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Sanitation mess in Khajjiar
At 5, Kangra boy set to make mark in chess
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HIV testing
Wanting to forget past, prisoners opt to study
Fake certificate case
YHAI promotes adventure tourism in state
Inter-state gang of poachers busted
Himachal diary
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Sanitation mess in Khajjiar
Khajjiar (Dalhousie), May 3 Though the lake in the midst of Khajjiar glade surrounded by dense deodars has a holy significance for locals, it is facing a threat from garbage and non-degradable waste material like polythene and plastic bottles. It is ironical that huge funds have been pumped in for its cleaning but it didn’t help much. The garbage disposal system appears to be defunct for the want of proper attention. Heaps of garbage can be seen littered here all around the place. The upkeep of Khajjiar used to be outsourced to some private agency earlier, but even this mechanism appears to be non-functional at present. The barbed wire fencing around meadow has collapsed at many places. Thus, animal waste matter (dung) in the meadow area is a source of repulsion for tourists because it emits foul smell and spoils their clothes, besides harbouring flies and mosquitoes. Nevertheless, the tourists get delighted with the splendor of the nature at Khajjiar but not by the nature of locals for their discourteous behavior and overcharging. A teacup costs Rs 10, ponywallahs charge arbitrarily and there is no rate list displayed for eatables at kiosks and other tourism-related activities, says Rajinder, a tourist. Recently, a parking fee of Rs 50 for four-wheelers has been introduced and a shabby tin shed barrier has been erected in close proximity to the majestic deodar trees. There is no signboard displaying the message “paid parking” with rate-list for various vehicles. Many times, people crossing through that area in vehicles near the PWD rest house are made to stop at the makeshift barrier and charged even if they are going towards Chamba or Dalhousie without availing parking facility on the pretext of “entry fee” resulting in altercation between attendants and visitors. Such a scenario is likely to affect tourism at Khajjiar, which may deprive the locals of their livelihoods. Therefore, the locals should also capitalise on the tourist inflow honestly and courteously. According to tourists, the local panchayat has a role to play so that the tourists cherish the memories of their sojourn at Khajjiar and it becomes their first destination in the next season too. This place has the potential of becoming a hub of tourism for the entire Chamba district and the adjoining regions as well. Meanwhile, Surjit Kumar Mehra, divisional forest officer (wildlife), who is also the member secretary of Eco-Tourism Society for Kalatop-Khajjiar, revealed that the term of the old society had expired and the new society was expected to be constituted shortly so that management of various activities in and around Khajjiar could be regulated effectively in this season. Meanwhile, the scheme to clean up the lake is in the process. A team of experts from IIT Roorkee had also been invited who took stock of the situation of the lake and its glade area. The experts were of the view that it would incur an expenditure of around Rs 5 crore to carry out a comprehensive survey and to draw a concrete plan for dredging up the sludge and weeds from the lake and restoring its charm, the DFO informed.
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At 5, Kangra boy set to make mark in chess
Kangra, May 3 Suvrat, a Class I student of local GAV Public School, was born on February 3, 2006, in Sihana village, near Rehan, in this district. According to his parents Ram Singh and Seema Devi, the child started playing chess at the age of two. The couple feels proud about its child as they got recognition through him at this small age. Suvrat was the youngest participant at the age of four at the chess tournament, organised by the Chandigarh Chess Club in Sector 37, and ranked eighth in the under-10 category among 17 participants. His parents said he ranked 59th in the open category during the same tournament in which 95 players participated. Suvrat at four defeated his opponent, who was 13-year-old, and made three points out of eight rounds during the competition. Principal of GAV Public School Sukvinder Singh encouraged the child and honoured him for his feat. Suvrat, as the youngest player, recently participated in the two-day 17th Under-15 Himachal Pradesh Chess Championship, organised by the Kangra District Chess Association, in which children from eight districts viz. Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, Una, Sirmour, Solan, Chamba and Bilaspur, participated. He won four points out of six rounds and was selected for the under-7 national chess championship to be held at Pune. Ashok Bhardwaj, general secretary, HP Chess Association, and Mukesh, secretary, Kangra District Chess Association, said Suvrat defeated the opponents in four rounds, who were well ahead of his age. They said he forced Nikhil to surrender by his intelligent moves in the last round. He was awarded an appreciation certificate on the conclusion of the championship that was presented to him by former Transport Minister GS Bali. Romit Verma of Theog, Shimla, and Jagriti of Solan became the HP chess champions among boys and girls, respectively, after they topped the championship. Due to some technical reasons, Suvrat, despite he scored 4 points out of 6 rounds, was not selected for the under-15 national championship. Suvrat with body language of a matured player wished to be the world champion of the game, but he needs further coaching and financial support to achieve his dream.
