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Hi-tech system to tighten noose on power thieves
Udham Singh Nagar industry reels under power cuts
His paintings speak for his hard work
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Students burn an effigy of Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal in Haridwar on Wednesday. Tribune photo: Rameshwar Gaur
St Joseph’s Academy post 21-run win
Sarvodaya Club, Doon FC play a draw; Nagar Nigam beat Bajrang 2-0
The Uttarakhand T20 Youth Cricket Association team with the Second Basudev Raghav Memorial Trophy at the Survey Grounds in Dehradun on Wednesday.
A Tribune photograph
State players bag five medals at Tae kwon do world meet
Diamond Academy drub Patelnagar XI
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Hi-tech system to tighten noose on power thieves
Dehradun, June 16 Deputy General Manager of the company Vinay Gupta said with this technology, a unique consumer code would be given to each consumer which would keep a detailed information of his feeder, meter, entire data of meter reading, etc. If the meter reading indicated towards a significant fluctuation or changes, the corporation would get to know of the theft. Besides, if the consumer comes with any complaint, the corporation can easily check the details through this code. The profile of the consumer and data thus will remain saved and help the corporation in taking legal and prompt action against the power thieves.” The power situation in the state hugely depends on two factors, the availability of water in rivers and aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses. Helpless in controlling the former, the UPCL) has braced itself to better its performance in the AT&C losses to improve its overall dismal condition. Each year power pilferage through various means, especially in the rural sector gives the UPCL double jolt in terms of both loss of power and revenue. Managing Director Jagmohan Lal said on controlling the pilferage, the corporation could straightaway earn an additional revenue of Rs 250 crore. “We have been working continuously in this direction. The distribution losses were reduced to 25 per cent from 28 per cent in 2008-09 and to 26 per cent in 2009-10. Similarly, the AT&C losses were reduced by 4.35 per cent from 33.37 per cent in 2008-09 and to 29.2 per cent in 2009-10. Our strategic action plan for the current fiscal year 2010-11 begins with the loss reduction initiatives aimed at reducing he AT&C losses to 24 per cent by 2010.” He said by better commercial performance with improved metering, meter reading, billing and the revenue collection process through revenue-cycle management leading to reduced AT&C losses, the power situation in the state would significantly improve. The steps which the corporation is going to take up in 2010-11 are replacement of defective IDF & electro-mechanical meters with high-precision ones. The corporation has already replaced 70,000 conventional meters to mechanical one till now. The UPCL will ensure total metering of all 11 KV & 33 KV feeders, including installation of check meters on all independent/group industrial feeders to facilitate energy and accurate accounting. Metering of all distribution transformers in towns and theft-prone areas such as Roorkee and Haridwar is its fourth target. Integrated centralised billing systems for high-value HT/LT consumers, including automatic meter reading of time-of-day (ToD) meters through GSM/GPRS is another step to improve power situation. Routine periodic checking of meters would be done on the high-value consumers’ premises. Both these steps would keep a tight leash on meter reading 20 hours a day and would reduce chances of power theft. Pre-paid meters on temporary/government connections will be installed. In the Garhwal zone, four ATP machines in Haridwar and additionally four in Dehradun will be put in operations. In the Kumaon zone, four any time payment (ATP) machines are to be installed in the identified towns in Nainital and eight ATP machines in Udham Singh Nagar district by July. Bare LT conductors will be replaced with aerial bunched cable. Gupta said the bare cables used to get easily shocked due to high intensity of winds in hills which affected power supply for a long duration in these areas. Besides, it would not be possible for stealers to use “shunt”, a tool used to tamper with the meters to register lower usage of electricity, in aerial bunched cable. Depending upon the effectiveness of these measures, the UPCL has planned to replace 1,300 km bare LT conductor with aerial bunched cable in theft-prone areas.
Uttarakhand short of 5 million units
Despite rain, the power situation in the past few days has further deteriorated. Rivers are not getting enough water from catchment areas to produce electricity. The second reason is that the state, which was already returning 1.0080 million units (MU) to the NTPC to be further given to West Bengal and 0.96 MU to Reliance, has also begun returning 1.5 MU to the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) from June 11 on a daily basis. MK Jain, General Manager, Operation, Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited, said Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) power stations, which had been generating power ranging from 15 to 16 MU since June 1, even 18 MU on June 9, is producing 13 MU per day for the past three days. Besides getting a share of 0.84 MU from Vishnu-Prayag and giving 0.8 MU to Himachal Pradesh, the gross energy availability rest around 24.7 MU while the demand had gone up to 29.5 MU, creating a shortage of 5 MU. Energy overdrawal was going steadily at 3.5 MU. Jain said the UJVNL should do emergency power roasting of 4-6 hours in such a situation, but they could not do so in Dehradun for it being the
state capital.
