Nainital, June 28
The Indian Railways is set to launch a feasibility survey of laying a rail track up to the Lake City. Although it sounds too ambitious, officials are optimistic given the fact that if the rail services could be extended up to Shimla and Darjeeling by the British and that too almost a century ago, the potential for extending the same to Nainital can also be evaluated at least.

Sources in the Railways disclosed that the Indian Railways Board had ordered the feasibility survey and it was likely to start from the next month. The primary emphasis of the survey would be to chalk out a rail route to Nainital. The terrain and geological aspects of the region would also be studied in detail. Thereafter, the Railways would be ascertaining how many tunnels needed to be built, the amount of land to be acquired, the economics of the project, etc. It is also evident that the distance between Nainital and Kathgodam would be double by a rail track compared to the existing road.

The demand for extension of rail services has been raised time and again by residents of the region. It is felt that if the Railways manage to bring a train up to Nainital, it will add to the tourism potential of the town. It was in 1884 that the British had reportedly brought the rail up to Kathgodam. There has been no extension after that.

In the recent past, the Izzatnagar division of the North Eastern Railways has been making efforts at enhancing the rail network and facilities in the Kumaon region. Reservation counters have been opened in places like Bageshwar, Almora, Ranikhet, Baijnath and Kausani at local post offices.

Efforts are on to develop the Lal Kuan station as the gateway to Kumaon since it has the capacity for construction of additional platforms and tracks.

Increasing economic activity in the region has helped the Izzatnagar division. In return the Railways is now in the process of drawing ambitious plans for the region that will not only help in increasing revenue, but enhance the pace of development.

The Haldi Road station which till last year was a nondescript station, helped the Railways earn a revenue of Rs 19.62 crore through freight handling. The Railways is now in the process of developing Bazpur as the second container-handling terminal for the region.

Haridwar, June 28
Former legislator Ambrish Kumar lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government for its inefficiency to ably govern the state, stating that the common public was perturbed by the corruption and lack of employment opportunities. He termed the one-year tenure of Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank as an unfruitful one.

Ambrish also questioned the working of the Haridwar Development Authority (HDA) over carrying out developmental projects in the city that were getting delayed and said the motive with which the HDA was formed had not been lived up to.

Leading a delegation of Rashtriya Kranti Manch (RKM), Ambrish Kumar submitted a memorandum to the HDA, citing various irregularities and delay in works, particularly in the Jwalapur region.

“Faith of people in the state government has been hurt and authorities like the HDA are further adding to the woes of people by failing to carry out timely completion and execution of developmental projects in the city,” said Ambrish who had resigned from the Samajwadi Party (SP) last year and founded the Rashtriya Kranti Manch (RKM) later.

Aided by former SP general secretary Murli Manohar, the RKM activists warned of staging an agitation.

Dehradun, June 28
Exactly a year ago, luck smiled on Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank who amidst intense power struggle between the two senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders namely Major-Gen BC Khanduri (retd) and Bhagat Singh Koshiyari emerged as the consensus candidate to become the fifth Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. But he has not been that lucky in running the state as his first year in office was marked by various controversies. Nishank completed first year in office as the Chief Minister on June 27.

Following a revolt by party legislators against Chief Minister Khanduri, led by former Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, the BJP high command surprised everyone by giving the reins of the state to Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, a health minister in the Khanduri government in June 2009.

Nishank started on a promising note by winning the Vikasnagar Assembly bye-election for his party soon after taking over as Chief Minister. Vikasnagar, a traditionally strong seat of the Congress due to a sizeable Muslim population, Nishank gave a rude shock to his Congress rivals and a pleasant surprise to his own party men by snatching a win.

The initial euphoria died soon with ground level realities of governance catching up with him and his government. Strikes by various sections of employees to demand implementation of Sixth Pay Commission recommendations troubled him and as he tried to placate a section of the employees by giving in to their demands, the others rose in protest.

