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Jal Sansthan may revise water tariff
Department told to take over 600 schemes
Janata Darshan
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Minister assesses rain damages
Sparsh Ganga campaign devoid of plan, says BJP leader
Char Dham package mooted
Hearing in service matter case adjourned by High Court
68 liquor shops fined Rs 5,000 each
Villagers overpower two robbers
Poetry recitation event on Aug 14
DIT student dies in road accident
17 taken ill after consuming snake-bitten goat meat
Chain Snatching Cases
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Jal Sansthan may revise water tariff
Dehradun, August 11 Sources say the plan is ready but all depends on the government’s ability to take hard measures unmindful of the adverse reaction. After the previous Khanduri government had scraped sewer and water tax in 2008, minimum charges were fixed on the basis of annual rental value and every three years the user charges are increased. The last revision was carried out in 2008 and the next is slated for 2012. These are minimum charges, based on annual rental value charged under
domestic and non-domestic rates. Besides, the government has not been able to install water meters in the town and Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expected to take up the task as part of its plan to provide uninterrupted water supply. “Water rates are not fixed. It is a social service but a mechanism will have to be devised to offset the losses that the Jal Sansthan is incurring on account of electricity bills amounting to Rs 42 crore annually and the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission,” said SK Gupta, Secretary Administration with the
Jal Sansthan. He said the government was subsidising the losses by paying for electricity consumed for pumping water supply for Srinagar, Pauri and Pitthoragarh and
other places. |
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Department told to take over 600 schemes
Dehradun, August 11 While all schemes are carried out on behalf of the government by the Jal Sansthan Board after careful deliberations, the Peyjal Nigam, a construction body, arbitrarily initiated several schemes without taking the views of the board. Now, after the government order regarding the takeover of the schemes, Jal Sansthan officials find themselves in a bind and are resisting the takeover as they feel that decisions are being imposed on them. As of now, the Jal Sansthan has come forward to take over New Tehri Town Pumping Scheme with certain riders that include the deployment of Peyjal Nigam staff, which has again become a bone contention between the two departments and has been turned down. “Our demand to raise manpower has not been met by the government and on top of it, we have been asked to take over 600 drinking water schemes that failed to take off under the Peyjal Nigam as these are not financially and technologically sustainable. No suggestions were sought from the board when the schemes were being conceptualised and planned,” said a top official from the Jal Sansthan. The government has asked the Jal Sansthan to raise it’s own resources and has even withdrawn payment of service charges. While the financial health of the Peyjal Nigam continues to be good, thriving as it is on the maintenance charges, paid by the government. Prior to the handover of the schemes, the Jal Sansthan had suggested modalities, including payment of incurred losses etc, and that allocation be made under plan fund for construction turned down by the government. “Whenever schemes are planned, stress is not laid on the viability aspect and technology to be used. Implementing these schemes and then maintaining them, prove to be a costly affair and a big gamble, especially in the hills,” said the official. In fact, the acrimony over the takeover of 600 schemes may even bringing to nought the efforts of Minister of Drinking Water Prakash Pant to integrate all these departments into one and usher in cohesion and uniformity. |
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Janata Darshan
Dehradun, August 11 The Chief Minister announced Rs 1 lakh grant for treatment of Ajay Kumar, who had come all the way from Srinagar in Garhwal, while another Sunil Kumar, resident of Chinyalisaur, was provided with Rs 50,000 for treatment. Nishank also directed social welfare officers to provide a tricycle to a physically challenged child. Reiterating his government’s commitment for the common man, the Chief Minister said multipurpose camps were being conducted across the state. He said district officers had been asked to remain present at these camps. The Chief Minister also asserted that the district officers who would not take these camps seriously would be dealt with sternly. Nishank also asked the social welfare officers to work for a prompt clearance of cases linked to pensions. Uttarakhand Minister of State for Education Balwant Singh Bhouriyal was also present with the Chief Minister. |
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Minister assesses rain damages
