|
|
|
|
Teen’s death remains shrouded in mystery
Receding snowline hits power generation
Tourists flock Manali to beat the heat
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Shikari Devi sanctuary faces threat from ‘van mafia’
UPA has brought no gain to HP, says BJP
Felling of Trees
State to get five polytechnics
NGO to involve locals in checking pollution
Security at shrines vital, says Dhumal
Nod to 16 state awards for
school teachers
Soon, village courts for speedy justice
Dam oustees hail CM for relief measures
CM for uplift of farmers
Soon, state to get village courts
|
|
Teen’s death remains shrouded in mystery
Bhatoli (Una), May 23 Mohil’s father Satish Kumar of Bhatoli village today alleged that he was aggrieved at the way police officers were investigating the case of death of his child. On May 2, he went to a nearby place along with his friend Shanu where some function was to take place. According to eyewitnesses, around 7.30 pm he parted with Shanu just about 200 ft away from his house. When he did not reach home till 9 pm, his parents raised an alarm and started searching for him. A complaint was also lodged and a case of kidnapping was registered. On May 4, Mohil’s body was found in a deserted well near Bhabhore Sahib village of Punjab. The well was located about 2.5 km from the house of Mohil on the banks of the Sutlej. Since the well was covered with bushes, it seemed that the body was dumped there so that it was not recovered easily. Sarita, Mohil’s mother and also pardhan of the village, said her child had no pressure from home. In addition to that, no one was aware about the well from which the body was recovered. People had stopped using it since long. How come my son found out the well and then jumped into it for committing suicide, she alleged. In the post-mortem report, doctors opined that the cause of death was due to drowning. They also expressed the opinion that the death seemed to have occurred 12 to 24 hours before the discovery of body from the well. The parents alleged that it clearly indicated that their son was killed somewhere else and thrown into the well just 12 to 24 hours before the body was found. In a written communication to the Una SP, they have demanded that the police should register a case of murder and investigate into the matter rather than suggesting that it was a case of suicide. Una SP Santosh Patial said, “We are keeping all options open in the case. We are not ruling out any theory. Advice of forensic expert Dr Swamy from Kangra is also being sought.” He said the police was also waiting for the report of chemical examination of viscera, to reach any conclusion. Regarding the case of kidnapping, he said it was registered when the child was not traceable.
|
|
Receding snowline hits power generation
Shimla, May 23 The hill state which used to have surplus power during summer is now facing shortage, thanks to the decline in generation due to low and fluctuating discharge. The generation dipped from 257 lakh units on May 5 to 180 lakh units early this week against a daily demand of 210 lakh units. The state electricity board has been forced to impose power cuts in industrial areas. The situation is going to worsen as more industrial projects come into operation over the next year or so. The main reason for low and variable discharge is that the seasonal snow cover during winter is not only shrinking but has also become leaner with each passing year. With middle ranges hardly receiving any snow during winter, the perennial surface water sources are being largely fed by snow deposits in higher ranges. As a result, the discharge is declining, particularly during the early part of summer as the lean white cover on hills melts away quickly. For instance, the Rohtang Pass, which used to remain closed till the first half of June till 1990s, reopened on April 15 this year. There are also wide fluctuations in the discharge as a mild spell of rain and snow causes mercury to dip sharply in the higher ranges, affecting the melting of snow. The 300 MW Baspa projects provided the best example of such fluctuations. Its generation came down to almost half from 64 lakh units to 34 lakh units. Similarly, the Larji project was generating only 14 lakh units as against the normal 22 lakh units. Global warming apart, the hill state is becoming a victim of the wrong policies of government, which has been allowing excessive and unplanned construction on the hills and is paying no attention to the sustainability of water sources. Even though the discharge is declining as evident from the reduced power generation in existing projects, the government last year allowed more than two dozen projects to increase their capacity from 5 MW to 25 MW, defying all logic. The manner in which the government is allowing private universities, real estate projects and power-intensive industry to come up, the situation will only worsen. The only way out to ensure the sustainability of water sources is to declare areas over 3000 ft as eco-sensitive zones and severely restrict construction activity there as the hills have been already burdened much beyond their carrying capacity. Ecologically fragile hills are not meant to promote real estate business and large-scale industrialisation. Meanwhile, the Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, apex body of non-government organisations, has demanded scrapping of the apartment Act with immediate effect and has opposed extension of industrial package in the existing form.