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HIV testing
Nurpur, May 3 Enquiries reveal that around 3,800 persons have availed confidential HIV testing services voluntarily from April 2010 to March this year. Beneficiaries have walked without any hesitation and reluctance into this centre and availed the free facilities. It is notable that aspirant seeking HIV test requires no OPD slip as his name and identity has been ensured confidential. Significantly, out of the 3,799 beneficiaries of this centre, 2,348 had been reported as voluntary persons availing testing of HIV and 1,451 as pregnant women. The voluntary beneficiaries included 1,451 men and 897 women. Anganwari workers trained by the AIDS Society are playing a vital role in motivating pregnant women to undertake HIV testing before their delivery as the same is considered desirable by the Health and Family Welfare Department to prevent further spread of AIDS. The services of this centre have been ranked as excellent as per the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) norms with more than 11 clients getting services per day. Over 3,500 persons availed the benefit of HIV test at the centre and 21 persons were detected HIV positive in 2010-11. In addition, ICTC coordinates activities of over 16 Red Ribbon Clubs of Colleges and Technical Institutions and provides support to the college management in youth awareness programme. According to RK Sood, Kangra district AIDS programme officer, apart from ICTC at Nurpur Civil Hospital, two 24X7 ICTCs are operational in lower Kangra district at Gangath, Jawali. Over 250 people utilised the benefit of this service during 2010-11 where counselling and testing was undertaken by the existing staff and kits and logistics were supplied by NACO. He asserted that diagnosis and treatment of HIV had the potential to reduce the transmission of virus. “The government services are better option than private clinical laboratories. In government ICTC, each blood sample is tested thrice using different rapid tests to confirm the report as compared to private laboratory which usually conduct only one test. Moreover, private laboratory don’t have a counsellor like ICTC who can help the client,” he maintained.
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Wanting to forget past, prisoners opt to study
Dharamsala, May 3 Officials from IGNOU recently visited the jail and helped the inmates fill forms. The officials also encouraged and guided them about the graduation courses from career point of view. The officials disclosed that only Rs 100 would be charged as prospectus fees from the inmates and no charges for admission, books and examination would be imposed on them. As per information, the prisoners have to submit their forms before May 10. Out of 300 prisoners at the jail, 30 have decided to give direction to their life from inside the boundaries of the jail by getting educated. The IGNOU authorities expressed that these candidates had shown courage to change their lives and would be ready to face the world with the power of education once they were out of the prison. The jail authorities have also expressed happiness over the initiative taken by the prisoners for improving their lives. They also appreciated IGNOU for providing them an opportunity to study at a nominal cost.
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Fake certificate case
Kangra, May 3 Ved Prakash Ahluwalia, a former Principal of Government College, Dhaliara, had been a lone crusader in exposing fake certificate rackets in the state by gathering RTI information regarding those who got jobs in government schools and colleges on the basis of fake certificates particularly of Magadh University of Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Yashbir Singh was appointed as a TGT (NM) on November 14, 2008, and posted at Government Senior Secondary School, Nau Panu. He joined the duty on November 27, 2008. The Education Department on the basis of a complaint that the TGT had been appointed allegedly on the basis of fake certificates made an inquiry from the authorities concerned of Magadh University. The department received information from the controller of examination of the university that the BSc and BEd degrees in question submitted by the said applicant were fake and forged. He informed the director of elementary education that the mark sheets of the said teacher were verified from the tabulation registrar available in the Examination Department, which were found fake and forged. The services of the TGT(NM) concerned were terminated finding him not eligible for the appointment as he was not fulfilling the required qualification. Meanwhile, the services of Anuj Kumar, who was appointed as a lecturer of political science in the Education Department on the basis of fake certificates of MA (political science) and BEd have been terminated. Director of Higher Education Dr OP Sharma issued the termination order saying that following an inquiry by the Principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Dhaulatpur, and information received from the Magadh University, the certificates of MA and BEd submitted by the lecturer were found fake. Kiran Kumari, a language teacher of Government Senior Secondary School, Badhal Thore, was terminated by the Education Department for getting a job in the department on the basis of fake certificate of Magadh University. Ahluwalia, an RTI activist, had raised the issue that on the basis of the alleged fake certificates people had managed their appointments in government schools and colleges in the state. He alleged that senior officials of the university were hand in glove with those who were running the racket in the state.