Chief Minister Nishank also took on the Central government alleging discrimination against his state in giving money for the Maha Kumbh celebrations at Haridwar early this year. Finally, the Central government gave Rs 400 crore aid for the Maha Kumbh preparations. The main holy bath of the Maha Kumbh on April 14 was marked by an accident where eight pilgrims lost lives, but still Nishank claimed that the Maha Kumbh was a major achievement of his government.

On the issue of withdrawal of the industrial package for the state by the Union government, Nishank did try to score political points by taking all MPs from the state to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, but could not move the decision of the PM.

He faced his first political embarrassment when Opposition Congress legislators raised the issue of change of land use of Citurgia Chemicals from industrial to residential area in Rishikesh by the state government. Nishank did try to wriggle out of the situation by taking refuge in a decision by the Bureau of Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) for his decision.

However, the issue of grant of allotment of 46 small hydro-electric projects to various companies not remotely connected with hydro power generation again put him in trouble. The worsening power situation in the state with mounting demand and diminishing production became a major political issue in the state for which the ruling BJP had to pay a political price.

To add to his woes, both Khanduri and Koshiyari facing near oblivion with a younger Chief Minister in the saddle, joined hands against him. But knowing fully well that the party high command would not like to have another incumbent so soon, Nishank has managed to win the support of the party legislators. 

Pitthoragarh, June 28
A former Agriculture Minister and Congress MLA Mahendra Singh Mahra has alleged that the BJP government of Uttarakhand has failed in spreading education in the state and has not opened even a single school in its three-year tenure. “During the Congress government, more than 2,500 schools, including 953 primary schools, 780 junior high school, 603 high school and 308 inter-colleges, were opened in remote places in the state, but I dare Nishank government to come forward if they have opened even a single school in the state,” said Mahra, Congress MLA from Lohaghat.

Commenting on the completion of one year of the Nishank government in Uttarakhand, Mahra said the BJP came into power by announcing 57 fake corruption cases during the Congress government, but even after three years of its power it could not prove even a single case. “Those were the fake cases created by BJP leaders which has now been exposed,” said Mahra.

The Congress leader alleged that Uttarakhand CM Nishank was personally involved with the land scam in Rishikesh where Citugria Chemicals applied before the government to permit it changing of land use pattern for only 15 acres of land. “But our CM increased it to 30 acres overnight,” said Mahra.

The former cabinet minister said whatever the government was claiming as its achievement on the developmental front was due to the money given by the Cente. “This government failed in enhancing its own resources during the past three years making the state totally dependent on the Central funds,” said Mahra adding that despite abundance in the Centre funding, the Nishank government could not use Rs 98 crore under the Rojgar Guarantee Scheme, Rs 909 crore under the Special Component Plan, Rs 34 crore under the Indra Aawas Scheme, Rs 80 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sarak Yojna and Rs 70 crore under the Minor Irrigation Scheme.

“This seems reluctance of state government towards the basic developmental needs of the state,” Mahra said.

Dehradun, June 28
Coming out strongly against commodification of water, members of the Nadi Bachao Andolan and the Jal Sanskriti Manch instead advocated a Lok Jal Niti or people’s water policy. Taking a strong exception to the government’s attitude of ignoring people’s recommendations while framing a water policy, Suresh Bhai, coordinator of the Nadi Bachao Andolan, said it appeared that people’s right on water would be in a jeopardy if steps were not taken against the privatisation of water.

“We have seen in the past that the government has wilfully gone against the sentiments of people building dams on all small and big rivers. Now we fear that while framing the water policy, only commercial interests will have an upper hand,” said Suresh, while presenting a draft of the Lok Jal Niti.

The draft policy was prepared by Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) during the tenure of former Chief Minister ND Tiwari, only to be dumped mid way.

Now with the BJP government showing interest once again, the activists are demanding a policy that protects the rights of the people on their natural resources.

