Shimla, November 30
Inordinate delay in prosecution and lack of deterrent punishment, the main factors behind rampant corruption in the government, have prompted the HP High court to intervene in the matter and pose some embarrassing questions to the authorities concerned.

Early this week, the court not only questioned the government over the delay in prosecution, but also asked chief secretary Rajwant Sandhu whether there was any direction from the Centre to set up a vigilance commission and whether the state had taken any action in the matter so far to ensure transparency and probity in vigilance cases. The court directed her to indicate in her affidavit whether such a commission has been set up in other states.

The court passed this order after perusing the affidavit filed by the DGP particularly referring to the delay in completing the investigation and prosecution in vigilance cases. The delay in reports from the Forensic State Lab, non-availability of approved valuer, inadequacy of staff and other infrastructural facilities in the vigilance wing and long time taken by the government in granting or refusing sanction are among the reasons stated in the affidavit filed by the DGP. While considering the reasons of delay mentioned in the affidavit, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice VK Sharma observed that these aspects certainly require appropriate action at the level of the government and directed the Chief Secretary to look into some of the aspects as highlighted in the affidavit and file an affidavit as to what action the government proposed to take in the matter.

Along with the affidavit, the DGP has also furnished a list of officers of doubtful integrity before the court. It is stated in the affidavit that the State Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau recommends to the government that the officers of doubtful integrity should not be posted in sensitive posts in the field where public dealing is involved.

The court further directed the chief secretary to explain whether it is not required or at least advisable to have clearance of the Vigilance Department at the time of review or revocation of suspension in the case of officers involved in cases of corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act or whose cases in which the investigation or trial is still in progress. Not only this, the court also observed that as far as the steps taken by the judiciary in streamlining the process of prosecution, appropriate action by the High court will be taken on administrative side.

The court further directed the chief secretary to furnish the information as to how many officers who have been caught red-handed accepting bribe and were yet reinstated in service and posted in sensitive posts in the filed where public dealing is involved. It also asked her to explain in her affidavit as to whether posting of such officers of doubtful integrity and particularly those officers, who have actually been found guilty and whose cases are still under investigation, or are facing the trial and yet are posted at sensitive posts.

It would reflect the commitment of the government to zero tolerance on corruption and whether the same is in tune with the vigilance manual of the state government. This order was passed on a petition preferred by Sher Singh, a former drug controller of the state, who is demanding a stay on the departmental proceedings against him. He pleaded that the departmental enquiry and a criminal trial could not run simultaneously.

Palampur, November 30
The multi-storey parking complex project for the town has been hanging fire for past three years, thanks to the apathy of the government who could not finalise whether the project is to be implemented by the local municipal council or through built operate transfer (BOT) basis.

The project was initiated by the previous Congress government in 2007, under a scheme sponsored by the Union government. The first installment of Rs 30 lakh was also released by the Rajiv Gandhi Urban Renewal Facility (RGURF), an agency of the Central government, to the MC, which had even hired a team of architects and finalised the design of the five-storey parking complex.

However, in October 2007, elections for the state assembly were declared and the code of conduct came into force due to which the MC could not take up the construction work. In December 2007, the BJP government assumed charge.

Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal laid the foundation stone of the project on June 8, 2008, but declared that it would be constructed under BOT not by the MC. Thereafter, the Urban Development Department withdrew the project from the MC.

Now, more than two years have passed and the government has failed to make any headway.

The initial cost of the project was Rs 1.96 crore. Out of this, 95 per cent funds were to be provided by the Union government under the RGURF scheme.

Now, the cost of the project has almost doubled and as per norms, the state government would not get additional funds and there seems no hope for early taking up of the project.

Every month, over 200 new vehicles are registered in the town. There is acute shortage of parking space and it is ironical that despite availability of funds none in the government was serious to initiate the project.

Brij Behari Lal Butail, a former MLA, says since it was a time-bound project, it should have been completed in two years. But due to the change of government and lack of political will, the project could not materialise. He says delay in its completion would put additional burden on the state exchequer.

