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Pauri may get an entry to Corbett
Alien species invades banj oak forests, courtesy humans
Translocation will boost tiger count: Experts
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Tigress found dead
Jackie Shroff in Lake City
World Literacy Week
Carman Premnagar win
U’khand pins hope on Pankaj Dimri
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Pauri may get an entry to Corbett
Dehradun, September 15 Although two-thirds of the Park falls in the Pauri Garhwal district, but the entry to it is only from the Ramnagar side which falls in Nainital district, denying the benefit of the Park to Pauri Garhwal district. The Jim Corbett National Park is spread over 1318.54 sq km. As much as 521 sq km is the core zone of the park and the rest is the buffer area. Out of the 521 sq km of the core zone, 312.86 sq km is part of Pauri Garhwal and 208.14 falls in Nainital district. District Magistrate Pauri Dilip Jawalkar said the administration was developing an integrated tourism development plan for Pauri Garhwal. The issue of opening a gate on the Kotdwar side would be part of this plan. Once a gate is opened, tourism activity in the district will go up giving a boost to economic activities in the entire region. Jawalkar said efforts were being made to convince higher authorities in this regard. NS Chaudhary, District Forest Officer, Lansdowne Forest Division, admitted that the number of the tourists
visiting the area has increased manifold in the past two-three years, but lack of facilities and infrastructure was proving to be a big damper. He said that infrastructure and allied facilities were being developed with the help of the Asian Development Bank. Residents of Kotdwar and surrounding areas are demanding the opening of the gate at Ratuadhab for the entry of tourists as it would boost employment opportunities in the area. But the politicians’ fear that this
would annoy people from Ramnagar area had put brakes on the move that was initiated before the May 2009 parliamentary elections.
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Alien species invades banj oak forests, courtesy humans
Identified as eupatorium adenophorum, this alien species attributes its presence to excessive human interference there. Banj oak, botanically known as quercus leucotrichophor, forms a major component of temperate broad-leaf forests in the mid-elevation zone (1,500-2,500m) of Uttarakhand. This species is highly preferred by the locals for their livelihood. It also provides vital ecosystem services in the region. There has been deep concern over rising anthropogenic pressures on these forests, which are constantly degrading and intermixing with other forest types in several places. Gajendra Singh, senior research fellow, in his paper “Status of Banj Oak Forests in Garhwal Region, Uttarakhand” discusses human interference there which he states supports excessive growth of alien species like eupatorium adenophorum. The study also revealed that 655.57 sq km area in Garhwal is under banj oak forests that is around 14,100 patches in the Garhwal region. The maximum area under banj oak (225.60 sq km) with high fragmentation (density 1.6 per square km) was in Mussoorie and Chamba region, while maximum intact banj oak forests were recorded in Kedarnath (0.95 per sq km). High natural juxtaposition index value (61.1 per cent) for the Kedarnath region shows high intermixing with other forest types, while the intermixing in the banj forests of the Mussoorie region is as low as 56.8 per cent. The baseline study was aimed at mapping of banj oak forests distribution, the identification of transition zone between oak and pine forests and at evolving conservation and management strategies. It entailed a field survey apart from generation of a baseline vegetation and land use cover map using satellite data. The data was segregated in four altitudinal zones and hybrid image classification was performed to classify different vegetation classes.