|
||
|
Tourists flock Manali to beat the heat
Manali, May 23 The main attraction for tourists is snow at the Rohtang Pass. A festive atmosphere prevailed at the pass, as tourists were seen enjoying yak and horse rides, skiing and having photo sessions. Every tourist who visits Kullu-Manali loves to visit the Rohtang Pass --- the most popular destination. Besides affording a magnificent view of the snow-clad peaks of the Chandra Bhaga range, the pass is a source of the Beas. The 51-km-long road to the Rohtang Pass is replete with magnificent views of the snow covered Pir Panjal ranges to the north and lush green Kullu valley to the south.
|
||
|
Shikari Devi sanctuary faces threat from ‘van mafia’
Janjheli (Mandi), May 23 A joint wildlife wing, Forest Department and police team combed the sanctuary last week and detected that 55 trees had been cut in the Churashni and Dev Parala beats, team members revealed. The department had suspended two forest guards - Khem Chand and Momeshar - along with deputy ranger Mahant Ram on the ground that they submitted a false report on illegal felling to the Kullu DFO (wildlife). However, both conservator of wildlife Ajay Srivastva and Mandi conservator BD Suyal have submitted reports to the principal chief conservator of forests on illegal felling in the sanctuary. The reports recommended suspension of range officer Dalip Singh as they found him negligent in cross-checking illegal felling. But the reports lost sight of the fact that surveillance and monitoring also failed in checking the alleged “mafias-field staff nexus”. The report also found that there was no field visit by wildlife official in the last three months, sources added. Kullu DFO (wildlife) BS Rana said he came to know about illegal felling in the third week of April, but the field staff filed a wrong report on it. “We combed the sanctuary and found that 51 deodar trees were cut fresh,” he said, adding that it was difficult to monitor the sanctuary from Kullu. The DFO wildlife sits at Kullu and handles both Mandi and Kullu sanctuaries. He said the uprooted trees were lying there over the years, as salvaging was not allowed under the law. “I have only five guards to handle 11 beats, which is a vast area,” he explained. Srivastva also blamed the field staff for filing wrong reports on illegal felling.
|
|
UPA has brought no gain to HP, says BJP
Shimla, May 23 Addressing a press conference here, BJP spokesperson and chairman of Himachal Urban Development Authority Ganesh Dutt said the Congress-led governments at the Centre had always discriminated against Himachal. “The one-year rule of the UPA has proved to be a curse for Himachal as none of our demands, including extension of the industrial package and increasing the reduced food grain and sugar quota, had been met,” he said. The BJP leaders lamented that even though the Union cabinet had two MPs from Himachal, the state’s interests were not being protected. “With neither the Prime Minister nor UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi giving weightage to the opinion of the two ministers, their continuation in the cabinet is seen as an ‘act of deceiving’ the people of Himachal,” he said. He said one-year rule of the Congress-led UPA regime had been marked by price rise, corruption and divisive policies. “Contrary to the Congress claims of being pro-poor, it is the common man who has been hit the most due to price rise,” he said. With inflation touching an all-time high, the UPA regime had failed to take any effective steps to provide relief to the people, he added. The BJP spokesperson said the UPA regime had done a lot of injustice with the people of the state by not extending the industrial package given by the NDA regime when Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. “The UPA regime has no right to take back what has been given by the NDA regime and this is bound to adversely affect industrial investment in the state,” he said. He said Himachal had been at the receiving end even with regard to recruitment in the Army based on population. He said the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission had also resulted in huge financial loss to the hill state. |
|
Felling of Trees
Shimla, May 23 The court further directed the authorities that they should also disclose in their affidavits that how many trees have been felled. While passing the order, the court observed that it had been reported in some newspapers that detonator fuse wires were recovered from the residences of forest officials. It also sought explanation to this and asked the authorities concerned that what action had been taken against the said officials. The court directed the principal chief conservator (forest) to visit the area in question and after verifying the factual position of the spot file detailed report before the court. It passed this order on suo-motto proceedings initiated by the court itself on the news items that appeared in the newspapers with regard to large-scale felling of trees in Kulbagh protected forests in Shimla district. The court directed the state government to file its reply within two weeks and listed the matter for June 4.
