Nainital, September 29
Former minister and senior Congress leader Indira Hridayesh has demanded action against officials responsible for the delivery of rotten wheat to Kumaon that was meant for the disaster-hit areas of the region.

The wheat was procured by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) from an agency in Punjab which has delivered a heavy consignment of thousands of quintal of rotten wheat to Haldwani. The delivery has angered the masses in the region who are already facing a shortage of foodgrains in the remote corners. A team of FCI officials has arrived from Noida to probe the matter.

Hridayesh has demanded that the state government should make arrangements for supplying edible foodgrains to the people of the region and initiate action against the erring officials. In a statement she has stated, “This kind of mischief with the people already facing the brunt of a disaster is unpardonable. People have been in distress on account of the closure of roads and this has added to their misery”.

She has asked the state government to take up this matter with the Centre and also appealed to the parliamentarians in the state to raise the matter in the next session of Parliament.

The former minister has stated that there are still several villages where relief material has not reached. The District Magistrates must ensure the delivery of essentials to such villages and monitor the situation on daily basis. She has also asked for the setting up of disaster relief centres in every district.

Dehradun, September 29
In its efforts to minimise the negative environmental impacts of tourism on the high-altitude Himalayas, the WWF-India has launched the Green Hiker campaign in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and its Incredible India initiative. This campaign was started in Uttarakhand on Monday on the occasion of World Tourism Day when both the Chief Minister and the Governor of the state launched it jointly in the presence of Dr Sejal Worah, Programme Director, Green Hiker.

The campaign aims at raising awareness about the vulnerability of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and encouraging tourists and tour operators to adopt responsible practices toward minimising the damage of tourism.

The campaign is already running under WWF’s Saving Wetlands Sky High initiative, which is working to conserve high altitude wetlands in the Himalayas, already covering the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

Sejal is gradually losing hope when it comes to protecting environment and community development in the name of tourism promotions in environmentally fragile hill areas. She says: “The governments come up with plans such as solid waste management and polythene ban when the damage to environment and wildlife had already been done to great extent by tourists and shops/resorts. These steps should have been taken in the very beginning”.

“For years, the same phenomenon is repeated at every place without any amends, which starts with a few tarpaulin-covered shops near a hill area thronged by some visitors. The area further attracts transportation facilities, then comes more crowd, more garbage and misuse of environs, and thereafter begins government policies. This all is so saddening,” she added.

She said: “Religious tourism, adventure tourism, wildlife tourism and leisure tourism, all see enormous numbers of tourists heading to all corners of the ecologically fragile Himalays. This inevitably created problems of solid waster management, noise and air pollution and increased pressures on natural resources”.

The over-hyped concept of the local community participation in tourism project in bio-diversity areas such as around wildlife parks and sanctuaries is almost negligible or non-existent. “All resorts and hotels which have sprung up around a wildlife park and sanctuary are not much bothered about the bio-diversity. They will employ a few locals, that too on low positions. They rather alienate the locals by not allowing their presence in their periphery. Unless, we do not give local communities an equal stake as partners and get them fully involved, simply because the community people are fully conversant with the area and are passionate about every aspect of it, these tourism project will only degrade the environment”.

Rajiv Bhartari, Director, Eco-tourism, also vouched for the same phenomenon being repeated in Corbett National Park where, he said, the people related to hotels and restaurants least bothered about community and environs in the area.

Unfortunately, the first thing, these people do is erect a fence around their buildings which obstructed the movement of animals of the surroundings, she said.

She also emphasised that the people involved in the hospitality sector needed to be in sync with the objective behind starting any tourist activity or establishing infrastructure. She said: “I give you a classic example of resorts around Bharatpur wild life sanctuary where hoteliers without caring for the scarcity of water in the area, built swimming pools to attract more tourists. When draught hit the birds and the area residents, the local people too did not help the heteliers in replenishing their pools as the resort people never developed bond with them. In such circumstances, the first thing the resort owners decided was to convert the pool theme in conferences hall”.

Besides the hospitality industry, she also held tourists equally accountable for social responsibility where for instance they should also not seek 24-hour water supply in an area which lacks sufficient water and not throw litter around.

“While regulating and promoting more sustainable forms of tourism is an important goal for the state, and it is also important for tourists to respect the mountains and behave in a responsible manner. Tourists can be influenced to travel in a manner that has the least ecological and cultural impacts on the landscape, while contributing to local livelihoods,” she said.

The WWF India’s Green Hiker campaign aims at building awareness about responsible tourism among tourists, tour and travel operators and service providers in Uttarakhand that will enhance the visitor experience while maintained the natural beauty and resources of the state. Under the campaign, the WWF-India will be organising workshops, specifically for tour operators, transporters and other service providers and local NGOs in collaboration with the state government department (Forest and Tourism).