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Udham Singh Nagar industry reels under power cuts
Nainital, June 16 He said the things had slightly improved during the last fortnight of May, but returned to square one over the past few days. He asserted in other places industry was given power supply on a priority basis since the states got maximum revenue from the industrial production. But, in Uttarakhand this has not been the case. “We are giving 90 per cent revenue to the state after getting mere 60 per cent of power,” he pointed out. Darbara Singh said the industrialists wanted that Uttarakhand be given power from the Central pool and the Centre must adhere to the demand of the state government for more electricity. Referring to power projects that have been put on hold in the state on account of various reasons, he said there had to be an alternative source of power. “It is time that the state looks at gas-based generation of power,” said the KGCCI Chairperson. Industrialists in the Rudrapur-Kitcha belt have been stating that till now they have desisted from laying off employees, but if the power situation does not improve they will have no other option. It has been pointed out time and again that no industry will come to the region unless it is assured of an uninterrupted power supply. It is the hydro power potential of the region coupled with the special industrial package that had drawn industry to this region. Even Lok Sabha member from the region KC Singh Baba has expressed concern over the emerging scenario. He said: “If people are laid off, it will be an additional problem at our hands. The Centre is doing its best to develop nuclear energy as an alternative to hydro power, but till that is done the state government must ensure a proper management of power distribution”.
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His paintings speak for his hard work
Dehradun, June 16 Celebrating the spirit of the working class and swathed in predominant blue, a symbol of oppression and dispossession, the paintings speak of Ekeshwar’s own sensibilities, in step with the struggle of marginalised sections of the society. Though almost always imbued with blue colour, they have an element of surprise. “Till the tiles are baked, the colour remains a mystery. These are all metallic colours which I use initially mixing different objects and when these stay true to the imagined shades, there is a sense of relief,” said the artist, who also dabbles in sculpture, making statues of dancers generally associated with the tribal art. Spending his childhood at a non-descriptive Gadora village (Chamoli) and then moving to the cooler climes of Doon, where his internship in art began at the DAV College Arts Department. Ultimately, it was the Pink City, Jaipur, that embraced him learning from famous blue pottery expert Ram Gopal Saini. Working in the blistering heat in his studio with a fervour which could only be matched with the intensity of a man possessed, Ekeshwar found his métier in blue tiles, using it as a medium that he proclaims is waiting to be embraced by the art aficionados. Ideas come to him in the dead of the night when he is jolted from deep slumber. One is sure to catch him sitting at his desk giving shape to the vision that may escape memory with the morning sun. Just as the idea to return to landscape painting once again seems to be dominating his thoughts, an after-effect of a short break he is now taking in the hills. Not one to give value to overpriced art and a firm believer in art for art’s sake, Ekeshwar is of the firm opinion that it should be within the reach of people. “Pricing of art is all gimmickry. There is no point in quoting exorbitant prices for art work if it will restrict circulation. Yes, artists need money at the end of their hard labour, but overpriced art work may also prove a dampener, keeping away genuine art lovers for good. On my part, I derive immense satisfaction if my paintings reach a wider audience. I draw inspiration from people. Even now I paint calendars and wedding cards with the hope that they will be viewed both by the commoner and the prince alike,” said Ekeshwar. Though he teaches art on a regular basis at the Rajasthan School of Art, Jaipur, Ekeshwar with his trademark simplicity and firm belief remarks: “None of the greats went to art school. In fact, Rabindranath Tagore could never adjust to the oppressive school environment and so also free-spirited MF Hussain,” he said. Yet, in the same breath he bemoans at the lack of “art literacy” in the country, revolving as it is around MF Hussain. “It is rather sad, the list of artists though continues to grow and expand in India. The one name that usually figures on the finger tips of most people is Hussain and only Hussain. It may be due to over indulgence and over exposure by the media,” he added. Ekeshwar’s works are displayed at the prestigious National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur, and abroad.
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Chhabils mark martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev
Dehradun, June 16 Harpal Singh Sethi, president of the Sikh Mahasabha, said Guru Arjun Dev martyred his life at the time of Jahangir. Jahangir tortured him by making him sit on a hot sand bed, but still Guru Arjun Dev refused to budge from his path. People from different sections of the society gathered to mark the occasion at the market located at the dispensary road where Dr MS Raz inaugurated the langar. Gurcharan Singh, president of the market, said, “It is not only the Sikhs who are participating in making and distributing the prashad, but people from all religions, be it the Hindus, Muslims, Christians. They are contributing in one or the other way. We all live as a family over here and are organising such functions for many years. Just to depict the brotherhood among us, we ask a Muslim, who is the eldest in the market, to start the programme,” he affirmed. Gurdwara Karanpur organised the Sukhmani Sahib paath at DAV College. Gyani Jaspreet Singh said Gurbani teaches one to live and the martyrdom day of Guru Arjun Dev teaches patience. Devinder Singh said all tensions go away if one follows to the teachings of Guru Arjun Dev. Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harbans Kapoor also visited the gurdwara to pay his obeisance.