|
|
State to get five polytechnics
Kangra, May 23 This was stated by Special Secretary-cum-Director Technical Education, state government, SS Guleria while talking to the mediapersons here. He was here in connection with the annual day function of the local Government Polytechnic. He said these five polytechnics would be started in the current financial year. He said there were already 25 polytechnics functioning in the state. “These polytechnics will be started in Kulu, Sirmour, Bilaspur, Lahul and Spiti and in Kinnaur districts during the current financial year. A three year plan has been formulated, under which the polytechnics will be upgraded,” he added. He said under the plan each polytechnic would have at least five trades to impart training to the youths.
|
|
NGO to involve locals in checking pollution
Shimla, May 23 The group organised a three-day training programme for local people with the help environmental activist Shweta Narayan, who had been campaigning against pollution in the industrial areas of Tamil Nadu under the banner of Community Environmental Monitoring Campaign. “Several simple methods have been evolved by which communities affected by pollution can monitor and document the air, dust and water pollution levels in their areas. Documenting their common sense experiences in a scientific manner can provide the best evidence of pollution which cannot be refuted by the pollution control board and other agencies,” says Narayan. Manshi Asher, an activist and researcher who is also a part of the organising team, points out that out of 1,000 units that operate in the BBN area, almost 200 do not have a valid licence, according to information obtained under the RTI Act. —
TNS |
|
Security at shrines vital, says Dhumal
Bilaspur, May 23 He said the state had taken up the matter of construction of a ropeway from Anandpur Sahib to Naina Devi with the Punjab government. Besides improving the condition of roads to Naina Devi, close circuit cameras had been fixed. He said officers had been assigned the job of monitoring the security arrangements during the fairs. All popular temples were being equipped with adequate facilities for ensuring foolproof security to the devotees. He further said a Deputy Superintendent of Police would be posted at Naina Devi permanently and Kot Kehloor and Suhargat would come under his jurisdiction, which would further strengthen the security at Bhakra Dam. Dhumal added that the first Women India Reserve Battalion would start functioning from Bassi soon, for which the recruitment was on. The Chief Minister distributed prizes to the winners of the wrestling competition organised in Naina Devi. Local MLA Randhir Sharma was
also present. |
|
Nod to 16 state awards for
school teachers
Shimla, May 23 While the government has decided to confer 16 state awards annually, the national awards will be given by the Government of India. This is a step towards ensuring quality education to the children in the state besides making the state an educational hub of the country. The state award will carry a cash prize of Rs 40,000, a silver medal, Himachali cap, shawl, citation and a certificate. The national award will offer a cash reward of Rs 60,000. Teachers with a least 15 years of regular teaching experience and headmasters and principals with 20 years of regular teaching and administrative experience will be considered for the reward. Retired teachers will not be eligible for the award but those who have served a part of the calendar year (at least for four months) up to April 30 may be considered. Award committees will be constituted at the district, directorate and state level and the initial selection will be made at the district level from the names recommended by block elementary education officers, headmasters and principals. The final selection will be made by the state government. The combined list will be prepared by the state committee. The state awards will be provided in different categories: one for Principal, one for headmaster, two for lecturers, one for physical education teacher, three for TGTs, three for C (classical) and V (vernacular) teachers and five for JBT staff. Each district will recommend at least two names in every category.
