sunil made 12 runs. In the lower order Umesh made 14 runs. For the DCMT team Naveen took three wickets. Manish and Abhijeet took one wicket each. In reply, the DCMTE team was all out for 97 runs. Naveem made 28 runs, whereas Firoz made 25 runs. For the GRD team Kamlesh took three wickets, whereas Rohit claimed two.
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The Kumaoni Holi celebrations, which are unique in nature, have got underway in the region to herald the festival of
colours. The uniqueness of Kumaoni Holi lies in the singing of songs that are
rendered in a classical format of thumri. The Holi singing is better known as
Baithaki Holi in which both the singer as well as the audience enjoy the
renditions while gathering at a particular place.
Dehradun, February 21
Dehradun, February 21
Mussoorie, February 21