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Translocation will boost tiger count: Experts
Dehradun, September 15 The initiative comes at a time when there are reports of the western sector of Rajaji virtually being tiger-less for the past many years while the eastern sector has shown credible presence of some wild cats. Tiger scientist Dr K Sankar of the Sariska Translocation fame thought highly about the possible re-location of tigers to western Rajaji. He said that trans-location was very much viable and could lead to recovery of tigers in the western sector. He said it was for Uttarakhand to take the initiative as the WII had expertise on the subject. Dr Sankar claims were
backed by a study of a WII senior researcher Abishek Harihar, who is his recently concluded study “Population Viability of Tiger in their North-Western Range Limit, Terai Arc Landscape” has suggested tiger translocation as a means to revive the tiger population in the western sector of Rajaji. The study suggested initiation of translocation to prevent imminent local extinction of tigers. “Given that populations in west Rajaji are extremely vulnerable to poaching pressures, translocations can be carried out in the first 10 years,” wrote Abishek Harihar, who in his study also emphasised on the restoration of the Chilla Motichur corridor to raise the survival probability of tigers in west Rajaji in the long run. He said prey species were not a problem in west Rajaji and the region had a carrying capacity to the tune of 40 tigers. “Presently, there are two female tigers in west Rajaji, who are now in isolation,” Abishek pointed out. The survey had put up 30 camera traps in the 200-sq-km area of west Rajaji and recorded the presence of two female tigers - one each from Dhaulkhand and Kansro ranges. Interestingly, tiger density is encouraging in the eastern part linked to Corbett, one of the highest tiger density areas in Asia. The Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, was in the thick of news when on June 2008, its team of scientists for the first time did a successful tiger relocation exercise in the entire tiger-range countries of the world. A tiger from Ranthambore was shifted in a chopper to Sariska that had gone tiger-less due to rampant poaching and other anthropogenic pressures. This was followed by another tiger relocation exercise in Panna.
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Tigress found dead
Dehradun, September 15 According to District Forest Officer Narendra Chowdhary, the tigress, in the age group of two to three years, died of starvation or snake bite. The wild cat could have died about three days earlier. Starvation could have been the reason for the death as generally, tigers in this age group live with their mother due to their inability to go for the kill all by themselves. Meanwhile, the body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.
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Jackie Shroff in Lake City
The main role in the film is being played by none other than the “King Uncle” and “Jaggu Dada” of the yesteryear Jackie Shroff. The other actors include the comedy icons like Raj Pal Yadav of “Main Madhuri Dixit Banana Chahti Hun” and Sanjay Mishra of tele-serial “Office-Office”. Jackie did not disappoint his fans, critics and admirers among mediapersons and had a brief interaction with them on Wednesday afternoon. He said he was back in the Lake City to shoot a film after several years. He had earlier come to the town for the shooting of his film “Jaanu”. “The place is no less than heaven and even a tiring journey of eight hours to reach here is worth it. The second I reached here, it seemed as if I had reached a magic world and the strain had gone,” he added. Comparing it to Mumbai, he said Nainital has got no pollution. “Here there is no pollution at all. Please don’t let it get polluted. Your cheeks are so red and let your children also have red cheeks,” he asserted. Jackie seemed to be in a quite relaxed mood and went back to discuss his past. He said he used to work in a travel agency where he got a chance to act and so his career began. He said even a common man could make a future in the film line as there was a lot of work in the offing in various streams. Jackie said he wanted to go back to his roots and start farming in Mahabaleshwar. At the same time he also wanted to do social work and contribute his bit in the fields of education and poverty alleviation. When asked a question about the possibility of his joining politics in the future like several other actors, he replied that he didn’t want to join politics, but since he had friends in all parties, he would take their help in doing social work. He also disclosed that he wanted his children Jai and Krishna to act, but at present they were more interested in playing football and basketball. According to sources, the film unit will be in Nainital for about 20 days. A couple of local actors have also been given a chance to act in the film. The names of the locales would remain the same in the movie. The film is primarily being shot in Bhimtal, Khurpatal and Nainital.