Meanwhile, Ajit Bagla, president, Palampur Municipal Council, said the decision was to be taken by the state government agency, HP Government Infrastructure Development Board, Shimla. “The MC has no role. Funds are lying in the bank account of the council and the same would be transferred to the HPGIB whenever the government orders”.

Shimla, November 30
While several from the state have made it big in Bollywood, film culture has not really picked up here, laments Vivek Mohan, award-winning filmmaker from Shimla.

The state has no presence in film festivals like Indian Panorama the objective of which is to select feature and non-feature films of cinematic, thematic and aesthetic excellence, and promote film art through non-profit screenings at international film festivals in India and abroad. This sad reality dawned on him during the 41st Film Festival of India held at Goa last week where he was part of the five-member jury. While the government often talks of setting up a film city in the state, it seems totally unaware about the entertainment industry which is confined to production of music albums, mostly featuring pahari songs, he points out.

Films made in any language, shot on 16 mm, 35 mm or in a wider gauge or digital format and certified by the Central Board of Film Certification for release as a film, a documentary, news reel, non-fiction or short fiction are eligible for entry into the non-feature section but there was none from the hill state in the 100-odd entries. Even a troubled small state like Manipur had nine entries out of which two were selected. It even has a film development council but Himachal has none. Most of the music albums were also  being released without certification from the Central Board of Film Certification.

The other members of the jury, veteran Meera Deewan, Siddartha Kak of 'SURUBHI' fame , ace editor from Mumbai Jabeen Merchant and Gargi Sen from Delhi, were also quite surprised over the failure of Himachal to promote film culture in the right earnest, particularly when individuals from the state had been able to make a mark in various fields of filmmaking.

Vivek Mohan dew attention to the fact that cinema had completed 75 years in the state of Orissa and it also had a film development council. In Himachal the government has not even thought of honouring those who had made a mark in the film industry. The official recognition of their achievements would have encouraged others to pursue various disciplines in film line or the booming entertainment industry, which have huge scope for employment.

In such a situation what the government will achieve by setting up a film city as no private entrepreneur will come forward to set up such a venture in the public-private partnership mode as film making not only requires physical infrastructure but also trained technicians and other manpower which the state does not have.

Shimla, November 30
The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department will soon be coming out with a coffee table book "Unforgettable Himachal to capture the essence of Himachal and showcase the diverse tourism potential the hill state has.

The 180-page book with 300 exquisite photographs is aimed at promoting various destinations in the state internationally through aggressive campaigns. The photographs are matched with authentic and interesting text while the schematic structure of the book portrays all myriad hues of the state.

The book to be released shortly covers the major destinations of the state. In the past too, the publications brought out by the department including "Har GharKuch Kehta Hai" which details history, prominent persons and architectural beauty of the British era houses was widely appreciated. This was followed by an initiative to document the history and details of every village in a series -"Har Gaon Ki Kahani."

The "Unforgettable Himachal" will cover aspects that are expected to attract tourists like adventure tourism and eco-tourism. Every single district in the state has been covered and the unique aspects of every nook and corner of the state have been brought within the ambit of this book.

The book helps place Himachal Pradesh in the wider context of the national tourism scenario. This is followed by a comprehensive introduction to Himachal followed by details of the interesting sites from pilgrimage, historical, cultural and wild life aspect.

Not only has an endeavour been made to promote destinations but it also contains enough to attract wild life lovers as it gives details of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. For those into Buddhist culture, the tribal belt of Lahaul Spiti and Kinnuar can be a treat as breathtaking photographs of ancient monasteries of Tabo, and Kei have been carried.

The book carries details of Pahari paintings and photos of Kangra miniatures and information about Himachali handicrafts like Chamba rumaal and Kullu and Kinnuari shawls. It also gives insight into the fairs and festivals held throughout the year to mark various festivals and occasions.