“The Draft People’s Water Policy has been prepared so as to preserve the traditional ownership of people of Uttarakhand to their water resources. The focus of any water policy should be beneficial to the community as a whole and it should not be viewed as a commodity to be exploited for profit,” said Lakshman Singh Negi, member of the Nadi Bachao Andolan.

The policy also calls for ensuring 50 per cent partnership to women as it is they who are tackling the problem of water, fodder and wood on a daily basis. The water policy for Uttarakhand should be made with the Gram Sabha as the principle focus and methods and systems should be developed so that water resources at a given place are re-used and put to multiple uses.

Criticising the government’s Sparsh Ganga programme, the members said it was far removed from the ground realties. “Most of the rivers have gone dry in the state. The government is not clued to the problems of the villagers who are facing acute water scarcity,” said Suresh.

Dehradun, June 28
Residents, including villagers living in the area around the main trenching ground on the Sahastradhara Road, staged a dharna and did not let sanitation workers of the Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) dump the garbage collected from the city there, until Assistant Mukhya Nagar Adhikari (AMNA) Harak Singh Rawat reached the site and assured them of finding a new site for the trenching ground in the next two months.

Nagender Singh, a resident, said, “The sanitation workers are dumping the waste that also includes the remains of various slaughter houses in the trenching ground, which has already filled up to capacity. Just three days ago, some slaughter waste was found on the road leading to the trenching ground. It must have fallen from the DMC vehicle and ignited the anger among the residents”.

Heera Singh Bisht, former minister at the site, too expressed concern for the residents saying that the DMC neither used any spray to kill the spread of germs or stench in the area, nor used any scientific method to treat the garbage heaps. If DMC officials continued to behave recklessly, then people of the area would stage a protest to teach them a lesson, he asserted.

The DMC officials had a tough time in convincing the locals to end their protest.

Rawat has also written to the MNA to apprise him about the matter and has asked for 20 more dustbins for the purpose. “It is due to the broken dustbins that garbage spills over on the road which is a nuisance for the residents. I have asked for 20 new dustbins,” he said.

Rawat also assured them of solving the problem in two months’ period. He said, “I am hopeful of finding a patch of land belonging to the DMC as dumping ground”.

The Mayor said the problem of the trenching ground was bound to be sorted out in the next six months as the Solid Waste Project under the JNNRUM was moving fast.

Various companies having their stake in tenders came to discuss their queries today.

Dehradun, June 28
Veteran environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna released the new VCD of renowned Uttarakhandi folk singer Narendra Singh Negi at a function held here today. A presentation of Himalayan Films Pvt Ltd, the album “Salanya Syali” contains eight songs. The album is in the news for one of its songs on the dubious approach of political parties in making Gairsain the permanent capital of Uttarakhand.

The shooting of the album took place in the picturesque locations in Pauri, Dehradun and Chamoli districts. Directed by Anil Bisht, the album portrays the issues of the hills right from the burning issue of the permanent capital of Uttarakhand to the isolation of the wife of an Indian Army soldier.

The new VCD is likely to attract the youth through its love song “Teri jawani ko Rajpath”. “Chal mera thola” is a comedy song and “Batu cha samwaar” portrays jeeja-syali relationship. The fourth song “Syakani duty tumri” is on the mental suffering of a hill woman whose husband, working in the Army, is posted on the border.

Pannu Gusain, Rajesh Joshi, Sanjay Silodi, Mukesh Sharma, Rajni Duklan, Neelam Bisht, Poonam Pandey, Neelam Tomar, Sonu Dehati, Girish Pahadi and Babita Negi are the main artistes in the album. Geetika Aswal and Manju Sundriyal are the female singers of “Salanya Syali” and the costume design is by Usha Negi.

Speaking about the album, folk singer Narendra Singh Negi said, “The Dixit Commission presented a negative picture of the Gairsain. I am not satisfied with the findings of the report and to make the public aware about the politics on Gairsain, I have penned and sung the song ‘Tum bhi suna, main sunyali.”