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Taking flute to newer heights
Dehradun, September 15 Now, it is the new generation of artistes who have helped it evolve into a sophisticated and prominent instrument. Without breaking the shackles of tradition, flautist Shashank Subramanyam has taken the instrument to newer heights, solely on the strength of innovation. The ‘multi flute transposing finger technique’ has not only won him many fans but also helped him acquire more range. “There were shortcomings in the three octave range and difficulty in traversing if I played using simple position, until I chanced upon the technique, it allows me overcome shortcomings in range and tonal dimension,” emphasised Shashank while speaking to The Tribune. He was here in Dehradun to participate in a concert organised by the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Among Youth (SPICMACAY). A proponent of old values, Shashank who was groomed by his scientist father and four Gurus before he came into his own, believes that every generation leaves its mark and only with constant evolution can a traditional art form reach a wider audience. “The great maestros with their wisdom and innate knowledge set the Indian classical music on sound footing, now it is our duty to carry forward that tradition. The only disadvantage we have in South India in terms of the flute is that there are too few compositions solely composed by flautists. At times during performances we are forced to mimic vocalists rather than creating our own niche. “In the west composers Mozart and Bach broke free only when they started to compose their own compositions. In India it is yet to happen at a large scale though there are a few musicians and vocalists doing their bit,” he said. With the problem of copyright and issues related to it still to be resolved, Shashank feels that a lack of resolution is at the heart of the problem, preventing musicians and vocalists to write their own compositions. “Nowadays, the listeners feel it is their right to listen to music and download it from anywhere and everywhere without having to worry about payments or any benefit to the artistes. It curbs creativity,” added the flautist. Distinguishing between the flute playing styles in North and South India, Subramanyam said the flute formed part of the complete concert in North India. It had a more soothing and mellow effect. But, I feel together with meditative qualities, the flute can also be fulfilling the needs of the times. Usually I love to play the flute with the mridangam. Combined together both manage to add a touch of vital energy and robustness that is at once exhilarating,” he stressed. So far, Shashank has performed at 2,500 concerts and released 55 CDs giving his first performance in 1985 at the age of seven and coming into major league at the age of 12 years, a tradition that is followed in South India by many artistes. Strangely the artiste in him seeks inspiration from commonplace happenings, scientific discoveries and sports. A western music aficionado, he enjoys western classical music and jazz because of their inherent intricacies. Today playing at the Carman school along with Sai Girdhar who played the mrindagam, Shashank began with morning raga “Nalin Kanti”, followed by melodious bhajans “Vaishno Janato” and “Thumak, thumak chalat Ramchander...” which was widely appreciated by students and Principal GIG Mann. Meanwhile, the Khetarpal Auditorium at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) here was filled with mesmerising music by flute maestro Shashank. At the concert organised by SPIC MACAY, chief guest was Major-Gen GS Bal, Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor, IMA. All Gentlemen Cadets and officers of the academy were present. Shashank, a Carnatic flute maestro, was accompanied by Sai Giridhar on the mridangam. Shashank is the recipient of Kalaimamani Award from the Tamil Nadu government and has performed at the Rashtrapati Bhawan and National Academy of Science, Washington DC. The jam-packed crowd was elated with the
stunning performance of the flautist.
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World Literacy Week
Mussoorie, September 15 Members of the institute welcomed the guests and presented two skits highlighting the importance of adult education in society. The women folk also presented songs specially prepared for the occasion. A painting competition was also held on the theme of literacy in which students from various schools participated. The awards and citations were also presented to the students of the institute excelling in various fields. Rakhi, Seema Rana and Mamta were awarded. A trainee, Seema, said education was important for the empowerment of women from the weaker sections. She happily stated: “Now, I can read and write and feel confident enough to confront the world”. Speaking on the occasion, Jan Shaksharta Sansthan Director said international literacy day was celebrated on September 8 after which week-long programmes were held in the country. He also said 86 per cent people were illiterate in 1947 after which the government carried out various campaigns to increase the literacy rate, helping the literacy percentage reach reached 64.08 per cent now. However, the need to increase this rate even was being felt in the country. Virendar Malasi commended the efforts of the Ruby Institute in providing exceptional training to the women and imparting adult education to the needy in the town. The chief guest on the occasion was Palika President OP Uniyal. He said education was must for the women especially in rural areas adjacent to Mussoorie. The coordinators of Ruby institute Anjum and Rubina thanked the invited guests. They said awards for the painting competition would be given after scrutiny later. Samsher Singh, Jal Sansthan Executive Engineer DK Singh, City Education Officer Tausif Ahmed, ward member Dinesh Badoni also put forth their views.
