Dehradun, June 8
It seems that the residents of the capital city will not get any respite during this rainy season from potholed roads. The pre-monsoon showers have exposed the working of the Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) as well as other related departments. The DMC has spent crores of rupees to construct roads in its various wards but these are now broken and require immediate repair. But none of the contractors is ready to undertake small work.

Almost all roads are being dug up for laying the sewer line and water pipes and will need immediate repair but the corporation claims that due to the earlier monsoon showers, they will not be able to do so.

Sources in the DMC maintained that for the repair work very less amount was sanctioned by the corporation, thus contractors were not keen to take up the work. “The corporation needs to fill the potholed area with gravel but the problem is that these works are termed insignificant by contractors. Also the money sanctioned by the corporation is also less. So no one is ready to work at this stage,” they affirmed. “Moreover, the corporation is yet to procure charcoal for the repair of the roads,” sources claimed.

Roads in as many as 40 wards are waiting for repair and the councillors have complained about it many times. “The corporation has constructed roads worth Rs 9 crore and the amount between Rs 40,000 to Rs 1 lakh has been kept aside for the repair works,” sources stated, adding that due to shortage of staff, the DMC is not able to manage the work on its own and has to be dependent on contractors.”

Cribbing about the same councillor, Rajkumar affirmed that most of the roads in his area as well as other areas had been dug for putting up the sewerage line but the department had failed to repair this portion of the roads, causing difficulty for the locals. “The mud spreads all over the area especially after the rains,” he complained.

Talking to The Tribune, Sushil Kumar, Chief Executive Engineer, DMC, said officials had been asked to prepare the new estimate that would be out any time soon. “Action would be taken if the selected contractor failed to complete the work. The corporation would not accept if the contractors put up a condition that for taking up bigger works, they need to first complete smaller works,” he retorted.

While Mayor Vinod Chamoli avowed, “The Dehradun City is still being developed, only three years back only 25 per cent of the city had sewerage connection and now the work is in progress and after this almost 80 per cent of the area will be connected . In the coming years, the entire city will have a sewerage system. Though most of the roads come under the PWD but we are trying to solve the problems that people faced in the rainy season last year, ” he added.

Dehradun, June 8
In view of the reported threat from terrorist outfits to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and its nearby areas, the police held a conference at the police lines today. The conference was led by IG (Intelligence) Anil Raturi and DIG (Garhwal Range) Deepam Seth.

The police also reviewed security arrangements for the passing-out parade and the visit of the president there. The police will tomorrow go for rehearsal at 10 am and briefing will be held in the evening on basis of the shortcomings in the rehearsal.

Public Relations Officer of the district police, Pankaj Gairola, said full security arrangements had been put in place and security was reviewed at the meeting. “Through a verification drive is on in the Premnagar area which falls near the IMA,” he added.

On the reports of the threats from SIMI and the Indian Mujahideen, the PRO said there was no specific threat; however, on our part, we will not leave any shortcoming in the security.

Indian President Pratibha Patil is scheduled to reach Dehradun on June 10 and will attend programmes here at the IMA. She will leave from here after attending the POP on June 11.

SSP Ganesh Singh Martolia said other than the security of the academy outside, the cops would also lead the security inside the campus of the academy along with the Army men.

Dehradun, June 8
The award ceremony of the 128th passing out course and other parallel courses was held at Khetarpal Auditorium of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) here today. Lt-Gen Rajinder Singh Sujlana, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Commandant, IMA, gave away the awards to outstanding Gentlemen Cadets who excelled in various fields during their pre-commission training at the academy.

The Gentlemen Cadets, during their course of training at the premier institution, were adjudged in varied fields and awarded according to their performances. These awards are conferred in recognition of their work and dedication not only in exhibiting the qualities but also an endeavour to achieve excellence bordering on perfection. The Gentlemen Cadets are adjudged in individual as well as group activities, which are an essential component of military training as these enhance “Esprit-de-Corps” and leadership qualities essential during both war and peace. The Army life is a tough life and full of challenges, hurdles and obstacles to be overcome with great vigilance ability, dedication and sheer will power. The Army life should never confine itself to earning a livelihood.

On this occasion, Rashmi Sujlana, wife of Lt-Gen RS Sujlana, commandant of the academy, released the IMA Journal Spring term 2011. A Compendium of Service Etiquettes was also released by the Commandant, here today.

The Commandant in his address to the Gentlemen Cadets of the passing-out course, congratulated them for successfully completing their training. He said, “I am happy that you have voluntarily chosen a life which will be physically and mentally demanding. It is a pursuit, which shall expect you to be conscientious as your responsibility will be vast. Army is a way of life beyond being a job or a career. It demands the highest standard of selflessness, courage, integrity, loyalty, camaraderie and will power. The Indian Army led by its officer cadre has always played a sterling role in the defence of the nation, the credibility of your fraternity is unmatched. The nation has always expressed its gratitude eloquently, our people have always cheered us, and our sacrifices do not go in vain. I can vouch that compensations will be many in terms of honour, respect, loyalty of the men we command, ethics, excellent quality of life and associations, which will be lifelong. The names enshrined in the War Memorial at the IMA speak of legacy -- a legacy comprising of cardinal virtues of bravery and fortitude, unflinching loyalty and comradeship. Always safeguard this glory and respect. It has been earned by our worthy and gallant predecessors who did not allow their love for life and families to overpower them towards their duties. You are thereby committed to uphold this legacy stressing on the secular tradition of the Indian Army. Remember the code of the warrior: I am a warrior, defending the Nation is my “Dharma”. In the end, the Commandant wished Gentleman Cadets good luck and success in life.

Meanwhile, Parth Chandel was awarded with Sikh Regiment Medal for emerging as the best sportsman while Raghav Swarup Gupta was adjudged overall best in academics and was given away Rajpur Regiment Medal here today during the award ceremony of the passing-out course at Khetarpal Auditorium of the Indian Military Academy (IMA).

For standing first in order of merit in special commission officer (SCO) course, Surendra Singh Negi was given away IMA Medal. Whereas Brigade of The Guards Medal was awarded to Sourabh Kabra for being declared as the best in service subjects.

Narendra Singh Shekhawat walked away with IMA Second Course Officers Trophy for emerging as the best-motivated gentleman cadet. Shekhawat also claimed the prestigious Gen Deepak Kapoor, Chief of the Army Staff Trophy for being the best in Young Officer capsule.

Abhimanyu Sharma, who was adjudged the best in academic subjects, was honoured with the Government of Uttarakhand Trophy. Ramkumar B and Abhishek Singh were also awarded for their performance in X-country and hockey, respectively. While in Squash, Vinayak Gupta and Rajdeep Singh were given away awards.

This passing out Course of 128 Regular and Parallel Courses also has 17 foreign gentlemen cadets. Maximum number of GCs is from Tajikistan i.e. nine while this time two GCs are also from Mongolia.