|
|
Soon, village courts for speedy justice
Sundernagar, May 23 Mishra was here to address the Legal Literacy Camp that was organised at Barot in Mandi District. He said the HP Legal Services Authority was committed to providing free legal aid to those who earn up to Rs 50,000 per annum whereas there was no income bar for women. He further said the SCs, STs and women were eligible irrespective of their financial status. He appealed to the public to approach Lok Adalats being organised at the sub divisional level. Three legal aid clinics have also been set up at zonal level in Shimla, Kangra and Mandi. Free consultation was being given by senior advocates every Monday and Friday in the offices of Sessions Judges, Shimla, Kangra and Mandi. He said the Legal Service Authority had planned to organise camps at educational institutes to deal with the menace of ragging. Nearly 200 persons interacted with the high court judge. JM Mantan, member secretary, HP State Legal Services Authority, said Himachal Pradesh was the first state to have implemented the provisions of the Legal Services Authority Act. Sessions Judge, Mandi, Bhim Chand Sharma, Judicial Magistrate, Jogindernagar, Jai Lal Azad and some senior advocates were also present. Another legal literacy camp was also organised at Bhargaon village, wherein Chief Judicial Magistrate Mandi Virender Sharma addressed the gathering. |
|
Dam oustees hail CM for relief measures
Bilaspur, May 23 A press release issued here yesterday said earlier committee general-secretary Jai Kumar had presented a 48-point demand charter of the oustees to the Chief Minister and had sought solutions to these problems in this meeting, out of which the Chief Minister ordered that the relief be provided on at least 24 immediate and pressing issues while the remaining would be discussed at the next meeting. The oustees were particularly thankful to the Chief Minister for his immediate response in giving rights of a dead oustee to his or her successors, giving remaining oustees a choice to get rehabilitation plot on the government land near their present place of residence or village, re-survey of connecting of Berry Dadollan bridge with Khairiyan instead of Talwaad village. |
|
CM for uplift of farmers
Bilaspur, May 23 This was stated by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal while addressing a gathering of the villagers. He also inaugurated Rs 5.29 crore Pir Bhiyanu drinking water supply scheme at Talyana about 40 km from here yesterday. The Chief Minister said, “The scheme has started providing sufficient drinking water to 14,000 people of some 24 villages and 50 other smaller hamlets of five gram panchayayts of Tiun-Sriyun Dhars of Bilaspur Sadar constituency.” The Chief Minister gave a call to all villagers to save each and every drop of water. He said, “Nature is changing fast and we must prepare ourselves to face challenges of acute scarcity of water in future due to unprecedented process of global warming.” He said the government was spending Rs 20 to Rs 30 per litre of drinking water that was being supplied to people through the IPH Department. Dhumal appreciated efforts of the farmers of Bilaspur district, who have made a distinctive mark in setting up of the green houses and growing of unseasonal flowers, vegetables and fruits that have a good market. He said the government had come out with Rs 353 crore-project named Din Dayal Upadhyaya Kisan Baghwan Smridhi Yojna, under which the farmers were being provided 80 per cent subsidy of the total cost of setting up of the poly-houses. He said from this year the subsidy for those living under the poverty line, has been further increased to 90 per cent, which was the record subsidy ever provided anywhere.
|
|
Soon, state to get village courts Sundernagar, May 23 Mishra was here to address the Legal Literacy Camp that was organised at Barot in Mandi District. He said the HP Legal Services Authority was committed to providing free legal aid to those who earn up to Rs 50,000 per annum whereas there was no income bar for women. He further said the SCs, STs and women were eligible irrespective of their financial status. —
OC
|
||
|
|
|
| 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 | |
Thanks to the acute shortage of dedicated forest guards and proper monitoring and surveillance, the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary here faces threat from active “van mafia.