The book also has complete history and heritage significance of the Shimla-Kalka rail line as well as the old Hindustan-Tibet road, which was the main trade link between India and Tibet. In all, the book deals with over 70 destinations and topics of interest, which can beckon anyone to Himachal.

Chamba, November 30
Though the exquisite wall paintings of Devi Kothi temple are still intact and impressive even after two-and-a-half centuries of existence, pilgrims visiting the shrine have spoiled its murals with crude graffiti. Most of the pilgrims write their names by scribbling on the walls, showing an ugly example of human vandalism.

Art lovers of the region have urged the state government to take appropriate steps for the conservation of this historical temple of great archaeological interest to the historians, scholars and tourists.

Nestled in the valley of Baira Paragana in Churah tehsil of Chamba district, there stands a village, Devi-Kothi. The nomenclature of the village corresponds to goddess Chamunda, the principal deity of the area. A hill style wooden temple dedicated to Chamunda stands adjacent to the village. The temple is famous for its remarkable woodwork and exquisite wall paintings, depicting the exploits of goddess Chamunda.

The temple of Devi Kothi was built in 1754 by Raja Umed Singh of Chamba. This ruler of the erstwhile Chamba state was an ardent devotee of the goddess. In 1748, Raja Umed Singh arranged a “shastra-chandi” yajna and for this, the palace of Chamba was given the name “Akhandchandi”. The goddess of Devi Kothi visits Chamba every year in the month of Baisakh (April) to meet her sister Chamunda Devi.

Raja Umed Singh had promised to embellish the temple on the fulfillment of his wishes. He had commissioned talented artisans Gurdev and Jhanda to decorate the temple with carved wooden panels and murals. In the front panels of the entrance of the temple, portrait of Raja, his sons and wazir are also shown praying the deity. These murals are based on Durga shaptashati. Most of the painted scenes depict the devi annihilating demons.

In one of the murals, the fierce aspect of goddess Chandi is depicted where she is shown swallowing the blood drops of “Raktabija” demon.

The eastern wall of the temple shows the panels of Krishna leela. A wooden plank fixed in the front of the temple bears an inscription in Takri script revealing the names of Raja Umed Singh and his retained painters Gurdev and Jhanda.

Meanwhile, an official of the Department of Language and Culture has informed that since the temple does not fall under the department, it cannot undertake works for its conservation and preservation. However, Rs 3.50 lakh were spent on the upkeep of boundary walls within the temple precincts by the government last year.

The four-year campaign launched by the Forest Department for mass sterilisation of monkeys has provided some relief to people in places like Shimla but they have now to contend with langur menace, which are larger in size, more aggressive and destructive.

With sterilisation of over 22,000 monkeys and translocation of several of them their population has indeed declined but it is only helping langurs to expand their domain. Monkeys and langurs do not share territory and, in fact, in places like Delhi pet langurs are being used to scare away monkeys. The territory being vacated by monkeys due to their falling numbers is being occupied by langurs and they are making frequent forays into localities like Naubahar, Lower Kaithu, Shankhli, Bharari and Annadale causing much nuisance.

A number of big langurs have settled around these localities and they keep moving in these areas jumping from one roof to another, raiding kitchen gardens , taking away eatables and damaging household goods. They could be seen feasting on garbage dumpers (See photo) placed in various colonies. Unlike monkeys, they are not easily scared away and often attack the passers without provocation. They often disturb the power distribution lines affecting water supply in areas like Kaithu.

The headcount of simians carried out by the Forest Department in December, 2004, had put the number of langurs in the state at 55,180 langurs. However, unlike monkeys, which had a much larger population of 3,18,680,they are not evenly distributed. They were mostly concentrated in areas like Hamirpur, Shimla and Dalhousie. In fact, some forest divisions like Una, Kulu, Parbati, Ani, Lahaul and Spiti had no langur population. But their number seems to be going up in other areas.

Dharamsala, November 30
CORD, Chinmaya Organisation for Rural Development, has bee working in the field of rural development since 1985. The organisation initially started with rural health programmes but now it has ventured into many areas like rehabilitating mentally and physically challenged, fighting alcohol abuse, empowering youth, lending computer education, besides promoting adult literacy etc.