Dehradun, August 11 It was informed that out of a total of 80 roads in Rudraprayag, 43 stood closed due to debris. It was also informed that 13 potable water pipe lines had been disrupted due to the rain. Similarly, 142 canals had also got blocked due the rain-linked debris. Kandari also directed the District Education Officer to provide an estimate within three days about the damages caused to the schools due to rain. The issue of closure of the Pathalidhar-Basukdhar motorway that has led to foodgrain crisis also came up during the meeting. He said even the Chief Minister had taken rain-damaged problems in top priority and asked the district authorities for prompt action. The District Magistrate also directed for an action against the Executive Engineer who was absent from the meeting. Earlier, the minister also planted a tree sapling inside the collectorate campus. Other public representatives and officers, too, planted saplings on the occasion. |
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Sparsh Ganga campaign devoid of plan, says BJP leader
Dehradun, August 11 Addressing mediapersons at the Rashtriya Suraksha Abhiyan here today, Rawat said he did not agree with the Sparsh Ganga drive as the campaign had no concrete action plan to
ensure success. Referring to the Abhiyan, he said during a Janyatra that would begin on August 22, they would go to each and every part of Uttarakhand to sensitise people on the importance of safeguarding the Ganga and other rivers of Uttarakhand. He said the campaign was aimed at maintaining the purity and flow of the Ganga and other state rivers. The Rashtriya Suraksha Abhiyan is strongly opposed to the construction of hydro power projects on rivers in Uttarakhand. He said these projects were proving detrimental to the fragile environs of the hills and leading to death of rivers. Referring in particular to the Srinagar hydro power project, Rawat said first of all they woould not allow a project to come up on the Ganga in Srinagar, and even if it was very necessary, the temple of Dhari Devi should be left untouched. He said the place that symbolised the culture of Uttarakhand, like Dhari Devi, needed to be safeguarded on all costs. Rawat also called for higher share of power in generation from hydro power projects in Uttarakhand that were constructed during the time of undivided Uttar Pradesh. “We are only getting 12 per cent royalty on these projects and it should be raised to 100 per cent,” he pointed out. He also sought 60 per cent royalty for
Uttarakhand in the Tehri Dam project. |
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Hariyali Teej festival celebrated with fervour
Dehradun, August 11 Every year during the pious month of saawan (monsoon) married as well unmarried women get together to rejoice, fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva for the well-being of
their spouses. The occasion holds the significance of dedication, love and affection of a woman for her husband as Goddess Parvati did years of worship to get Lord Shiva as the groom. “For many years we are celebrating this festival in Doon, and apart from offering payers, we also dance, sing and perform rituals dressed in Indian attires,” said Rita Aggarwal, president of the club. The club also conducted a cultural programme and contest for its members. Women clad in colourful saris and jewellery danced, sang and entertained the audience. “We are happy that not only people of our community have enthusiastically participated, but people from other communities are equally enjoying traditional food, songs, and dance performed by children as well elders,” added Rita. Chief guest for the function was Savita Kapoor who appreciated efforts of the club members. |
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Char Dham package mooted
Dehradun, August 11 Sharma pointed out that a large number of senior managers, officers, traders and other non-residents that keep a busy schedule want to perform the Char Dham Yatra in minimum possible time. He said the state government was preparing a special package to cater to such high-value pilgrims who were ready to pay to get optimum of usage of time. Sharma said the state government was planning to develop civil helipads in the state so as to ensure effective usage of helicopters for conduct of single day yatra. He said meanwhile, the state tourism had come up with the Char Dham packages for a period from September 16 to November 8. Sharma also held that apart from a four-day package for the yatra, a two-day package for the two shrines had also be introduced. Principal Secretary of the Infrastructure Development Anup Wadhavan, along with various aviation and tour operating companies, was also present at the meeting. |
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2 years on, justice eludes Tahira