The VCD comes with a free 80-page book of songs composed by Negi for Garhwali films. “My friends and fans were demanding a compilation of my songs for a long time. The song-book titled “Teri Khud-Tero Khayal” is dedicated to first Garhwali film producer Parasar Gaur and my fans who have motivated me to keep writing and singing”.

The book contains songs from Uttarakhandi films like Chakrachal, Kauthig, Gharjawai, Chum Ghungroo, Phyuli Jawan Howaigi, Beti Bwari, Jai Dhari Devi Bantwaru, Meri Ganga Holi Memu Aali and Aunsi Ki Raat.

Himalayan Films Pvt Ltd is a dream project of NRI businessman Ravinder Lakhera and folk singer Narender Singh Negi. The musical company has produced 20 audios, five MP3, eight VCD albums and two VCD/DVD films. Ravinder Lakhera said, “Two years back we released ‘Mayaku Mundaru’ by Negi and we received an overwhelming response from music lovers”. 

Dehradun, June 28
Mayor Vinod Chamoli expressed hope in getting a Detailed Project Report (DRP) of widening up of 16 roundabouts of the city approved in the JawaharLal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)-part I only after getting a positive indication from the state government.

Just a few days ago, the Mayor had cast aspersions on the government for not approving the DPR of these roundabouts because of which he feared that the matter would now be postponed for the JNNRUM-part II stage.

He said, “The government has fastened its pace on the project, which will cost Rs 29.43 crore”.

Speaking more about the project, he said, “Earlier we had sent the DPR of all 30 projects for Rs 48 crore, but then it was sent back by the Centre Approved Agency to do some modification in it”.

He said they also got to know that the Central government had made provisions to compensate displaced persons. So he revised the DPR by sending it only for 16 roundabouts.

The fund would not be problem as it had already been sanctioned by the agency. The only problem was the approval of the DPR by the Central government, which would also get through, he said.

Dehradun, June 28
On the final day of the Mitir Sammelan workshop here yesterday, social activists called upon the government to hand over natural resources to people.

“The next elections will be fought on the issue of Jal, Jungle and Zamin. The government has taken away all resources from people, and political representatives will have to answer them,” said Dr Anil Joshim convenor of the workshop.

Pitthoragarh, June 28
Uttarakhand will strengthen agriculture sector with the help of this year’s state plan in which the government will spend 7.5 per cent of the total outlay in the annual plan. “The Centre government has emphasised to spend 10 per cent of the total plan outlay on agriculture this year, but we persuaded them at 7.5 per cent expenditure of the total plan outlay for the Uttarakhand state this year,” said Prakash Pant, Uttarakhand Planning Minister here yesterday.

“According to the directions of the Union government to uplift the agriculture infrastructure in the state, nearly Rs 378 crore (against Rs 5,600 crore actual plan outlay) will be spent on agriculture in hill district which is Rs 100 crore more than last year,” said Pant.

According to the planning minister, Uttarakhand government aims at developing an Atal Adarsh Gaon in every 670 Nyaya Panchayat of the state. “These villages will be developed as centre of excellence for agriculture practices having not only modern seeds and equipments but modern methods as well,” said Pant.

The Planning Minister said the contribution of primary sector in state’s GDP, which is only 17.39 per cent, needed to be increased to make agriculture self-sufficient in hill areas. “Keeping this in mind, we have put maximum 27.31 per cent expenditure on general services which includes agriculture of the state, our social sector expenditure will be 31.17 per cent and expenditure on economic services will be 23.54 per cent,” said the minister.

Dehradun, June 28
A 32-year-old labourer reportedly died of electrocution while working on a construction site at the Indira Colony here today. The police said he was watering a newly laid cement floor on the first floor of the site with a water pipe when the incident happened. Some water from the pipe reportedly fell on a nearby high-tension power supply that caught him.

The current caught him badly and he fell from the first floor onto the ground and died on the spot.