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Kullu girl gets scholarship for MBA
Kullu, May 3 The MasterCard MBA Scholarships for Women will be awarded to full-time female MBA candidates from Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa who possess an excellent academic record, demonstrate strong leadership potential and entrepreneurship skills, participate actively in the community, as well as exhibit a drive to excel. The inaugural scholarship will open doors for outstanding women and boost their potential to excel in positions of leadership. Another recipient of the award is Saatvika Nagalia. The award provides an opportunity for both female recipients to gain MBA education in one of the Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities. Saatvika Nagalia and Tanvi Sharma are the first two recipients of the scholarships and they have been chosen for their exceptional academic performance, CSR track records as well as passion for community. Tanvi said: “Winning this scholarship has enhanced my confidence and it will not only empower me to make the career choices I cherish, but also have its essence in all community work that I take up. I highly acknowledge this effort of MasterCard towards women empowerment and believe that this can help many women like me in accomplishing their goals”. Saatvika, who also joined Tanvi to thank MasterCard and SMU, said: “The MBA scholarship will motivate me to work harder and allow me to realise my potential”.
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YHAI promotes adventure tourism in state
Dalhousie, May 3 The National Himalayan Nature Study-cum-Trekking Expedition is being organised in the Dalhousie region by the YHAI for the seventh year in succession. Every year, nearly 700 participants, in the age group of 10 to 15 years from over 16 states, participate in the trekking expedition spread over eight batches. The first group, having 25 students from Maharashtra and Gujarat, participated in various activities like rock climbing, river crossing, bird watching, drawing competition and trekking in Dainkund-Jot, Lakharmandi-Kalatop and Dalhousie routes. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Dalhousie, AS Thakur, who was the chief guest of the valedictory function of this group, distributed medals and certificates to the participants on Tuesday. The DFO said through such treks the YHAI had been promoting adventure tourism in a big way. “You trekkers are gifted to enjoy nature’s beauty in the Himalayas, while most of other people of your level do not have chance to. While enjoying the trekking route, please also bear in mind that nature has given us this beauty to enjoy and we have no right to spoil it,” he said. He further urged them to become environmentally conscious and eco-friendly and disseminate the message in society. Field Director-cum-Manager Youth Hostel Dalhousie Capt RS Rana said such adventure activities instilled the traits of integration, courage and confidence amongst children.
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Inter-state gang of poachers busted
Palampur, May 3 It may be recalled that the Dhauladhar ranges in the Kangra Valley are known for a large number of black and red-marked leopards. But for the past few years, their number has come down. Earlier, leopards were usually spotted in several parts of the Valley. Several tourists used to visit
Bir, Baijnath, Ghatta, Gopalpur and Palampur areas in night hours to have a glimpse of the group of leopards who were usually seen on the National Highway-21 with their cubs. The local residents and tourists have also captured such pictures of leopards. But in the past two years, no leopard was spotted in these areas. The wildlife authorities were worried about the sharp decline in the population of leopards in Dhauladhar hills. A senior officer of the Wildlife Department said poachers were active particularly in the Baijnath subdivision, which was covered with dense forests and their areas of operation were
Bir, Baijnath, Deol, Kanarthu, Billing, Chhota Bara Bhangal and the high hills of
Baijnath. It was a matter of surprise that in the past two years, neither the forest authorities nor the police could get any clue about the killing of leopards and selling their skins in the international market. In the absence of police patrolling and night checking, such crimes have gone up in the region. Poachers are still active in the Valley. Many residents of Bir said in winters, every year over 2,000 rare wild birds, locally known as
kolsa, khuwaka and kardi, were killed by poachers and were sold in the lower areas of
Baijnath. The wildlife authorities had no resources to nab poachers.