Dehradun, August 11 A mother of four had to start working as a labourer after the death of her husband Margoob to earn two square meals a day and bring up her children. “There was no dearth of money till my husband was with us, but after he died I had to start working as a labourer to bring up my children,” Tahira said with tears in her eyes. Her 14-year-old son had to leave school and start working at a cloth shop to afford schooling of other three children. “He is the eldest one of my children and wanted that his siblings continue studies and for that he started working to become a helping hand,” the mother said. After the death of her daughter Mahvish on July 11, the family fears for the safety of other children too. “With two murders in my family, I fear for the safety of my other children,” Tahira said. Among all siblings, Mohammad has suffered a big jolt after the death of his sister as she was more close to him. “My three-and-a-half-year-old son Mohammad asks me where Mahvish is and I reply him that she has gone to Khuda. But, my innocent child questions me back asking for a long ladder to go to the sky so that he can meet Khuda and ask for his sister,” she added. Though the family alleges that Mahvish was murdered, the police believes it to be an accident. The post-mortem report of the girl stated that she died due to broken cervical. The police had said the death could be due to the child falling from height, but had not ruled out the possibility of murder. “Had she died of falling, there would have been some marks or injuries on her face or head, but this wasn’t the case. She was thrown in the nullah after being murdered,” Akilu Rahman, elder brother of Margoob said. The police is also struggling to find out the motive behind her “killing” and the person involved. A few persons whom the family suspected of having a role in the “killing” have been interrogated and neither the police nor the family feels that they could be involved in the crime. Tahira rues at not getting justice in the murder of her husband who was suspected to be thrown into a canal near Vikasnagar after being killed in July, 2008. He was running a meat shop near his house along with his brothers. Three persons, Naushad, Mahmood, alias Chava, and Nafis, were arrested in this case, but granted bail after a few months. “My brother was a victim of politics. The police and all those involved in the case were hand in glove. He wanted to expose the illegal flesh-selling business being run in our locality by Dilshad who plotted my brother’s killing through his men. But, the police took some bribe that time and dumped the matter,” alleged Rahman. |
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Hearing in service matter case adjourned by High Court
Nainital, August 11 Aeltemesh Rein, counsel for Ruchi, told mediapersons that Ruchi Subedi (maiden name of the petitioner) had been approached by Vinay Chhetri more than a decade ago when she was in college and had promised to help her win a student body poll that she was contesting. The petition says Vinay had got Ruchi an appointment letter for a temporary placement as a music teacher in Pauri. However, she was identified as his wife in the letter. This had led her to marry Vinay under compulsion. According to Rein, Vinay had been asking his wife to oblige certain people sexually and on her refusal used to fight with her. Meanwhile, Ruchi was transferred to Dehradun where she claims to be harassed at work by the second respondent and was threatened with a transfer back to Pauri. The petition says when she approached Srivastava, he behaved indecently with her. However, she managed to flee from his office. Rein said later her husband was murdered and she was sent to prison on the charge of abetting the murder and was released last month. Meanwhile, her service was discontinued. The counsel claimed that although she was initially given a temporary appointment of only one month, she had worked for four years without break. The counsel claimed that it was the modus operandi of the state to send her to the jail and then discontinue her service. He also claimed that her service was discontinued without any notice. When the matter came up for hearing before Justice BS Verma, Advocate-General SN Babulkar contested that the petitioner had filed two petitions earlier also and both had been dismissed. Ruchi’s counsel went on to seek an adjournment. Justice Verma has kept August 17 as the next date of hearing. |
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68 liquor shops fined Rs 5,000 each
Dehradun, August 11 This was disclosed by District Excise Officer TK Pant here today. Talking to The Tribune he said the department had earned a revenue of Rs 84.65 crore, including Rs 20 crore in July, from the liquor shops so far this year. The sale of beer, Indian-made foreign liquor and country liquor in July this year is said to be the same during the corresponding month last year. “On receiving complaints regarding the levying of higher charges by shopkeepers, we deploy our teams who raid the particular stores,” Pant said. “Otherwise the department keeps on doing surprise inspection on all shops,” he reiterated. However, official sources revealed that the fine was too little to discourage the irregularities. “To put a curb on malpractices, the department should increase the amount of penalty. They can earn much more by just paying Rs 5,000,” they said. Sources also claimed that sometimes the inspectors failed to take action instantly, mainly in remote areas, as there was a shortage of transport facilities. “If the department is provided with proper transport facility, more effective action can be taken against the irregularities in the sale of liquor,” officials maintained. The department has registered cases against 234 shopkeepers and earned a total revenue of Rs 125 crore for 2009-10. The excise inspectors have also seized 29 vehicles in the same year from the district. |