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DAV Student Union Elections
Dehradun, September 15 Joshi’s resignation from the post of general secretary has raised many eyebrows on the working of the college management. The inability of the committee to verify the documents produced by Joshi depicts the sorry state of affairs at the college. During the recent student council elections at DAV, each candidate spent lakhs on posters, flaunting the status of their party by riding motorbikes and bringing voters to the voting booths on the day of polling. In addition, liquor overflowed, vehicles of supporters were refuelled and weapons were flaunted in complete disregard to Lyngdoh
panel recommendations. While talking to The Tribune, Rakesh Verma, chief election officer, DAV PG College, washed his hands off the matter. He said, “Neither can I act on the situation that has presently arisen, nor can I comment on it. According to the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee, the role of the chief election officer ends as soon as the election process does”. “The election committee thoroughly verified the documents produced while filing nominations, but we cannot be held entirely responsible for it. The nomination of Nitin Joshi was also submitted like the others and verified on the basis of certificates presented at the time of admission. The question of these being bogus came to light only when allegations were levied on Joshi by the Aryan group,” said Verma. BL Nautiyal, Principal of the college and patron of the student union, said the decision to re-conduct the election for general secretary was taken on the complaint of Mahinder Pal Rana of the Aryan group. “The date of the re-election is still to be decided by the college management,” said Nautiyal.
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Aryan School drub Carman cagers
Dehradun, September 15 Efforts of Jagriti, who scored the highest with eight points, went in vain as Carman couldn’t manage to register win. Richa of the winning team scored six points. In the second match, Raja Ram Mohan Roy beat Moravian Institute 20-10. Sonal with 11 points ensured this easy win of the former team. Savita also fought well scoring eight points for Moravian. While mighty Welham Girls School toyed with DAV Public School whom it drubbed 77-18. Ashima with 16 points played the pivotal role in the win of Welham. Anjana scored eight points.
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Carrom tourney: Gurung-Rajan win quarterfinals
Dehradun, September 15 Also, Sunil Joshi accompanied Bhuwanveer Singh to blank pair of Prashant Negi and Anubhav Garg 29-0 in a lop-sided second round
doubles match. While in singles, Kailash Joshi was routed by Virender Rawat 29-1. A total of five matches were played today and two of these couldn’t
be completed.
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Carman Premnagar win
Dehradun, September 15 Fierce fight was witnessed between the two teams as the first half went goalless. All three goals came in the second half. Riyan of Premnagar scored the first goal in the 45th minute of the game. His teammate added the next goal to the scoreboard in the 54ht minute leading Carman Premnagar 2-0. Mayank (58th), Dalanwala, came from behind netting a lone goal for his side just before last two minutes of the game. While the second match between St Thomas’ College and Doon Public School, Bhaniawala, ended on a goalless draw. Meanwhile, all league matches of the competition are over and the pre-quarterfinals will commence from tomorrow. Four matches are scheduled to be held on Thursday.
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U’khand pins hope on Pankaj Dimri
Reason is: some of the players have got injured while a bunch of them failed to make it to the final squad during the Games practice camp. However, Pankaj Dimri, who will compete in the men’s 800m race, is only being seen as the sure-shot medal hope. The state has been unlucky as well since its key player Olympian Surender Bhandari sustained ankle injury during the practice and had to make an exit. Bhandari, who is among the top players of Asia in the long distance race, was a force to reckon in the Games. His exit has come as a setback for the medal winning chances from a state’s player. Also, boxer Jagat Bilal, who won silver medal in the World Police Boxing tournament last year, is said to be injured and wouldn’t be part of this upcoming sporting extravaganza. While a bunch of players from here, including Pritambind, who competes in 800m, and Kiran Tiwari, couldn’t make it to the final squad in the practice camp. The bet is on Dimri, especially after his fastest timing on the home soil in men’s 800m race. Dimri making a big splash missed the Sriram Singh’s 34-year-old national mark (1:45:77) by a whisker as he clocked 1:46.26 in the 800m race at the Senior National Athletics Meet held at Patiala in August to qualify for the Indian contingent for the Games. He will be accompanied by another state champ Elam Singh who will be competing in the 3,000m steeplechase at Commonwealth Games. Singh is also hailed as a good prospect of Uttarakhand for adding to the country’s medal tally. Both are part of the Indian athletics team consisting of 90 athletes (46 men and 44 women, excluding walkers) that will compete in 45 events to be held during the Games.
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Translocation on the lines of Sariska and Panna could be the answer to the declining number of tigers in the genetically isolated western sector of the Rajaji National Park.
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, has mooted a tiger-relocation plan for the
tiger-less western sector at Rajaji.
Dehradun, September 15
Nainital, September 15
Dehradun, September 15