Through awareness raising material like posters, postcards and banners and educational activities, tourists as well as tourism service providers will be made aware of the vulnerability of the ecosystem and the sustainable alternatives available to reduce the footprint.

A collaboration with local communities and stakeholders like the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam will be sought in order to help the Green Hiker campaign and other conservation efforts take firm root and grow in Uttarakhand.

Pitthoragarh, September 29
Undeterred by risk involved in going to higher Himalayan valleys in the wake of destruction to infrastructure caused by the recent rains there, domestic and foreign trekkers have started coming for trekking expeditions in Himalayan peaks and glaciers again.

An 11-member French trekkers’ group reached Munsiyari to visit the Panchu glacier situated at a height of 4,666 metre. “We have an advance booking for six trekking groups during this autumn and the second group will come to Munsiyari on October 4,” said Dhirendre Brijwal, in charge of the Nanda Devi Tours and Travels

The French group looked very enthusiastic to visit the glacier and other peaks of eastern part of Nanda Devi. “The Himalayas are the best mountain range in the world for trekking and sightseeing in the whole world,” said Jean Marry, leader of the group that includes four women. “The tour involves nine days to and from the glacier,” said SS Panwar, guide with the French group.

Not only Munsiyari but the Pindari glacier of Bageshwar district that is situated at a height of 12,000 feet has also started attracting trekkers after the monsoon finally declared gone. “Till date, four groups of trekkers, three from India and one from a foreign country, have registered with us for eight-day Pindari trek. The first three batches of trekkers are coming from Mumbai, Chennai and Bengluru and one 18-member group from a foreign country,” said Indra Singh Bisht, in charge of Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) tourist reception centre at Pindari.

Officers of the KMVN are also concerned about promoting the trekking in Pindari and Milam routes where a number of foreign and domestic trekkers come every year during summer and autumn.

“This is the first time when three trekkers’ groups cancelled their bookings in view of incessant rains in this area. Last year we had 22 groups only for the Pindari route, but this year we are looking to the track up to Pindari is renovated till our trekkers reach there. The same has been promised to us by the district administration,” said DK Sharma, tourist officer of the KMVN.

Roorkee, September 29
The ban on plastic bags in the state proved a boon to the city during the heavy rains, as while the entire state was inundated, there was no clogging of water in Roorkee. This was stated by SDM Harsh Kandpal here on Monday.

“Undoubtedly, this move has proved eco-friendly and I appreciate the contribution of traders and residents in observing the ban on polythene,” says Kandpal.

“No doubt initially it was a tough task to persuade the traders as they complained that it would increase expenses, but during the exchange of talks it was the traders who came forward with the idea of cloth bags and implemented the same,” said the SDM.

It is worth mentioning that it has been ages that the Central government has been trying to implement a plastic-free zone in Delhi, but has not been successful in it. So as far as a small city is concerned, Roorkee has proved to be a successful city where implementation has borne fruit within a short span of time as the ban was implemented in May 2010, said Rajneesh, a local resident. It is heartening to note that even vegetable and fruit vendors are providing cloth bags to their customers on request for a small amount.

The SDM said there was an old law under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act of 1986. According to the Act, usage, sale or storage of any kind of plastic bags is forbidden. The new ban applies to five-star hotels, restaurants, dairies, fruits and vegetables outlets and all shopping malls.

Interestingly, Himachal Pradesh was the first state to ban the production, storage, use, sale and distribution of small polythene bags in June 2004. Under the Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act of 1995, any one who violated the rule would face a fine of Rs 500. The ban on use of coloured polythene bags manufactured from recycled plastic was initially imposed on January 1, 1999. Later in 2004, the ban was imposed under Section 7(H) of the State Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Rules on the use of polythene bags having thickness less than 70 microns and size less than 18” X 12”.

In this, various strategies were made to impart the knowledge of banning wherein lectures were given in approximately 50 schools, along with various functions such as debates, painting, rallies and essay competitions which included almost 40,000 students.

The result is is there for all of us to see. Speaking to the department concerned and the SDM, they said there had been no sewage problems, no drains choking at large and no tanks blockage during the heavy unprecedented rains in Roorkee which was a boon due to the ban of polythene bags.

Dehradun, September 29
Commuters have come with a mixed reaction on the new one-way traffic route in the state capital.

There is relief for commuters who use the Kacheri Road coming from the Doon Hospital. But those, who have to come from the Gandhi Road towards the Kacheri Road and have to enter from the Tehsil Road due to the one-way plan, do have some complaints.

With this plan, the traffic flow on the Kacheri Road becomes quite less, while the burden on the Gandhi Road has increased a bit.

Police officers feel that in the beginning people may feel problem adjusting to the new route, but once it becomes a habit with them, they will not mind following the norms.

“When the one-way route started around the Parade Ground about four years ago, people had raised objections initially, but you can see it has come out to be a successful route ultimately.