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Villagers overpower two robbers
Nainital, August 11 As per information, Tap Singh was returning to his village from Bailpadav on late Monday night when two motorcycle-borne youths asked him the way to a village. Just when he started his motorcycle after telling them the direction, the two overpowered him and fled after taking away Rs 5,000 that he was carrying. The victim apprised passer-by Thakur Singh Bisht of the happening who called up his friends in Ramnagar and chased the accused along with
fellow villagers. Accused Bittu and Harpal Singh were nabbed near Kosi barrage by the villagers who gave them a sound thrashing before handing them over to
the police. Betting racket unearthed
A major betting racket was unearthed by the police in Haldwani last evening. The local police in a joint operation with the Special Operations Group (SOG) managed to seized Rs 8.21 lakh from the house of Gauri Shanker Sharma in the Rajpura locality and arrested his wife Pammi Devi, who was also allegedly involved in running the racket. One Yunus, who was helping her, was also arrested in the raid. Sharma himself is barred from entering the premises of the district at present following orders against him in the Goonda Act. As per information, Rs 69,000 was also seized from another agent Aslam, who had come to get the amount deposited at the Sharma residence. While the police was busy conducting the searches, Aslam and another person, identified as Hasin Kaliya, managed to flee from the spot. Aslam was nabbed again late at night. The police is carrying out raids on betting dens in the area these days and the arrests and recoveries made yesterday are being looked upon as a major success. According to reports, most of the betting takes place in Vanbhoolpura and Rajpura localities of the town. |
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Poetry recitation event on Aug 14
Dehradun, August 11 The poets, who are expected to grace the occasion, are Rahat Indori from Indore, Pradeep Chaubey from Gawalior, Suman Dubey from Gazipur, Girish Tiwari, Girdha, Nainital, Vedvrat Vajpayee from Lucknow, Raminder Tripathi from Agra, Lokesh Nawani from Dehradun, Sunil Jogi from Delhi, Kavita Tiwari, Lucknow, Nadeem Barni from Dehradun, Dr Suresh from Amethi, Buddi Nath Mishra from Dehradun, Anup Srivastav from Lucknow, Vinapani Joshi from Dehradun, Hemant Bisht from Nainital and Manish Shukla from Lucknow. |
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DIT student dies in road accident
Dehradun, August 11 According to the police, Anju Chauhan was declared brought dead at the Doon Hospital while Neha Arora, also student of of DIT, was referred to CMI. City bus driver Dinesh Bhandari was arrested on the spot by the police. As per eyewitnesses, the girls riding on their scooter (UA-07-H-8040) were overtaking a bike and came in front of the city bus (UA-07-K-0048) that hit it from behind. They added that two boys of the same institute were chasing the girls and in an attempt to save their vehicle from colliding with boys’ bike they came towards right side and got hit by the city bus. The two girls, Anju, resident of Ajabpur Kala, and Neha, resident of Balupur, were on their way to their institute. |
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17 taken ill after consuming snake-bitten goat meat
Pitthoragarh, August 11 “Seventeen persons of four families started vomiting after 24 hours of eating meat of a
goat, believed to have died out of snakebite, and admitted to Didihat primary health centre (PHC),” said Dr MS Pangti, medical officer
at the PHC. Dr Pangti said out of those admitted for food poisoning, five serious patients had been referred to the district hospital in Pitthoragarhs. “The villagers have purchased meat being sold in their village and ate it after cooking. The children started vomiting just after consuming it and aged persons developed the symptoms after 24 hours,” said MS Kaniyal, a local leader from Majhera village. “We have dispatched a team led by tehsildar Didihat to arrest the culprits from the village, after arresting them, the legal process will be started,”said Dipti Singh,
SDM, Didihat. |
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Chain Snatching Cases
Dehradun, August 11 They identified 15 such persons and interrogated them. Their verification was conducted and entries of their names were made. As per senior district police officers, the present status of these persons suggested that they were not involved in the crime done presently. Superintendent of Police (City) Asim Srivastav said the drive was conducted of the persons who were natives of Dehradun district only and not of outsiders. He added that checking, verification and interrogation was done during the drive. The drive was conducted yesterday with personnel of all police stations and would continue today as well, Srivastav told The Tribune. The police had been registering the cases of chain snatching as of loot, but there was no respite from this crime. In the past one month, more than 15 cases of chain snatching had come to light, while the number was just two till July 15 last year.
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