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Students oppose Bill on foreign varsities
Haridwar, June 16 At a meeting held at Narendra Bhawan in Devpura, students from several colleges of the city under the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) banner criticised the move to allow foreign universities to operate in the country. Student union leaders expressed displeasure over the current educational system which they called was more focused on earning revenues while traditional mode of education was being sidelined. Students termed the UPA education policy as attempt to making education a business. They said the entry of foreign universities in India would have a negative impact on India’s traditional education which was focused on education, character building, guru-shishya respect and moral education with higher studies available even to poor meritorious students. But foreign universities had scant respect for these ideals and were more money oriented. Convener of the meeting was general secretary of the city unit of the ABVP Shiv Chaudhari. He said the student outfit in collaboration with ABVP’s other nationwide units would be conducting a survey wherein opinion and data would be collected to launch an agitation in this regard if the Central government stuck to its decision. Lashing out at schools and universities becoming a money-making business in the name of education, ABVP’s city unit chief Bhairav Datt Pantola said now from the KG level educational institutions were exploiting parents of children, which itself spoke of the vision of the Human Resources Ministry. Reacting to Kapil Sibal terming the Foreign Educational Bill as a landmark in his ministry tenure, SMJN College president Shakti Tyagi said: “Lakhs are bereft of basic education and Sibal is inviting foreign universities. The need is to spend more on our educational infrastructure”. Members of the Gurukul Kangri University Students Union also participated in the meeting. The students burnt an effigy of the minister and urged all college unions to come under one banner against the malpractices in our educational system. Among others who put forth their opinions were Rajneesh Sehgal, Ankit Sharma, Deepak Raturi, Adarsh, Satvinder, Harendra Chaudhari, Shivang Kaushik, Naveen Pant, Sanjeev Chauhad, Dushyant and Devendra Pradhan.
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St Joseph’s Academy post 21-run win
Dehradun, June 16 While batting first after winning the toss, the host team set a target of 168 in 25 overs. Priyanshu (35) and Pranjal (32) were the principal scorers of the team. Vaibhav (25) and Prabhanshu (20) also chipped in for the batting side. For the bowling side, Tushar Thapa and Ashish Tokas got two wickets each while Anirudh and Avinash took one each. Batting second, Future Academy put up a good fight, but lacked behind by 21 runs. Ajay Soodan (51), who scored the lone half-century in the match, couldn’t even save the side from the defeat. Himanshu Rawat (29) and Sandeep (23) played well, but couldn’t keep up the momentum and lost their respective wickets, which left the team in a lurch. No other batsman could score even respectable number. Pranjal Singh and Prabhanshu bowled economical spells and scalped two wickets each. Pranjal was the other successful bowler getting a batsman out. In another match, St Joseph’s Academy also drubbed Dewan Cricket Academy by nine wickets.
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Sarvodaya Club, Doon FC play a draw; Nagar Nigam beat Bajrang 2-0
The Sarvodaya Club and the Doon FC played 1-1 draw in Lala Nemi Das District Football League underway on the Pavilion Ground, here today. Ajay of Doon FC scored the first goal in the 20th minute and Raju Jugran of Sarvodaya retaliated in the 34th minute. Both sides made good efforts later to score, but no success met the either. Tomorrow, the Akranta Club and the Roshni Club are scheduled to play a match at the same venue. Nagar Nigam beat Bajrang 2-0 in the District Football League in the Police Lines here today. Shiva (50th) and Dinesh (59th) scored a goal each in the win. While the players of the Bajrang team failed to retaliate throughout the match. Cantt Blue also registered 2-0 win against the Shivalik Club in another match. Atith (67th) and Chetan (68th) netted a goal each to down their rival team. Meanwhile, the Indra Club will face Little Star at 3 pm tomorrow, while in the second match Khalanga will play against Pachwadon at 4.30 pm.
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U’khand Youth win T20 trophy
Dehradun, June 16 The team won the match by 80 runs over the DR Cricket Academy, who made a total score of 98 runs. After winning the toss, the DR Cricket Academy, elected to bat first. Opener Vipin couldn’t help the team to mark their victory in the tournament but Ravinder Rawat made the highest score of 44 runs during the match. The highest scorer of the Uttarakhand Youth was Arif who could make only 38 runs in 31 balls.
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State players bag five medals at Tae kwon do world meet
Dehradun, June 16 The state team won a gold, silver and three bronze medals during the championship. Afghanistan, Mauritius, Honkong, Nepal and India took part in the competition. Chin Min Pong of Hongkong was adjudged as the best fighter and was awarded with a Hero Honda bike worth Rs 51,000. While Afghanistan got the first place with 14 gold, nine silver and eight bronze medals. The team was presented reward of Rs 51, 000. For India, M Omar got a bronze medal in senior black belt and Himanshu Sharma won gold medal in the bantamweight
category.
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Diamond Academy drub Patelnagar XI
Dehradun, June 16 The DCA, after winning the toss, invited its opponent team to bat first. Patelnagar XI was bowled all-out for 72 runs. The team had a humiliating batting performance. Saurabh (12) and Aman (11) were the only players to have scored double-digit numbers. Amit took three wickets while Header and Rahul got two each. SS Yadav and Pramod picked one wicket each. The DCA easily achieved the target with a loss of three wickets. Header (35*) played a good innings to help the team win the match. Kaminder (16) supported him from the other end. Vidant got two and Bhavesh took a wicket for rival team, but was of no use.
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