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Himachal diary Himachal Pradesh University witnessed an unusual exhibition early this week in which over 110 paintings, all works of students of the Department of Visual Arts, were displayed in the open on the campus (see photo). It was for the first time that an art exhibition was held at the university and it turned out to be a big draw. The absence of an art gallery on the campus failed to affect the event. A large number works were on display in the open, which caught immediate attention of students and visitors. “It was the idea of students and I never expected that it would evoke such a huge response. The event was a resounding success with a large number of people thronging the one-day show,” says Him Chatterji, chairman of the department. Besides usual landscapes, culture and people-related paintings, the students made a good use of their creative skills to provide a peep into the latest trends in fashion. Some works highlighted the burning issues like female foeticide and problems of women. The event also underlined the fact that the campus lacked an art gallery. Most universities in the neighbouring states have impressive galleries for exhibitions etc. The gallery in Panjab University has some exquisite pieces of art, including those from famous artist MF Hussain. The students expressed hope that the event in the open will wake up the university authorities regarding the need for setting up an art gallery on the campus. Residents oppose house tax
A decision of the local municipal corporation to impose tax on the merged areas has invited criticism from the residents of these areas who are now demanding exclusion from the urban body. They have joined hands under the banner of the Upnagriya Jan Kalyan Samiti and started holding rallies in support of their demand for reverting the areas back to panchayats. Their plea is that the municipal corporation is not spending funds on these areas which lacked basic amenities and as such it has no right to collect taxes from them. The samiti even threatened that the residents would not allow municipal officials to enter their houses for assessment of tax. The samiti blamed local councillors and legislators representing the area who failed to take up their cause. Meanwhile, tenants are also apprehensive as they fear that landlords would pass the burden of house tax on them and they would be forced to pay higher rent.
B.Ed colleges to hold counselling
Himachal Pradesh University will not hold counselling for admission to B.Ed courses this academic session. The counselling will be held in the respective colleges where a representative of the university will be present to ensure that it was held as per rules. There are 73 B.Ed colleges in the state out of which 71 are private. Even last year, there was a proposal to allow private colleges to hold counselling, but it was not implemented. The failure of the university to make adequate arrangements for the smooth conduct of counselling attracted much criticism last year. This year, the university promptly decided to assign the responsibility to the colleges.
B.Pharma, B.Tech counselling
The newly started Himachal Pradesh Technical University in Hamirpur has decided to initiate the process of admission and counselling for B Pharmacy and B. Tech courses for the academic session 2011-12. The board of governors of the university has also decided to publish the prospectus of the two courses and conduct counselling in collaboration with the Directorate of Technical Education and J.N. Government Engineering College, Sundernagar. The university has also decided to form a scrutiny committee to grant affiliation and conduct inspection of various technical institutions.
Award for author
Dr Kapoor, who has worked as ENT specialist for several decades in various government hospitals of the state, has authored 16 books, besides publishing articles in national and regional dailies. At present, he is writing two books, “Some Aspects of History and Archaeology of Himachal Pradesh” and another untitled book on international affairs. (Contributed by Rakesh Lohumi and DP Gupta)
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Five-year-old Suvrat Rathore, youngest chess player of the hill state, has been selected for the under-7 National Chess Championship to be held in Pune in May this year.
Palampur, May 3
Himachal Pradesh University witnessed an unusual exhibition early this week in which over 110 paintings, all works of students of the Department of Visual Arts, were displayed in the open on the campus (see photo). It was for the first time that an art exhibition was held at the university and it turned out to be a big draw. The absence of an art gallery on the campus failed to affect the event. A large number works were on display in the open, which caught immediate attention of students and visitors.
Dr BL Kapoor (see photo), who has authored several books on Himachal Pradesh and various other subjects, was recently given national award for literature by the Bhutti Weavers Cooperative Society on the birth anniversary of the founder of the society, Thakur Ved Ram.