The organisation has developed the Village Women's Group (Mahila Mandals) whose number is 570 in which 28,000 members have benefited last year. It has 1550 self-help groups with over 26,000 members. Kisan youth and men's groups have been benefiting farmers by introducing them to agricultural schemes etc with 5,084 members directly associated with it.

One of its most unique initiatives is the Adolescent Girls' Group, which has benefited 10,300 young girls with 637 new members participating annually. The group helps girls with their personal issues, health and hygiene, education, empowerment etc.

Another important initiative of the organisation is local governance (panchayat). "We strengthen the villagers' participation in the democratic process through general village councils and up-gram sabhas," said Sunil, programme assistant in charge of the social justice and legal Cell. He said at least 225 members had been associated through the programme.

At least 448 persons with different kinds of disabilities like speech, physical disorders undergo therapies under expert care under its community-based rehabilitation programme . "We have a 100 per cent success rate with our therapies." said Sunil. "Children with disabilities are being taught Kangra paintings and other art forms which have been further sold through our Gurudhara outlets all over the country," added Sunil.

The social justice cell has been helping the rural population here in fighting social injustice and gender discrimination. As many as 354 of the 536 registered cases had been resolved so far. "We help people in getting justice. We guide them in the legal procedure and stand with them till the end. We deal in cases like murder, rapes, domestic violence, alcohol abuse etc," said Sunil. "Now, we plan to file PIL against government buildings as they are not disabled friendly. As there are no ramps meant for physically disabled such people face lots of problem whenever they have to visit government offices," added Sunil.

Cord has centres in Orissa, Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh as well. 

Solan, November 30
A national symposium on “Perspectives and Challenges of Integrated Pest Management for Sustainable Agriculture”, was recently organised by the Indian Society of Pest Management and Economic Zoology and Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, here, as part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the university.

Hunchun Ngandam, Horticulture Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, inaugurated the event while Dr KR Dhiman, vice-chancellor of the university, presided over.

Over 100 delegates from 11 states and one from Nepal participated in deliberations of the symposium and representatives of six companies displayed their products relating to pest management. The whole symposium was divided into seven technical sessions, embracing vital aspects of integrated pest management (IPM) with lead lecture by an eminent scientist in each session followed by oral and poster presentations by participants.

The plenary session was chaired by Dr SK Gupta, an eminent taxonomist (mites), co-chaired by Dr HC Sharma (ICRISAT), president of the Council of International Congress of Entomology, and presided over by Dr OP Bhalla, president of the society.

According to Dr PR Gupta, organising secretary of the symposium, following recommendations emerged from the deliberations in different technical sessions, which will help improve pest management.

It was concurred that though pest forecasting is of great significance in pest management programmes, less work has been done in this field. Hence, a national network project needs to be formulated at the government level with thrust on the construction of climate-based models for forecasting pestilence.

Further, in view of the changing global climate scenario, more emphasis should be laid on its effect on pest host interaction as well as on natural enemies. In organic farming system, bio-control agents in managing pests affecting different crops and pollinators as inputs for enhancing crop productivity and food security need to be strengthened. Further, stress should be given on enhancing biodiversity by devising effective pest management strategies.

Owing to the implementation of Biodiversity Act 2002, the role of insect taxonomists in India has become more important. Thus, identification services at the national level must be strengthened. The Himalayan faunal biodiversity is very rich which needs to be explored and documented for their best utilisation.

The scientists laid stress on paying special attention against invasive pests to check their entry into the country.

Though synthetic pesticides, which are in use, cannot be totally replaced, selective pesticides should be used in a particular agro-ecosystem. Good agricultural practices (GAP) should be followed in order to minimise the pesticide residue risks. Before recommending any pesticide, its environmental impact should be taken into consideration after generating scientific data.

As some vertebrate pests have become a menace in crop production, special attention for suppression of their nefarious activities has to be paid both at the governmental and society levels.