The same is happening with the new one-way road,” Navneet Singh Bhullar, Circle Officer (Traffic), said.

The police has now allowed plying of two-wheelers from the Kacheri Road towards the Doon Hospital. “The main problem on this road is of loaders and Vikrams who make it crowded,” said a Traffic Inspector.

Meanwhile, Bar Association Secretary Manomohan Kangwal said all advocates here didn’t agree with this plan and were facing problems. He said they would meet the SSP and also register their protest if needed.

Dehradun, September 29
The Hindi Fortnight observed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) concluded here today with prize distribution.

Speaking on the occasion, DRDO scientist Dr AK Gupta said Hindi had an important place and should be actively promoted in offices.

DRDO officer Raj Basha and member secretary Suresh Pal coordinated the proceedings, and later a Hindi play “Taj Mahal Ka Tender” was staged. The play was directed by Jagan Nandan Sharma.

Dehradun, September 29
Grandparents competed with their grandchildren at an inter-generational games organised by HelpAge India at the Shimla By-pass here today.

More than 200 senior citizens, along with their grandchildren, from nearby villages mainly Naya Gaon, Ratanpur, Palio and Malhan participated in the events to strengthen the bonding between two generations.

Earlier, Sushmita Ghose, National Director, HelpAge India, inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp. She emphasised on the importance of healthy ageing and inter-generational bonding.

A total of six games were organised. These were: three-legged race, musical chairs, identify the smell, know your grandparent, spoon and marble (glass) race and locate the centre. In each game three teams won the prizes. Rithu Ram, 90, and his grandchild won prizes in three games, and Atma Ram and his grandchild won prizes in two games. Sunita Devi, Maya Devi and Lella Devi were the first, second and third prizewinners of the game “Identify the smell”.

Krishna Lal, Rithu Ram and Munni Devi were first, second and third in “Locate the centre”; Rithu Ram, Satau Devi and Umi Devi were first, second and third in “Spoon and marble (glass) race”; Lal Singh, Sunita Gupta and Atma Ram were first, second and third in “Musical chairs”; Rithu Ram, Sharda Devi and Vimla were first, second and third in “Know your grandparent”; and Atma Ram, Hukum Singh and Satau Devi were first, second and third in “Three-leg race”.

The event was organised by Dr Aapga Singh and coordinated by Dr Madan, G Joshi, Krishna Avtar and Prithvi Singh Chauhan. Jaipal Singh Chauhan, Khemchand Gupta, Kabootari Devi, Capt Kunwar Singh Rana (retd), Sona Devi, Narmada Bhatt and Capt Chander Singh Rawat (retd) were present.

Dehradun, September 29
The office of Comptroller and Auditor General of India in Dehradun today made public the audit reports linked to Uttarakhand’s state finances and the performance audit of hydro power development through private sector participation.

Meena Chaturvedi, Accountant General (Audit), Uttarakhand, said the audit report had been placed before the Uttarakhand House on September 22. “The report is now in the public domain and has been uploaded on the Comptroller and Auditor General’s website. A copy of the report can also be obtained from the office of Accountant General (Audit) Uttarakhand,” she pointed out.

The Report on hydro power includes six chapters containing observations of audit on the performance audit of hydro power development through private sector participation.The report highlights significant areas of concern leading to non-achievement of the planned generation capacity due to inadequate pre-feasibility studies for the projects. The report refers to neglect of the environment aspect and the cumulative impact of the projects that may prove devastating for the natural resources of the state.

Dehradun, September 29
Noted children’s writer Roopa Pai addressed the last interactive session of Ghummakkad Narain - The Travelling Children’s Literature Festival at The Heritage School, Dehradun, today.

Roopa, who has won a Children’s Book Trust award for science writing and has had six books for children published, including the best-selling four-part science series “Sister Sister”, held long deliberations with children. She pitted queries on children that were promptly answered by the latter.

She also referred to two other books authored by her “Kaliyuga Sita” and “Mechanic Mumtaz” that were published by UNICEF as part of their “Children for Change” series. Her stories, poems and interviews appear in children’s magazines Hoot and Toot were also appreciated by both students and teachers at the The Heritage School.

According to Shaguna Gahilote, Project Officer for Culture, UNESCO, New Delhi, the highlight of the festival has been the special Saturday Hindi reading sessions organised in government primary schools of Ajabpur I and II, Kandoli, Majra, Doiwala and Danda. She said the festival had focused on promoting reading in government schools. Gahilote, in particular, also appreciated the state Project Director, Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan, who she said had been hugely instrumental in supporting the initiative in government schools.

The festival is a NIVESH and Himalayan Hub for Art, Culture and Heritage (HHACH) initiative and has been organised under the aegis of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The festival was launched by Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva on July 30. The festival witnessed a series on book reading, creative writing, illustration workshops, puppet shows which had presence of wide range of writers, illustrators and performers from both India and abroad.